tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57273251290193577862024-03-05T00:11:24.185-05:00To Fail With EpicnessAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-52415031128379259242010-12-09T23:17:00.002-05:002010-12-09T23:17:54.808-05:00Artist Dates: Patiently Painting<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I know the face, familiar stranger,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m not a child, I feel misunderstood,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I built a bridge; we use the tunnel now,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The rope we are pulling is slipping away from me,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All this wasted time is killing me,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And I’ve started to feel like…<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I cannot control my life anymore,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Feel a need to leave and breathe on my own,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I remember all the broken songs of our lives.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maybe one more wrong will make it alright…”<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>~ “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Breathing</i>” by Sonata Arctica</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For my artist date I chose to listen to music on my MP3 player and work on my paint-by-number of a wolf. During my hour spent, I reflected on different things and finished most of colour number five on my paint-by-number. Some of the songs I listened to were “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Only the Good Die Young</i>” by Billy Joel, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You’ll be in my Heart</i>” from Tarzan, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Breathe</i>” by Taylor Swift, and “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seasons in the Sun</i>” by Terry Jacks. The song I felt impacted me the most was “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Breathing</i>” by Sonata Arctica, which inspired most of my reflections on how I was feeling in that moment.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I chose to work on my paint-by-number because it was something I haven’t done in a while, and it was an appropriate creative outlet for my snow day off. It also helped me to just sit, relax and organize my thoughts, which is something else I haven’t done in a while. During my artist date, I reflected upon my school courses, being the main event in my life at the moment. I came to a realization about what was bothering me at the moment; that what I really wanted right now was to step back and study what I wanted, and not what I had to in order to get into school or fill up my courses. I found myself wishing that I would have more time to commit to English and Writer’s Craft instead of Philosophy which is simply flying over my head.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">This was reflected in the lyrics by Sonata Arctica, which explains why it struck a chord with me. The song speaks of something familiar, yet foreign, that is invading the singer’s life. It tells of trying to understand what’s happening, but not understanding anymore, and wanted to break away from that. I found that’s also what I wanted out of school; that information was being flung at me that I recognized, but didn’t understand, but when I tried to, we were learning something else. I was losing my grip on the knowledge I had attained, it being challenged in Philosophy daily. And I don’t feel like I have a choice anymore to study what I want, to step away from school and take some time to just study Shakespeare and writing on my own, remembering all the knowledge that had got me this far. Yet I still keep going back and over committing myself to understanding something that isn’t my first interest.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">After the date, I felt more solid in the realization of what I wanted, but nervous at the thought of committing myself less to Philosophy. I think I really need those Christmas holidays soon to refocus and catch up, though the three snow days were a welcome break for now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Amanda Out.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lyrics to “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Breathing</i>” by Sonata Arctica</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I take my hat off,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bow before the greatness,</div><div class="MsoNormal">You’re so much braver I give you credit for.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Somehow the grays create a harmony,</div><div class="MsoNormal">And no colour can add a flavour,</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve started to feel like…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I know the face, familiar stranger,</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m not a child, I feel misunderstood.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I built a bridge; we use the tunnel now,</div><div class="MsoNormal">The rope we are pulling is slipping away from me,</div><div class="MsoNormal">All this wasted time is killing me,</div><div class="MsoNormal">And I’ve started to feel like…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">[x2] I cannot control my life anymore,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Feel a need to leave and breathe on my own,</div><div class="MsoNormal">I remember all the broken songs of our lives,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe one more wrong will make it alright,</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">I just really need to be alone now…</span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-37423887788754047192010-12-05T21:33:00.002-05:002010-12-05T21:33:54.450-05:00The Artist Date - Jazz and Jigsaw<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">“Let it go.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">Let it roll right off your shoulder,</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">Don’t you know?</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">The hardest part is over.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">Let it in.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">Let your clarity define you,</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">In the end,</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">We will only just remember how it feels.”</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>~ Rob Thomas, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Little Wonders</i>”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For this artist date, I chose to listen to music on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Grooveshark.com</i> and do 120 piece jigsaw puzzles online. Some of the songs I listened to were “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As If the World Wasn’t Ending</i>” and “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Breathing</i>” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by Sonata Arctica, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lullaby</i>” by Brahms, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beauty</i>” by Shaye, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Death and All His Friends</i>” by Coldplay, and the above quoted “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Little Wonders</i>” by Rob Thomas. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Little Wonders”</i> really resonated with me during this artist date; I ended up going back to it and listening to it several times over the course of my time spent doing puzzles.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I chose to do puzzles instead of something a little more creative because I spent most of my last week toiling over my Philosophy final project (among other projects) and knew I wouldn’t enjoy myself if I just smacked myself into something creative instead of unwinding from logic mode. I learned a few years back that I have an ambidextrous brain, and I actually get headaches if I go from the extreme logic of something like science or philosophy to the intense creativeness of poetry or painting. I was also extremely stressed out and tense, so I decided I needed something relaxing (music) and something creative that still demanded logical thinking (puzzles). I hoped that through my artist date I could let go of the stresses of last week and look into the new week creatively.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now, after my date, I do feel a little more relaxed and open minded, although I’m starting to stress again because writing this out is reminding me of all the other work I still have to do. But I’m feeling creative enough for sure to launch into something more creative now. I kind of want to paint right now actually, but the practical part of my brain is telling me my open minded-ness is better applied to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Hamlet</i>” by Shakespeare than to a giant piece of paper and some paint.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The date definitely helped me wind down from the past week’s stress so I can look into the new week with a calmer approach. It aided me in realizing how much I needed to hear, “It’s over. It’s done. Move on.” It also helped me to relax a lot of the burdens weighing me down by calming me so I could think clearly and plan out my tasks. I think that’s why the song “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Little Wonders</i>” resonated so well with me during this time spent, because the song speaks of enjoying the moment and not letting other things hold you back from enjoying it. It also talks about how these moments make up our life, and even though we move on, they’ll still be there because we remember them. It really talks about how beautiful the word “Finished” is. Done. Wow. You’re still lingering in the amazement of “I did that, I finished it” but starting to get into “Finally, it’s over.” And I think that’s a place I needed to get out of so I could create again, and somewhat more importantly to me, enjoy <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Hamlet.”</i> The question now is, when I read it, will I want to hug Hamlet and tell him it’s all going to be okay? Or will I want to tell him to stop whining and move on? I have a feeling it will be the latter. But alas, it’s all about how you experience the moment. Okay, really Philosophy, stop coming back to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Amanda was here.</span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-24695826756691452182010-12-05T21:32:00.000-05:002010-12-05T21:32:28.346-05:00The Artist Date - Coloured Pencils<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">So make the best of this test, and don’t ask why.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It’s not a question, but a lesson learned in time.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I hope you had the time of your life</i>.”</div><div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 2.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">-<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Green Day, "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Time of Your Life"</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">For our artist date, we chose to draw and colour a picture of Artist Child. We did this while listening to songs on our MP3 player, some of our favourite songs. Artist Child got to choose which songs we skipped and which we listened to. Some of the songs we chose to listen to were "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Murmel Murmel Murmel"</i> by Robert Munsch, "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Safety Dance"</i> by Men Without Hats, "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Something There"</i> from "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beauty and the Beast"</i>, and "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Best Day"</i> by Taylor Swift. The song we listened to when we finished was "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Time of Your Life"</i> by Green Day, which we both thought was a very good finishing song and one we should include in our reflection. Artist Child thought it described the start of our reunited friendship very well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">We chose to draw of picture of Artist Child because she thought it was a good way for me to get to know her better. We also picked drawing because it’s something I’ve rarely done since I was little because I was never very good at it. Artist Child told me that I should try now anyways, and it would look good to me when I was done. She took her one braid out at the beginning because she liked it better that way. She had just finished doing some finger painting when we started our date and didn’t have time to clean up yet! We hoped that by sharing some time together we would start off our friendship again after being apart so long. I asked Artist Child why she was wearing glasses now, even though I don’t wear them. She said that she liked wearing them and that I would like them someday too. That scared me a little bit. Is Artist Child trying to tell me I’ll be blind later? She’s laughing at me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">After our date now, we both feel really happy, happier than we’ve been in a long time. We feel almost free, free from responsibility. When we were working on the drawing, we felt nothing though, but in a good way. We blocked out everything (even the music sometimes and forgot to switch it!), and felt a lot more connected that way, like we were working together. It made us feel little again, accidently colouring outside the lines sometimes, and we even stuck out our tongue once we were concentrating so much.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">The date really helped to inspire creativity, which is why we chose to colour the drawing. The colours that we picked were really important Artist Child said. I wanted to use purple, but Artist Child wouldn’t let me because she said that purple was the colour I hid behind all the time, the colour that I was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">supposed</i> to like. She told me to use red and green and yellow because I liked them better really. I chose green for the paint instead of red so she wouldn’t look all bloody, and she thought that was a good idea too. But she told me that the buttons on her overalls should be red, the little things. She said that they should be red because they’re like the little bits of hurt we have to remember, but are okay to remember. That hurt was okay sometimes. I put a Band-Aid on her arm so that some of the hurt would be better. Then I coloured the paint green and Artist Child said it was like the growing things outside that we could paint, all the wonderful things outside that used to amaze us. I didn’t know what colour to colour her T-shirt, and she told me I should colour it yellow like sunshine. This reminded us of the song "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Are My Sunshine"</i> that we always used to sing when we were little. It also reminded us of Mr. Sutch who helped me connect with Artist Child when I was scared in Grade 9. "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Are My Sunshine" </i>was the first song I learned how to play on Clarinet, Alto Sax and Bari Sax. Now I call people “sunshine” a lot because they are all my sunshines! Artist Child says she thinks they are too. She wants me to write out "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Are My Sunshine"</i> for you.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">You make me happy, when skies are gray.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">You never know dear, how much I love you.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">Please don’t take my sunshine away.”</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 3.75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">~ Jimmy Davis, "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Are My Sunshine"</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> We wished that we had that song on our MP3 to listen to while we drew our picture of Artist Child, but we don’t. We’re listening to it on the computer now though.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Artist Child wants you to have the picture to go with the reflection, but she wants to know if she could have it back really really soon so that I can hang it on my wall. She hopes that that’s okay.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Amanda and Artist Child.</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-7658333902325384122010-11-18T23:25:00.000-05:002010-11-18T23:25:57.324-05:00Come On Guys, Don't Neglect the GuysSo I was invited to this stupid facebook event for the eradication of violence against women, which, don't get me wrong, I'm totally for. But take a look at the description:<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><blockquote>Come to school and/or work without any make-up. Also, don't dress up and wear plain clothing such as a T-Shirt and sweats/jeans. No jewlery or any accessories and don't do your hair, just leave it down or a plain ponytail. Just go natural. You can write somewhere either on yourself or on your clothing either courage, strength or equality. INVITE ALL YOUR GIRL FRIENDS!<br />
This is to raise awareness about how women should be respected and be treated equally. We are not just objects to be decorated and commanded. We have brilliant minds, creative spirits and able bodies. Also because every girl out there is beautiful just the way she is. This day is also the International Day of Eradication of Violence Against Women.<br />
<br />
This is for my MDG project.</blockquote></center><br />
I don't understand how this is doing anything. It's not an action. It simply takes most girls out of their comfort zone. So what if they wear make up?! That's their choice and the way they doll themselves up makes them an individual. I don't wear makeup at all myself, but that's just the way I roll.<br />
There are many other things that women can do to show their power, such as rally or support each other. In fact feminine instinct causes us to support each other, so why isn't it happening?<br />
And I'm all for women's rights and eradication of violence against women, and don't get me wrong, I know it happens. I just sometimes don't realize how blatently some people ignore the same issues affecting men now a days too.<br />
<br />
Go on, change the world, save the lives of women. I'm right behind you, and all for my sisters of the world. Just don't forget the other side of the coin is starting to see the same cruelty and injustice against them.<br />
For every act you do against objectification of women, remind a man that he's not the total control freak we play all men up to be. As much as you remind yourself and you sisters that they're worth something, remind a guy they're worth just as much too. <br />
<br />
Someone's going to pull a "you give them and inch, and they take a mile" one aren't they?Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-40385527466191195482010-10-31T19:15:00.000-04:002010-10-31T19:15:07.422-04:00Happy Halloween!Just wanted to wish you all a very spook-tastic Halloween! Here's my halloween costume:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15kurvlfofPuXFucJBV7dwRYp5tjaM1umwyBXrNongBddWnBbd0yho6D334Td6_zTOUJLqOAotsY0X4PECvtVPYw-_h6nGgTNPvMe-IKO5XFpZ_tS4_DM8cdEPEqPNy0GqMWv5LZcCpU/s1600/freakofnature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15kurvlfofPuXFucJBV7dwRYp5tjaM1umwyBXrNongBddWnBbd0yho6D334Td6_zTOUJLqOAotsY0X4PECvtVPYw-_h6nGgTNPvMe-IKO5XFpZ_tS4_DM8cdEPEqPNy0GqMWv5LZcCpU/s320/freakofnature.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have an amazing time out there, but stay safe! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Halloween!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Amanda Out.</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-18436821399579156502010-10-28T10:50:00.000-04:002010-10-28T10:50:52.669-04:00Star Trek with hot guysAh... Spock. I love thee. I have to say I approve of filling a generally nerdy movie full of highly attractive men. And much to most of our displeasures, Spock gets the girl instead of Kirk, which makes us all sad because we all secretly want Mr. Pointy Ears.<br />
<br />
Sigh. But I suppose I can't have everything I want (although sometimes I wish I just got something) and I have little regret settling to wicked 17 year old Russian guy (I really don't remember his name...) for his sheer attractiveness and awesomeness. And Karlene wants Scotty over Russian guy (wait... his name was Khercof or something like that...) so it all works out wonderfully.<br />
<br />
OH! I was telling Kyle earlier about how I completely approve of them filling the movie with hot guys, but then he asked if I even found old Spock attractive. My answer? God dammit man, it's Spock! Who cares what he looks like, his awesomeness just... just... ah...<br />
<br />
Damn... so we're having this debate over who wins now... Kirk or Picard... which I really think is a battle between the awesome of Spock and Data (ah Spock, yes I'm biased) and not so much their respective captains.<br />
<br />
Anyways, the damn was for the fact that I lost... I voted Kirk in favour of Spock, and Jess picked Picard (I'm assuming for Data). Oh... she says it's for Picard's epic awesomeness and his bad ass voice... but anyways...<br />
<br />
The Librarian picked Kirk too (ftw!!!) but I was completely just trumped by Mr. Delodder's choice of Picard, which Delodder's choice trumping all opinions. Jess says he's supreme overloard, he is pretty epic I must admit.<br />
<br />
So we're completely distracted by Star Trek videos on the internet now... so I'm going to have to leave you all with that obscure review of an epic remake.<br />
<br />
Spock, I love you too!<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-1497226547057531512010-10-27T17:25:00.000-04:002010-10-27T17:25:40.534-04:00The Inside Ride<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I will not neglect. I will not neglect. I will not neglect.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Anyways... yeah.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Today I wanted to tell you about an epic event I participated in last night called <i>The Inside Ride</i>. What it is is an event where teams bike on a stationary bike for five minutes each, with the goal of biking across Canada with the total of kilometers of all participants.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">It was way a lot of fun and we raised $30 000 all together!!! Incredible event. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Our team's name was THE NERD BRIGADE!! I brought in my light sabers and everything. Here's a picture:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbSr8hzZH7VVDvUVD9xpaN3MrWjwYeEqXhkT1CpVlOQM82H7H-tOzluITvF0Pp6BaWFUgQHrc9oZYannZl7llIc-gMJwEKgK4Wb-ANNW8BpYwpP9e8u_-Uy-NaErgcmOY7evtYC7lGqk/s1600/nerd+brigade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbSr8hzZH7VVDvUVD9xpaN3MrWjwYeEqXhkT1CpVlOQM82H7H-tOzluITvF0Pp6BaWFUgQHrc9oZYannZl7llIc-gMJwEKgK4Wb-ANNW8BpYwpP9e8u_-Uy-NaErgcmOY7evtYC7lGqk/s320/nerd+brigade.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">There's me, Erika, Jared, and Kyle. XD Livi's missing... she's off somewhere... I might post a better picture once they're up on good old facebook.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Anyways the point of the event is to raise money for kids with cancer. There's a kid who used to go to our school who has cancer, so we're supporting them. I didn't know him. So what did I do it for? Because every kid deserves to grow up to be and inspiration to others. :)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Check out the <a href="http://www.theinsideride.com/">Inside Ride</a> website for more information on hosting your own Inside Ride event. ^^</span></span></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-36971359131996000362010-10-25T11:25:00.000-04:002010-10-25T11:25:38.824-04:00Busy Busy BusySo I have very little time to talk, I'm already cutting in to my snack time, and I still haven't found Mr. Mol, or Murphy. Both of whom I need to find before the Inside Ride tomorrow.<br />
<br />
For all you not familiar with the Inside Ride event, it's a stationary biking competition to raise money for kids with cancer. Our school is raising money for some kid on the French side name Mitch (I don't know him), but all the same I'm on a team. GO NERD BRIGADE!!!<br />
<br />
So that's tomorrow. I went shopping for my halloween costume this weekend, and had my share of adventures when I had to cross the floor to the guys side to find a blank t-shirt. There were literally NO t-shirts on the girl's side fo Wal-Mart. This experience has scarred me slightly, but it's for a halloween costume, so it doesn't make much difference.<br />
<br />
So yeah, I ironed on my words "Freak of Nature" on to my t-shirt...<br />
<br />
Holy cheese!! The bells gonna ring in two minutes and I gotta grab philosophy stuffs yet, so I gotta go.<br />
<br />
ttfn sunshines,<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-51597360430664524212010-10-24T14:10:00.001-04:002010-10-24T14:11:50.613-04:00ValidationWatch this. It's beautiful. (P.S. - remember to pause the music player at the bottom of the page first)<br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Cbk980jV7Ao?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Cbk980jV7Ao?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-71627352089896542872010-10-21T11:16:00.000-04:002010-10-21T11:16:33.661-04:00Updates, UpdatesBonjour<br />
<br />
So you've probably noticed a change in the look of the blog... I'm trying to add more pictures and things, and less text, because although text is epic, it's not very catchy. Well, unless it's bright red or yellow, then it's just annoying.<br />
<br />
Other than that, I'm thouroughly sick now. My pudding brain is starting to solidify into concrete, taking any sort of rational thought with it. I feel top heavy.<br />
<br />
But I have to write that stupid philosophy test anyways. And my moral towards it was significantly lessened after Writer's Craft this morning. This new teacher is starting to irritate me. She's really closed minded toward writing, even though she thinks she's not. We read a Lenard Cohen poem today (yeah, I know, great choice for a Catholic School), and she went off on how you can't write unless you know his stuff by heart. Hello? What happened to the Shakespeare insults of the day before? I was loving you for that.<br />
<br />
And it's really biased that she tells us all this about this Cohen guy. I really didn't like the poem. It was good, I'll admit, but it was repetitive in a boring way. I had to read it several times before I found something I liked. But she's just drooling over the thing like we'll fail if we hate it. Naturally I said nothing, but I think she surmoused enough of my feeling toward it through my analytical responses.<br />
<br />
ANd why are we analysing it? This isn't english (ok, yeah it's an english course), but it's WRITER'S CRAFT. I want to WRITE. We've been doing all analysing shit in English (we haven't even read a book yet!)<br />
<br />
Errr... she's getting on my nerves. That, and under her, I'm probably going to fail.<br />
<br />
Enough ranting. Big cookie time!!! (I wonder if this will change my outlook towards the Philosophy test?)<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-22089548503635115102010-10-20T10:49:00.000-04:002010-10-20T10:49:10.463-04:00Oh Philosophy, how thouest does melt my brain.Ugh.<br />
<br />
So I really should have taken today off. But I didn't. Because I'm stupid...<br />
<br />
I'm feeling like my brain is pudding (which does that physics sound wave thing when I tap it, then proceeds to make my brain hurt because I thought about physics). I'm getting sicker (is that a word?) each day, and I have a philosophy test tomorrow that I really should be studying for. I'm just scared that I'll wake up tomorrow so thoroughly hateful that I won't be able to write my test and focus on it. SO I think I really should have taken today off to sleep and study... I have a PD day to catch up on my work...<br />
<br />
But did I? No. I didn't. *headdesk*<br />
<br />
I'm supposed to be studying for Philosophy right now on my spare, but I'm totally distracted. I think some of that pudding just melted an important part of my brain... a co-herant part. I'm not too worried though, we have half a period in philosophy to study today.... ugh... that is, if I actually study.<br />
<br />
What else. Well not much. The Sparks were wonderful last night and they rekindled my love of Robert Munsch stories, and I got to practice my storytelling skills reading <em>Mud Puddle</em> (sadly I don't own <em>Murmel Murmel Murmel</em>, which is my favourite.) I'm gonna have to go to the library and get some halloween books. Or maybe I'll write one with actions because the Sparks can't sit down that long.<br />
<br />
I can feel the sides of my head caving in, and I'm scared it's gonna run out through my nose and ears, so I'm going to go study for Philosophy now (which will completely melt whatever is left). :P<br />
<br />
Need sleep... *drones*<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-49924159148167982792010-10-19T11:04:00.000-04:002010-10-19T11:04:34.587-04:00Change the World.Hello all.<br />
<br />
Yes, I am aware I haven't posted in forever. I got lazy. *smacks hand* Bad Amanda. Amanda must be punished.<br />
<br />
So I have a lot to fill you in on, don't I? Japanese peoples, canned food drive, my weekend? <em>Geektastic</em>?<br />
<br />
Well, let's start with the Japanese. My buddy's name was Akira. Isn't that wicked? They didn't speak much English, but based solely on facial expressions, I think he liked playing football and basketball, and perhaps the darkroom best. Oh! And they did this wicked dance at the assembly, and we all went onstage after to try it. My legs were burning for a whole week. I could barely walk. Of course, joint pain didn't help any.<br />
<br />
The canned food drive for FACE team went very well, we had like 1600+ cans and over $900 bucks when I was last told. Out next campaign is the <em>Coats for Kids </em>drive and collecting milk bags to make mats for the homeless. That reminds me... I should probably jump over yonder to give Mrs. Thompson my announcement... and we need to make them posters for the end of the day reminder...<br />
<br />
Hmmm... OH! my weekend. Well, it was my grandpa's birthday. We bought him a wicked puzzle with all the famous television people on it. He was so excited, it was crazy. I recognized some of the people... that guy from M*A*S*H*... Bugs Bunny, Jay Leno, the Flinstones, FRIENDS... my grandpa knew way more though...<br />
<br />
We also got him a book called Valkyrie. It had a movie based on it, and I had to watch it like nine times for a history project, and it was really good, so we figured he'd like the book. We'll find out I suppose. It's about a plot to kill Hitler from within his own ranks. Yeah.<br />
<br />
And we went shopping with my Grandmother. I got a balloon hat. She thought it was pretty epic. So did my mother. But my Aunt, who is usually epic, went on this rant on how I should grow up, and it kind pissed me off. But I ended up buying a dress. I know, completely unlike me. But I'm being forced to go to semi, so I might as well be prepared. Plus, the design on the dress looks like it was drawn by a child. Which makes it epic.<br />
<br />
And that's about it. Right now I'm kinda sick (probably should have taken the sore joints as a precurser), and my head feels like it's melting from the inside.<br />
<br />
The last thing I want to say is to for you to join this site: <a href="http://www.itstartswith.us/">It Starts With Us</a><br />
<br />
I joined it, so you know you want to. It sends you "missions" via e-mail that encourage you to change the world in just 15 minutes a day. Isn't that wicked?!! I can't wait for my second mission. Join children, join!!!!<br />
<br />
OH! I forgot to talk about <em>Geektastic</em>. As usual, it's the most incredible book ever!!! Cassandra Clare's short story was amazing, as expected, and the ending was completely phenominal and completely Clare esque. And the English nerd got the English nerd. There were pancakes involved.<br />
<br />
Alright, so that's all for today. I have to plan a craft for the Sparks tonight and I have to find Jennifer. I'm definately bringing a Robert Munsch book with me. Those are always good. (I may be 17, but I have Robert Munsch stories on my MP3. I'm that cool)<br />
<br />
Ta ta for now, mes amis.<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-2563102310844455772010-10-14T10:15:00.001-04:002010-10-14T10:15:02.434-04:00Ugh.I'm going to go sleep today on my spare.<br />
<br />
Bye,<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-88067462227944042462010-10-12T10:49:00.000-04:002010-10-12T10:49:28.662-04:00MIAYes, I know I haven't posted in five days. And I would sit down and write you a beautiful tale of everything you missed, but I don't have time! (pulls out hair)<br />
<br />
I still have to read Philosophy before class, and Matt's badgering me to find a book for him, so that took up time... (stop patting my head freak!)<br />
<br />
So I'll shorten it to this. I spent most of my weekend writing a ten page short story on a witch hunt. Yeah.<br />
<br />
Maybe I'll post the link later.<br />
<br />
Anyways, too del oo,<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-43525798828045237012010-10-07T11:13:00.000-04:002010-10-07T11:13:46.692-04:00The FutureI spent a good portion of todays spare editing Korky's Marxist's Theory essay, with lots of you are amazing-s coming from behind me as I covered her pages in red pen. Somehow I don't find editing that amzing, but whatever, let her think that.<br />
<br />
That reminds me last night though about Michelle telling me to become an editor with her. Can you seriously see me sitting at a desk job, leafing through endless piles of paper to find the one story that will sell? Or picking away at someone's work until it's covered in red grammar and spelling mistakes, and green cuts? I'll probably be too biased anyways. I'll pick the female's sci-fi story over a male's anyday, providing the females story isn't thoroughly terrible. *cough* Twilight. *cough*<br />
<br />
Plus my own works will be lignering in the back of my mind. Michelle's other suggestion was I become a travelling poet, which I admit would be wicked cool, but make me like no money. Unless the king took fancy to my work, but you know things like that don't happen in this century.<br />
<br />
Originally I threw around the idea of being a photojournalist, but I read an article in <em>PhotoLife</em> last night that the profession of photojournalism is going downhill to the point of ceasing to exist. Publishers are pulling pics from photobanks and google instead. (as unethical as it is to use google for such things)<br />
<br />
*sigh* I guess I'm gonna have to re-think this career thing. But being an Editor can't be that bad of a job, can it? At least it pays well. IF I get the job...<br />
<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-40801630478440309762010-10-05T10:35:00.000-04:002010-10-05T10:35:09.418-04:00LeavingAnother day without Korky. :( This is making me awfully sad. I hope she's alright.<br />
<br />
What else... OH! MRS. CLARKE IS LEAVING! The blasphemy! We're trying to make a scrapbook thing for her, but it's gonna be hard without help. We have to make sure we get everyone's input for it too, and I only know so many people. And it has to be done for Friday.<br />
<br />
Anyways, I was thinking an Explosion box scrapbook because those are always cool and they're not that hard to make. Well, that is if I remember how. *thinks about it* Yeah, I remember.<br />
<br />
We're making Turkeys out of cookies and candy and stuff for Thanksgiving at Sparks today. I get to be the icing master. Mostly because I don't want to have to clean up the mess five and six year olds will make spreading they're own icing. They can put it together. But I am the icing master!<br />
<br />
Ooo I'm distracted by some girl talking to the librarian. So much for having focus. It's raining. My joints hurt. My head hurts. It's going to be a long day.<br />
<br />
Snack time today may turn into applying Myoflex time. I have a feeling we're going to be writing a lot in Philosophy. English was long enough this morning. We read this weird story called <em>The Yellow Wallpaper, </em>which is about this chick that goes crazy because her husband locks her up in her room and isolates her from society. Apparently society's ideals are supposed to be the villain here, but personally, I still think it was the guy. He was supposed to be helping her. But seriously? Locking her in a room because she's suffering from after-having-baby depression? Wow, fail.<br />
<br />
I'll stop ranting about English though. We started Plato in Philosophy and he's actually kinda cool. I understand the whole parallel universe of perfect forms thing. But I still think I liked Socrates better and his rantage on what it means to exist. This guy who liked Plato's work ranted about "being" in the textbook, and he had a point, but that random guy isn't exactly one of the Big Three (makes them sound like the Gods, eh?). He was German I think.<br />
<br />
What else... Oh! Writer's Craft. I get to have two parties on Friday. One for Mrs. Clarke, and one in class for Mrs. Bougner because it's her last day before going on Mat leave. Sonya thinks her baby is going to be a boy. I'd trust her judgement.<br />
<br />
So yeah, that's about it. I put some poems in a contest the other day after talking to you all. We'll see how that turns out. I only get like ten bucks if I win though. :(<br />
<br />
OH! That reminds me... I found five bucks on the ground today on the way to school. There was no one around... so I kept it. Don't worry, I'm not that selfish. I'll use it to buy things for other people instead of myself. Then my good luck will be put to good use.<br />
<br />
Mind, there was this old man staring at us while we picked it up, but he was way down the street, and we asked him if it was his and he didn't respond. So, yeah, now I'm five bucks richer.<br />
<br />
I really wish Korky was here, or even Jess Murphy. At least I'd have someone to talk to... :(<br />
<br />
I suppose that is all for today. I need to go get an announcement form for book club...<br />
<br />
Ttfn (ta ta for now) sunshines.<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-9739576952764059922010-10-04T10:56:00.001-04:002010-10-05T10:14:29.339-04:00Pie DayOk so I'm sad. Korky isn't here today. And I brought pie today too! The blasphemous child! Can't believe she didn't come today!<br />
<br />
So I am sad. But Kyle came to visit while writing his lame Spanish test... it really was the most pathetic thing I'd ever seen. Well, almost.<br />
<br />
What did I do this weekend? Well... I slept... and ate... and slept... and watched MERLIN!!!! Merlin is a wonderful show! *drools over Arthur* Ok, I secretly like Merlin. Sort of mostly because Arthur loves Guenevere and they're ridiculously cute together.<br />
<br />
What else... that's about it. I surfed the internet and such... OH! And I got GEEKTASTIC from the library. It's only the most wicked book ever. The first story is about a Klingon and a Jedi. Yes, I know, two things that should never mix. But that's what makes it EPIC!!!!<br />
<br />
I can't wait to read the rest of the short stories. If you're interested, here's the goodreads catalogue of it:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6615683-geektastic?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book"><img alt="Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519HhQDcflL._SX106_.jpg" /></a></center><br />
Pretty wicked cover, eh?<br />
<br />
Well I would say more (and I do want to) but I have to study for philosophy and have pie snack time without Korky. :(<br />
<br />
Hopefully the sun shines brighter tomorrow!<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-20851731193158442082010-10-01T11:52:00.000-04:002010-10-01T11:52:46.884-04:00MissingI HAVEN'T POSTED IN TWO DAYS!!!!! It's not my fault I swear! It's the first time I've been to school since Tuesday!! >.<<br />
<br />
Let me explain! On Wednesday, I went on a trip to London to see <em>Anything Goes, </em>put on by the High School Project. The acting was incredible, (there were even a few SMHS students involved!) but I wasn't too fond of the play itself. It's all romance and nothing but romance. Shakespeare is so much better. It's romance AND death. ^^<br />
<br />
And then yesterday (Thursday) was a fog day. I spent my day Role Playing, watching three episodes of the Big Bang Theory, and one of this Anime/Manga thing called Black Butler. It was interesting.<br />
<br />
The rest of the time I spent napping and litening to music, finishing off the day with a Girl Guide meeting and Season Two, Episode 13 of Merlin. I can't wait to start Season 3. Episode 13 was AMAZING! Great season finale.<br />
<br />
So that's what you missed. OH! And we had the Terry Fox run today. I wrote Sutch's name on my paper cross. I miss him. :(<br />
<br />
But Ms. Rastin (my English teacher) made our day. As we walked she told us about her daughter who had cancer, and then we talked about books and TV and all the other awesome sci-fi-y stuff we watch. She proved herself even more epic than we thought. Now I have like nine million other things to watch on fog days/snow days now, other than Big Bang Theory.<br />
<br />
Anyways, Korky wants pie, so were going to go to snack time now. COMMON LUNCH AFTER! Woot! *hugs* I've missed you invisible internet lurkers.<br />
<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-67147386880348309982010-09-28T11:16:00.000-04:002010-09-28T11:16:34.501-04:00Who writes a 13 page apology? And recites it in court?So yeah, I'm getting super pissed off at this Philosophy reading we have to do and I've officially given up. If it takes me more than a half hour to read, then I'm not reading it. I got to page FOUR in a half hour. Yeah, that's how terrible it is. But it's somewhat amusing in someways. For being ridiculously wise, Socrates was an idiot. Oh yeah, by the way, I was reading the thirteen page Apology of Socrates. The man rambles.<br />
<br />
Anyways, from what I understand, he basically wandered around telling apparently wise people they weren't wise, because they only posses human wisdom which is basically the equivalent of nothing.<br />
<br />
This only proves his point when he says, "I should say to <strong><em>HIM</em></strong>, 'Here is a man who is wiser than I am; but you said that I was the wisest.'"<br />
<br />
He was talking about going to prove the Oracle of Delphi wrong. The Oracle at Delphi is FEMALE. This has been proved by history. They got high off methane coming out of the rocks at Delphi and gave visons.<br />
<br />
Anyways, I found that kind of interesting. My brain is already starting to hurt and I'm not even in Philosophy class yet.<br />
<br />
What else is happening? Oh, Jess wants me to tell you cheese is made of magic. She thought you should know that.<br />
<br />
What else... Oh, the fact that I'm too nice. Yeah, I was on MSN last night and I managed to solve three people's problems at the same time in under an hour. I think that's pretty epic.<br />
<br />
But it just reminded me how much it hurts to help people. When you genuinely help someone, you leave a little bit of yourself with them, you give that to them. And they abuse it, and some days, there's just nothing left to give they take so much of you. But you don't care. You do it anyways because you know it's right.<br />
<br />
On theme with Philosophy next period, I think it's good to end with this quote.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle." ~ Plato.</blockquote>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-3915168807004665192010-09-27T11:06:00.000-04:002010-09-27T11:06:38.802-04:00Gotta RunHey, so I want my snack time, and I still have assignments to do before then, so this is just a quick post so that I keep up with this goal.<br />
<br />
Anyways, here's what I wanted to tell you. Korky's fretting over some Enlgish project on Lord of the Rings next to me here, and she found this site that tells her all the names of the places and mountains and peoples in te movie to help her. She clicks on this one, and she's like "OMG, there's a name for a rock they never mentioned."<br />
<br />
Naturally, being nerds, we borke out laughing, then realized it wasn't so funny because it was probably mentioned in the book.<br />
<br />
Anyways... that's all for today. Toodeloo!<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-76273225599491196102010-09-24T11:18:00.000-04:002010-09-24T11:18:39.668-04:00Hmm... Interesting.So during a debate in English this morning about feminism (we watched way more gLee than we probably needed to and Katy Perry's stupid <em>Calfornia Girls</em> video), me and Karlene got into a debate over whether we've read more books by females or by males, wondering if we're living up to our feminist nature. So we started a list. Sadly, it's terribly difficult to do this from memory, other than the main writers we watch, so on my spare I rambled through my <em>Goodreads</em> "read" list to see the authors I've read and how many books by them I've read. And what I found kinda shocked me. Here's the results:<br />
<br />
<strong>Males (11)</strong><br />
Douglas Adams<br />
Eoin Colfer<br />
Garth Nix<br />
Kenneth Oppel<br />
Christopher Paolini<br />
James Patterson<br />
Rick Riordan<br />
W. Shakespeare<br />
Geoffrey Trease<br />
Homer<br />
Isaac Asimov<br />
<br />
<strong>Females (17)</strong><br />
Kelley Armstrong<br />
<br />
Flavia Bujor<br />
Meg Cabot<br />
P.C. Cast<br />
Cassandra Clare<br />
Cornelia Funke<br />
S.E. Hinton<br />
Sue Monk Kidd<br />
Harper Lee<br />
Lesley Livingston<br />
Stephenie Meyer<br />
Jenny Nimmo<br />
Tamora Pierce<br />
Anne Rice<br />
J.K. Rowling<br />
Mary Shelly<br />
Patricia C. Wrede<br />
<br />
As you can see, there are clearly more female writer's that I've read than male ones. But the other thing I counted was how many books by them I've read. The results were:<br />
<br />
<strong>Males: </strong>58 books <strong>Females:</strong> 46 books<br />
<br />
So even though I've read more female authors, I've still read more books my males. My brain starting to sink into Philosophy mode for next period, I started to wonder why. Then I noticed some patterns.<br />
<br />
The males, for the most part, have all written lengthy series, with some still not completed. The average amount of books in a series with a male author is around 6-8 books, and that's with some unfinished series remember. Then I looked at the girls side. With the exception of Rowling and Nimmo, who broke the barrier at the begninning of my childhood for female fantasy writers, most of the females that tossed us, threw us, and took us on wild adventures wrote only 3 or 4 books for their series. On average, girls get a lot more done with less paper.<br />
<br />
Also noticed, on close analysis, that most of the female authors I've read I've picked up relitively recently, other than the old classics you read in school.<br />
<br />
It appears females are a minority in the sci-fi/fantasy world, but they're starting to make their mark. Which gives me hope that I might be on that list someday.<br />
<br />
Girl Power!!!<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-91734355841431679692010-09-23T10:40:00.001-04:002010-09-23T10:54:13.573-04:00DilemmasSo Korky's fretting out about a math question right now... Like to the point she should be rocking back and forth in a corner.<br />
<br />
Apparently she thinks she copied down this question wrong, and she has no idea how to do it. I'd help her, but I know nothing about math, especially grade 12 math. Ick. I have to take it next semester at the end of the day. It's gonna be terrible.<br />
<br />
Anyways, we can't decide who she should ask for help. There's a nerdy smart kid of awesome sitting at the table over yonder named Jared, and though he's one of our kin(meaning the nerd family), we don't know him very well. And Korky doesn't have the guts to walk over to him and randomly ask him a question. Though, now that I think of it, I would find that weird too. So he's out.<br />
<br />
We asked Jess, who is SUPER nerdy, and at least took the class a year or so ago... but I dunno how much help she'll be. She has a cold. Personally, I think she should ask Ola, but she won't see her until next period...<br />
<br />
Oh, hold on I think she got it... YAYS!!! Oh wait... never mind, wrong question.<br />
<br />
So yeah. That's our little adventure for today. As you can see, not much is happening. Although I did bring my Collected Works of my Good Friend William Shakespeare to school today for Writer's Craft. It's sitting right here next to me. It is godly, gold leafed pages and all. *sighs*<br />
<br />
Don't you hate it when the most amazingly super awesome guys(slash girls) are either dead or ficitonal? I mean, I would date Shakespeare, that's how awesome he is. And everyone else is fictional. I mean, did you read the Mortal Instruments series? (Cassandra Clare is a Goddess) Jace=God. I'm dead serious. He's real I tell you.<br />
<br />
And then all of us floating this sorry boat end up drowning our lives away in writing our own literature in an failing attempt to create an actually decent guy. I don't think it's possible, you can't possibly meet a decent guy in your whole life. You have to put up with an almost descent one someday. Well, unless he's gay, but then you know, things aren't going to work out.<br />
<br />
Korky's freaking out next to me. She're cursing math. I won't quote directly, but basically "I HATE MATH."<br />
<br />
I think it's a statement even geniuses have said at least once in their life. What idiot decided we could use numbers to describe the world again? I think we're learning about him in philosophy today... the Pythgorians? Something like that. OOO! That reminds me of pie. Now I want some.<br />
<br />
That's all for today. Chillax. We'll make it through.<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-82052221018837495452010-09-22T10:43:00.000-04:002010-09-22T10:43:51.842-04:00The World of Role PlayHello all. Today is day two of my spare blogging. I will blog every day!<br />
<br />
Did that really need an exclamation mark? Yes. Yes it did.<br />
<br />
So here's today's post. It's raining, and all my joints feel like crap. My head is swirling so much I can't concentrate on much... especially this screen. So don't mind my spelling. I'm currently decked out in a tensor bandage on my wrist, and both ankle braces, trying to fight the wrath of the rain. Yet despite its depressing nature, I've always seemed to like it for some reason. Weird.<br />
<br />
I also ventured into the world of role play last night by trying to join Karlene's character's dorm room. Well it's going well so far. We only got out like one post each last night, so we continued our discussions today in a google doc during our English computer period. I know, naughty. But I can't concentrate on Julian of Norwich's life right now, so it was a welcome distraction from a throbbing brain.<br />
<br />
And in that conversation today, I managed to piss off her character, Midnight, twice. Looks like I probably won't be rooming with her. That's alright. I'm going to go to the hallway subtopic, and open a room called Pandorica's Closet. I shalt live there. And lock the door.<br />
<br />
So that's my adventures with role play today... how about something from yesterday.<br />
<br />
hmmm... Well we still haven't given our presentation in Philosophy. That's alright though, ours sucks. I want you to find the philosophical questions in Galileo dropping two weights off the tower of Pisa. Our thought bite didn't even have a question to get us started! The blasphemy!!! Is that even politically correct to say?<br />
<br />
Anyways, I drew something for Korky instead that looks kinda sweet. But she has it, so I can't post it sadly. Otherwise I would. YAY SCANNERS!<br />
<br />
And thinking of drawing, you should see my pathetic attempt at drawing anime. My sister's teaching me, but that doesn't negate the fact that I CAN'T DRAW WORTH SHIT. Well, maybe a little bit. I can DOODLE! :)<br />
<br />
Alright, I'll stop with the caps. I might post the drawing when I'm done. But right now all you can see is a head and two arms cuz that's all I know how to draw! Once I learn I'm gonna draw all the characters from Dream Catcher! Yay! I'm excited.<br />
<br />
So that's my adventures from yesterday. Back to the boredom of my spare. Toodeloo!<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-15985195186913179742010-09-21T11:53:00.001-04:002010-09-21T11:54:42.911-04:00School's Begun!Hey all.<br />
<br />
So I know I kinda neglected this during the summer, but I promise I'm going to update this as often as I can with stories from the previous day. Promise. I have second spare, and as long as I'm not doing homework, I'm going to update this blog. WOOT!<br />
<br />
So adventures... I'm doing way more Girl Guides than is probably humanly necissary. I'm Junior Leading in a Sparks unit and in a Guide unit. I'll also help my mother from time to time. And on top of all that, I'm a Ranger still! The spaks meeting is tonight and Jenn if a leader! I'm so excited! But I have to remember to back off so I don't overwhelm her... which may be difficult because it's me. Hopefully a room full of cute six year olds will be distraction enough.<br />
<br />
I share this spare with Korky (she's currently reading original brothers grimm tales on the internets), and I have every single class with Karlene. Oh! And Philosophy class should be eventful what with all the brain melting and EVERYONE IN IT. Karlene, Ania, Korky, Ola, Rachel, Emily, Marissa, Victoria, Sonya, and Jared. EVERYONE is in that class and we all get to melt our brains together!!!! ^^<br />
<br />
And just for the record, PARMENIDIES MELTED MY BRAIN.<br />
<br />
The other exciting thing that is happening is I'm venturing into the world of Role Play. I haven't officially launched my character into the world of online character development, but I'm thinking someone named Pandora who's the daughter of Athena and Hades, cast to earth by her parents, doesn't know her past and is adopted by faries. Yeah.<br />
<br />
And where's all this happening? The wonderful world of <a href="http://www.gaiaonline.com/">Gaia</a>. Anime freaks galore. And the occasional book fan. And the bunch of us who are only addicted to it because our sister's joined and we had to watch over them to make sure they don't do anything stupid and ruin our repuations. Yeah. XD<br />
<br />
So I'm launching into RPing. OH! and the other thing you should know is that we've re-launched <a href="http://nerdtasticadventures.blogspot.com/">Nerd-Tastic Adventures!</a> You can check it out by clicking that link. You know you want to. There we will be documenting our adventures throughout high school as nerds. You are welcome to contribute. Just let me know! It's gonna be epic. We have a whole bunch of new stories lines up to tell, so do check it out and get youself aquinted with the old ones.<br />
<br />
So that's all for now and I'm supposed to be working on my RP character right now instead of blogging, but I figured I'd update you anyways.<br />
<br />
Writing everyday from now on during my spare!<br />
Amanda Out.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727325129019357786.post-70559517546822663072010-07-24T19:00:00.000-04:002010-07-24T19:00:27.902-04:00It's all in the quotes.I'm never the same person when I go to sleep as when I wake up<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">The world keeps getting bigger every morning.</span> I wish the world would stop being to big. What's wrong with a little world for a little me? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">But it's the little things that make life big.</span></span><br />
<br />
And when people ask me, "Why are you so weird?," I never know what to say. But then I realize why would I be like THIS when I can be like <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">T<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">H</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">S</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">When it comes down to it, I'm not weird, I'm gifted at living.</span></span></span></span></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></span><br />
But some days I don't feel so good... somebody, please, give me a hug<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Sometimes when I say "I'm ok," I want someone to look me in the eyes, hug me tight, and say "I know you're not."</span> I know I shouldn't be afraid of death, I should be afraid of an unlived life. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">And I want to live alone, because the greatest love is ruined by the bickering, the argument of living, so I want to live alone. I could be happy on my own.</span> But I think I'm afraid of being happy.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I have no special talents, I'm just passionately curious.</span> I'm not the girl that thinks a guy is the answer, I'm just tired of being alone. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Sometimes I think my brain has too many things in it and I try to get rid of the stuff I don't need anymore. Some of it just won't budge though.</span> One advantage of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">They say you know you're in love when your heart starts making more sense than your head.</span> Why did I not see this before, the boy I adore was right in front of me. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">You're just jealous because we act retarded in public and people still love us.</span> And in the end, I turned out liking you more than I originally planned. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">You've done it, and we who know you are not in the tiniest bit surprised.</span> I have a tendency to fall in love with fictional characters, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">but not this time.</span> More than anything, I want you to be thinking of me. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">You are my sunshine.</span> And I'll tell you that if there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, and I'll stay there forever. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">If we ever do part, I'll remind myself not to worry about the world ending today because it's already tomorrow in Australia.</span> If the world ends in 2012, I'll have spent my whole life in school for nothing.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I thank God every time I remember you,</span> though sometimes your lack of social skills astonishes me. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">hen you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done</span>, and yet, for a minute there, I lost myself. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">If you were waiting for the opportune moment, that was it.</span><br />
<br />
I just want to sit in bed and snuggle and eat cereal and watch stupid movies with you all day long. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Don't let the sweet face fool you, I'm a freak.</span> Crazy I am. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">And you're crazy. I like crazy.</span> So I just want to tell you I have my own stalkers, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">and, dear beautiful, don't ever forget how to be amazing.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span>For that I say Merci Beaucoup<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">They say don't judge a book by it's movie</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">,</span> so if Google didn't exist, we'd all be screwed, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">and life would be an epic fail.</span> We keep waiting on the world to change, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">yet we know the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.</span> I am the dream, and you are the dreamer, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">so hold your head high gorgeous. They will kill to see you fall.</span> You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you will join us and the world will live as one.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Sometimes it's hard to remember that you have been taught that there is something wrong with you, that you are imperfect, but there isn't and you're not.</span> Yet we look for ourselves in everyone, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">and we feel like we are a fruit loop in a world of cherrios.</span> We fear rejection, want attention, crave affection, and dream of perfection. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">But life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's learning to dance in the rain.</span><br />
<br />
In the end, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">this... is a pen</span>, and I use Avada Kedarva because Muggles can't prove it in court. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">And this is why I say eff Iraq, we need to catch Voldemort!</span><br />
<br />
I thought today I'd write something clever here, then I thought, screw that. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">So Mario, you can thank me later for devoting my entire life to saving your girlfriend.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><br />
I am me. Love me.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09007223975921071725noreply@blogger.com0