tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14906948388567491462024-03-12T22:12:38.813-07:00ThelovelynerdThe Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-88078062134147969682017-04-13T14:43:00.000-07:002017-04-13T14:43:49.986-07:00A Netflix Original: 13 Reasons Why<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUf5NRnw3BasWMau89VjZZPYHsy9lLBwLHB8AaBw5faZvB48hXp06izCfEH8Assrm0A8waqS2dNOxdLGVVjIPse7I1ihYlg0UGqrflr5hZIiLDXJ7mVQ5IQiTDzI6gmAL3pKApQOG1sW0/s1600/blog+photos.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUf5NRnw3BasWMau89VjZZPYHsy9lLBwLHB8AaBw5faZvB48hXp06izCfEH8Assrm0A8waqS2dNOxdLGVVjIPse7I1ihYlg0UGqrflr5hZIiLDXJ7mVQ5IQiTDzI6gmAL3pKApQOG1sW0/s320/blog+photos.jpeg" width="216" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(This is NOT a clickable image!!!)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For those who follow my blog, they would know that I have already done a book review for the book, <a href="http://thelovelynerdbookreviews.blogspot.com/2017/01/thirteen-reasons-why-by-jay-asher.html"><i>Thirteen Reasons Why</i> by Jay Asher</a>. At the end, I mentioned how excited I was that Netflix had taken this project on. It's a heavy topic that not many producers would even think about taking on. And I thought, "Man, Netflix better not mess this up. They better not screw up this wonderful, heartbreaking story." Ask my mom or sister. They heard about a million times until the show premiere. I was so nervous that they would stray from the original story. It's an adaption, and adaptions will stray from the original. I know that, but I didn't want them to go so far from the original that it changed the plot completely.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i>Except, here's the thing. <i>They did. And I don't even care. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i>They added so much to the show that wasn't in the novel. At first, I was really angry. Like, how <i>dare </i>they do this to this masterpiece?! But, like the humble viewer I am, I wanted to keep watching to see if they at least did the book justice. And, oh-my-God, did they ever do that book justice.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGxdDMt21VV1rHHQ_Lwh7EZ0pTfzRsYZxD7xugReFYIjFMYzEoudBgvC0oFxWHaUG6q2hA76FLdSSfhcVKy-gCB1oZ5yJO0_gPq2ybdCWE-s2u5UHX5IkZCPkI1t1FdQL0PekGH6saPY/s1600/13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGxdDMt21VV1rHHQ_Lwh7EZ0pTfzRsYZxD7xugReFYIjFMYzEoudBgvC0oFxWHaUG6q2hA76FLdSSfhcVKy-gCB1oZ5yJO0_gPq2ybdCWE-s2u5UHX5IkZCPkI1t1FdQL0PekGH6saPY/s320/13.png" width="223" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you don't want a spoiler and want to know what the book itself is about, you'll have to read my book review. If you don't mind the spoilers, keep reading on. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Thirteen Reasons Why </i>hit me hard when I read it. The reasons why she killed herself was heartbreaking, but I could understand it. Hannah went through some really messed up stuff. She had a boy that she like spread a rumor that she was easy around the school. Bryce sent the picture that Justin took when Hannah went down the slide (the one where you could see up Hannah's skirt.) Alex, her former best friend, put her as "best ass" on his little list to get back at his girlfriend-- who is also Hannah's ex-best friend. Alex's list caused Jessica to leave Alex and hate Hannah. Tyler was a peeping tom and took pictures of her, which also got out. Courtney let people think that she wanted a lesbian three-way. Marcus made Hannah think she liked him, but was really just trying to get lucky. She witnessed Jessica get raped by Bryce, and the fact that Justin let him. She herself was raped by Bryce. Ryan took her racy poem and published it without her consent. Zach took her anonymous compliments even after he knew that they were her source of joy. And, finally, Mr. Baker, who told her to "get over" the fact that Bryce raped her. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The show touched base on all of those reasons, but it added so much to it. Instead of owning a shoe store and moving away when Hannah killed herself, her parents owned a pharmacy/drug store and made an entire legal case after she died. Her parents thought that Hannah died from bullying and thought that the school could have prevented this. And they aren't wrong. The school could have prevented it-- to an extent. Another thing they added was extra drama when it came to the tape recipients. In the book, the teens who received the tapes weren't so evil and conniving against Clay, and Clay wasn't trying to right every wrong. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Though the show writers added all of these aspects to the plot, I think they did it very well. They produced this show, I think, to show the effects of bullying and harassment with no glorification on the subject. So many shows will show bullying, rape, and harassment with this sort of glorification and romanticize it. <i>13 Reasons Why </i>gives the viewer the cold hard truth of what it is like to go through these things. It doesn't hold back either. It shows <i>everything. </i>It shows Jessica and Hannah's rape, as well as Hannah's suicide. I've read a lot on how they shouldn't show those things because of the possibility of it triggering someone. The thing is, they showed it so that we could feel the full effect. We needed to see it. We needed to know what happens behind that closed door. I've also heard that it glorified suicide. I have just one question: where in the entire show was suicide glorified? I wept and felt sick to my stomach watching it. Hearing Hannah weep and watching her mother find her child's dead body is NOT glorifying it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghntWmeBSG_osMj-BrpvBbkUMovBQjbPI8xKnYiaHaSQUNXCsimjDr9SZzRkUqoqYtYnsUF3waCHAewfX_Ma0YiWGCudns14TsFN-pLpD6LIh74KBmU6o9BiOFHH0YY-6X33BUbBY0qK0/s1600/132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghntWmeBSG_osMj-BrpvBbkUMovBQjbPI8xKnYiaHaSQUNXCsimjDr9SZzRkUqoqYtYnsUF3waCHAewfX_Ma0YiWGCudns14TsFN-pLpD6LIh74KBmU6o9BiOFHH0YY-6X33BUbBY0qK0/s320/132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last, but definitely not least, it really, really angers me that no one would talk about this, or acknowledge that the school's zero tolerance rule is complete BS. It took a T.V. show for people to finally talk about that this is the truth behind bullying in schools! Do you know how many times that I've heard grown men and women saying that bullied and harassed kids need to just toughen up, and, if they would, then they wouldn't get picked on anymore? Or I hear someone tell the child being bullied to stop doing weird things and then they wouldn't be bullied anymore. This show shows the viewers that the student doesn't really have to do anything to even be bullied. They don't say anything because there isn't much to say. You think, "Oh, an adult will help me. A teacher will help me." But they don't. They ask, "What do you want me to do about it?" or they tell you, "Ignore it and it'll go away." But it won't. It only gets worse, and the fact that it took a TV show for media to pick up on this topic and acknowledge that 'ignoring it' won't work is truly sad to me.<br />
I would recommend this to anyone if you could get past the changes. Anyone could benefit from it-- adult or child. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-12676733209976327722017-01-10T14:10:00.000-08:002017-01-10T14:46:55.660-08:00All The Rage by Courtney Summers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-Rage-Novel-Courtney-Summers/dp/1250069157/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483741949&sr=8-1&keywords=all+the+rage+by+courtney+summers"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaybrgnBqKcjwnGkfn-6b27NH7m6PpSwOT20d23iAVcqmQKwI7PJjMlDhBquYoKTuTfbDf8wXSRYg8Flbzkf1f3lg3Z4YCtXACG8L411BkqwYlQ_JEiM7KeqrxYUi91RuBFxBlwr9csA/s400/All+the+Rage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>(This is a clickable link!)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recently I've gotten into reading more contemporary books, the books with themes of rape and mental illness and violence. Why? Because it makes me think. It makes me realize that stuff like this happens all of the time. Some people ask me why I read such "depressing" books, but, the truth is, is that I don't find any of this depressing. They're important topics, but they're the topics that no one wants to discuss. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>All The Rage</i> is one of those books. It's one of those books that once you pick up, you can't set it back down. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_I5ph_V1Aw3SRfHbTu9a0TbcWt6yzguCHjoqnAark-J2zmIDhS8lhPtgU4zYZJI2mHCFeAx51EYuJlzF3jfVLD1a8V47Mc0UOGqyNxZ4fr624i9ITGXW6I7KoonRCW0xNxluAKrVOAs/s1600/sunday%252C+june+11%252C+2019palm+springs%252C+ca.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_I5ph_V1Aw3SRfHbTu9a0TbcWt6yzguCHjoqnAark-J2zmIDhS8lhPtgU4zYZJI2mHCFeAx51EYuJlzF3jfVLD1a8V47Mc0UOGqyNxZ4fr624i9ITGXW6I7KoonRCW0xNxluAKrVOAs/s400/sunday%252C+june+11%252C+2019palm+springs%252C+ca.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Romy Grey is known for three things- her painted nails, her red lipstick, and that she is the girl who cried rape against the town's golden boy, Kellan Turner. Her family is well known. Romy's mother was the popular girl in high school and married young. Her father, though, turned out to be a drunkard and left her and her mother when Romy was in high school. It's a small town, and news travels fast. If you don't have the right shoes, you don't fit in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then there's that party, that party she had looked forward to, that would create an even greater rift between the student body and her. She knew Kellan would be there. She had liked him for a while now, and wanted to make a move on him that night. Penny gave her the ok, told her not to drink too much, and, even when she did drink too much, Penny would make sure she was ok. Kellan was beautiful, and she wanted him to notice her. She just wanted him to kiss her-- that's all. It was harmless. Then he continued. And she couldn't fight back, but she was crying and told him to stop. And he covered her mouth, because that's how you get someone to stop crying, right? "You cover her mouth until the sound dies against your palm." (Summers, C.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Whose going to believe you? You were drunk. Oh, God, you were so drunk. Sloppy drunk. Maybe it was consensual, and you are just regretting it. Or maybe it's your fault because you were drunk. Should've said no, right? Should've denied going to the truck with him. Should've done this, or that, right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wrong.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9LnRO2GrP7IqPFeDNbq0ZqCaoa9EeFNDuJtsSe286hewYsY7puUraVDQBeEaq2refugj0FZfHjVf826BV7lB5ymeusyOmI3EQTawMG45ck5XCR27CYAVPfJbxMp-0I1CIvDveTD8_zU/s1600/National+Hugging+Day.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9LnRO2GrP7IqPFeDNbq0ZqCaoa9EeFNDuJtsSe286hewYsY7puUraVDQBeEaq2refugj0FZfHjVf826BV7lB5ymeusyOmI3EQTawMG45ck5XCR27CYAVPfJbxMp-0I1CIvDveTD8_zU/s400/National+Hugging+Day.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
No one cared to believe Romy. Kellan was the sheriff's son; he couldn't of done that. She didn't have a rape kit done, and there was no evidence anyways. Everyone blamed her for Kellan's time in a different town; they blamed her for calling the police to "break up the party." They blamed her for the fact that Penny is still missing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Penny's friends, Romy's old friends, all make her life a living nightmare. Romy is the topic of every student. It's her undergarments that were stolen and put on a mannequin at school. It's her that people care couldn't less about what happens to her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Maybe if Romy was the one who was gone, things could go back to normal. Maybe people could find someone else to torment. After all, it shouldn't be Romy that's alive and well. They were both at the senior party at the lake. They left around the same time. Except, Romy had ended up on the side of the road with "Rape Me" written on her stomach with her lipstick, and she doesn't know how that happened.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHLKCts8NSuY5QXCY5onZwl4QygPJYTwxG2toSn4pQsXOZbWi13MF2ZOczUrbp53g4ZxvRwvaTPyug6fXZP2nxr6wazgS1hm_ckt3Nq35-vx5G2uJS4bhbbGLICAB85GbtM957-1Kjb8/s1600/atr2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHLKCts8NSuY5QXCY5onZwl4QygPJYTwxG2toSn4pQsXOZbWi13MF2ZOczUrbp53g4ZxvRwvaTPyug6fXZP2nxr6wazgS1hm_ckt3Nq35-vx5G2uJS4bhbbGLICAB85GbtM957-1Kjb8/s400/atr2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Within the search for Penny, Romy begins this relationship-- if you can call it that-- with a coworker of hers, Leon. She's trying to get over her past, but every time she begins to, she finds herself back there. He takes her to meet his family, they make out a few times, but it still isn't enough to bring her back to herself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The sheriff keeps pressing her for details, but when Romy gives the details she remembered, the sheriff calls her a liar. Romy was one of the last to see Penny alive. Romy doesn't tell that Penny disclosed that there was a girl who reported a rape while Kellan was there. She had wanted Romy to report it in that town so maybe she would be heard then. Romy doesn't tell that Penny believed her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When Penny's body is found, and Brock admits to the murder, everyone is confused. Why would Brock kill a girl he was friends with? Because he had brought Romy out there to do what Kellan did to her. Because she was drunk and had taken her shirt off in front of everyone. Because he wanted to and knew he could get away with it. But Penny saw what he was doing, and wouldn't allow it to happen. Penny had gotten in the way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When the sheriff asks what happened that night, Romy tells him. She tells him Brock tried to rape her, like Kellan did, and that he would've had Penny not been there. The sheriff storms out of her home, leaving her with her mother and mother's boyfriend. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few day's later, Tina, one of her prime tormentors, asked if Romy could ever forgive her for what she had done. Instead of openly forgiving her, she made Tina go to the town that Kellan been in to talk to the other victim.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzx-7bkxXdvsbK_w8MFKD-DxL_NbtxE3AynMfvNrJXmvQOdv0kH56qKLJbMycquazzvbcKTfdm-MrIb2qSKG9CGsP_yoa0B5HnZg4FkuJtKs16i2KGjkr0W9LN9dve8jb6IfyT8HI4Ve8/s1600/atr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzx-7bkxXdvsbK_w8MFKD-DxL_NbtxE3AynMfvNrJXmvQOdv0kH56qKLJbMycquazzvbcKTfdm-MrIb2qSKG9CGsP_yoa0B5HnZg4FkuJtKs16i2KGjkr0W9LN9dve8jb6IfyT8HI4Ve8/s400/atr.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And that's where the book ends. There is no sequel, but we can infer that they found the girl and Kellan was prosecuted with the two survivor's testimonies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I feel like this needs to be seen. It needs to be read and discussed among teens. Why do we shy away from the important things? Because we are afraid to talk about it, which leaves people, people like Romy, afraid to speak out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-55741481125706275402017-01-02T17:32:00.002-08:002017-01-02T17:32:36.913-08:00Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thirteen-Reasons-Why-Jay-Asher/dp/159514188X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483403267&sr=8-1&keywords=thirteen+reasons+why"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjnPzXr7FkWK51GfMwkJZNXjG-7evDJbzwHxJ4OvVZCjYGMqCAVao_Jhpl5qhwi4Q2PLCvW8lmU0-TxenFXxBcSkxtaIV-Kh8Ua9-LYffSdFlRWKN9L0jz66XjGOopWU21QS0fsXeiJM/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>(This is a clickable image!)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I put off reading this book for a very, very long time. There I said it. I didn't really care to try to read it until I wanted to do a blog post (which will hopefully be up soon) about topics such as this. While searching books which were on the topics, <i>Thirteen Reasons Why </i>kept popping up with the different list of novels.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdn8Hf5uGhC04X6dvNL9Hoy-WrUNOyQpErhdKAkeb99AEWWEGUq1klveKrqyVm8PNj8FpWRp1jQx-FoMGm7-z35IY2fnvealGMh-FHPMthx0wnELj6XT98-K4a50Z_FwF6kQSICzTrzyU/s1600/Life+is+too+short+to+belived+counting+the+years.Enjoy+the+ride+and+makeamazing+memories.Have+a+great+birthday%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdn8Hf5uGhC04X6dvNL9Hoy-WrUNOyQpErhdKAkeb99AEWWEGUq1klveKrqyVm8PNj8FpWRp1jQx-FoMGm7-z35IY2fnvealGMh-FHPMthx0wnELj6XT98-K4a50Z_FwF6kQSICzTrzyU/s400/Life+is+too+short+to+belived+counting+the+years.Enjoy+the+ride+and+makeamazing+memories.Have+a+great+birthday%2521.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To understand this books, you must understand the characters, which are a lot and little at the same time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Clay Jensen is the main character of <i>Thirteen Reasons Why. </i>He's a pretty average guy: good grades, has many acquaintances, and is nice to almost everyone. The book first opens up with clay sending the set of tapes that Hannah made onto the next person. I would call this something like a prologue (because it tells of a future event without the story opening up.) Then in the <i>real </i>chapter one, Clay receives the set of tapes in the mail. Like any teenager, he's super excited that he got a package addressed to him and not his parents. It's a set a tapes, and he's thinking, "Who even uses tapes anymore?" However, as he starts to listen to the first tape, he realizes that this is Hannah's, his classmate's, voice, and she's telling him to listen to all thirteen tapes and send it to the next name after his or a second set of tapes will be set out. So, Clay listens to Hannah's tapes as he travels from destination to destination marked on the map, learning Hannah's deepest thoughts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNS3DcNca-Vd75fSRJh7WxmJa2KRWggY_WLbyVnpVtk2AuXfYNqCNOkx5amXPyYH_bHk3uhA9pkWa_rNYr7fsnxBOJtkQXnRSxyOIVBgdPH1E46_ygOFsmOnCOoW6oHPi1xJZF6vlo08/s1600/-Don%2527t+Look+Back-.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNS3DcNca-Vd75fSRJh7WxmJa2KRWggY_WLbyVnpVtk2AuXfYNqCNOkx5amXPyYH_bHk3uhA9pkWa_rNYr7fsnxBOJtkQXnRSxyOIVBgdPH1E46_ygOFsmOnCOoW6oHPi1xJZF6vlo08/s400/-Don%2527t+Look+Back-.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hannah Baker is not average. She looks average on the outside, but she's far from it. See, Hannah's dead. She committed suicide not long ago, and had made thirteen tapes addressed to individuals who contributed to her decision into taking her life. Which is really messed up if you think about it because who would want to know that they were to blame in taking a young girl's life? She mapped out each event on a map, gave a separate set of tapes to Clay's friend, and told the unlucky thirteen individual's why she decided to take her life. This book may seem like it's about Clay, but it's all about Hannah, and what Hannah thinks and feels. Honestly, Clay was just the unlucky guy who had to listen to the tapes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's a dark novel, I'll admit this, but it doesn't feel very dark. Of course there is Clay's emotions and thoughts that are being told alongside Hannah's narrative, but I was way more concerned on the stories that Hannah was telling than the fact that she was dead. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm a sucker for novels like these. You know the kind that make you think about what you just read? The kind you can apply to in your daily life? We have all been Hannah Baker. We have all been in High School, and felt the weight from our peers gossip. We have all felt helpless, like we have no control over what people say about us. We have all hated something that we've done. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But not all of us have fell so deep that we didn't get to come back up. This book maps out what it's like to want to die, what it's like to have rumor upon rumor spread about you, and what it's like to feel like you can't trust anyone so gracefully that the reader just <i>feels </i>what Hannah is saying. Because we have all been there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I feel like this would be a great novel for any High School-- heck, even a Middle School student, to read. No, this isn't to promote suicide, or to send tapes of you speaking about who has wronged you. It's to tell you that everyone has been there, and that one action you make can be a major part in the snowball effect. I think learning about actions would be very valuable to young people today.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
P.S. Netflix has taken on the project of making <i>Thirteen Reasons Why </i>into a mini-series. It should be out this year, though the date isn't released. I'm so excited!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-30643611136470406112017-01-01T15:58:00.000-08:002017-01-02T16:27:14.270-08:00Nearly Gone by Elle Cosimano<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nearly-Gone-Elle-Cosimano/dp/014242451X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483403212&sr=1-1&keywords=nearly+gone+elle+cosimano"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgjmjeK9-bvyW55OiHxWs0fKQJ9Qct28XCayDxGheqtjCFuFebN2MTW5aseNlsiQ99geCfO9IKkFUm-iBREXEdpVzSptgrfJu6Xs6kH3RTWMuXxygzSVefJeGq8RZIRA6HpQf6s9oTDM/s400/Nearly+Gone.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(This is a clickable image!)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Anyone who knows me knows that I don't like mysteries. I don't like how predictable most of them are, or how easy it is as a reader to be able to solve the problem. For a very, very long time I've been a firm believer that all mysteries are the same. Some wrong doing is done, someone is framed, and, in the end, the truth comes out.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But that is not the case with <i>Nearly Gone. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I laughed at the jokes of Albert Einstein, gasped in horror when Reece was beat up, wept when Nearly had the falling out with Jeremy. This book truly is a whirlwind of emotions that it almost takes your focus away from trying to figure out who is killing all of the students Nearly tutors after school. Key word: Almost. The reader is playing detective along with Nearly for most of the novel, but does so in a way that they don't care about actually figuring out who killed them, but why Nearly is being framed. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0JNnwEMsxpSPDn4lY8PxY9727pd8RIjDAvMcSCzIKGzqMLDPtb5djT-VN9CmiuqSJwE2KMi0GkZgh7WovzyttqBCYU-FsaruHw4RFdc38X7R_nQFSjhCyjTc22NcnLcnPEAN2HtrfRI/s1600/janice+%2526+darrenare+having+a+baby+boy%2521please+join+us+for+a+shower.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0JNnwEMsxpSPDn4lY8PxY9727pd8RIjDAvMcSCzIKGzqMLDPtb5djT-VN9CmiuqSJwE2KMi0GkZgh7WovzyttqBCYU-FsaruHw4RFdc38X7R_nQFSjhCyjTc22NcnLcnPEAN2HtrfRI/s400/janice+%2526+darrenare+having+a+baby+boy%2521please+join+us+for+a+shower.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Nearly is a Junior fighting for a chemistry scholarship. It's her one way ticket out of the trailer park she has lived in with her mother since her father left them. She's tired of the stares her neighbors and classmates give her. She's tired of having to take money out of her mom's tip jar for her newspaper (which she reads religiously.) She's tired of about everything. This scholarship is the only thing Nearly has going for her, and she's so close to victory that she can taste it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are some... complications though. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The students she tutors are being killed off one by one, and she is the reason why. Only she can stop the killer from striking again. The perpetrator is leaving ominous verses in the Missed Connections section of the newspaper that Nearly reads, telling her exactly where he will strike next. He's leaving numbers on the victims arms as clues for her to figure out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP83CCvgNil1UxpYRnrMbfh5otnfn03OgQ7PrBysjBX1jnHzMDo2dpYnb5-bfIm94HVgHey3CKIZvSPb7_IKwejmoMrlhEmE_8PPWQrvptoFKkH_aRDw0XxM_nBzd7O-KgwEH1fKFxPH4/s1600/janice+%2526+darrenare+having+a+baby+boy%2521please+join+us+for+a+shower+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP83CCvgNil1UxpYRnrMbfh5otnfn03OgQ7PrBysjBX1jnHzMDo2dpYnb5-bfIm94HVgHey3CKIZvSPb7_IKwejmoMrlhEmE_8PPWQrvptoFKkH_aRDw0XxM_nBzd7O-KgwEH1fKFxPH4/s400/janice+%2526+darrenare+having+a+baby+boy%2521please+join+us+for+a+shower+%25282%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first victim, Emily, was lucky. She survived, and was only shaken up by being drugged and left under the bleachers. There's a reason for that though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next few were not so lucky, and it left Nearly breaking every rule she had to find answers. She felt responsible for their murders-- as if she could just figure out who was doing this, get to the next spot before the victim was killed, she could stop it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Meanwhile, she is the number one suspect in the murder investigation, and has been since she went to the police with the hunch that the murders are linked somehow by the notes in the Missed Connections. This made the police send a narc-- actually, it was a juvenile delinquent looking for a clean record and a way out of the system, to get to know Nearly. Basically the police thought she was holding back information on the murders and wanted proof of her guilt to arrest her. Here's another problem. Reece kinda has the hots for her, and withholds information that could be incriminating towards her because he knows that she's being set up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSHRrrIyoc3kmpK7YArOu38ieXE_KmFDpoZfWjKUJdyTWg7QT8YYgfbtep2qYGOVjGxCbCn5S8wPaQs-z9F7XzsdOW2AUpg5t5Fd7edr4yDkqnhp5l5fOV4_w-V1jAfTKlSR6PWNBWxg/s1600/janice+%2526+darrenare+having+a+baby+boy%2521please+join+us+for+a+shower+%25283%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSHRrrIyoc3kmpK7YArOu38ieXE_KmFDpoZfWjKUJdyTWg7QT8YYgfbtep2qYGOVjGxCbCn5S8wPaQs-z9F7XzsdOW2AUpg5t5Fd7edr4yDkqnhp5l5fOV4_w-V1jAfTKlSR6PWNBWxg/s400/janice+%2526+darrenare+having+a+baby+boy%2521please+join+us+for+a+shower+%25283%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The ending is a bit of surprise, though. I had originally thought that the absentee dad was the killer because of how Jeremy had mentioned that he was a gambler. And, you know, numbers can be a part of gambling. But, as it turns out, it was a classmate of hers, who used his girlfriend to set the plan into motion, because he had a grudge against Nearly for something her dad did. The numbers had nothing to do with gambling. The classmate had used Nearly's best subject, Chemistry, against her by writing the atomic numbers of elements on the victims to spell out her name. It was a ploy to make authorities she was the killer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think this is a <i>very </i>good book. Which is astonishing coming from me because I don't usually read novels like this. However, it does have violence and drugs in it, so that's something to keep in mind when picking it out for a younger reader. If they have the maturity level to read it, though, I would definitely recommend it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-35132573709749562392016-12-22T12:23:00.001-08:002017-01-01T14:54:26.954-08:00Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Look-Back-Jennifer-Armentrout/dp/1423194667/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482424028&sr=8-1&keywords=don%27t+look+back+by+jennifer+l.+armentrout"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJn8o5kBXsYxWFT00i528mhj4YkUBvkeYLHa165iKvPzBdiwW27pQzbW3CYSchcHj8DbAGLfDqBU3VeT_Jri6EhbGNnpvDczecCZu1s23QPnC5CO3eVkfMISv_ft65jgrI_QKDMx_-2p0/s400/DLB.jpeg" width="263" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Imagine finding yourself wandering by the side of the road, barefoot, and not remembering how you got there. You're covered in blood and scratches and know something is not right but you can't remember what. Then, on top of that, you have a cop who is asking questions that go along the lines of this: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Question: Who are you?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Answer: I don't know.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Question: What's your name?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Answer: I don't know.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Question: How old are you?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Answer: I don't know.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Question: What are your parent's names?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Answer: ...I don't know.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You have no idea who you are, who you <i>were</i>, and you have no idea how you ended up where you were found. This is what happened to Samantha. She found herself stumbling on the side of the road without any shoes on, covered in scratches and blood, and doesn't know a thing about herself. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFbbWON3yd1VgD5wfbOGWuVMKxwMnyIVvD0iVWj3d9fpxA6J1LgGn_COa85IOcefjN5X8rP4rvnXYD1KRQO2do1lsPvAWJzgx33MS9TGDhBKtaT1O6b4g9d0UCDc479Hy7ch95gOCyd0/s1600/-Don%2527t+Look+Back-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFbbWON3yd1VgD5wfbOGWuVMKxwMnyIVvD0iVWj3d9fpxA6J1LgGn_COa85IOcefjN5X8rP4rvnXYD1KRQO2do1lsPvAWJzgx33MS9TGDhBKtaT1O6b4g9d0UCDc479Hy7ch95gOCyd0/s400/-Don%2527t+Look+Back-.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She has to learn things about herself that she should know. For example, her parents and brother, or her boyfriend that she's been with for the past four years. Samantha desperately wants to remember who she was and what she was like. To add on to her trying to remember who she is, she's trying to recall the events that led to her and her friend's, Cassie, disappearance. The detective keeps asking the same questions over and over again, and seemingly isn't taking "I can't remember" as an answer to his questions. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Scott, her brother, and his friend, Carson, become her best friends while she's trying to remember who she is. They tell her the things she's done, the people who she was supposedly best friends with, and how she was with her boyfriend, Del. But the more Samantha learns about who she was, the more she realizes she doesn't want to become that again. In fact, she finds that she can't stand her circle of previous friends and boyfriend. Not only that, but she also finds herself utterly attracted to Carson, who displays the same affections towards her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_t8IafaWyIV7F8fDFQgeJP1JBqY0OAjHTMCM2xUeD2kZcNEjGNY6mAW2hMqJW_khDXoEd9kUW4Ju07cC_7vJ-uzrgMhvu0DaZ1kfC7r9jzsfPFO1MuINA99qP9e0Ikk0tkGZE9I2mCM8/s1600/We+twisted+around+and...wow%252C+just+wow.+My+jaw+hit+the+bedspread.+There+was+a+tall+boy+standing+in+the+doorway+to+my+bedroom.+Dark+brown+hair+fell+over+his+forehead+and+curled+around+his+ears.+His+skin+was+deep%252C+almos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_t8IafaWyIV7F8fDFQgeJP1JBqY0OAjHTMCM2xUeD2kZcNEjGNY6mAW2hMqJW_khDXoEd9kUW4Ju07cC_7vJ-uzrgMhvu0DaZ1kfC7r9jzsfPFO1MuINA99qP9e0Ikk0tkGZE9I2mCM8/s400/We+twisted+around+and...wow%252C+just+wow.+My+jaw+hit+the+bedspread.+There+was+a+tall+boy+standing+in+the+doorway+to+my+bedroom.+Dark+brown+hair+fell+over+his+forehead+and+curled+around+his+ears.+His+skin+was+deep%252C+almos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the outside, Samantha seems to be recovering. On the inside, however, she's full of anxiety and confusion. She doesn't understand why she continues to receive these ominous notes, why she is seeing shadow figures while she is visiting the cliffs, or why no one wants to talk about Cassie willingly. Detective Ramirez is still pressing Samantha for details, and, as time goes on and Cassie's body turns up, Samantha becomes the number one suspect to him. This only puts more stress on Samantha, leaving her swimming in her own despair. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Samantha has fallen down the social ladder when she remembered what happened seven months earlier with her now ex-boyfriend, Del. The only people she feels she can trust now is her brother, Carson (who is now her boyfriend and rock), and Julie, her brother's girlfriend. Samantha doesn't seem to mind that she doesn't have all the rich kids behind her. She just wanted to feel normal, and her small group of friends gave her that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After it is revealed that the notes were in her own handwriting, Samantha's parents take her to a therapist who tells her that the shadow man is hallucinations brought on by stress and anxiety. She is put on medication to control her panic attacks. This doesn't stop her memories from resurfacing, though. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrangvaYoSiZEnF9p1QOVFg3G9bI_fHBJ-zKM0a7bUzQcfl6FlsneeK9lC1iMX039y1bU92-8WoG_6BjQsASO48x9h_g7zO-6G-fxX11zevPjii9c72H77pBNG_QJ4pJR-w8ZFaW06WGw/s1600/Scott+looked+up%252C+pressing+his+lips+together.+-I+should%2527ve+told+you+when+you+first+showed+me+the+note%252C+but+I+just...didn%2527t+want+to+upset+you.-Dread+snaked+down+my+spine.+-What+are+you+saying---The+notes%252C+they%2527re+all+f.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrangvaYoSiZEnF9p1QOVFg3G9bI_fHBJ-zKM0a7bUzQcfl6FlsneeK9lC1iMX039y1bU92-8WoG_6BjQsASO48x9h_g7zO-6G-fxX11zevPjii9c72H77pBNG_QJ4pJR-w8ZFaW06WGw/s400/Scott+looked+up%252C+pressing+his+lips+together.+-I+should%2527ve+told+you+when+you+first+showed+me+the+note%252C+but+I+just...didn%2527t+want+to+upset+you.-Dread+snaked+down+my+spine.+-What+are+you+saying---The+notes%252C+they%2527re+all+f.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Samantha remembers who killed her friend, and who left her to die. When the truth comes out, her mother doesn't care about appearances and her life is changed in different ways than she could have ever imagined. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really enjoyed "Don't Look Back." I have never enjoyed mysteries, but this novel didn't come across as a mystery. It was more of a girl who wanted to know what happened, who was relearning things about herself, and was experiencing things that would bring her family down on the social latter. It's a book about a teenage girl experiencing teenage girl things. Most mysteries that I've read focus on the murder victim. Not many focus on the living. This book does. It also includes aspects such as mental illness that not many books include. It made it feel more real, which is what readers want. We want a book that makes us feel, and "Don't Look Back" makes the reader feel many different feelings. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's definitely a book that I would suggest to anyone who wants to read something different and fairly undiscovered. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-32281379917786476682016-12-17T18:21:00.001-08:002016-12-17T18:21:53.286-08:00What Do College Students Think About? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3VgesUK76e4ivaVyy_OBtcppXOxpzoVkjlp4yqbB1QbKvd0ZYC9evRRBrlwhisA-JB0CPJ-kluGdqiO5sWhkS8BiJJh7vTEIqd7xR3GpOkGbKfwOHlSI3nGVEShyniOKVmOFDlJNpXk/s1600/Host+a+party%2521%2521%2521+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3VgesUK76e4ivaVyy_OBtcppXOxpzoVkjlp4yqbB1QbKvd0ZYC9evRRBrlwhisA-JB0CPJ-kluGdqiO5sWhkS8BiJJh7vTEIqd7xR3GpOkGbKfwOHlSI3nGVEShyniOKVmOFDlJNpXk/s320/Host+a+party%2521%2521%2521+%25281%2529.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am not sure if I have stated this in previous blog posts, but I am a college student. This year is my second year. Being a full time student, I am kept pretty busy doing my course work while trying to maintain a well rounded life. With college being the main theme today, I want to dedicate this post to all the students out there who need a relatable read, and to their family and friend who want to know what it's truly like to be a college student.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I wish, oh, how I wish I was properly prepared for how college would be. If high school taught me anything, it was that the officials who are <i>supposed </i>to prepare you for college don't know a thing about what college is like. We are told that we need a perfect GPA, know how do to this and that, and that the work would be so much harder. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lies. All lies.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What we needed to know was how to fill out official forms for FAFSA and student loans on our own, how to read tax forms, how to write an email to a professor, and so much more. I am very lucky to live at home and go to an online college, but many are not so lucky. While I am able to learn the basics of life (cooking, cleaning, how to manage money, etc..), those who live on campus are not. I once talked to someone who didn't even know how to use a washing machine until she lived on campus. High school students focused so hard on getting into college, that we didn't focus on how to live and take care of ourselves once we got there.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To add onto that, we have to get so many things done in such a limited time frame, that we can hardly think about what to make for dinner. That is, if we can think. That's another thing. The thought process of a student might just be one of a man whose been up for three days and is only living off of coffee and pop-tarts. Our minds are not only dangerous, but it can be a tad bit sad if I am to be honest. Here is a list of thoughts an average student has on a nearly daily basis: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. I need to wake up. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. It's 10 o'clock and I already need a nap. </div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
3. It's too early to deal with this.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4. What is there for breakfast?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5. Why do I never have anything I want to eat?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6. Oh, crap! I have an assignment due tonight. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
7. I am going to take a bath.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
8. Shoot, I still have to do dishes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
9. Man, screw pants. I'm wearing pajamas all day. Again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
10. It's 12. It's literally the afternoon and I have gotten nothing done.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
11. Okay. Dishes. Gotta do them now.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
12. YES. I AM THE QUEEN OF EVERYTHING.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
13. I want to dance around. Like really bad.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
14. Actually I want a doughnut. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
15. What if I had a doughnut and danced with it, would I choke?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
16. I'm sure that's better than doing this paper.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
17. Have I brushed my teeth today?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
18. I need to pee.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
19. And I still haven't eaten anything today.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
20. I'll just eat later. I really need to do this assignment.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
21. I hate school.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
22. Why am I in school? It's too expensive.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
23. I'm just going to become a stripper.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
24. Actually, I can't be a stripper. My boobs are too small and I trip on my own feet.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
25. Just...a...little...more....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
26. OH, I HAVE COOKIES.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
27. FINALLY, I finished this paper!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
28. Can I sleep? Is 6 too early to go to bed?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
29. I just realized I still haven't had food today. I'm going to eat.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
30. I'm going to bed. Screw this.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I just realized this sounds like something a vlogger on YouTube would make, and I probably would've done such a thing if I was talented enough to talk on a camera for God knows how long and still talk in coherent sentences. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, I just want to add that, though I've been M.I.A. lately with the blog posts, I have an almost three week break from school and plan to utilize that time to write some posts. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-30916557269844708952016-11-11T08:47:00.004-08:002016-11-11T08:52:25.517-08:00We Have A VoiceAt the beginning of this election, I promised myself that I would not get involved-- just as I wasn't involved when our last president came into office. I would not subject myself to the political views of this party or that party. I would not let the judgement of others affect what I believed.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I broke my promise. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Perhaps it is because I am older than I was with the last election. Perhaps it is because this election was slandered with political propaganda, and my social media was full of it. Perhaps it is because I see how the people with power truly influence the lesser people. I don't know. All I know is that I let myself be subjected to this amazing thing called democracy, and I'm appalled by the results. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before I truly begin my post, let me explain that this is not another post that is to demean the new president, or who almost became president. This is not to subject you, my readers, to my own views. (Because, quite frankly, I still don't know how to process this.) This is not to meant to be another protesting post, with the same points as any other post in this country. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This post is to establish to you that what is happening in America, to our people, is wrong, and we should not be silent.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, I said that this isn't a protesting post. It isn't. I'm not protesting that Trump became president, or that Hillary lost. It isn't my place to. I didn't vote. I didn't want to vote. And, if we are honest, he did win fair and square. I don't care that he won. Even though he had word vomit throughout the debates, I have a tiny bit of hope that he could be a good president to this country. I would've said the same thing about Hillary. No, what I'm protesting is how the American people are reacting, and the injustice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are two sides to this story.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On one side, you have Hillary supporters, who are rioting the streets, and are causing a big fuss. I can understand your worry. I can understand that you are afraid. I do understand, truly. And I am so, so terribly sorry that you are being subjected to this cruelty that your fellow countrymen are giving you. However, there is no reason to become unruly. Are you not the ones who wish for peace? Demand peace with peace. Be like Martin Luther King Jr. and the women's suffragettes. Their points were heard, they were dealt with, but they were dealt with peacefully. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the other side, you have American people-- neighbors, brothers and sisters, friends, who are terrorizing innocent bystanders by ripping off their hijabs and attacking others. African Americans and other colored people are being told to sit in the back of the bus again. Women are afraid to walk on the street, for fear they'll be attacked. Muslim women are not wearing their religious dressing because they are being called a terrorist, and are being physically assaulted. Latinos are being told they are going to be deported, and that the wall couldn't come up soon enough. These attacks, these threats, they are going without being reprimanded by law enforcement. Other bystanders are just letting it happen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What is this? What is your goal in this? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A better question is: Is this the world you want your children-- your sons and daughters, to grow up in? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I can understand that we are not all influential people. We do not all have money. We do not all have the means to fight back. But we <i>all </i>do have a voice. We can speak out against these harmful doings. We can protest civilly. We can stay true to what America represents. Without that, without staying true, we are nothing but a group of chickens with our heads cut off.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Everyone matters. The Muslims, the LGBTQ+'s, the women, the children, the colored people, the Latino's, the white men, etc... Everyone matters. We did not come so far in history, only to walk back a few decades in the course of a couple days. No, America is stronger than that. Like everything that we see, and everything that happens to us, we will overcome such wrongdoings and come out on top. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dear Readers, we are all the same. Our skin tone, sexuality, or backgrounds do not change who we truly are. We blame the new president for the American people's actions, but it is not his fault. He is not the one committing such heinous acts of violence. It is the people. People on both sides are committing acts against the other. It is time we stop this arguing, and time we unite again. We may not see eye to eye, and that is okay. We don't have to. But we must get along, and work together to maintain peace within the country, lest we want another civil war. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am but one person. I have a meek voice. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, together, we have a bellowing voice that can be heard for miles. Perhaps it's time we use that voice, and do good, rather than bad. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-55251498772650607312016-11-11T08:47:00.002-08:002016-11-11T08:47:53.806-08:00We Have A VoiceAt the beginning of this election, I promised myself that I would not get involved-- just as I wasn't involved when our last president came into office. I would not subject myself to the political views of this party or that party. I would not let the judgement of others affect what I believed.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I broke my promise. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Perhaps it is because I am older than I was with the last election. Perhaps it is because this election was slandered with political propaganda, and my social media was full of it. Perhaps it is because I see how the people with power truly influence the lesser people. I don't know. All I know is that I let myself be subjected to this amazing thing called democracy, and I'm appalled by the results. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before I truly begin my post, let me explain that this is not another post that is to demean the new president, or who almost became president. This is not to subject you, my readers, to my own views. (Because, quite frankly, I still don't know how to process this.) This is not to meant to be another protesting post, with the same points as any other post in this country. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This post is to establish to you that what is happening in America, to our people, is wrong, and we should not be silent.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, I said that this isn't a protesting post. It isn't. I'm not protesting that Trump became president, or that Hillary lost. It isn't my place to. I didn't vote. I didn't want to vote. And, if we are honest, he did win fair and square. I don't care that he won. Even though he had word vomit throughout the debates, I have a tiny bit of hope that he could be a good president to this country. I would've said the same thing about Hillary. No, what I'm protesting is how the American people are reacting, and the injustice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are two sides to this story.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On one side, you have Hillary supporters, who are rioting the streets, and are causing a big fuss. I can understand your worry. I can understand that you are afraid. I do understand, truly. And I am so, so terribly sorry that you are being subjected to this cruelty that your fellow countrymen are giving you. However, there is no reason to become unruly. Are you not the ones who wish for peace? Demand peace with peace. Be like Martin Luther King Jr. and the women's suffragettes. Their points were heard, they were dealt with, but they were dealt with peacefully. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the other side, you have American people-- neighbors, brothers and sisters, friends, who are terrorizing innocent bystanders by ripping off their hijabs and attacking others. African Americans and other colored people are being told to sit in the back of the bus again. Women are afraid to walk on the street, for fear they'll be attacked. Muslim women are not wearing their religious dressing because they are being called a terrorist, and are being physically assaulted. Latinos are being told they are going to be deported, and that the wall couldn't come up soon enough. These attacks, these threats, they are going without being reprimanded by law enforcement. Other bystanders are just letting it happen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What is this? What is your goal in this? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A better question is: Is this the world you want your children-- your sons and daughters, to grow up in? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I can understand that we are not all influential people. We do not all have money. We do not all have the means to fight back. But we <i>all </i>do have a voice. We can speak out against these harmful doings. We can protest civilly. We can stay true to what America represents. Without that, without staying true, we are nothing but a group of chickens with our heads cut off.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Everyone matters. The Muslims, the LGBTQ+'s, the women, the children, the colored people, the Latino's, the white men, etc... Everyone matters. We did not come so far in history, only to walk back a few decades in the course of a couple days. No, America is stronger than that. Like everything that we see, and everything that happens to us, we will overcome such wrongdoings and come out on top. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dear Readers, we are all the same. Our skin tone, sexuality, or backgrounds do not change who we truly are. We blame the new president for the American people's actions, but it is not his fault. He is not the one committing such heinous acts of violence. It is the people. People on both sides are committing acts against the other. It is time we stop this arguing, and time we unite again. We may not see eye to eye, and that is okay. We don't have to. But we must get along, and work together to maintain peace within the country, lest we want another civil war. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am but one person. I have a meek voice. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, together, we have a bellowing voice that can be heard for miles. Perhaps it's time we use that voice, and do good, rather than bad. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-46817886877139135842016-02-29T11:21:00.000-08:002016-02-29T11:22:26.649-08:00My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfxV8g7IFAatOeGyrL1lNY8GTCYPvlBI9gGLGdsdARjudz79ynyiDSI4Cp9kAUlnC_P8d8QDFyPIPt9jBZconmZsupUOdeTUnzSRk5X44vZ5W1EVWd62Q-Z0K3TB0A2y76nzUcdf2Jv8/s1600/My_sisters_keeper_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfxV8g7IFAatOeGyrL1lNY8GTCYPvlBI9gGLGdsdARjudz79ynyiDSI4Cp9kAUlnC_P8d8QDFyPIPt9jBZconmZsupUOdeTUnzSRk5X44vZ5W1EVWd62Q-Z0K3TB0A2y76nzUcdf2Jv8/s400/My_sisters_keeper_poster.jpg" width="271" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will let you know now, from the very beginning, that this book is one of the most emotional books that I have ever had the pleasure to read. Yes, it is a book about cancer. I'm not sure why I wanted to read it, but I finally mustered up enough emotional stability to go to my bookshelf, grab the book, and whole myself up in my room. I finished the book in the matter of nine hours. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will begin with a run down of family.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sara, the mom, is an ex-lawyer, who believes her older sister (who basically raised her) is ashamed of her since Sara became everything Zanne wasn't- a mother and married to someone who Zanne thinks is less than capable to take care of the family. Her main purpose in this book is, of course, a mother, but also to keep Kate alive.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Brian is the firefighter dad who stays at the firestation a little too often. I think this is to distance himself away from breaking down due to his eldest daughters condition.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Jesse is the typical juvenile deliquent. He is given the spot light a few times in this book, but I wouldn't call him a vital character. He is the brother of Anna and Kate, son of Brian and Sara, and lives in the apartment above the garage. The most important characteristic about Jesse is he is the arsonist we hear Brian and his team talking about so much.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kate, I would say, is the second main character. She was diagnosed when she was two with a rare form of leukemia. It grows a resistance to most drugs once previously taken. Basically, her body is falling apart, and she relies on her sister, Anna, to keep her going. Literally. I'd say half of Kate's blood is Anna's. I suppose at some point, she lost her will to survive, and, when diagnosed with kidney failure, she made Anna promise to refuse a kidney transplant.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anna is the main character of the book, though it switches points of views nearly every chapter. She was conceived to give Kate chord blood cells that Kate desperately needed. Sara and Brian genetically modified the egg to be a perfect genetic match for Kate, so, in case the need ever arised, Anna can donate. However, before you jump to conclusions about how horrible of parents they seem to be, they only thought it would be chord blood cells. When Anna was 5, she donated Leukocytes, and when she was 8, she donated three rounds of granulocytes. Now, at 13, her sister makes her promise to refuse to donate a kidney, so she can die. It kills Anna, but she agrees, and files a lawsuit against her parents for medical emancipation.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_IvSM3hE74PkBeYh0DMKy8fZGKltvwG1IHZrFeGh6egwkp7cZu22oE_tHNUa4wyRECI_Y7pywnpVfSS-2nLARecKUrYpvi1nThsjy18k-EpHMxUEnDSL9Lxz-4Eb1yZGiHJlfkTjaG4/s1600/images.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_IvSM3hE74PkBeYh0DMKy8fZGKltvwG1IHZrFeGh6egwkp7cZu22oE_tHNUa4wyRECI_Y7pywnpVfSS-2nLARecKUrYpvi1nThsjy18k-EpHMxUEnDSL9Lxz-4Eb1yZGiHJlfkTjaG4/s400/images.png" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is when we meet Campbell Alexander, the man with the backwards name or the man who is named after the soup. He is Anna's case attourney. He has a hard outer shell, and gives bazzare reasons why he must have his dog every where he goes. We don't learn until late in the book that he developed epilepsy after a car accident, and Judge is his seizure dog. Actually, we learn this by Campbell having a seizure in the middle of the court hearing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Julia is the guardian ad litem. She observes Anna's family for much of the story. Her and Campbell have past history, and their love again blossoms.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Judge De Salvo is the judge who makes the ultimate decision for Anna to be medically emancipated from her parents. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33MMKsLiUJz0GswGGKOhxICipLMCq-6VaCE_G67s4EvRNTKh3JLzrQ3Fe8Ah7ICIpCpxb89vyMfwMVWoLsU7yfqdwz5C7LQjhln0a2Wx4jBxart5nVzVWgl0D2Wy2jH2ESVUrDhNPqAU/s1600/imagesL97WS79M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33MMKsLiUJz0GswGGKOhxICipLMCq-6VaCE_G67s4EvRNTKh3JLzrQ3Fe8Ah7ICIpCpxb89vyMfwMVWoLsU7yfqdwz5C7LQjhln0a2Wx4jBxart5nVzVWgl0D2Wy2jH2ESVUrDhNPqAU/s400/imagesL97WS79M.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Even though they won the case, the ending was still extremely tragic, and not what you would expect.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Though this book was emotional, it was worth the read. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-87884734361541741362016-02-16T05:49:00.000-08:002016-02-16T05:49:58.875-08:00Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82aROnckP3N2aQ3WZVuiwWjdJDDMmYckdESEArtSH1bA-iFDR-Vl1TsIF59dyKxGzbjr0LB6h73-5exhhEDw8gEdx0Zf6Y34ONTxMWyHQRCWjdt8bUE8khL52qKcr6FWQumGeOiRIVro/s1600/th.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82aROnckP3N2aQ3WZVuiwWjdJDDMmYckdESEArtSH1bA-iFDR-Vl1TsIF59dyKxGzbjr0LB6h73-5exhhEDw8gEdx0Zf6Y34ONTxMWyHQRCWjdt8bUE8khL52qKcr6FWQumGeOiRIVro/s400/th.jpe" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Jane Eyre is a timeless classic that I absolutely adore. If I don't know what to read, I generally turn to Charlotte Bronte's great work. It is so in depth with emotion- love, anguish, hatred, sorrow, etc.... To those who don't enjoy classics (I started to enjoy reading by the classics, so I'm partial to authors like Charles Dickens, Bronte, and even Shakespeare.), this tale could be difficult to get into, and is rather long for most peoples tastes. <br />
Jane is an orphan, having both her parents die when she was an infant. Her mother's brother- Mr. Reed of Gateshead Hall, a rather rich man, took her in. Soon after, however, he passed, and left her with his wife and three children who mistreated her terribly. Accustomed to their torment, and often hearing how horrible and wicked a child she was, she usually sat quiet and brooding, dreaming of a time where she could leave Gateshead Hall. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZV3OwLnrbe3uz0gITMVZTto8kmoVo3-C2SrkTvIvPqTDOPkdy6zqGrZIYgb-YYfANckOvOADD6axP5I4nYuIzy_L0pjU3ktw3SyPWSvNNImC2cLMRHW3G24NGI3gRmJBFHs2TwNeuxaI/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZV3OwLnrbe3uz0gITMVZTto8kmoVo3-C2SrkTvIvPqTDOPkdy6zqGrZIYgb-YYfANckOvOADD6axP5I4nYuIzy_L0pjU3ktw3SyPWSvNNImC2cLMRHW3G24NGI3gRmJBFHs2TwNeuxaI/s400/Untitled.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Her wishes were granted after the harsh punishment that left her unconscious in the Red Room. Soon she was sent to Lowood Institution for girls- a quaint Christian school started by Naomi Brocklehurst- currently ran by Mr. Brocklehurst of Brocklehurst hall. There she meets a few people who she would hold dear to her heart. There she would experience heartache, beginning when her dear friend dies during the typhus outbreak.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHjjE-rZWq54Xe4YVQiYaNb2SuE-MzFH1Ruav24-mrVmqa4PhZrMjfEti_NNWtbJszD1B4ZTm2O4VteB7bX9Q_LlzRFIJr8smC2KwGdZfMsmc4JQl6GG8VICehsnd0X3ECmoQFgiCNYk/s1600/Untitled2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHjjE-rZWq54Xe4YVQiYaNb2SuE-MzFH1Ruav24-mrVmqa4PhZrMjfEti_NNWtbJszD1B4ZTm2O4VteB7bX9Q_LlzRFIJr8smC2KwGdZfMsmc4JQl6GG8VICehsnd0X3ECmoQFgiCNYk/s400/Untitled2.png" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Her vast knowledge she acquired at Lowood helps her become the governess to Miss Adele Varens at Thornfield. There she meets Mr. Rochester. Despite her curiosity towards him, she tries to keep her distance. Despite that effort she does fall in love. However, she feels he won't feel the same for her since she is a governess and he is a wealthy man. This is not the case. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Their plans to marry were tarnished when an objector informed Jane and the Priest that Mr. Rochester's first wife (one who he did not marry, but could not leave due to her insanity) was still alive. Jane leaves him for a number of years, but returns.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is a happy ending, and they are married, despite what others may think.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Despite the length of the novel, and how most would think Charlotte Bronte's writing seemed to drone on and on, I like this classic. Like I said in the beginning of this post, I often turn back to this work. If you have a young reader, who reads on a level more mature than most, or prefers the finer things in life (well, finer literary works), I recommend<i> Jane Eyre </i>for them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-68779997738380086652015-12-05T17:36:00.000-08:002015-12-06T06:35:46.545-08:00DIY: Weeping Angel Costume<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJ6RGeAtmeBh1N7mulRvBk0hSdJoV61KsItRbB5LYNul4JTp4m2GC-ZRI-prTFwYgI5uFoIVw8vz7_JpAphi0d3k2_9phleYwGz2Nk5MsMVFnysUVjggLccW9dkEbyf8xx1nTW_7IRWE/s1600/Doctor-Who-3.10-Blink-duck-sally-sparrow-375x214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJ6RGeAtmeBh1N7mulRvBk0hSdJoV61KsItRbB5LYNul4JTp4m2GC-ZRI-prTFwYgI5uFoIVw8vz7_JpAphi0d3k2_9phleYwGz2Nk5MsMVFnysUVjggLccW9dkEbyf8xx1nTW_7IRWE/s400/Doctor-Who-3.10-Blink-duck-sally-sparrow-375x214.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This Halloween was quite exciting. As you all know, I am a die hard <i>Doctor Who </i>fan, and am blessed with a family who also love the show. This year for Halloween, my brother, sister, and I decided we were going to go as different characters from the show. While I went as the Eleventh Doctor (with a bit of Steam-punk flare), and my brother as the Empty Child, my youngest sister went as a Weeping Angel.<br />
As excited as I was, I knew I couldn't tackle her costume by myself. My mom (<a href="http://yummybitesbyamy.blogspot.com/">Yummy Bites by Amy</a>) made her gown out of a gray pillow case and fitted sheet set we got from the store. It was nothing extravagant- just a regular set that cost less that ten dollars. The gown isn't sewn together. It's two pieces: a top and skirt. She cut the holes for her head and arms, then cleaned it up a bit. For the skirt, she pinned different sections together in the back and waist before stitching them together. When she wore it on Halloween, she wore a gray long sleeve shirt underneath.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_E61JcF4jrhWTmjky5pgekGCgQPe45dEQ4qiMjl_lqcLzD4mfJt6Uc92LShlcod5oRz3TASIKKw8Nsry0PtFlKK8Z1d-FAxq0202dI59GJs7VXIIt2XvPKGz4GkD6VZNR-co-1K_aIa0/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_E61JcF4jrhWTmjky5pgekGCgQPe45dEQ4qiMjl_lqcLzD4mfJt6Uc92LShlcod5oRz3TASIKKw8Nsry0PtFlKK8Z1d-FAxq0202dI59GJs7VXIIt2XvPKGz4GkD6VZNR-co-1K_aIa0/s400/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was in charge of the wings. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HQC3ry6oG4uBSDoSXEosmnwRuu7OlGVozKxwU-x6f-5gRK_6UMJM_M03-Ird21cZit3Na4Rsl9_UTR_-PmKxvP19H4Wa8f3YcAN4njvQATQTgAhhJYV1eGs3jnT6gO3ytv6_u641XGw/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HQC3ry6oG4uBSDoSXEosmnwRuu7OlGVozKxwU-x6f-5gRK_6UMJM_M03-Ird21cZit3Na4Rsl9_UTR_-PmKxvP19H4Wa8f3YcAN4njvQATQTgAhhJYV1eGs3jnT6gO3ytv6_u641XGw/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first thing you will want to do is measure out the size of your torso (from your shoulders to the small of your back) and the width in between your shoulder blades. Write your measurements down on a piece of paper. Use your measurements to cut out a base on whatever material you wish to use. (I used a cardboard tri-fold.) Sketch out a wing shape on your material. You can see the shape I used in the picture above. When you have the shape you desire, cut it out using either a box cutter or exact-o blade. <b>Caution: Those who haven't used the blade, I wouldn't let a child use it. It's very sharp like a kitchen blade, and can easily cut someone.</b> Once I had my initial wing done, I flipped it over, traced it, and cut the other wing out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxQhny6Z-f2t3KS4WC2ZyvIgi1llLlvIIVWd4kg37frjNl2xnwN0yCzWQE2aiLjUR3KFsQXASlj2k8nTPhWFsXtnlOJhDzvL33SGxXlBtx6ET_1bFBcyf5ukOyVULpPDRRyhByzrIMpM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxQhny6Z-f2t3KS4WC2ZyvIgi1llLlvIIVWd4kg37frjNl2xnwN0yCzWQE2aiLjUR3KFsQXASlj2k8nTPhWFsXtnlOJhDzvL33SGxXlBtx6ET_1bFBcyf5ukOyVULpPDRRyhByzrIMpM/s400/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hot glue your wings onto your base like you see done in step two. Afterwards, draw and cut out your feathers. I made a simple oval shape, leaving the top of the feather straight as you can see. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfbDOnUHePMg2uYyHgOxtVssC35CNT81I2SfHAR7GAEMwe1MNEO0VuZXparLFYO54UCetEUepUOiS_sTzsL0vaf2v2pU0qn_hB5S8mQyE2E7WjPdf5HaZqXfjwxGiK87PvzAJfaxH9Rc/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfbDOnUHePMg2uYyHgOxtVssC35CNT81I2SfHAR7GAEMwe1MNEO0VuZXparLFYO54UCetEUepUOiS_sTzsL0vaf2v2pU0qn_hB5S8mQyE2E7WjPdf5HaZqXfjwxGiK87PvzAJfaxH9Rc/s400/PicMonkey+Collage4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hot glue your feather shapes onto your blank wing shapes like you see in step four. After that is done, paint your wings a light gray color. For all of those who do art, I suggest that you throw technique out of the window for step five. It will only frustrate and upset you. Honestly, step five was my favorite part of building the wings, because I got to go crazy and let all frustration out on the board. I did not paint each wing individually, because that would be painstaking and too time consuming. I simply stippled, or dabbed viciously, a darker gray paint over my base coat. When the dark gray dries, stipple another layer of light grey to give it a stone look. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My mom added elastic so my sister could wear them around while she trick-or-treated.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are the pictures of my brother (The Empty Child [Are you my mummy?]), my sister (The Weeping Angel who we made this costume for), and myself (a Steampunk version of the Eleventh Doctor.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IrMAu5vp2850pCuookcIqSFXXbizahtmyfGwxZl-ft5AMI9qXPuOzBBiDbnDFEfJagmVDMC3HO4UsH_otDXF6acypF70O_yFlQwv-HKqireyr1dRlJ2Z4FvQQj4Tj3t6gFQXhjQDTFI/s1600/kids+and+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IrMAu5vp2850pCuookcIqSFXXbizahtmyfGwxZl-ft5AMI9qXPuOzBBiDbnDFEfJagmVDMC3HO4UsH_otDXF6acypF70O_yFlQwv-HKqireyr1dRlJ2Z4FvQQj4Tj3t6gFQXhjQDTFI/s400/kids+and+I.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-85184825618732389462015-10-25T09:33:00.000-07:002015-10-25T09:33:08.884-07:00All Souls Trilogy: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143119680/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0143119680&linkCode=as2&tag=yumbitbyamy05-20&linkId=J7J4IN75JOURTZNV"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEkWjetu3zjPDcgTLTpO-QFH0fucBwXcshMMh53URvfKlpmv_IFgyATZZsURsn-4Nd76CMJh3Y_XfcvDeMgXwMONkrsCPzpgIUwhn3woVKahTTEdnrXeC1_5KaBbqXqylN4T8Mx0elA8/s400/51qX2vnFnNL._SL250_.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>This is a clickable image!</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's been a while since I had posted something, and I had been wanting to do a book review for a long time, but classes have kept me extremely busy. <i>FINALLY, </i>I had a little window of time, and read this book. I've read it before, but forgot most of its content (sad, I know), and thought, "Hmm... a dose of magic will get me out of my writers block!"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Interestingly enough, it did, and I was chomping at the bit to tell you all about it. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Diana Bishop, a descendant of the long line of Bishop witches, doesn't like to use her magic. She believed, up until recently, her lack of spells and powers were her own doing since she only used them if she absolutely needed to. Though she is a known professor at Yale University, she is studying at Oxford for a conference. There she calls Ashmole 782, not thinking it would unleash a world of magic, chaos, and even love.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQhJGDJ6-S9yfsy5qpu083LyHH9QEUw12oXUj4Vz4jC-3BVFrOCWJyccvOxQ_ymRdkd-JHPdvFdlRjFSe0TG7YKZ6ORjQw5WKjvpyoudWIOwmcg-NlgWFhFIZqQydvjGIUO8Iq3WlDmA/s1600/Untitled2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQhJGDJ6-S9yfsy5qpu083LyHH9QEUw12oXUj4Vz4jC-3BVFrOCWJyccvOxQ_ymRdkd-JHPdvFdlRjFSe0TG7YKZ6ORjQw5WKjvpyoudWIOwmcg-NlgWFhFIZqQydvjGIUO8Iq3WlDmA/s400/Untitled2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Matthew de Clermont is one of those creatures interested in Diana's ability to call up the long lost manuscript. It is supposed to hold the secrets of why Daemons, Vampires, and Witches are what they are, when they were created, and if there is a possibility of reversing their habits. However, Diana doesn't take too kindly to Matthew at first, and, at one point, wanted to hit him with her rowing ore. Though, for him, it was just fuel to his heart's flame. He knew she was his mate, and eventually, Diana started to fall for him as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiDyu4tBf_tYNLO_UndqtkoL5-99i55nDcuPNpKEmHiBB0NtBEN6EO_VyEabTPHFI_uuCg2kByjeGIx6SY4nX8D4kItvKhOAb53Ws6L627b32taJwowl6iG6KVnEpiSewCOyk5WPiQUQ/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiDyu4tBf_tYNLO_UndqtkoL5-99i55nDcuPNpKEmHiBB0NtBEN6EO_VyEabTPHFI_uuCg2kByjeGIx6SY4nX8D4kItvKhOAb53Ws6L627b32taJwowl6iG6KVnEpiSewCOyk5WPiQUQ/s400/Untitled.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This book isn't only about love and passion, though. When you meet Ysabeau, Matthew's vampire mother, she doesn't take to kindly to Diana. In fact, she hates her. She hates all witches for what they assisted the Nazi's in doing to her husband. Though her dislike of witches, Ysabeau ends up accepting Diana as her daughter.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrG5RMd9LTmJCIuMYzrAJK6gsnZAqfJYYXEmdOpaYddpaKVgvgBAHHh_RxbHDWGp5xwB-yQzPJVV_PFZ22JizPswas2EU0jlfghGlu1UgYMOLhItXJwr-b0qx3muUrzEoQQbqNqMhqIuk/s1600/Untitled3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrG5RMd9LTmJCIuMYzrAJK6gsnZAqfJYYXEmdOpaYddpaKVgvgBAHHh_RxbHDWGp5xwB-yQzPJVV_PFZ22JizPswas2EU0jlfghGlu1UgYMOLhItXJwr-b0qx3muUrzEoQQbqNqMhqIuk/s400/Untitled3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There's an imminent danger, and it seems like it would be settling down, but that is not the case. A dangerous witch and a member of the Covenant kidnap Diana, and Matthew and his family have to save her. Afterwards, she and Matthew travel back to Aunt Sara and Emily's house to stay to try and buy time. There, Diana develops new powers. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQZs7gwDHlMj3hb5tmMu1J8RUvPg2YQQow4KrCnkLdVQ7TliVhUXhXaue1PJ3E18u7VlsW1TByhczRI9fVfJShW2MtZHo-dNlSF-GcuNiUB9Sq-5RJzQzEsGzZxVVJOlBLOeOuMQyv4M/s1600/Untitled4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQZs7gwDHlMj3hb5tmMu1J8RUvPg2YQQow4KrCnkLdVQ7TliVhUXhXaue1PJ3E18u7VlsW1TByhczRI9fVfJShW2MtZHo-dNlSF-GcuNiUB9Sq-5RJzQzEsGzZxVVJOlBLOeOuMQyv4M/s400/Untitled4.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After that it is an amazing adventure, and I truly recommend it to anyone who is willing to read it. .</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-60884956028193197372015-09-14T10:54:00.000-07:002016-01-21T14:48:37.087-08:00Confessions of a Teenage Nerd I've never given thought to what being a "Nerd" really means to a nerd vs. outsiders (Yes, I said Outsiders.) until the other day when my cousin called me up, asking to borrow my "Geeky Items." My natural response was, "What do you mean "Geeky Items?"<br />
Her response actually silenced me for a few minutes. "You know, dorky glasses and knee high socks and stuff like that." <br />
Um. I'm sorry. Did you say dorky glasses? Knee high socks? Oh, okay, yes you did. It's just... I didn't realize that glasses and socks were for dorks. Thank you for enlightening me. (To be clear, that was <i>not </i>my response. I actually let her borrow a puzzle top.)<br />
That inspired me to write this post: Confessions of a Nerd.<br />
<br />
<b>1. We do </b><b><u>NOT </u> look like Steve Urkel. </b><br />
In fact, I've never met a nerd that looked like Urkel. This suspenders and glasses fad is exactly just that- a fad. You want to know what a nerd looks like? Pajamas, a sweater, socks, and a good book. Although, I have to admit, the Doctor's attire really inspires me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mgncEi61D_vijAIL4EuVigy2-UKhKI0jMwyQ40dK5CbKXwdL84HEB-Kbe6EMTxvEGfHJ4ABTbyiOcegJFOYNUy0HjJzPdeT_Cb32_gHkhPO9mmfiqAFob_ikFEnnZ2wM6PWnaYiqCSM/s1600/urkel.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mgncEi61D_vijAIL4EuVigy2-UKhKI0jMwyQ40dK5CbKXwdL84HEB-Kbe6EMTxvEGfHJ4ABTbyiOcegJFOYNUy0HjJzPdeT_Cb32_gHkhPO9mmfiqAFob_ikFEnnZ2wM6PWnaYiqCSM/s400/urkel.jpe" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b> 2. We have too many fandoms. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>For those who do not know what a fandom is, it a bunch of fans of a certain T.V. show, book, movie, etc.. For me, it would be Doctor Who, Big Bang Theory, and... I can't keep count. It's a wide sea of fandoms out there: Supernatural, Sherlock, Divergent, Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Glee, and so, so, so much more. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GOmGI4SAkb_2WPxhUFjV7RMWiBZLcpeJyc4Ayg9P-Akoy7PVfR_41t0Sd3q_5YZ2Jnkpla2WtfugvLqy1ujdAF-o5VkmWnKNLU7sGaOfpZwO77TnwVxDMEPDUEmEH1XLg1bOGFmbuzY/s1600/th.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GOmGI4SAkb_2WPxhUFjV7RMWiBZLcpeJyc4Ayg9P-Akoy7PVfR_41t0Sd3q_5YZ2Jnkpla2WtfugvLqy1ujdAF-o5VkmWnKNLU7sGaOfpZwO77TnwVxDMEPDUEmEH1XLg1bOGFmbuzY/s400/th.jpe" width="382" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>3. If you date us, or even know us, it will be a reference bomb shell. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I realize way too often that I making references to Doctor Who. It doesn't matter where I am, what I'm doing, or who I'm with. I will make a reference. One time while taking an art test, one of my friends whispered "May the odds be ever in your favor." It can be quite scary sometimes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXb4vV3Km6FnKBlY4CZ1yBd0GhmGvU4f0300ahFbRNrR0e3mirZNFdKedWQY9sVaEYkaVTOhiULk_z-wEvEjLpR53834KbezbWqVZSBqBSlEBeY-Sh14Rpo12OxPhdDXB2_PJjCRPY86E/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXb4vV3Km6FnKBlY4CZ1yBd0GhmGvU4f0300ahFbRNrR0e3mirZNFdKedWQY9sVaEYkaVTOhiULk_z-wEvEjLpR53834KbezbWqVZSBqBSlEBeY-Sh14Rpo12OxPhdDXB2_PJjCRPY86E/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b> 4. We, too, like to look at pretty boys.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b> </b>My cousin is always telling me I don't like to be mesmerized by boys. Um, no. I like to stare at pretty boys. I just don't stare at the hipster down the street. I stare at the actors from the Avengers, does that count? (Answer: yes, they does.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4hJU6aD-0zQSzesMqDcYhXRoAwsVNCd-iRSn7mdjFWkMLpPmEJ35XhI2nG2fECZCXNJLZC8IoAWUXnJ_V2d6DDxzpp8TNCEi3_NA2nCJqhPBDag8c2bTaOu3RXvGwYZlqawV6DCZSj4/s1600/th+%25282%2529.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4hJU6aD-0zQSzesMqDcYhXRoAwsVNCd-iRSn7mdjFWkMLpPmEJ35XhI2nG2fECZCXNJLZC8IoAWUXnJ_V2d6DDxzpp8TNCEi3_NA2nCJqhPBDag8c2bTaOu3RXvGwYZlqawV6DCZSj4/s400/th+%25282%2529.jpe" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>5. We do not ALWAYS watch our shows, or read our favorite books... </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, sometimes we do, but only if there is absolutely nothing else going on. We have lives, but our lives don't consist of going to the mall 20 times a month to just walk around, or hang out at the park. Speaking for myself, if I were hanging out with someone, I'd want it to be in a house. Of course, if your active a park is a perfect place. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>6. We're not in our rooms because we're antisocial. We're in our rooms because we're reading or you're loud.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b> </b>Seriously. I cannot explain this enough. My parents have never accused me of being antisocial really, but my sister has. Sometime we really are just being antisocial, but most of the time, you are just very loud.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>7. We didn't choose the nerd life. The nerd life chose us.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b> </b>There isn't an explanation needed for this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXQ1QMpSqRvmwWrq1pLSQOSL7Fv9bnQB4yZzbBOm8JDc8Gd-bEwJDa-PVBW16QwHnUmXzk4MuyP7iFqOHpBrMF6QQtPqlLw6QBWWosHeOgm2zyO3-hDb0sXQND34nNT8ZCJs6p1XyALU/s1600/4c1b6e964c48b30f6bb1b684af65a784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXQ1QMpSqRvmwWrq1pLSQOSL7Fv9bnQB4yZzbBOm8JDc8Gd-bEwJDa-PVBW16QwHnUmXzk4MuyP7iFqOHpBrMF6QQtPqlLw6QBWWosHeOgm2zyO3-hDb0sXQND34nNT8ZCJs6p1XyALU/s400/4c1b6e964c48b30f6bb1b684af65a784.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you enjoyed!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXnRj6zgHRG0dKeD9fgCEEyf86WnIeShuJsnEc1Up1ERoqKq_mrglTXcEHi3v-Rz0xOGLRsozgd6guMLaTd9eXBQbaYW3l5InZtKCJEqYH4px-0S-CHiv9rY8BaQE1peUPuYDM21_oRk/s1600/loading_lg_w.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXnRj6zgHRG0dKeD9fgCEEyf86WnIeShuJsnEc1Up1ERoqKq_mrglTXcEHi3v-Rz0xOGLRsozgd6guMLaTd9eXBQbaYW3l5InZtKCJEqYH4px-0S-CHiv9rY8BaQE1peUPuYDM21_oRk/s1600/loading_lg_w.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-44284611982523108792015-08-28T08:26:00.002-07:002015-08-28T08:35:56.656-07:00Super Friday Today is, unfortunately, the last day for Geek Week, and I am quite sad at this. I will admit that some of them frazzled me a bi<br />
t, because I didn't know if I would be able to finish on time, but I enjoyed it so much. Who knows? Perhaps I'll do this again next year.<br />
Since today is Friday, and a lot of people love Fridays, I thought I would make today Super Friday. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFi48kXJWaa9oGxQlgI6bGY5H2P7nN4E5zpj-ckpvv0jsm6Cx8t_C5JUS-SRj31AtJGqIdiv6m8WFwtEjds5VafdTiRAx-36QGsqIpxURRq1h4EPN60vpDwd6zzPh3e42H5jn07Mlvqds/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFi48kXJWaa9oGxQlgI6bGY5H2P7nN4E5zpj-ckpvv0jsm6Cx8t_C5JUS-SRj31AtJGqIdiv6m8WFwtEjds5VafdTiRAx-36QGsqIpxURRq1h4EPN60vpDwd6zzPh3e42H5jn07Mlvqds/s400/Untitled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Superheroes have been around for a long, long time and have been enjoyed by kids everywhere. They bring hope and happiness, and it is something adults and children both can enjoy. <br />
There are a lot of different kinds of Superheroes, like: Captain America (FUN FACT: Captain America was created during World War II to bring America hope.), Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk, Superman, Green Lantern, etc.. Recently, Marvel Studios has been creating more and more heroes like The Guardians of The Galaxy and much, much ore.<br />
I think kids and adults enjoy Superheroes for different reasons. I think kids like them because they're just really cool and big and strong, but I think adults like them because it's something they watched as children themselves. <br />
So, today, instead telling you so much about <i>why </i>I think people like Superheroes, I'll tell you about some that are my favorite, and let you decide if you'd like to read the comics or watch the movies. I'll tell you a few characteristics about why I like them, but won't give a huge back story, because it should be up to you whether you would want to read them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuEbhhYdBsE8erJm5mQin4_zV2rBjIvVBErOtaJ4c1dygOMdRwszKB5cGnTGv9tmmdRv7VKMnBLsxsw14T5G_CdS-rAqIe7rHwqpehTgTM_FSExk34ZcKTvg9Qj-wO2r7-cNf7DyEjfY/s1600/download+%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuEbhhYdBsE8erJm5mQin4_zV2rBjIvVBErOtaJ4c1dygOMdRwszKB5cGnTGv9tmmdRv7VKMnBLsxsw14T5G_CdS-rAqIe7rHwqpehTgTM_FSExk34ZcKTvg9Qj-wO2r7-cNf7DyEjfY/s400/download+%25282%2529.jpeg" width="277" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
First would be Wonder Woman. I have adored Wonder Woman since I was really little. I even have a Wonder Woman cup! Wonder Woman is this kind of kick butt, major iconic character for me. As a little kid, she set in the idea that a woman can do anything. She's an amazonian, given, and Amazonians are pretty awesome and a little scary at the same time. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w3UQDzxdMnhYJwMEVESgk6SLyDtzzqBM3hzp6G-3C4YrRc5i3WazxmlpEZ0c2SstUkgW_5eHnSeJRzKXo94sLGDSuZbQ8SNEUbk7qik1Aa8rBevPLqPnDZgJ7P2O3N_ir5aeuGMZ_R0/s1600/download+%25284%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w3UQDzxdMnhYJwMEVESgk6SLyDtzzqBM3hzp6G-3C4YrRc5i3WazxmlpEZ0c2SstUkgW_5eHnSeJRzKXo94sLGDSuZbQ8SNEUbk7qik1Aa8rBevPLqPnDZgJ7P2O3N_ir5aeuGMZ_R0/s400/download+%25284%2529.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Clark Kent, AKA Superman, is this sort of tall handsome reporter from Krypton. Ironically enough, his only weakness is Kryptonite. He's very much in love with Louis Lane, a fellow reporter. But, he doesn't allow his feelings for Louis to get in the way of him saving the Metropolis area frequently.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSuULT4rhT054_Z3xExFthCYg29L_vekKGLq3kdbhMRZ5uPxo8LUozVx0gPypdSfMwIX5Ic-MoCKZ5AJ0HpGvLG6Qg_S-yC3MZjdoxFczZ2KTinYhdAmTk8XwWNgx_FE8hahOs4jac70/s1600/download+%25283%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSuULT4rhT054_Z3xExFthCYg29L_vekKGLq3kdbhMRZ5uPxo8LUozVx0gPypdSfMwIX5Ic-MoCKZ5AJ0HpGvLG6Qg_S-yC3MZjdoxFczZ2KTinYhdAmTk8XwWNgx_FE8hahOs4jac70/s400/download+%25283%2529.jpeg" width="258" /></a></div>
<br />
Captain America came about in the 1940's, in the midst of WWII, to bring hope to the American people. He was a scrawny guy who really wanted to be a soldier, to fight for the cause, but was told many times that he would not be a fit soldier. Finally, he was allowed to be a soldier, but was also asked to partake in a experiment to make the world's first super soldier. From there, he is in S.H.I.E.L.D. and is an agent of sorts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEwAQRf1_64ZI0xy3_gYIfHzC5ZvJ5RFwCxJH7K_4zhwWwtzXsibHvt-gilzbl8N5cma6kagYUwxc3WuLzr2J-UzbBsa_nt1za1x-A7ay3IQWidbbeIi-O0kMPYEgcOYby32PYEZn3FU/s1600/th.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEwAQRf1_64ZI0xy3_gYIfHzC5ZvJ5RFwCxJH7K_4zhwWwtzXsibHvt-gilzbl8N5cma6kagYUwxc3WuLzr2J-UzbBsa_nt1za1x-A7ay3IQWidbbeIi-O0kMPYEgcOYby32PYEZn3FU/s400/th.jpeg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thor is probably one of my all time favorite Superheroes. I mean, he's sort of an alien, but he can control thunder! How cool is that?! He also has a love interest, but that is totally beside the point. He's the son of Odin, brother of Loki, and is just really really awesome. (It should be noted that I have only seen the movie.)</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGyg3a-T6IE92mUWrHslFLXrIEpOyeKowW_CMTblrAc1DQ3VgbFtBMM2hZT5Q4-EORjO7vE3oWsWQpKbIFZT7HijT9Sn2KbwANzWwR19UQL7BJQ6EX5vse9f1NLnVpUrPWqbtjTuRIKM/s1600/download+%25285%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGyg3a-T6IE92mUWrHslFLXrIEpOyeKowW_CMTblrAc1DQ3VgbFtBMM2hZT5Q4-EORjO7vE3oWsWQpKbIFZT7HijT9Sn2KbwANzWwR19UQL7BJQ6EX5vse9f1NLnVpUrPWqbtjTuRIKM/s400/download+%25285%2529.jpeg" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
I like many other characters, but to keep this short and not 20 minutes long, I'll just say the fourth favorite, and that would be Black Widow. I don't really know how to describe Black Widow, honestly. She's very... snarky. Like Captain America, she is part of S.H.I.E.L.D., but is less willing to follow direction than he is. What struck me funny was that she can speak Russian in the Avenger's movie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjWFptoLDhUFwEvHPWPZZGRAtuAhWp6XQWSdAt1qlt4XEgZE_jqIdv8fCNEEoOy02irSyY7Z-YTxGxPnxImFqdxOtgVHdnbhJ87pO3K4cibe_nCvW6WjRyLmCfLL01s2_mS_RvK5RHFY/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjWFptoLDhUFwEvHPWPZZGRAtuAhWp6XQWSdAt1qlt4XEgZE_jqIdv8fCNEEoOy02irSyY7Z-YTxGxPnxImFqdxOtgVHdnbhJ87pO3K4cibe_nCvW6WjRyLmCfLL01s2_mS_RvK5RHFY/s400/images.jpeg" width="307" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To add to my love of Superheroes, they have a Lego Marvel Superheroes video game! (Which is super fun by the way!)</div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-86489934829390978402015-08-27T17:19:00.006-07:002015-08-27T17:19:57.874-07:00Lego Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUne2G4uDJEhozmq98csolUMv0cBL_G6kVwhyphenhyphen97XowPFuqBN_bd_6NyA7pct4q-pAfkVz1_j_oq-pn5OB_DYYPnQIy_b5ZCAjlzlaVm7sq6dhvbxyDJPJnucV05Q1Zr1tIx9JjKzgHn-o/s1600/Geek+Week+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUne2G4uDJEhozmq98csolUMv0cBL_G6kVwhyphenhyphen97XowPFuqBN_bd_6NyA7pct4q-pAfkVz1_j_oq-pn5OB_DYYPnQIy_b5ZCAjlzlaVm7sq6dhvbxyDJPJnucV05Q1Zr1tIx9JjKzgHn-o/s400/Geek+Week+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Today is Thursday, August 27, 2015. <br />
AKA Lego Thursday!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DQed8BfhPrIKrZlqacZCcZQ_bj9U57TBre6ed91Uv6Nl5qGH637onWkkIAjdCEyhArnETJT9NfSd1kLmRjG2ncwHDSJh-_gnMP7HtpNgsq9XrCwJJeYqpycAvS-2mNVv3o7Y0tLhnsk/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DQed8BfhPrIKrZlqacZCcZQ_bj9U57TBre6ed91Uv6Nl5qGH637onWkkIAjdCEyhArnETJT9NfSd1kLmRjG2ncwHDSJh-_gnMP7HtpNgsq9XrCwJJeYqpycAvS-2mNVv3o7Y0tLhnsk/s400/Untitled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My brother and I really like Lego's, and he builds with them quite often. (I can't, because I become too frustrated.) So, naturally, I asked if he would want to help me with this little exposé.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
While I wrote my paper for school, I gave him the time to make a couple of structures. During one of my breaks, I asked what he was making, and he said, "A phone holder, a control holder (for Wii remotes), and a zip line box."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53Qf-2ydDDzNhT1IPy_ZrLzNwHYEnUQGFDNAwoUX7Osc4p1-aJxCQFLVm0DAyrXyz-nHtmioEsSCYyqDYIIVdvzF9i-KLb_R86WJIv2c1HyrnbRssxgtsYEZlDIF3dxGbPlX-z2z8Ln0/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53Qf-2ydDDzNhT1IPy_ZrLzNwHYEnUQGFDNAwoUX7Osc4p1-aJxCQFLVm0DAyrXyz-nHtmioEsSCYyqDYIIVdvzF9i-KLb_R86WJIv2c1HyrnbRssxgtsYEZlDIF3dxGbPlX-z2z8Ln0/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Lego's are small building bricks that can connect to one another. Children use these in their playrooms, making silly creations. This toy can "create anything, and build everything," (I looked up what Lego users say about Lego's.) and can, "help you understand how to be creative and build things on your own." I think that that statement is spot on, because it is important that we teach children from a young age how to use critical thinking skills, and give them a chance to show their creativity. <br />
Some of the stuff my brother builds truly astounds me, and I'm always pleased to see what he's built.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJTBU0BxcFrO8WKGLLC_Z8AsDaRZPZo5kKt05YdJq_OhaF1j3B1xURiHtI5dZYS4z9bA0jXDmMWYQmhwJCL6FJSzcBTrARZUb07TXa6nLJNCGdyVtMkAhft_faIJgwhye_FTYtts5fyM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJTBU0BxcFrO8WKGLLC_Z8AsDaRZPZo5kKt05YdJq_OhaF1j3B1xURiHtI5dZYS4z9bA0jXDmMWYQmhwJCL6FJSzcBTrARZUb07TXa6nLJNCGdyVtMkAhft_faIJgwhye_FTYtts5fyM/s400/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Not only do you have generic Lego, Lego users, who also play Minecraft, have Minecraft Lego's, which I thought was really fun to build. They sell sets at Toys R Us and Books A Million!.<br />
To add to my brother's holders and zip line box, I decided to be a kid again and play with the Lego's. On Pinterest, a popular social media site, I saw ways to incorporate Lego's in the classroom. As a future teacher, I wanted to see if this could be useful. <br />
I built a bacteria model, which can be easily copied, and, for all you chemistry lovers out there, I made molecules. <br />
Here is my bacteria model, which I am quite proud of:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTAKAmW4ptzG0j1nKjUyNf_RD80uOPvrrAsDHKIXCO2RrsDICJyMa9y3GlS__qvmClECBtQmIINPJv6NLrQQ9VO1vAXrT6nuJLwHZU52krRSgs7EMHRR3JsCan71Ocp7cDLJxtmTaEzs/s1600/Lego+Bacteria+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTAKAmW4ptzG0j1nKjUyNf_RD80uOPvrrAsDHKIXCO2RrsDICJyMa9y3GlS__qvmClECBtQmIINPJv6NLrQQ9VO1vAXrT6nuJLwHZU52krRSgs7EMHRR3JsCan71Ocp7cDLJxtmTaEzs/s320/Lego+Bacteria+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After doing this bacteria model, I thought that this is a very smart way to represent parts of the cell, and could do this as an activity. In Biology, you learn about plant and animal cells, so doing an activity similar to this could be very beneficial rather than just drawing a model. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyX8zrOTCgZ5B26x2t18sc05y6SVGHeJwEISfu0Wwc5BY4vy15NH-HZWjOO_Q8fByUy5UOHl1bbuiJH6C9cyn6sx_hq4QitHcwNyaMhxBgp4XACtLkE595c52XRJpPxLwft8RHNFKNzQ/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyX8zrOTCgZ5B26x2t18sc05y6SVGHeJwEISfu0Wwc5BY4vy15NH-HZWjOO_Q8fByUy5UOHl1bbuiJH6C9cyn6sx_hq4QitHcwNyaMhxBgp4XACtLkE595c52XRJpPxLwft8RHNFKNzQ/s400/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The molecules were harder to do, but if I were a chemistry teacher, or if I home schooled my child and were in the chemistry unit, or just simply wanted to show some examples, I'd use Lego's to show examples of bonding and such. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJSeqnWFXtoYDGlb8ScE7vynuZzOnjuOo7Ry6J8GtA64p54jOsG3nFK35FBfUDZsr9dOVictTEMmjWPBFm_X-yzB__8HHkuh3mXYpjP-n8J9ZKmtPkh04cdzX4rpU9uKij0aUTwyGF00/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJSeqnWFXtoYDGlb8ScE7vynuZzOnjuOo7Ry6J8GtA64p54jOsG3nFK35FBfUDZsr9dOVictTEMmjWPBFm_X-yzB__8HHkuh3mXYpjP-n8J9ZKmtPkh04cdzX4rpU9uKij0aUTwyGF00/s640/PicMonkey+Collage6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And, for your personal enjoyment: my father fooling around with the Lego's. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXT5mchZkKHgdw_zJ7xIE5ePY7hZ6dV54spmQKw2GSWDbGPbsXlW-UP5A3kR40QLZYR_cpl9qz4yrYHSNa3eE9zvjMNG8_uPG5DDBbUpaLUlfYsdQ0Cb07K-CrQIYBY-zerM8e9z8n5s/s1600/DSCN1019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXT5mchZkKHgdw_zJ7xIE5ePY7hZ6dV54spmQKw2GSWDbGPbsXlW-UP5A3kR40QLZYR_cpl9qz4yrYHSNa3eE9zvjMNG8_uPG5DDBbUpaLUlfYsdQ0Cb07K-CrQIYBY-zerM8e9z8n5s/s400/DSCN1019.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-56187551059741102422015-08-26T15:05:00.000-07:002015-08-26T15:22:51.352-07:00Busting Myths Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DQdAiEjhGOzb7Dk_ujJVDsxb718Ocm52PQEojR64tbsmxJbSg3MzgrNcleH40t4x-1ycHB0vjcc33UUxyvEqIDBhorG84u0wBMcKzzS0igE8nJ_ikz1WFWihqEuB4zsLlaPA7XBBMyQ/s1600/Geek+Week+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DQdAiEjhGOzb7Dk_ujJVDsxb718Ocm52PQEojR64tbsmxJbSg3MzgrNcleH40t4x-1ycHB0vjcc33UUxyvEqIDBhorG84u0wBMcKzzS0igE8nJ_ikz1WFWihqEuB4zsLlaPA7XBBMyQ/s400/Geek+Week+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here we are, at day three of the fabulous Geek Week. I really enjoyed the time and thought I put into this, because, at my house, we are total dorks and love experiments.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With this being said, today is Busting Myths Wednesday!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMb23q0HmfiVphZ_XqWduufLfs4YQbmB9dMhVaFMxgo0e3dGJcsNVRhx3236h4CCyMS10cYnFgr4GYpqDMzrLCr57h8eDFMPiE-8f-yelHZFLF0IX2OGXMBq4L2fV8Ruw0BQ9hUSflwU/s1600/Myth+Busting+Wednesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMb23q0HmfiVphZ_XqWduufLfs4YQbmB9dMhVaFMxgo0e3dGJcsNVRhx3236h4CCyMS10cYnFgr4GYpqDMzrLCr57h8eDFMPiE-8f-yelHZFLF0IX2OGXMBq4L2fV8Ruw0BQ9hUSflwU/s400/Myth+Busting+Wednesday.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Mythbusters </i>is a television show where they use the scientific method to see if they can bust a myth. An example of that would be: If a woman wears high heels, does it affect her driving? (It's not a make up example either. This was on an episode.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdQg1I6EmmCKmaqNpZXUIT4XdciAQlU77N-ihW5e-U5SAWiExKsaLp7QEPkEgBz2xSfG1nEWFtv4IURXuQgBnen4uh-1ujy7myZSSjMUQqykr1w79udm_WNEr_fplPUQVx72PETd5T0c/s1600/mythbusters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdQg1I6EmmCKmaqNpZXUIT4XdciAQlU77N-ihW5e-U5SAWiExKsaLp7QEPkEgBz2xSfG1nEWFtv4IURXuQgBnen4uh-1ujy7myZSSjMUQqykr1w79udm_WNEr_fplPUQVx72PETd5T0c/s400/mythbusters.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, my brother, two sisters and I decided to do a little myth busting ourselves. It may not be as glorified and explosive as the television show, but we had a good time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you want to try these at home, these are kid friendly, fun experiments that do not take much time if done properly. Most times I ask what they think will happen, and at the end, ask what really happened. This is teaching them skills that they will later learn in science classes (scientific method.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Experiment #1:</b> Does vinegar dissolve the shell off of an egg? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For this experiment you will need:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-An egg straight from the carton (each child could get one, or you could only use one. We only used one, since we had three children participating.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-A measuring bowl</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Vinegar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiEjATzvOVN37Kj-01kebbvszD-Pq0NsHp8eAkCrPeA_AtFTVpWkQOW0w6YJHc_eCX8CDItQXhFGbVqEWRWKaPo3CLaqy6wU-7ES3v1QdTIVkWGKWHIq4nai5AU-j7sx3PWGJHhKuY40/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiEjATzvOVN37Kj-01kebbvszD-Pq0NsHp8eAkCrPeA_AtFTVpWkQOW0w6YJHc_eCX8CDItQXhFGbVqEWRWKaPo3CLaqy6wU-7ES3v1QdTIVkWGKWHIq4nai5AU-j7sx3PWGJHhKuY40/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First, set your egg in the measuring bowl. Once that is completed, pour vinegar in the measuring bowl until the egg is completely submerged. Leave the egg(s) in the measuring bowl for 24 hours (one whole day), then the make your observations. Do <u>NOT</u> take the egg out yet. Leave it in for another 24 hours, and then, when the next day is over, make your final observations. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Observation? It does dissolve the shell off an egg!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrytMEEmEF9es63yu_R-ACQU1tM2lcIrYYGbhaX1ku4XU24U3snC29BRJcjfN-PM7bmhxPkIFL5uA_in1o1b6f16y_L_i7qIZRZQ421PI43nwskbHAfiHxMCDvy0FIHybEZ2mFUEItN0/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrytMEEmEF9es63yu_R-ACQU1tM2lcIrYYGbhaX1ku4XU24U3snC29BRJcjfN-PM7bmhxPkIFL5uA_in1o1b6f16y_L_i7qIZRZQ421PI43nwskbHAfiHxMCDvy0FIHybEZ2mFUEItN0/s400/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The final product should look like this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoR7uvx0CmdPNWqLLA7XWSyq-mQs-6nNMPyavP7AL2xcE1s7tKRcoIHrn-sKcNlYfdGHYPR75x2WPyzLZMtsPvo4vexl8tJvsJTNWaY9lyWk7n_CAMG1H4toBlxA0lnc445HO9jD3Ie_A/s1600/DSCN0818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoR7uvx0CmdPNWqLLA7XWSyq-mQs-6nNMPyavP7AL2xcE1s7tKRcoIHrn-sKcNlYfdGHYPR75x2WPyzLZMtsPvo4vexl8tJvsJTNWaY9lyWk7n_CAMG1H4toBlxA0lnc445HO9jD3Ie_A/s400/DSCN0818.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Note: I would use gloves when performing this experiment, because it can make your hands smell very bad. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b> Suggestion: Try bouncing the "naked" egg like a bouncy ball (lightly. Please do not throw the egg, for it will pop.) Also, take a tooth pick and watch it explode!</b></div>
<br />
<b>Experiment #2:</b> Which could give the copper penny a bluish tint the best: vinegar, soda, or lemon juice?<br />
This will require an adult, since you will have to cut a lemon in half.<br />
You will need:<br />
-lemon juice<br />
-vinegar<br />
-soda of your choice (I used Cherry Limeade.)<br />
-small measuring bowls<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOM48DjGXn1uvKibaG0epEC562ollPGUtXtvxGS3U9WC5TTECXJ2PcIRWGaAV7gd496Mn9_ewM41wphVjM5V5lViNpanhQPISK3aatrvn9lmj74Drrm7WFFnZ1DUCM3eQHEX2XJD3Bbsg/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOM48DjGXn1uvKibaG0epEC562ollPGUtXtvxGS3U9WC5TTECXJ2PcIRWGaAV7gd496Mn9_ewM41wphVjM5V5lViNpanhQPISK3aatrvn9lmj74Drrm7WFFnZ1DUCM3eQHEX2XJD3Bbsg/s400/PicMonkey+Collage5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
First, you would pour the liquids into three different, small measuring bowls. Then, place a penny in each bowl (do not use the same penny.) Like the egg experiment, I let them make predictions and then observations. <br />
You should let the pennies set in the liquid for 3-12 hours. I only kept them in there for three.<br />
Observation? Neither lemon juice, cherry limeade, or vinegar turn the pennies blue, but lemon juice seems to corrode one penny.<br />
<br />
<b>Experiment #3: </b>If I put a tic-tac in a bottle of Cherry Limeade soda, will it explode like Mentos and Pepsi?<br />
You will need:<br />
-Tic-Tacs<br />
-Cherry Limeade<br />
-a bottle (I used a small, glass milk bottle.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TPAfj6wL4LIyHDLiCWokRkC-z-DlnAR6GGDM9anINmbxVJ69LKTuAMCZ7US9vZS39aVRmoFNxdQmQ4ae2lNuNT5JH16gshdsMsSknQxNWmu_B3pUZsfOfX8K7FVAPIHfx4jaa2kzUi8/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TPAfj6wL4LIyHDLiCWokRkC-z-DlnAR6GGDM9anINmbxVJ69LKTuAMCZ7US9vZS39aVRmoFNxdQmQ4ae2lNuNT5JH16gshdsMsSknQxNWmu_B3pUZsfOfX8K7FVAPIHfx4jaa2kzUi8/s400/PicMonkey+Collage+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the simplest experiment I can do. We figured if a Mentos will explode a Pepsi, then a Cherry Limeade soda and a tic-tac should do the same. <br />
First, pour the Cherry Limeade into a bottle. Next drop the tic-tac into the bottle, and observe.<br />
Observation? It does not explode, but the tic-tacs do get a little bit bigger. <br />
<br />The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-24259665440919018222015-08-25T05:41:00.000-07:002015-08-26T15:24:14.154-07:00Time Lord Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-bcIP9Hxu9DIp8H69o8lOocPi1j5Lns5W3tc_3ExMrY8vZFRXGmyXaKG-Cee_DdKl1GzPLyIp9ntXx9kXzVbvaM_Vrv5rZZuSwTw3tvg8P0xJmDtRVkCMvIJ9H2Rkao3RxoUMquukCY/s1600/Geek+Week+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-bcIP9Hxu9DIp8H69o8lOocPi1j5Lns5W3tc_3ExMrY8vZFRXGmyXaKG-Cee_DdKl1GzPLyIp9ntXx9kXzVbvaM_Vrv5rZZuSwTw3tvg8P0xJmDtRVkCMvIJ9H2Rkao3RxoUMquukCY/s400/Geek+Week+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's Time Lord Tuesday!</div>
Today marks the second day in Geek Week; it's also one of my favorite topics.<br />
Anyone who has read my Doctor Who: <a href="http://thelovelynerdbookreviews.blogspot.com/2015/04/doctor-who-eccleston-era.html">Eccleston</a>, <a href="http://thelovelynerdbookreviews.blogspot.com/2015/05/doctor-who-tennant-era.html">Tennant</a>, and <a href="http://thelovelynerdbookreviews.blogspot.com/2015/05/doctor-who-smith-era.html">Smith</a> Era posts, knows just how much I adore the British television show.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzvm34o8fBBXwMH7QSGLSspsTAJOMuw9faSpNsY477dl3bxtlmn_FkDIGTygQFCGWBZEVWNk9TOWFSIPlNbu1RTiouPxX23kTNm94KGOeFshijbgAlM63ShvUJliTbIyxFj0KsefmRNw/s1600/Doctor+Who+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzvm34o8fBBXwMH7QSGLSspsTAJOMuw9faSpNsY477dl3bxtlmn_FkDIGTygQFCGWBZEVWNk9TOWFSIPlNbu1RTiouPxX23kTNm94KGOeFshijbgAlM63ShvUJliTbIyxFj0KsefmRNw/s400/Doctor+Who+Day.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Doctor Who</i> is one of those shows that are truly crazy and unpredictable. And, it's no use trying to guess what's going to happen next, because you will more than likely be completely wrong. If it's a Moffat episode, we Whovians call it a Moffat loop.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have watched some of the classic series, but am at the Third Doctor, so I will tell you about what I know well (9-11.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLFCBfC5EVn1a-MUchHaPntf4B8ZgR888lufiUhef3vZlcrSntPm59QG25dgemJqlXjvS_mX_3_g4VCg5JuAeD5Nl-bRKPxttuSpBNIm6KMlCczYpI9UZ8GasI27u4dEyiY4Lhl6iSKM/s1600/CE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLFCBfC5EVn1a-MUchHaPntf4B8ZgR888lufiUhef3vZlcrSntPm59QG25dgemJqlXjvS_mX_3_g4VCg5JuAeD5Nl-bRKPxttuSpBNIm6KMlCczYpI9UZ8GasI27u4dEyiY4Lhl6iSKM/s400/CE.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I began <i>Doctor Who</i> with the Ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston. Nine regenerated (The Doctor gets a new body and personality, while having all the same memories, whenever he gets into a fatal situation. One body dies, another is born.) right after the Time War, a time period in the Doctor's life that he isn't proud of and wishes he could forget. I think since he just came out of war, and has killed more than he would care to admit, he tries to make up for it by saving all these people in the universe. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I first started watching the show, the first thing I was drawn to was his sarcasm. He's a hero, but at first glance you wouldn't think it because of how rude and frank he is.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_D3JmiDCJF3eIXil4FCelfVC9kVnN19FOngobpV_5u-wRSVXiUv0UzioZ4ZOgtYL60JcSii9rZBDU_kIcEREOs36UwoyKIbpZzYxYZLlLw5zH9dfmz3PJ1dKRjQO4t6hBVHzrBTxvJx0/s1600/CE2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_D3JmiDCJF3eIXil4FCelfVC9kVnN19FOngobpV_5u-wRSVXiUv0UzioZ4ZOgtYL60JcSii9rZBDU_kIcEREOs36UwoyKIbpZzYxYZLlLw5zH9dfmz3PJ1dKRjQO4t6hBVHzrBTxvJx0/s400/CE2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first series of the new <i>Doctor Who </i>series is also where we meet Rose Tyler, who is a very important person in the Doctor's life. She shows the Doctor that he isn't all bad, and helps him grow as a person. They go on many adventures, see many things, and become great friends- though us, Whovians, saw there was another factor to them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ultimately, he regenerates trying to save Rose.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGlOY9z6NfHYWyB57ia4_ie65ebIXcMKx8-w9df5uphr-woLJ21uRkQupb2091bU540WmpZCfiPsN4F1OChE8wxf2Cb4VUXwAMQr1SyF4SPG1gMFQMK5WwpMT5v7qpm1MJVcDRkKD0_4/s1600/DT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGlOY9z6NfHYWyB57ia4_ie65ebIXcMKx8-w9df5uphr-woLJ21uRkQupb2091bU540WmpZCfiPsN4F1OChE8wxf2Cb4VUXwAMQr1SyF4SPG1gMFQMK5WwpMT5v7qpm1MJVcDRkKD0_4/s400/DT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello there, Mr. Tennant!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
David Tennant played the Tenth Doctor, following Christopher Eccleston. Contrary to the sarcastic, always running Nine, Ten was very funny, yet broody and serious. I suppose that's something we love about him. I'm not going to lie- my two favorite characteristics about him is A) his hair B) his accent.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
His companions are in this order: Rose, Martha, and Donna. I already went over Rose with Mr. Eccleston. The only difference is with the Tenth Doctor, there was much more of an unspoken romance between him and Rose. I do believe I cried a river when he and Rose parted ways. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Martha was next. A lot of people like </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Martha, but, personally, I do not like her because she is always coming on to the Doctor when he is still getting over Rose. Don't get me wrong, though! She's brilliant! But, after a short run with The Doctor, she leaves him and joins U.N.I.T. after helping The Doctor one last time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Donna had a longer run than Martha. At first I didn't like her very much, but she proved to be companion worthy when we see her the second time. (She refused to join The Doctor the first time, but eventually does join him as his companion.) Donna is different than the other companions. She is sassy, and doesn't just follow The Doctor. Oh, the two of them had a wonderful run. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP5X9Kpx86hdlmRMjyuhRTmJ8hXRHfNkgMoZbOcYqHUt2iW7Vxzc3QLWUO62f4rB3yI4YvgnIEFNY6sTCUfroRNc-a8qun_P3TrkHMXHorLFRoQKnCWnQK33QYIQaumKpqwKMWR8L030/s1600/DT2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP5X9Kpx86hdlmRMjyuhRTmJ8hXRHfNkgMoZbOcYqHUt2iW7Vxzc3QLWUO62f4rB3yI4YvgnIEFNY6sTCUfroRNc-a8qun_P3TrkHMXHorLFRoQKnCWnQK33QYIQaumKpqwKMWR8L030/s400/DT2.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was sad to see Ten go, but excited to see what happens next. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pUDtxUn4SEDhNJmwfWiUoP9-UtwoAS88lWVuglXnu63hgM4vWvk1PjkzZDQI-WkxI3BcKH5nIiJ9j5g0oww_S-vM2phpSD3a3kyz6YgZ2kphMpONARzN9UlrkosQrKkIipAQ_HWt-I0/s1600/MS1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pUDtxUn4SEDhNJmwfWiUoP9-UtwoAS88lWVuglXnu63hgM4vWvk1PjkzZDQI-WkxI3BcKH5nIiJ9j5g0oww_S-vM2phpSD3a3kyz6YgZ2kphMpONARzN9UlrkosQrKkIipAQ_HWt-I0/s400/MS1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This. This is what was next. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Eccleston was a tiger. Tennant was a Tiger (like the character from Winnie the Pooh.) Matt Smith was an uncoordinated house cat, whose famous saying, "Bow ties are cool", is forever seared on my two hearts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If I have to pick my favorite Doctor, it would be the Eleventh, because he is just so <i>childish.</i> He's carefree, yet so serious at the same time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In first episode, <i>The Eleventh Hour, </i>we also meet his long time companions: Amelia Pond and Rory Williams. Oh, I loved Amy and Rory. For the longest time, they were the focus for Eleven, and he was content with his best friends- The Legs and The Nose (Impossible Astronaut saying.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then he meets River, and, Oh. My. God, I didn't think it could get any better! They had such a relationship, The Doctor and River Song. I mean, they actually were together together- openly admitted too! River was... something else. She was sassy, full of life, and hell in high heels. In other words, she was one of the most important people in Eleven's life, part of his little family.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tU4KOvoswEROH6l15qcypQJoc-HvpbCXEyvVVsTtPPbWoVOzRms5tYgTfjcEZUMUcDli12XVCrtxvw7s5fg8F2rYJRyHGmP-3EDGuSb8sNv_G5C60IrvdD3WVQpYgSyXXMJd363r4TM/s1600/MS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tU4KOvoswEROH6l15qcypQJoc-HvpbCXEyvVVsTtPPbWoVOzRms5tYgTfjcEZUMUcDli12XVCrtxvw7s5fg8F2rYJRyHGmP-3EDGuSb8sNv_G5C60IrvdD3WVQpYgSyXXMJd363r4TM/s400/MS2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then, when Amy, Rory, and River were all gone, we meet Clara Oswald. The Impossible Girl. A lot of people don't like Clara, but I really don't know why, because she fits so well with The Doctor. She's really snarky, and keeps him in check. And, unlike all the other companions, she doesn't live in the T.A.R.D.I.S. with him. She still maintains her life, and goes on adventures with him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYX9YOOW06c4kD2C6-JBMbCpaeaPQ4dYdut1LlqnsL8pHqEkaf0PJQPhRd0Io8nn49Xo6xBFoTl-v65Tx5vVNjpvYD6C4jUi-ymoQYdwHyWhUSaiAx63uS-2zzg-o2M880RpTHkt5uEq0/s1600/PC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYX9YOOW06c4kD2C6-JBMbCpaeaPQ4dYdut1LlqnsL8pHqEkaf0PJQPhRd0Io8nn49Xo6xBFoTl-v65Tx5vVNjpvYD6C4jUi-ymoQYdwHyWhUSaiAx63uS-2zzg-o2M880RpTHkt5uEq0/s400/PC.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And, so, here we are. At number Twelve. I can't say much on Peter Capaldi, because I only just met him a few days ago. However, I can say: Clara is still with him. She is still snarky. And I think I am going to like this guy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-25959601512983454472015-08-25T05:40:00.000-07:002015-08-26T15:25:48.244-07:00Minecraft Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsso7yNKm2-4UFFgHkBtKFelcyOAD9dE0A7WUoxr_2tGXitV3dgMY_gzvAajRo9TTDsiDbgBXnN0yKfJKGaqp8ivfSR0OUwkfcBOpixD2Du-K6w01PmOLEFqK2TJ_rdghho7-dWkMgfew/s1600/Geek+Week+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsso7yNKm2-4UFFgHkBtKFelcyOAD9dE0A7WUoxr_2tGXitV3dgMY_gzvAajRo9TTDsiDbgBXnN0yKfJKGaqp8ivfSR0OUwkfcBOpixD2Du-K6w01PmOLEFqK2TJ_rdghho7-dWkMgfew/s400/Geek+Week+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today starts of the beginning of Geek Week! I'm very excited, not because I can just rant about the awesomeness of being a geek, but I can tell you about some of the topics in Geektopia. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtG2Jq5VjvCUfyEgzp89GIhd1LMaRIwxs1hpIzQSxJEDBvaGo8NiXkzudt2rScYJRgDL7B-pQbv_KtXi_n0EvWx0WtWn65JUmwifkjTjeD0QW-HDEDQNSHMd6z1CJ9XRAs0I2U474Zs78/s1600/Minecraft+Monday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtG2Jq5VjvCUfyEgzp89GIhd1LMaRIwxs1hpIzQSxJEDBvaGo8NiXkzudt2rScYJRgDL7B-pQbv_KtXi_n0EvWx0WtWn65JUmwifkjTjeD0QW-HDEDQNSHMd6z1CJ9XRAs0I2U474Zs78/s400/Minecraft+Monday.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The picture above is the world my brother and I designed.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Around my house, Minecraft (PlayStation edition) is one of our favorite video games that get played frequently. We like it, well, because there is no objective. Well, in survival there is. In creative, there isn't. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTNwCZpwHWUVXtxWMfXYlNVPxgqbqgmnCWuMLafdwi7VhICFfW_Qb2X97PopkrTczART7w57fRGOdBMgcPcPIYSr2BmhBtyhCzZjwN8wugc9iA_DjdYSs1RsHvR0rChxAqiX8ZwZkGlU/s1600/mm6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTNwCZpwHWUVXtxWMfXYlNVPxgqbqgmnCWuMLafdwi7VhICFfW_Qb2X97PopkrTczART7w57fRGOdBMgcPcPIYSr2BmhBtyhCzZjwN8wugc9iA_DjdYSs1RsHvR0rChxAqiX8ZwZkGlU/s400/mm6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When you begin the game, you create a "world" (we call ours "Adventure Time".) Once that's done, it's basically whatever you wish from there. With this game, you can create a variety of structures, like: castles, mansions, farms, townhouses, bridges, pools, etc.. It isn't hard to learn; I, a person who doesn't play video games because I can't learn the controls, learned this fairly quick. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You have a character- I believe the boy is called Steve and the girl is called Alex, but you don't have to stick with one image. You have a wide range of "skins" which gives you your own personal look, and sets you apart from other players. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-nJj04LLRJaFruJApfjNMXTy0nNl4zvKGzpPhnnu_FH4H_ErcNIl2IteETHq7cpc1kIu8SmABqoMzrM-29gdlA4CjBhc4wBIPJOFWlB84q2i9zn2B8_Jl1SNYZKH_8DHkZPVpU2Jrgg/s1600/MM2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-nJj04LLRJaFruJApfjNMXTy0nNl4zvKGzpPhnnu_FH4H_ErcNIl2IteETHq7cpc1kIu8SmABqoMzrM-29gdlA4CjBhc4wBIPJOFWlB84q2i9zn2B8_Jl1SNYZKH_8DHkZPVpU2Jrgg/s400/MM2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once you learn the basic controls and have a skin, you can start building! This is my favorite part, because it's like a blank canvas- I can build whatever I want. You don't have to settle with just wood or stone, though, because you have entire selections of different building materials. Not only that, but you also have accessories like flowers, trees, carpets, spawn animals or monsters, etc.. From there it's all you. You can play on survival or creative and break or build until your heart's content.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJAIg8ln5rS4R2dnXYxmMKYNM1ZgaVoWWAnuLUSQNtvdCI_7d_52GchzWGfsz2_Tu73RpDViim8hvNxmuIu8q8CiyvsQ4AvU_-X-AftKioaT7piFsRJlpK-b48ns21GFw0RQ5vi7DbmA/s1600/MM+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJAIg8ln5rS4R2dnXYxmMKYNM1ZgaVoWWAnuLUSQNtvdCI_7d_52GchzWGfsz2_Tu73RpDViim8hvNxmuIu8q8CiyvsQ4AvU_-X-AftKioaT7piFsRJlpK-b48ns21GFw0RQ5vi7DbmA/s400/MM+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Adventure time is a sort of community world at my house, because my brother, sisters, and I all build on it. We have a church, Iron Golems, Zombies, Skeletons, multiple houses, a few towers, a couple mansions, an agricultural company (we felt the need for one) next to a farm, and tree houses. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Minecraft isn't only a game, though. There are some studies that show that the game helps ADHD children learn techniques to control their energy. I'm a firm believer that it could have a place in the field of mathematics to help teach area and perimeter (and probably in a few other areas.) I'd definitely recommend it to families and in some areas in the education system. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdNf3rnQJhRLqw4X3Jpi7ba1r73dMEBgI7OvGJtE8M7EYIgckim_ie8XxOZfUSUoZi1y1qPjuu3neOnVn97yUgvLFm4sfshPUElmbgjRoAlHiPeHSwKVnI7gaqq7bY6w1JMFILTO0018/s1600/MM+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdNf3rnQJhRLqw4X3Jpi7ba1r73dMEBgI7OvGJtE8M7EYIgckim_ie8XxOZfUSUoZi1y1qPjuu3neOnVn97yUgvLFm4sfshPUElmbgjRoAlHiPeHSwKVnI7gaqq7bY6w1JMFILTO0018/s400/MM+Collage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It should also be noted that this is one of the only video games I play without getting frustrated. I'd warn you, though, your child may kill someones virtual chickens and rip up a carpet without permission.</div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-50200404870113519332015-08-05T18:47:00.003-07:002015-08-05T18:50:04.529-07:00How Art Helps Mental Health <strong><em>***ATTENTION: If you do not believe in mental illness, or criticize those who have a mental health issue, I suggest you go click the little x in the right corner. Thank You.***</em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhGtb_gnf7Tc8Gw0pxALLknA3WlOTJIegU-71d1Xp-eTy2sT-JaSIIaKVefNBz_-X8yNMoz2JS7-Eqms2vmMma70jC_9_fu_6KBBQq1oI_ToDLjOiTVUInLBJXTABIJ6trV3FiXI6KJ0/s1600/How+Art+Helps+Mental+Illness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhGtb_gnf7Tc8Gw0pxALLknA3WlOTJIegU-71d1Xp-eTy2sT-JaSIIaKVefNBz_-X8yNMoz2JS7-Eqms2vmMma70jC_9_fu_6KBBQq1oI_ToDLjOiTVUInLBJXTABIJ6trV3FiXI6KJ0/s400/How+Art+Helps+Mental+Illness.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I've heard a lot of different arguments about art. The most popular among the "haters" is: "These so called "artists" need to get a real job, instead of doing nothing." (Which, FYI, it's really hard work to make something pretty.) <br />
I've heard that Fan Art is not real art. (Which, it totally is. It takes as much effort and creativity to create a piece from an existing T.V. show, book, song, etc..)<br />
I've heard that art is pointless, and that schools shouldn't be offering it.<br />
This is why I chose this topic, since it such a hidden controversy. <br />
I have a friend who is going to college, studying to be an art therapist. I had never heard of the profession before, but art therapy is commonly used throughout other therapy options for those who cannot voice their feelings. <br />
(If you read my previous post, <a href="http://thelovelynerdbookreviews.blogspot.com/2015/07/dear-reader-this-is-not-one-of-my-dorky.html">The Truth About Self Image: Positive vs. Destructive</a>, then you will know my viewpoints on therapy and such. If you haven't, then I suggest you read it, because this is sort of a follow up post on it.)<br />
It was suggested to me by my doctor that I use art to give my feelings a voice. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLydo1o2tw1xvvrRDuYl2oad_AznZQbt9oW3eg_ppdmsfe5xUcP_kqzOjrpf6vwXFELzKfy7MBtOiKpJDn2s0bxGIuXfe6X_6I3bBYsRsjgU2Lr8eIXYOlv_xXWzM1OnRNCByh1Xl2RFY/s1600/%2523what.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLydo1o2tw1xvvrRDuYl2oad_AznZQbt9oW3eg_ppdmsfe5xUcP_kqzOjrpf6vwXFELzKfy7MBtOiKpJDn2s0bxGIuXfe6X_6I3bBYsRsjgU2Lr8eIXYOlv_xXWzM1OnRNCByh1Xl2RFY/s400/%2523what.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I first was diagnosed with PNES, I did this piece. I never gave it a name (partially because I'm horrible at that sort of thing), and I didn't feel the need to. When I showed it to my doctor, he made me draw random things in our sessions, like: trees, houses, fields, etc.. Finally, he asked me to take a shading pencil, use my left hand (since I am right-handed), and scribble some emotion out. At first I thought what you are probably thinking: "That's weird. Like, really weird." But, I did it, and the pit in my stomach started to alleviate. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><strong>Art relieved my anxiety and depressed feelings.</strong></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Soon (after getting supplies and such), I began to make it a little more routine to do my art. This was also around the time I got into Doctor Who, so I also did Fan Art.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATsc5ft3bOs-XwCZVcVwlh7nz-A2UaQOVsM_lyAXac6W4Ur2nXXaHYcEh7G1mgO9vFhuke85nkNX1Kcw_jka_dss3ofuJEfCNwbTOvh5ulWs8EC0lnC11VbUgR6U2LJKaQCZQHSEkRa8/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATsc5ft3bOs-XwCZVcVwlh7nz-A2UaQOVsM_lyAXac6W4Ur2nXXaHYcEh7G1mgO9vFhuke85nkNX1Kcw_jka_dss3ofuJEfCNwbTOvh5ulWs8EC0lnC11VbUgR6U2LJKaQCZQHSEkRa8/s400/PicMonkey+Collage5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Top left: "Angels Take Manhattan"</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Top right is a Cyberman</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Bottom left: "Come Along Ponds"</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Bottom left is a portrait of Ten and Rose</em></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em> </em>The art actually helped my pain. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It gave me a voice when I was voiceless. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It made it a little bit more manageable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfA1cKXQPXXJnT91wBNE4cdOmdmIqxelJNM4KfdeZ9NLiXDp4fc2tdl_g4z3bpTfNXimPq4e6WozBNviVl17tzHaFAaK2m6JpIv2PVHz4qTBrfBHrf-vSYIkzN90MfRZELVC8ndEoAXo/s1600/my+scene+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfA1cKXQPXXJnT91wBNE4cdOmdmIqxelJNM4KfdeZ9NLiXDp4fc2tdl_g4z3bpTfNXimPq4e6WozBNviVl17tzHaFAaK2m6JpIv2PVHz4qTBrfBHrf-vSYIkzN90MfRZELVC8ndEoAXo/s400/my+scene+art.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think that art therapy is a brilliant way to help anyone. Yes, I'm biased on this. I think that it should be used more. I also think that it should be incorporated more in the schools.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is <em>scientific proof </em>that art helps improve mental health. There's a quote from a jazz artist: "Then why am I so screwed up?" (Huffington Post interviewed a few people about this subject.) "But without music I'd be a lot more screwed up and would be missing the thing that gives me the most happiness in my life." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To me, his quote says something.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But, then again, it's all in opinion. You all know my opinion- that art helps your mental state, but the question is: what's your opinion?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-66837771928222663722015-07-27T17:53:00.000-07:002015-07-28T14:11:17.545-07:00The Truth About Self Image: Positive vs. DestructiveDear reader,<br />
<br />
This is not one of my dorky, average posts. This post is going to be personal. The pictures you will see are my personal pictures... of me. Me, my family, my history.<br />
Lately, I have seen, and read, a lot of blog posts about positive body image, and it doesn't sit right with me. Don't get me wrong- I'm thrilled that there are people out there trying to convince individuals it's alright to be how you look. What doesn't sit right is: the posts are all written by adults over twenty. I haven't read one written by a teenager, or young adult. And, I'm not sure how many of them went through what causes such self-conscious, self-destructive thoughts.<br />
I'm not writing this- I'm not telling you my story- for a pity party or any of the sort. I don't want that. <br />
I'm writing this- I'm telling my story- to tell these girls and boys that it gets better. That it IS okay not to have a million friends, to not be popular. It is NOT okay to hate yourself. Because, trust me, it is more destructive than a bulldozer taking down a porter potty. <br />
This is a picture of me before my senior year (which I just completed.):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcuQbnL3ND3V-Cu7yh-gULgGyITDeMRGHQYILqXrSPax3IyP9WzG3xubDKPKKKI_CBAvA1a3ozsh8Jl4SgRWard31zR0OGwRRVmcFzD1KwLMMtnIQtGc8mRoOXnkVz2kyhFCevr67Q-g/s1600/SBI1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcuQbnL3ND3V-Cu7yh-gULgGyITDeMRGHQYILqXrSPax3IyP9WzG3xubDKPKKKI_CBAvA1a3ozsh8Jl4SgRWard31zR0OGwRRVmcFzD1KwLMMtnIQtGc8mRoOXnkVz2kyhFCevr67Q-g/s400/SBI1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I can say I was average. Moderately bullied, liked by my teachers, either stood out in my class or blended into the walls of the class. Here's an example: I was a junior in a class of seniors (Bio II- not required, but intriguing.) I'm completely nervous surrounded by predominately seniors, yet I can dissect a cow's eye when the star football athlete squealed like a little girl when he got squirted by vitreous fluids (which, admittedly, <em>would </em>be gross, but is still funny to tell the family), tell that it has cataracts when it wasn't asked, and can name more bones in the human body off of the top of my mind than the teacher could. Oh, yes, I stuck out like a sore thumb, and was ignored, thought <em>really </em>weird, for it. <br />
Here's another example: Algebra II- a predominately junior class, a very hard class to someone who didn't have a clue on what they were doing. I blended in with the off white brick wall better than ever, sat in the back, and didn't answer unless I was called on- which was rare. The teacher and I were cool with each other. Though I stayed in his class, he always told me I needed to be in this honors or AP class. "Because I want one student who listens to me." He told me one day after I asked why he never transferred me into a more challenging class if he knew I could handle it. "I'm selfish for it, I know. But, you are one of my best students, and I want to keep that." I guess it's a good thing I was on his good side, a teacher's pet of sorts, because I would have gotten in trouble A LOT. It also helps I told him from week one I don't have a tolerance for stupidity. <br />
My Junior year was too simple, though most say it is your hardest year. Of course, SAT's stressed me to the maximum, just like any one else. But it was one year where I had some achievements where I didn't struggle to get. I had a boyfriend, great friends, a somewhat social life, and the bullying had stopped. Everything looked up, or so I thought. (I have always wanted to say "...or so I thought." in something, just because it is so cliché.)<br />
Here's a picture of my Junior Ring Dance and Prom:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrzFqGqaHhi1HkkxNI2qSfDKi854tTbow8Eva4hjHRlaDezp3CzusfA9AhUPi2E1wx-qzjeWGy2LFFF4kdXethOSS9LCZj4uMprgbO_x3he7YdEpcwlfKvtasJgZ_34vLoWxKayhcYnU/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrzFqGqaHhi1HkkxNI2qSfDKi854tTbow8Eva4hjHRlaDezp3CzusfA9AhUPi2E1wx-qzjeWGy2LFFF4kdXethOSS9LCZj4uMprgbO_x3he7YdEpcwlfKvtasJgZ_34vLoWxKayhcYnU/s640/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I have said before that I was "average." Average is such a deplorable word. It's a word that we tend to use to try and feel good about ourselves. (Unique is another word we tend to use to defend ourselves.) When, in reality, we are all odd. Again, don't misconstrue what I am saying. It'll make sense in the long run (Or not at all. I don't know how you think.) <br />
I did not say that I was in the group of outcasts in high school, or that I tried so desperately to make friends. I didn't say that it actually ate away at my being that I was a nobody. I didn't say the truly personal things, but gave a sweet, brief description of my junior year. You know, the year that looked up? <br />
I can tell you all the sweet, little tidbits that I used to make myself feel better- how I compensated with my intellectual talents rather than <em>trying </em>not to worry about climbing the social ladder- but this isn't about <em>trying </em>or <em>wanting</em>, it's about <em>what really happens</em>. For me to tell you about a self-positive image, you need to understand what it's like to have a self-destructive image. This is what a self-destructive image would look like:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMq9dqdDjmz27vdPGysiZPwVm-zrKLqfVXmtLVR_RqUPuof7L_1qkB9et0dYRCZDA-Jpjj_4NW_mWTOYpAYh_En7QlBOHFSfXhWU7J8rXNJFkRjM8KBU83wfj09bEp4Oaq-SZHe3L9lxI/s1600/25869a3b0c2dfe02abdac5e78252fe8b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMq9dqdDjmz27vdPGysiZPwVm-zrKLqfVXmtLVR_RqUPuof7L_1qkB9et0dYRCZDA-Jpjj_4NW_mWTOYpAYh_En7QlBOHFSfXhWU7J8rXNJFkRjM8KBU83wfj09bEp4Oaq-SZHe3L9lxI/s640/25869a3b0c2dfe02abdac5e78252fe8b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's what it feels like: it's like your body is caving in and crumbling in on itself; like your dieing while living; like you have no control over yourself; like you are just a walking shell of who you used to be. <br />
I would know; I was there.<br />
My freshmen year, I had my first toxic relationship, which bled its way into early sophomore year. After I mustered up the courage (believe me, it took everything to finally understand the severity of the situation), I faced what felt like the end of my world. It wasn't the break up. No- that was simple. Like ripping off a Band-Aid on a wound that still bled. The issue came with the rumors, and lies, and horrible feelings that came afterwards. I was told, "Why don't you just write yourself a suicide note, and die?" by someone who was supposed to be one of my best friends. My other "friends" blamed me. It was constant for months with the stares and whispers and lies. (There is a part to this that is way too personal to put in.)<br />
Then it stopped, and I moved on, or thought I moved on. My grades improved. I was ready to face the world.<br />
People don't usually think of bullying happening in relationships. But it does. It's called emotional/mental abuse. Every little thing can set off your abuser- how you look, how you act, even what you likes and hobbies are. In my opinion, it's as bad as the other abuse types. <br />
I can tell you it's easy getting over toxic people, but then I'd be lieing. It nearly killed me. Even two years later, I'm still dealing with what happened. <br />
Some days it feels like I've crawled in a hole, like I don't deserve anything that I have. It feels like everything that I am is done, like I'm slowly suffocating. There's this horrible anxiety pain in my chest, and I think I'm dieing, and I sometimes gets so flustered that I can hardly talk and I shake and I cry. There are just days where there is nothing I can do but lay in bed and read or watch <em>Doctor Who </em>or <em>House</em>. It's what my doctor calls the onset of depression, but not quite there.<br />
There is a reason you need to know what it's like to be self-destructive. To know what it's like to not know whether you want to live in this world. To know what it's like to just feel like empty. <br />
Here is what self positivity looks like:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFowl6HeA9DTbddz7niD6QjVX3erINmE3nXqh6wgAI1vNSjVcSF4QTUDaSAt256izjxgRJ_FRef6DJ52yqvvu0lLJzziIZ61uOchihp6tmuTIpYR6dnxBUnWliQRoPKCP6mLsZmFOi64/s1600/b90c45ef3165d2ad9b23b7d5730c25f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFowl6HeA9DTbddz7niD6QjVX3erINmE3nXqh6wgAI1vNSjVcSF4QTUDaSAt256izjxgRJ_FRef6DJ52yqvvu0lLJzziIZ61uOchihp6tmuTIpYR6dnxBUnWliQRoPKCP6mLsZmFOi64/s640/b90c45ef3165d2ad9b23b7d5730c25f2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Self-positivity is a great thing. It takes a while getting from horribly self-destructive to thinking good about yourself. It's also not easy. It's looking in the mirror after taking a shower in the morning, and saying, "You are beautiful." It's wearing the make up if you feel better. (I wear eyeliner out because it makes me feel better about myself.) It's working towards a goal, because YOU want to. <br />
I won't lie to you. I'm not so self-positive. But I'm also not as self-destructive anymore. Because I know how it sits on a person. I have what is called Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Myoclonic Seizures, a conversion disorder, caused from suppressing my feelings and stressing out too much. I will possibly have this underlying disorder for a while, and will have to monitor my stress levels to keep from having seizures.<br />
When I was diagnosed, I had no friends. I didn't get to go to school (which to some seems like heaven, but when you loved school, it can be very depressing.) People stared, and, I will admit, it bothered me. <em>A lot.</em> I mean, I had a hard time holding my pencil steady to do chemistry formulas at first. It lead to me becoming depressed, self-destructive.<br />
I am this way because I was not accepting, didn't get the help I needed. I was very self-destructive in a subtle way. <br />
What do I do to help from falling in a deep well again? For me, I pray. I read. I paint and pastel and draw. I watch <em>Doctor Who </em>and <em>House.</em> I take time myself when I think I need it. I hang out with my cousin. And I try. That's really what it is all about when you are so used to feeling negative. You surround yourself with the positive- which, for me, happens to be my family- and the things you love. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtt5ukQptH6E-uAfj16WnllAt61ZHc4Z6xRSilus5kuRRH6mDaQD6sfHe-ZIGPwq9CLzeCKRxheWHZb1QjfUsZMARfXGkGt0PV02J6pvMGH5EteorKatlfBlMtgmXWcUdspAlxSnWb8U/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtt5ukQptH6E-uAfj16WnllAt61ZHc4Z6xRSilus5kuRRH6mDaQD6sfHe-ZIGPwq9CLzeCKRxheWHZb1QjfUsZMARfXGkGt0PV02J6pvMGH5EteorKatlfBlMtgmXWcUdspAlxSnWb8U/s640/PicMonkey+Collage4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
No one can tell you to be positive about yourself. Only you can make that decision. But, let me tell you. It feels <em>so good</em> to have the positive. <br />
It's a gift to be alive. <br />
It is perfectly fine to have a hard time. I still have a hard time. But, what ever you do, do NOT let anyone make you think you aren't worth living. You are. You were put here on this earth for a reason. Sometimes it's to just become a house wife. Sometimes it's to be a scientist who will cure cancer. Or, if you're like me, it's to be a teacher. In some way, shape, or form, we all change a life. But, we can't do that if we aren't here, can we?<br />
Surround yourself with the positive, find what is making you self-destructive (and stay away from it), and, then, find what makes you happy (and surround yourself in it.)<br />
Again, I did not write this for a pity party. I wrote this for those who don't know that there is another way, because there is. I wrote this so those will know what it's like to struggle with your image. I wrote this, not to change a life, but in hope to influence one. <br />
<br />
-From someone who really understandsThe Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-85460825264846542822015-07-23T09:24:00.001-07:002015-07-23T10:58:28.332-07:00Paper Towns by John Green<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014241493X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=014241493X&linkCode=as2&tag=yumbitbyamy05-20&linkId=RK753DN73XMHZKQC"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014241493X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=014241493X&linkCode=as2&tag=yumbitbyamy05-20&linkId=RK753DN73XMHZKQC" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aKI94Q_jqmx3zmeG0faUPuZmXfKqKPUXW1UF9MUdRX122UT_bX7Q_GydM24_wHKY4mXJrCl8q5V9mR1JSxHtqAn83lKITzEYNkU-mukdpGdEYbdMV_GPH7Qqhsj_78U6tTiqnybK6ys/s400/51hgkNew%252BXL__SL250_.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>(This is a clickable image.)</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
John Green has this profound ability to make you believe something. He can make you believe that it is going to be this great, fantastic, absolutely thrilling adventure going on (even if it's just two teenagers running around), makes you fall in love with this creation he has made, and then crushes your soul (either by killing off a character, or something equally tragic.) But he does it in such a brilliant way that I keep coming back for more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After reading this book, I went into my moms room, nearly in tears. This is kind of how it went down: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mom: Did you finish it?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Me: Yes, yes I did.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mom: Did you like it?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Me: Why does he do this to us? Why does he raise our hopes so high, make us believe that everything will be okay, end good this time, you know? Whyyyyyy (Cue very long, dramatic sigh), oh whyyyyy (a few tears leaked here), does he make everything so sad?! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mom: Why do you read his books if you know you'll cry?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Me: (with my mouth agape) Because he's absolutely BRILLIANT!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mom: Well, it's the price to pay for a brilliant book, I guess.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well said, mother, dear, well said. My tears and sorrow are the price for such a brilliantly written novel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Any who, after that rant, I suppose I should get the actual book. I just thought it would be nice to know what you were getting yourself into once you picked up the actual book. I mean, I waited and waited until I saw the movie trailer to it, because I knew how he worked. But, don't let this discourage you. I highly suggest you pick up the book.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Quentin... is like a lot of the nerdy teenagers in all of the world. He is best friends with the band geeks, his ex-girlfriend was a band geek, he has a crush with who he think is the most amazing girl in the world, and so on. The only problem with Quentin is he is incredibly paper, according to Margo, in the paper town of Orlando, Florida. He likes the same old, boring routine, that is, until Margo Roth Spiegelman and he sneak out into the night to go on some crazy, eleven part adventure. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDFRa2DpyVqUQaYymHEk7NaJ3LatjdGcOoRLn1YZ8fnmRXdzoz_UwQBMpCucqOnIoWKc-ZhdFfLvY2xMOioKt1eBXEikJZI4giJWBD0yYNG5W1B6_O06DOFesl1H5emozXfo3cnidMwY/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDFRa2DpyVqUQaYymHEk7NaJ3LatjdGcOoRLn1YZ8fnmRXdzoz_UwQBMpCucqOnIoWKc-ZhdFfLvY2xMOioKt1eBXEikJZI4giJWBD0yYNG5W1B6_O06DOFesl1H5emozXfo3cnidMwY/s400/Untitled.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Margo Roth Spiegelman (I haven't the slightest idea how you would pronounce her last name. Honestly, it's a bit of a mouth full to begin with.) is a doer. She is crazy to go on the adventures she has, but must truly be insane to plan all of them out herself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She takes Quentin out on this amazing adventure in the middle of the night, getting revenge on everyone who she felt wronged her. Be warned, you will be a giggly mess in part one, because they do some pretty crazy things, like: throwing fish in peoples cars, taking pictures of cheating boyfriend's tiny region, <em>removing a guys left eyebrow</em>. If that isn't enough, they broke into SeaWorld, just for the hell of it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwbqm49DU4aw3yAqQmsqOIqem6Tur3JcOB92hBGltguK_-FpwY7iKPJ00nbrrpw1WFhFfrIDYfnhhSf56nC2qHPvcY29vCMVVW2p2VfvoPLdUAsAtAe4-BRTE_IIL5MWv9YPaz472i2E/s1600/Untitled2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwbqm49DU4aw3yAqQmsqOIqem6Tur3JcOB92hBGltguK_-FpwY7iKPJ00nbrrpw1WFhFfrIDYfnhhSf56nC2qHPvcY29vCMVVW2p2VfvoPLdUAsAtAe4-BRTE_IIL5MWv9YPaz472i2E/s400/Untitled2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FXmq9GwvLq0rE_mBjLz9mK-77ITELq_FJQeAsq80GyWAnCxo6eik-oYs1e8kmvQFWa7gMXxZ0gstaFa7osg38waI7zyNN2RfiA71jkgvtwmWbi23vwmyEYTWJXZw4MyXSnx9mdsyKvc/s1600/Untitled3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's the thing about Margo. She sees the world so much differently than Quentin, yet he doesn't even begin to care. Then again, he can't even begin to fathom what goes on in her mind. What Margo wants, is adventure. Pure, unplanned adventure. And she gets it. In a way, so does Quentin, because she brought out a side to him he didn't know he had. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuUtRRgJvqfxqBMNJgD-wGhSKbrxqE_6yOMmwi2QYoZiw-lN8IZEPX20Jx57uyzMODyWl4zpzGAcKHBoKiAueEd5C1CtMeTj7sxXBWU3OVH1CY_-RYiPYp4hyphenhyphenrCVoMuze_Z7TjXdsQMs/s1600/Untitled3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuUtRRgJvqfxqBMNJgD-wGhSKbrxqE_6yOMmwi2QYoZiw-lN8IZEPX20Jx57uyzMODyWl4zpzGAcKHBoKiAueEd5C1CtMeTj7sxXBWU3OVH1CY_-RYiPYp4hyphenhyphenrCVoMuze_Z7TjXdsQMs/s400/Untitled3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then, all of a sudden, Margo goes missing, and Quentin takes it upon himself to find her, and becomes a little obsessed with the idea of finding someone who he believes wants to be found, but really doesn't. He searches EVERYWHERE for a month. Then again, who wouldn't search EVERYWHERE for a month for the person they love. I don't want to even begin thinking about the amount of gas it would take to go everywhere, or why his parents were so chill with him leaving like he did. I also don't have a clue as to why John Green makes these teenager's parents in all of his books so chill and... a bit strange to be honest.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To find out the end of the book, you will just have to read it. It's too big of a spoiler for me to just tell you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The movie is also coming out soon, so I will definitely be going to see that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If I were asked to rate the book (1-10), though, I'd give it a twenty. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-64955955672376263722015-07-12T16:32:00.003-07:002015-07-12T16:34:56.035-07:00The Jurassic Park Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDS-Cf_GCYDJJBBfLp6xhHboMCuZB4CJsIyGLScD6W424yQLm_N_ISslTtWyLuw3kkC5nsW4VVKX3OCGABNmop2uTUnsXySVI3MvI0MzBJhetncmz9YytdZL5itoDHAYG52bapxOPvHQ/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDS-Cf_GCYDJJBBfLp6xhHboMCuZB4CJsIyGLScD6W424yQLm_N_ISslTtWyLuw3kkC5nsW4VVKX3OCGABNmop2uTUnsXySVI3MvI0MzBJhetncmz9YytdZL5itoDHAYG52bapxOPvHQ/s400/untitled.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJycIYDUZAHa6aLip41gHmUI-Ik9mKUpVvjmg_N49l7fCjB9G_2QgvSCCtaDn9laukeX2sl78YuuLpZ0Sx_tGOtaN1pd4VWtsPZP7Xb17Y9Nq_8sXgZ7Q4bqEavaVcCvVgRJ_pJ0_9mM/s1600/6-25-15+dino3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
This is not an ordinary post.<br />
This is not a review.<br />
This is not in this <em>time period. </em><br />
This is... <em>Jurassic Park</em>!<br />
Around my house, <em>Jurassic Park</em> is a family favorite. In fact, we went out and bought all three movies, sat in our living room, watched them, and then discovered we are enthralled by the prehistoric era. <br />
Just recently, <em>Jurassic World </em>hit the theaters with a BANG! I went to see it on Friday night with my cousin, and was blown away. It may have been from the Indominus Rex, the Mosasaur, or even the Raptors. Despite the occasional muscle twitch, it was a fabulous experience to have (and what's a better movie to go to after not being able to go to the movie theater for a year?)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTPuo6zLIXtBqGqCJEfsibPvZF179DP5SIMd9IhRM19m177IiANtc5I40qVXhgNT0NzfZpcY4G3aJPHKVTl1EOndaHvwQaapPDhc3xw1F9094UTMytS1SPPogBTMR6UCBFHTwqFcpqmI/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTPuo6zLIXtBqGqCJEfsibPvZF179DP5SIMd9IhRM19m177IiANtc5I40qVXhgNT0NzfZpcY4G3aJPHKVTl1EOndaHvwQaapPDhc3xw1F9094UTMytS1SPPogBTMR6UCBFHTwqFcpqmI/s320/3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="color: #0066cc;"></span></u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTY2TILLrHC-f5nEa3yUTRYVNhAna21E3GAXVAVVO957FePoEJJGr06wjMJRa4w1u3jOdKHhlr9byRgQoJNPADDVylnEEK0fGZEU3_L7c2PrxxhaH6Iose5rueXiVpgLV13gcvvwJ8r4I/s1600/untitled2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTY2TILLrHC-f5nEa3yUTRYVNhAna21E3GAXVAVVO957FePoEJJGr06wjMJRa4w1u3jOdKHhlr9byRgQoJNPADDVylnEEK0fGZEU3_L7c2PrxxhaH6Iose5rueXiVpgLV13gcvvwJ8r4I/s320/untitled2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNSKRC9rVL26T50oIyXTN8ECicuiWSKwJNFkHtK1S1quaoE6S33E_0HT3SP0v3owAqj8_32bxinXQvnFLHQ1gwvIHTUYGnJkq9hYK7iInOPETuHu28gbkUarlfWCBRA3pmprATHBvKSo/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNSKRC9rVL26T50oIyXTN8ECicuiWSKwJNFkHtK1S1quaoE6S33E_0HT3SP0v3owAqj8_32bxinXQvnFLHQ1gwvIHTUYGnJkq9hYK7iInOPETuHu28gbkUarlfWCBRA3pmprATHBvKSo/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjm2lQkm4045GLYljlBIe5otgyrrjLrWsV3Ak4FsQSiIix2et4lDZgSMDx0fJkfAFuu5esiAm5PL854UjQ-YP-zeFNy9VjSmdA42r4K9DeRfpN-Soc3rjoVUBzrI3YjvKsL_T02D-3t8/s1600/4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjm2lQkm4045GLYljlBIe5otgyrrjLrWsV3Ak4FsQSiIix2et4lDZgSMDx0fJkfAFuu5esiAm5PL854UjQ-YP-zeFNy9VjSmdA42r4K9DeRfpN-Soc3rjoVUBzrI3YjvKsL_T02D-3t8/s320/4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dinosaurs, real <em>true </em>dinosaurs, were around 65 BILLION years ago. These creatures were developed in a lab from a fossil containing the blood of a species of dinosaur. From there, the lab continued on and developed their own species of dinosaurs, such as: Spinosaurus Rex, Indominus Rex, and the Mosasaur. I haven't the slightest clue what the Mosasaur is a hybrid of, but I know the Spinosaurus Rex is a hybrid of a Spinosaurus and a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and an Indominus Rex is a hybrid of a Velociraptor and a Tyrannosaurus Rex. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For some of the youngest girl's comprehension reading I have her read out of the dinosaur workbook and answer the questions. And, at times, she'll tell me random facts, like: "a Triceratops has blood flowing throw the horn things on its back." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5T2KLuZbKkC0fjR8LX_UdIlbpp3tWzpuVeo5QFBfbM4UDnxqoa7Mp7mKcPmg1Bxckh3GxaypyVDUMvg6KPoqqXpUfHkBy_u3jWQWC10u4-i8eh1SRzbVEk7RoYchPcuMfKi-CDr4Zj0/s1600/7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsN6GNt9VrQ9NlwjgvHhg-LY50UoSx1FjBLUOSjmjzc7zO2i0ro1at3yhyccBrBDaulXa0-QcT2AV1P1flRlvbSu0MLOdNxpgC3kNdShQEt8ApI1aICc-GKDraqu4jdaYHqkOAMtTgV-I/s400/images5DHBKP1R.jpg" width="400" /> <---- Mosasaur</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6fTfhw7-HSp-KbuNIMxo7wxQZcjZmEpoe9C2bMUPlkWB1ZFlLzkuc0O1pixvAz4ySzqnuC4VexsdTBEn8VudJWPExVib4EilX_E8xjoe_M9nFyNnHMab9FlDcWb9VhGgzpJVixaVnL4/s1600/untitled2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5T2KLuZbKkC0fjR8LX_UdIlbpp3tWzpuVeo5QFBfbM4UDnxqoa7Mp7mKcPmg1Bxckh3GxaypyVDUMvg6KPoqqXpUfHkBy_u3jWQWC10u4-i8eh1SRzbVEk7RoYchPcuMfKi-CDr4Zj0/s1600/7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5T2KLuZbKkC0fjR8LX_UdIlbpp3tWzpuVeo5QFBfbM4UDnxqoa7Mp7mKcPmg1Bxckh3GxaypyVDUMvg6KPoqqXpUfHkBy_u3jWQWC10u4-i8eh1SRzbVEk7RoYchPcuMfKi-CDr4Zj0/s640/7.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZsK5slNZL21F4jqOtjSKt1XUiEzMEWd3_PrhEsH6dC96iEPvGoKmj__aqFmwMID-FVeOnJVmS_IeNBjOiE-TKDbiVrEANtmb1YPx0AssaEenV0sgOeNV4p73Nlth0aMPlMxix0ZwLzM/s1600/images2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdj9r2jhhlmH08M_0obkEidBTXbWymB-AaMj12IFFzsxNYemds9_uphXvEAvW6ltVQDBHwoCDzV8NfxdNg0_hffwf_FFh9J1TA36rKO_CfddF2G1fAm5WZXkvlNDhP5gdlCQymES-NGw/s1600/imagesY0M0ZNW9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdj9r2jhhlmH08M_0obkEidBTXbWymB-AaMj12IFFzsxNYemds9_uphXvEAvW6ltVQDBHwoCDzV8NfxdNg0_hffwf_FFh9J1TA36rKO_CfddF2G1fAm5WZXkvlNDhP5gdlCQymES-NGw/s400/imagesY0M0ZNW9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4HATlfZ02qLI0Qb2O2BEZJNJRFAFznxPyIvrXjyzh08WCnda0x5qYAwKrmlrvzYiAhi1y7SNqISYIRDpzhBDi_14A1cRjCURrqWtMX6kIfzFg2LPUhg983j-LtFQngZ6RxLJ4PJmlk4/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4HATlfZ02qLI0Qb2O2BEZJNJRFAFznxPyIvrXjyzh08WCnda0x5qYAwKrmlrvzYiAhi1y7SNqISYIRDpzhBDi_14A1cRjCURrqWtMX6kIfzFg2LPUhg983j-LtFQngZ6RxLJ4PJmlk4/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My cousin and I had a fangirl moment over Chris Pratt after the movie. She liked his looks and I liked how he's like "Stop! You will not be attacking any idiot today Blue! This is not in my job description!" <br />
<em>Jurassic World </em>is a lot more about how someone in the Lab was working for a totally different person and made the Indominus Rex this horrifying creature (and, believe me, it was TERRIFYING.) It kept the same idea of the <em>Jurassic Park </em>films, but it was its own in a way. <br />
To wrap up this rant of a post: I am pleased to have a mom that makes dinosaur lunches. I didn't get one, because I was at a doctors appointment in Richmond, but these are my three sibling's lunches. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VHYWdvvUnDzVXUEVQQ5eRtKo0m8uJqgak3f6N8GqoiF9pneNGYyKmvjb-q3GQ9hkqqH8R1tnRFBMcbkEMNEBKUBoU-77PPlViWWARycAQ_dSak-BOSkP1wu8zQ9qtWu-eqJDFj8i4zA/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VHYWdvvUnDzVXUEVQQ5eRtKo0m8uJqgak3f6N8GqoiF9pneNGYyKmvjb-q3GQ9hkqqH8R1tnRFBMcbkEMNEBKUBoU-77PPlViWWARycAQ_dSak-BOSkP1wu8zQ9qtWu-eqJDFj8i4zA/s320/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
If you enjoy these, check out her blog: Yummy Bites by Amy. You can find her on: Blogger (<a href="http://yummybitesbyamy.blogspot.com/">http://yummybitesbyamy.blogspot.com/</a>), Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. She does American style Bento lunches, and, recently, is branching out to other subjects such as sewing (she has a Facebook page called Sew Chic, Geek Boutique.) <br />
<br />
<br />
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-20872092310264499722015-07-01T11:07:00.002-07:002015-07-01T11:08:15.891-07:00Hands On Learning (Part II): Exeriments, Experiments, Experiments! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWynlx1e7Nf3RhtZ_9obucCkMlcZNdmAq2VGzSnRUwg0wH2BvcDViBe48jERotWpoEJF2NOc0j6NSOIJckZ84oBkFqcLJB09GELQtLcibSHTlBANz-t9MMowjQKOkuUfmw4pMFU4mIFY/s1600/Summer+School+Blog+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWynlx1e7Nf3RhtZ_9obucCkMlcZNdmAq2VGzSnRUwg0wH2BvcDViBe48jERotWpoEJF2NOc0j6NSOIJckZ84oBkFqcLJB09GELQtLcibSHTlBANz-t9MMowjQKOkuUfmw4pMFU4mIFY/s320/Summer+School+Blog+Picture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Allergies are kicking our butts this week, so a majority of what we've done is worksheets. However, the kids and I have done a few experiments to pass the time between swimming, games, and my reading. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first one we did was a density experiment. This was a home run as far as experiments go. It's simple, fun, and educational- which is, of course, the goal for this summer. You will need: a pitcher of water, vegetable oil (we used Wesson, but you can use whatever kind you would like or have in your kitchen), a jar (I made spaghetti that night, so I took the three jars I used and cleaned them for the kids to do the experiment with.), salt & pepper (for the observation part), and blue food dye. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO2Y_PcI9imLzCjhh1YjyyyoHvjbztmDD939bHnOPF2cGcx1o0w0v_MVM1n7WkH70ut21FGKHl4JOKmFwJDQ3yJnYiO5qOB8jSk74hxmBu3WiUJDtrlQcMbgI6aNsI48yAFiwOk9fnBM/s1600/Density+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO2Y_PcI9imLzCjhh1YjyyyoHvjbztmDD939bHnOPF2cGcx1o0w0v_MVM1n7WkH70ut21FGKHl4JOKmFwJDQ3yJnYiO5qOB8jSk74hxmBu3WiUJDtrlQcMbgI6aNsI48yAFiwOk9fnBM/s400/Density+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoA5x06onOng6KXEcuNApiIcsLaHQvMLZdAeuemJ_bN5mD2QaliWE4crmAVq6BMP6FHPS44TUBkqXI2Wjeix3JHER5tDthcGMlwAiOkyez1rpNCEtmU2TZzNvdGuwY1HLpT5Wr0BlTwY/s1600/JAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It honestly depends on how many kids you plan on doing the experiment with, but with three kids I thought a pitcher of water would be safe- taking spills into consideration. We took it step by step, so I could ask each kid their observations on the project. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step One: Fill each jar half way up with water. I allowed the middle girl to do this, so she could do something. About half way through it, she decided she wanted to go inside, so I did the rest. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step Two: Add a little bit of food dye. I took the tip of a safety knife, and used some blue food dye.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step Three: Measure out 2/3 vegetable oil and pour it into the water. When I asked what was happening, the twins very excitedly told me that we made a lava lamp.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step Four: Sprinkle salt in your "lava lamp", and watch the oil move up and down. Now, you can end the experiment here, but we carried it on with pepper. The twins were less enthused with the reaction with the pepper.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step Five: SHAKE IT! Shake it like you've never shaken it before!!! Since there were three, I decided that we should have a constant and a variable. The twins shook, while I allowed the third to settle. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6C58e7mGXY4djcWAsDN8hiRdTzX5ha4CBhJDP_fUva2MF_2ynmKrfdUoXkw5zLMJiakr35GxluTdFI_hHDtMZMo6eIFX5tqOpQoAhiLu2cGYpsk8fUUlzmt6jICigMAZmzfODOT8PGg/s1600/density+collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6C58e7mGXY4djcWAsDN8hiRdTzX5ha4CBhJDP_fUva2MF_2ynmKrfdUoXkw5zLMJiakr35GxluTdFI_hHDtMZMo6eIFX5tqOpQoAhiLu2cGYpsk8fUUlzmt6jICigMAZmzfODOT8PGg/s400/density+collage+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3HGmT0gSQlCwTm68XUYXO406JtHq19_oTcivGMKbDnHElmszyCyn3Lisuca8BQ4lCT4USGvSP84hsEHVXHVeVt941bWHp_sn_VHA-pCs-EuswsiI2LJn6Onv_Bedc23Kd-M_xXuP3ho/s1600/Fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3HGmT0gSQlCwTm68XUYXO406JtHq19_oTcivGMKbDnHElmszyCyn3Lisuca8BQ4lCT4USGvSP84hsEHVXHVeVt941bWHp_sn_VHA-pCs-EuswsiI2LJn6Onv_Bedc23Kd-M_xXuP3ho/s400/Fun.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think all-in-all that it was good fun. I highly suggest doing this with elementary age children, not only for the education purposes, but for their reactions. It's priceless!!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-17431228153838295352015-06-23T17:13:00.001-07:002015-06-26T10:36:36.218-07:00Hands On Learning (Part One)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirU2VmNvgN8zVA8fwN8F_lTxtXVbw1Rn0LpiqFtDpDttdTVsHaAzXWvZWxn-n-4jbr9yr1C2BNZ53c1rucRCE96fdYeO9JypgFUTWcUUnCTAkNfxMl6XNCRyiSsL-vnU-wyhB9yUjPrwQ/s1600/Summer+School+Blog+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirU2VmNvgN8zVA8fwN8F_lTxtXVbw1Rn0LpiqFtDpDttdTVsHaAzXWvZWxn-n-4jbr9yr1C2BNZ53c1rucRCE96fdYeO9JypgFUTWcUUnCTAkNfxMl6XNCRyiSsL-vnU-wyhB9yUjPrwQ/s320/Summer+School+Blog+Picture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have said before that I love to learn. I love all subjects: English, Grammar (though Grammar aggravates me equally as much as it intrigues me), History, Science, Mathematics, Foreign Languages, etc... My ideal day would be to sit in a library with a pile of books in my possession and read until my heart was content. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However, I have more than just a passion for learning. I love to teach. I love the many different ways you can teach a child, creatively, not in a uniform way. My philosophy is, observe how the child behaves on their own, then use their habits as a learning style. I, for example, learn the best with flash cards and homemade quizzes. I learned history by reading historical fictions, and learned science by sheer will and experiments. But, that's me. I'm a tactical person.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In tenth grade, I job shadowed at the local elementary school for a third grade teacher. The only thing I had to complain about was the way they expected the children to learn. The teachers both praised me and reprimanded me for my creative tactics. The problem is, the school systems aren't paying attention to how the children act and behave. (Two totally different things in my opinion.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My mom, knowing I'm going to school to study elementary education, gave me the task of tutoring my siblings for the summer. My brother was exempted from such (except experiments, which he requested I do), but the girls need the help. Rachel, 10, struggles the most, and I am taking a new approach to her learning styles. We can all agree straight up studying is horribly boring, and sometimes it just doesn't work. Truly, it depends on the students. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
I decided to do a little of both hands on and uniform work for Emily, 11, and Rachel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAn3SgvI1p3uL0KTNR5pUIEh-sfWqNrFYzYTEMO7Z6vMj3IHNoqbt8pAhYfF5ou-qhHzxeyDXH4oQ3QNJE3FqRxGFmwhHTAnqMKmShMlMQg_WFahDtN8-sKpj8R5MS060nldsgB4hQYk/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAn3SgvI1p3uL0KTNR5pUIEh-sfWqNrFYzYTEMO7Z6vMj3IHNoqbt8pAhYfF5ou-qhHzxeyDXH4oQ3QNJE3FqRxGFmwhHTAnqMKmShMlMQg_WFahDtN8-sKpj8R5MS060nldsgB4hQYk/s320/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For Rachel, we chose a workbook that holds all of the subjects: mathematics, science, social studies, and language. I chose this one, because it seemed a little more engaging, rather than completely brain numbing boring. For Emily, we chose two smaller workbooks (Grammar and Mathematics), seeing as she is going into seventh grade. It's very clean cut, which is good to prepare her for higher grades.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To add to Rachel's workbooks, we added flashcards, and the "Times Table Ball" (which, surprisingly, all the three kids enjoy. They ask to play with it consistently.)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5gTqJ4xO_jv_JOJ5mXBRYgV-XsPo_LOwtnLt2Qae2jTywCiwFPiRsU1SyxYoLR300dvOgLOhNtaSgFVjHU1LIPh_tv1ydwYe9NI8fhlojEqXsGrkHuu6qvPhyzl_CyeuWYTmdZ0f-jk/s1600/c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5gTqJ4xO_jv_JOJ5mXBRYgV-XsPo_LOwtnLt2Qae2jTywCiwFPiRsU1SyxYoLR300dvOgLOhNtaSgFVjHU1LIPh_tv1ydwYe9NI8fhlojEqXsGrkHuu6qvPhyzl_CyeuWYTmdZ0f-jk/s320/c2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
To go with the work book activities, we did a "I can feel my heartbeat" experiment. I thought it would be a little boring to the girls, but they enjoyed themselves. I mean, giggling, laughing, and I got an ear full of "Can we do it again, Abby?!". I can not begin to explain the level of joy I felt when they wanted to continue doing the activity. It wasn't just jumping jacks and pacing's, though, they had to multiply their pulse by ten to get their heart rate per minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJoXqcQM_BctwKwQLCt7-ioWV1NGuMNEIK4wls7izJr4rBodicF85BMK_KjDif2q4F_j_psS0QSbvBobrnvkCsoCBNK32VIgTPa7_rG5-xehvmnC6fE6unqqUmVQ2GPwKFH3bddX7r1Y/s1600/Heartbeat+Experiment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJoXqcQM_BctwKwQLCt7-ioWV1NGuMNEIK4wls7izJr4rBodicF85BMK_KjDif2q4F_j_psS0QSbvBobrnvkCsoCBNK32VIgTPa7_rG5-xehvmnC6fE6unqqUmVQ2GPwKFH3bddX7r1Y/s320/Heartbeat+Experiment.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<br />
With that part, I expected to have to help with the one who struggles in multiplication, but she did the double digit multiplying without the help of me or a calculator. It verifies my idea that kids learn more in experience rather than books. Don't get me wrong, books are a necessity, but the idea is to enforce the rules and what they had learned. <br />
Needless to say, it was a good first day of summer school.<br />
<br />
<strong>***Note: This is a series post!!! There will be more to come!!!***</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490694838856749146.post-23497595993600231062015-06-21T11:33:00.003-07:002015-06-21T11:33:24.446-07:00Dear America- A Coal Miner's Bride: The Diary of Anetka Kaminska (Lattimer, Pennsylvania, 1896) by Susan Campbell Bartoletti <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439053862/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0439053862"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439053862/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0439053862" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisuNH9Q2wt3bCSsmRdy-iIXQOKr3rUbcp3CS9wd1EyrkuqCgt5_EgzW6hNNda-FT8eBVK46W0kTQTU_dSFTifmWhwr0_osH5nuRsz-z_9fyG0xUWOY_lOiuMZr7xrxuMb2nirErYqg6g/s400/A+Coal+Miner%2527s+Bride.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>(This is a clickable image.)</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been a very long time since I have written a post, but, now school is over, and I have much more time to read and watch all the dorky shows that I love. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I was in middle school, I was a major history guru. I lived and breathed to read the historical fiction novels my mom brought home from the library. And, nothing thrilled me more than these little joys.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The one that I am reviewing tonight is <em>Dear America- A Coal Miner's Bride: The Diary of Anetka Kaminska (Lattimer, Pennsylvania, 1896.)</em> Anetka is from the time when Poland was being run by the Czar of Russia. Her family is poor, her Mamusia (mother) died and her Tata (father) is in America, trying to raise her dowry. Here she meets Leon Nasevich, a Pole working for the Russian military. Leon is a light-hearted man with a troublesome demeanor. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In America, Anetka's father meets Stanley Gawrych, a widower with three daughters. In return for three boat tickets, Anetka's father agrees that he can marry her. When Anetka hears of this, she is furious. She wanted to marry for love, not traded off. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5PIF5Y0Sk4IplKMchvMzKrlwRRAfAbpO34i62CQAhSrn-uJLYwl3XU4G4LC0g1bMx9mXBcq14wLudIon814-YWUfegAUWleyrGds0Gs2nA6lASldU8jBAynQRBP1AZghB4Cy1eX8PSo/s1600/A+coal+miners+bride.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5PIF5Y0Sk4IplKMchvMzKrlwRRAfAbpO34i62CQAhSrn-uJLYwl3XU4G4LC0g1bMx9mXBcq14wLudIon814-YWUfegAUWleyrGds0Gs2nA6lASldU8jBAynQRBP1AZghB4Cy1eX8PSo/s400/A+coal+miners+bride.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She married, and became a mother to Violet, Rose, and Lily, but she never loved Stanley. He died in a coal mining accident before the Union got massacred. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>Dear America </em>books are wonderful for younger kids (reading level is third-fourth grade), but I like to read them if I don't have time to read a 400 something page book. Below are some links to other <em>Dear America </em>books.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/054523834X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=054523834X"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/054523834X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=054523834X" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KuvHPW4Lj0vJLuG5h08xu-Lg9rVdwuAmP843b0IOYqrxz1-7leEgzSRiyLPcLpzEEy8lVNyW5TUpUczUCkYi4mqm2ajAr-2HCVDzkDHLLRmPgefyL3ev9UBgC-fnY-Y7FwcZS4AJJoM/s200/51ru-wapxpL__SL250_.jpg" width="142" /> </a> <img alt="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545238021/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0545238021&linkCode=as2&tag=yumbitbyamy05-20&linkId=VURUXO6XJFKPSKLX" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyVXjzD1xA2loEFi5Al8FMIQMi9duAdFJqYzQ2M7UgZCGy7ck3vaX0oHLVJxthCU-gRVswm2nWEtE5cW_TDU8WkSFB-FIknouNZTNW7ndCp513Afy8i7hVSgFboSVzB3LVfAKUQLEoIo/s200/51iWBHkZpuL__SL250_.jpg" width="150" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545266874/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0545266874&linkCode=as2&tag=yumbitbyamy05-20&linkId=JIRRHT5MHHUHMMK7"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545266874/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0545266874&linkCode=as2&tag=yumbitbyamy05-20&linkId=JIRRHT5MHHUHMMK7" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sI8vYsDoV1P4p1LcY8totF1VtLnDMCEwxrFMu0YvKUxftQXMpQT5BE-2AGJsxYjGKs17Sn2XE42BBvNP40-P6ZfZWB6IHmYdKEHWhNh3VMl8KgB_fBRW_r4bA4zgdMowz7c2b0F0Q5M/s200/511POENj0jL__SL250_.jpg" width="139" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong> There are many, many more <em>Dear America books on Amazon.com!!! Don't miss out on a little adventure!</em></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><em> Also, check out The Royal Diaries!</em></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><em> </em></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><em> </em></strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0590684841/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0590684841&linkCode=as2&tag=yumbitbyamy05-20&linkId=7NMYHZ2VBA7OFQLN"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0590684841/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0590684841&linkCode=as2&tag=yumbitbyamy05-20&linkId=7NMYHZ2VBA7OFQLN" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5xD4-LKHOSUEWvzb8agKd7g73MLUzRtKWHTdoadUreZPhLHuh_cN-AMpbJuxEN_DcSYGiCWdNIDGLjG1x8FJOO7CuHAvkjoOlM0J227DlzqP-b5e8ig6wXmSRh4ZWnwFqmCcYa_DSTE/s1600/518%252BOO5w56L__SL250_.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><em></em></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
The Lovely Nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670135430657504370noreply@blogger.com0