random ramblings

Ginjahbread House: Rudolph Style

2011-12-28T17:50:00.002-07:00

Am I the only one who gets creeped out by this Burl Ives snowman? I know he's benevolent, but I always thought he was a weird character and never really warmed up to him even as a kid--I mean, just LOOK at him.

It may be late for the season, but here's a belated Christmas-y post.

My mom is very awesome and consented to purchase a Rudolph-themed gingerbread house kit.

I don't remember the last time--if ever--I made a gingerbread house, so after helping/watching my students build and decorate their own, I just couldn't ignore the call of gingerbread house making.

This kit was pretty cool. It had candy/gumdrop versions of Bumble, Santa, and Rudolph albeit he looks like he leapt out of Picasso's Christmas collection.

Also, I was pretty proud/satisfied with this candystone walkway (made of cut up gumdrops and small balls of candy). I don't always go out of my way to take this much time--especially with food, but this was a lot of fun and relaxing. I think I'll have to definitely do this again next year!

Here's a rear view of the house. I adored adding little details to the house. The wreath was very fun to make. Guess I still like miniatures after all these years!

Here's an angle so you can see all the time my mom and I put into the roof. It wasn't exactly easy to get this result with just a little kit and the frosting they give you, so I think we did pretty darn good.

It was also pretty neat that the kit let you cut out other characters to place around the house.

Merry (late) Christmas, everyone!

Hope you had a wonderful time with family and friends.
Let's make it an even better new year than the previous!

The butter dish has spoken.

All Hallow's Eve Questionaire

2011-10-04T21:24:00.005-06:00

Do you like to dress up for Halloween? Oh heck--incredibly--yes!

What were you last year for Halloween? A witch--the nice--wart-free kind.

Favorite Costume you have ever worn? Ooh, hard to say. I think when I dressed up as Charlie Chaplin, that was by far the one I got the most comments and praise on. Old people were freaking out over me--in the good way. Also, I really like costumes that think out-of-the-box and are more specific.

How do you spend your Halloween? Oh it depends. I don't trick-or-treat anymore, of course. Some years I'll hand out candy/scarecrow-ize myself and scare unsuspecting trick-or-treaters who approach the porch. I'll do whatever I'm in the mood for. Watch a good movie or attend a party--as long as candy makes it into the equation, I shall most assuredly make an appearance.

Have you ever been to a graveyard on Halloween? Negatory. Perhaps I was walking on ancient Indian burial grounds and didn't realize it at the time?

Do you decorate your home on Halloween? Are you kiddin'!? Halloween is one of--if not my most favorite--holidays. I can't get enough of the decorations!!! So yes, I help decorate and add little wacky details and humor or weirdness whenever possible. I decorated the heck out of where I lived last year. Maybe I'll post pictures later of that if anyone's curious.

What's a fun memory you have of Halloween? Being in Alta Loma with my siblings right after finishing for the night, dumping our hoard out onto the carpet to inspect/savor our booty, and bartering with each other over various candy bars and no-name, gross-looking candies (you know what I'm talking about.)

Also, James and I, as our candy-specific taste buds matured further, discovered two seemingly yucky candies that turned out to be scrumdiddlyumptious. One was the Mary Jane taffy, which I had shied away from and extracted from my candy piles for many years before I tasted the light.

Then there was another candy that I don't recall the name of. It was a crunchy little wafer, covered in some white candy and infused with 'real' peanut butter. Again, have NO idea what it was called, but those were dang delish! James if you hear tell of this, please tell me if you remember what I'm talking about.

Well, there's a taste of what I like and remember when it comes to one-of-the-greatest holidays ever.

Now it's your turn! Simply copy and paste all the above and tell us what you remember!!

What Makes Me Happy

2011-07-15T13:16:00.009-06:00

So, what makes you happy? There's so much more I could put down, but these are the ones that most easily come to mind:

Hearing thunderstorms

the sound/smell of rain

the smell of freshly-baked bread

the sound of laughter

making people laugh (on purpose)

reading a book that never lets go or you can't put down

watching a favorite movie or show

all of my family and relatives--especially when we're together and having fun/laughing

my beautiful niece and two handsome nephews

The Gospel

my life and for all that I have

my friends

my jobs

teaching

drawing

being wacky

making fun of a cheesy movie

playing an amazing game

BBC version of Pride and Prejudice

singing my face off when I'm alone

Razia's Shadow: The Musical

The Beatles

Queen

where I live--the scenery

fishing

bundling up in a warm, thick blanket

updating my blog (Yes, it occasionally happens)

hearing/singing along to a song I love

eating super-tasty food/treats

eating something someone prepared for me--my mom's/sister's cooking

when people accept me for who I am

writing creatively

my smile and eyes

my health

having time to myself, my our family dogs

the barking bed

the really random-weird laugh my mom and I like to demonstrate on each other

Harry Potter

animals

giraffes

baby animals

a clean room or car

a clean/primmed me

giving or receiving a hug

being better at something than I thought

facing and overcoming a challenge

quotes (from movies, books, people)

getting Simpson quote texts/calls from James

getting texts from loved ones

talking to my grandpa

calling or getting a call from Lisa, Chelsea or Mom

when the Spirit 'gets' ya'

helping someone and making them feel less stressed after

being called 'Miss Trunnell' by my students

when a student 'gets it'

thoughtful, life-changing comments and notes

my laugh

when I sing with others

when Phil beatboxes

watching The Wonder Years or Pete and Pete with Phil

Gracie barking in her sleep

words--seriously--I love looking at, revising, pondering meanings, origins, and just how they look

decompressing (as Bella would say, "Having a human moment."

sushi

looking at someone you know loves you back just as much

weird/funny noises

having my very own computer (thanks to my exceptionally rad mom)

when something/someone cheers me up

when Gracie lays next to or on me or burrows under the blanket with me

making something (edible or crafty) and having it be half-decent

making others happy

making others smile

when a boston terrier 'wags' its tail

being busy--not back-breakingly so

having my own room and bed, having my own car

having enough money to comfortably live and support myself

being myself

knowing what I have the potential to become

reading Lisa's, Chelsea's, and Mom's blogs

reading kid's books

Dr. Suess

Christmas

Halloween

dressing up--and for Halloween/for fun too

finding shoes/pants that actually fit me

feeling special (the good kind)

earrings--the more unique the bettah

Nathan's personality and how close we are

reminiscing of when I was a kid or sharing stories from our child as a family

thinking about or seeing my old toys

thinking about my grandma (her laugh, smile, generosity, love) and when she would hold me and rock with me

when things are on sale

and when people read and COMMENT on my blog!

*****************************************************************************

It really is worth it to take a moment and ask yourself what makes you happy. I like it because it helps one learn more about you and see what matters most to you.

Thanks for reading! And remember:

If you want to be happy, be. ~Leo Tolstoy

Guppy Love

2011-07-13T15:08:00.018-06:00

Last week, my mom mentioned how she was thinking of getting guppies. I thought that sounded pretty cool, but it seemed that this probably wouldn't happen anytime soon.

Today: My mom now has six guppies. There are three males and three females.

And can I just say, I remember when we had guppies years ago, and they were neat enough, but MAN these new guppies are rad--just plain rad. And crazy-active!

For those who, like me only a short while ago, aren't particularly familiar with guppies, females are larger and less colorful (usually a dull brownish gray with colors on the tail and dorsal fin). Males are smaller, slighter with longer tails and dorsal fins and are very colorful on their entire bodies (think peacocks VS. peahens).

Without further ado I give you:

Here's Pam. She's the prettiest and most popular of the ladies. She has men going after her constantly. She may be incredibly camera-shy, but she can get very feisty and energetic.

Next we have Jim. He's definitely one of the cuter/more attractive males. He and Pam like to hang out, and his favorite hobby seems to be chasing her.

Question: What kind of fish is best?

Answer: Dwight the guppy

This is a very unique guppy. He looks like he belongs in a forest/jungle, hunting down his subordinates. He and Jim like to race each other (no joke) all the time.

Next we have Angela. I don't think this version would be a cat-lover--but who knows? This is by far the most petite of the fish we have. The men do not go after her hardly at all. Furthermore, she's a loner. Everyone else is having fun and going crazy together, but she'll have none of it.

(Apologies for the out-of-focus-ness! Oh, and she has the leopard print like Dwight too--though you can't tell here!)

This is Jim (below) and Toby (above).

Toby is the smallest male, but he's definitely got the most sparkle in his appearance. (I thought, jokingly, mom should have named him Edward due to his sparkle-ness and reddish tail/hair.)

He likes the ladies, but Jim and Dwight so far seem to trump him in that field.

Funnily enough, Toby seems to really go for this next gal.

Who might that be?

Why Meredith of course!

She's very pale--almost translucently so. She has a pretty dark red/orange tail.

What I just realized (and think is funny) is she's in her own little rehab center right now.

The reason: She's preggers...and maybe a little tipsy?

Last but so not least is Snitch!

My own little guppy baby (better known as a fry).

I wish I could've gotten a much clearer picture, but this one (way too early to know if it's male or female) is about as long as the tip of your pointer fingernail.

It got the namesake due to the fact that it's almost impossible to see and pretty fast.

Finally, here's Meredith trying to give a smooch to Toby through her rehab box.

That's it for now!

Tune in to see what happens next and who the next edition to the crew may be.

Soooo many possibilities! ; D

Alphabet Story

2011-05-26T13:12:00.005-06:00

Directions: See if you can write a story of exactly 26 sentences. But here is the hard part: Make the first sentence start with an a, the second with a b, the third with a c and so on through the alphabet. (For x you may cheat and use a word beginning with the prefix ex.)

Try and see if you can get through the entire alphabet with your story!

Here's my stab at it below: *Caution, it's NOT as easy as it sounds, but it'll definitely keep you entertained for a bit if you give it a chance.

..................................................................................

Allie buckled from the sting of teeth in her skin. Black-red spots of blood pooled over the wound. Cringing in disgust and agony, she struggled to crawl away. Darkness swept over her vision. Everything fell away. Fleeting glimpses of her attacker haunted her sleep.

Groaning in distress, she jolted awake. Her bed was soaked in her sweat and the reopened wound. Incapable of sitting up, Allie whimpered softly to the empty room. Just then--she felt it--creeping up her leg under the blanket. Keeping her breathing level, she threw the cover off. Laughing softly, it continued to crawl leisurely toward her.

"Monster. Get away! I will slice you--"

"No, stupid girl, you won't."

Opening her mouth to utter a scream for help, it struck. Paralyzation quietly crept over her. Quills of venom again slid out of her flesh. Realizing it had her, Allie strained to fight the poison streaming again through her blood. Secret whispers seeped desperately from her trembling lips.

"Too late," the creature cruelly smirked, searching longingly for her throat.

"Unbind me...unbind me..." she willed an unseen force.

Venom froze her. White strands of sparkling light crisscrossed her bound body.

"Xxxxxxshhhhssss." The fanged maw let out a sound of fear and hatred.

"You were foolish to return" the young women hissed back. Zealously cackling, she plucked the ribbon-like form from her chest as hollow teeth drover through her fingers.

..................................................................................

Well, it's far from perfect, but I had great fun writing this--if you couldn't tell. Yeah, I know a lot of my stories focus on a young female character battling some creepy creature bent on destroying them. You try writing a story with a antagonistic creature/person and tell me it's not fun to write the dialogue for him/her/it!

I really hope lots of you will give this a try. Mind, it can be about ANYTHING your pretty/handsome (if you're a man...and slightly insecure) noggin desires!

It does not need to be a creepy, angst-filled story...like mine. You can write about bright, happy, and sunshiney happenings--just give it a chance! I would so love to read it!

Cheers!

100 Tasty Tidbits Concerning Yours Truly

2011-03-31T17:32:00.001-06:00

1. Full name: Mary Anne Trunnell

2. Nickname: Mary Annie, Meatstain, Mat, Bald Obama = )

3. Zodiac Sign: Pisces

4. Male or female: Female

5. Elementary School: Cucamonga Elementry

6. High School: Snow Canyon

7. College: Dixie State College of Utah

8. Hair color: medium brown with blonde highlights

9. Tall or short: sorta tall

11. Sweats or Jeans: Jeans, well, depends where I am

12. Phone or Camera: Both?

13. Health freak: Heck no!, but I do love water! It's a constant battle.

14. Orange or Apple: Orange in some cases. Apples in others.

15. Do you have a crush on someone: Maybe sorta

16. Eat or Drink: EAT.

17. Piercings: Ears

18. Pepsi or Coke: Pepsi or Coke--but it has to be Cherry.

HAVE YOU EVER ?

19. Been in an airplane: Yes

20. Been in a real relationship: Uh, not technically

21. Been in a car accident: Yes

22. Been in a fist fight: Not so much

23. First piercing: Not sure what it's asking. Yes? Ears? When I was 17?

25. First award: Um, I've gotten a lot of awards. Some reason, taking 2nd for a Baton competition comes to mind.

27. First word: Confused

29. Last person you talked to in person: my bro Phil

30. Last person you texted: Nate

31. Last person you watched a movie with: Nate, Phil, and Angie

32. Last food you ate: Apple Straws

33. Last movie you watched: Conviction

34. Last song you listened to: Pretty Down to Your Bones- The Hush Sound

35. Last thing you bought: I think Del Taco

36. Last person you hugged: Mom...half-hugged Alana I think

Favorite:

37. Food: Many varieties. Maybe sushi?

38. Drink: Water, Cactus Cooler, or (most recently) Pomegranite 7-Up

39. Bottoms: Whatever's available and isn't too constricting

40. Flower: Wow! I don't know off the top of my head... Wow! I don't know. I like many types. Anything unique, colorful (like multi-colored even), and tropical ain't not bad either. Roses, lilies, and such too.

41. Animal: Giraffe

42. Color: turquoise

43. Movies: Many. Pride and Prejudice (BBC version), Inception, Dark Knight, Grave of the Fireflies, Stardust, Enchanted, 500 Days of Summer, Stranger Than Fiction, Amadeus, The Secert of Kells, Newsies, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, Moulin Rouge, Enchanted, Tangled, Schindler's List, Sense and Sensibility, The Way We Live Now, and many, many, many, many, many more.

44. Favorite subject: English, Band (at one point), Art, and Theater!

HAVE YOU EVER: (Put an X in the brackets if it applies)

45. [x] Gotten baptized.

46. [x] Celebrated Halloween. What kind of question is that?!

47. [x] Had your heart broken--maybe not in the 'boyfriend way,' but yeah, it sure has

48. [x] went over the minutes/texts on your cell phone.

49. [] had someone question your sexual orientation.

51. [] got pregnant.

52. [] had an abortion.

53. [x] Did something you regret.

54. [x] Broke a promise.

55. [x] Hid a Secret.

56. [x] Pretended to be happy. Uh, who HASN'T?!

57. [x] Met someone who changed your life.

58. [] Pretended to be sick

59. [] Left the country.

60. [x] Tried something you normally wouldn't try and liked it.

61. [X] Cried over the silliest thing. I cry over really stupid things.

62. [x] Ran a mile. Hah! Yeah, at SOME point I think...

63. [X] Went to the beach with your best friend. Um, do cousins count?

64. [x] Got into an argument with your friends. Hardly happened.

65. [] Dated someone Sorta, but not quite

CURRENTLY:

67. Eating: I was eating Vegetable Straws

68. Drinking: Welch's White grape, peach, and mango juice

69. Listening: My computer breathe

70.Sitting/Laying: sit-laying

71. Plans for today: Sleep for a while. Ignore my alarm clock for a foolish amount of time. Wake up and be made at myself for going back to bed AGAIN. Get ready and be almost late!

72. Waiting for: My dang tax form to come already!

YOUR FUTURE:

73. Want kids: In time heck yeah!

74. Want to get married: Indeedy

75. Career: Teaching!

WHICH ONE:

76. Lips or Eyes: Lips are nice and can be very entertaining--looking that is, but eyes are one of the first things I notice and remember. I mean, sorry to be morbid, but what if we didn't have eyes to see but some other way of viewing the world? I think they are one of the most beautiful features of any given face.

77. Shorter or taller: Hm. Tall is good. Taller is kind of wonky. So, it could give on either a tad.

78. Romantic or spontaneous: Both--as long as it's not spontaneous combustion, which could be cool or deadly.

81. Hook-up or relationship: Umm... I guess relationship.

82. Looks or personality: They co-exist. One cannot exist without the other in order for it to work. I'm not saying I'm shallow, but he's gotta catch my eye in a good way, or I'll get that chance to see him in the first place. But personality is more important by far. If he's got a sense of humor, some quirks, can actually make me geniunely laugh, doesn't take himself or life too seriously, and is his own person.

HAVE YOU EVER:

83. Lost glasses/contact: I've lost my glasses...and they were on my face. Scary.

84. Snuck out of a house: Wha? I guess?

85. Held a gun/knife for self defense: I got a kitchen knife when my cousin Ryan came over to our house way late.

86. Killed somebody Accidents happen.

87. Broken someone's heart: I dunno. I don't think I'm that "good" or influential, yet?

89. Cried when someone died: Definitely. When my at-the-time best friend texted me that her brother had been killed in an accident, and she called me shortly after. Also, the day I finished my finals for college, I come home to find out my sweet grandma had passed away. I think I shed an inside tear when Jack dies on Red Eye. So lame!

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:

90. Yourself: I give myself the benefit of the doubt--or at least that's what I like to tell myself to mollify me.

91. Miracles: Sure! I finished math in college.

92.Love at first sight: I dunno. I'm sure it exists. I belive in like like at first site. Well, some people just know, but I don't think it's an everyday occurence.

93. Heaven: But of course! There better be or afterlife's gonna be kinda crummy.

94. Santa Clause: Sadly, I did for a little too long. My fourth grade teacher made me re-believe. It was so dang cool, but then Phil had to dash that to pieces-I mean it was probably for the best, but I felt so crappy and stupid.

96. Kiss on the first date: I sure as heck hope not! That sounds like creepercity to me.

TRUTHFULLY:

97. Is there one person you want to be with right now: Lots. One in particular, but that's never gonna happen--well, it has in dreams I guess.

98. Do you know who your real friends are: Certainly. And likewise for them.

99. Do you believe in God: How can I not?! Look outside! Look at the mechanics of a human body! I PASSED MY MATH COURSES.

100. Post as 100 truths? I don't quite get this. Yep?

Do your own! 'Tis fun!

"Catching Trouble"

2010-07-08T17:43:00.015-06:00

At last! The someday-we'll-go-fishing curse is officially undone.

Trip 1: Ivins Reservoir

Here's what I 'caught!' Lake/pondweed...awesome.

Craig, a student my dad has worked with the last couple of years, was the only one of us four who caught a fish...which unfortunately got off the line. Lucky fish, I guess.

Here's my spiffy new rod and reel.

The view/scenery was pretty darn nice.

Ha ha...these photos got out of order...

Duck! I mean--ducks!

I haven't seen ducks for ages. I got a big kick out of these web-footed fowls.

Dad's taking a heroic stance to intimidate the fish.

Of COURSE all the shade aka trees/brush was on the complete opposite side from where we were.

I still think it's crazy 'this' was so close by.

Here's the dock we fished off of later on...to no avail.

Maybe I know absolutely nothing of photo-taking, but I really liked how this picture had a hazy-esque quality.

The whole reflection thing was pretty thrilling to me.

Trip 2: Enterprise Reservoir

I have a great fascination in/for deer. I think they're just gorgeous creatures. Naturally, when I saw deer, I was pretty pysched-to-the-max. I wish I could've/would've zoomed in more, but it still turned out alright.

Here's another one literally heading for the hills.

I really think this picture looks much better on a larger scale. facebook should remedy this, I pray.

Geeked out here. Deer had tromped right where I was!

This is the first spot we tried. Good almighty NIGHT. The darn weeds/sticks caused many a snag for us.

It was fairly muddy. Especially the closer to the water. Go figure...

This place had a pretty nice view too.

As Yoda would say, "Greatly do I enjoy when light reflects off a large body of water."

Thankfully, Dad and I decided to try a much better location for fishing. The rock is smartly-titled Honeycomb Rock. It think it's quite neato.

I'm digging this orange color here.

Surely no one will ever tire of my puns.

Dad's just relaxing while we wait for the dang fish to bite.

At last! After receiving wonderous instructions and hands-on assistance for an older gentleman and his wife, we start catching fish--after spending the whole day with no success. This is the best pic I could muster of the rainbow trout Dad hooked.

Man, the view in this other location was fabulous.

This may be my new favorite photo for the time being. The colors and stillness of the water make me think this is taken in a tropical location or something.

Here's a far-off shot of Dad and the two life-savers.

I thought the foam was cool.

Dad got his hook caught on the same dumb rock quite frequently.

Thought I should have a picture of me...even if I'm sunburned, greasy, and such.

Blue dragonfly in the sky. I can go twice as high!

I didn't realize how GREEN this place was in spots until I saw this photo on here.

And here's our catch. We were given two by that incredibly nice and helpful couple, I caught 3 with his expertise, and dad caught a big one. All but one was a foot long. Not bad!

Poor guy... He looks scared. Sorry, but that doesn't change the fact that we're eating the whole lot of you this Sunday.

"While You Were Sleeping"

2010-07-01T15:31:00.004-06:00

Thought it was great that he feel asleep on a drawing of him sleeping. Hah!

Ummm, these pictures are a result of James falling asleep and falling prey to a joke of sorts...

Basically, James fell asleep, and Nathan, Chelsea, and I were bored.

To rectify this situation, Nathan suggested we find various objects around the house.

As you can see, we--I--went overboard.

It was most fun, though! He even shifted twice and remained asleep, much to our surprise and relief.

For fun, try to count how many objects you can see in the picture above. (Also, some objects are not shown in this picture, so use other pictures to help you, as these go in chronologicial order.)

Whoever posts on my ACTUAL blog and names the most objects right gets to choose either the fate of my next blog post (yes, I'll go through with it this time) or their choice of drawing (this could vary quite a bit!)

that will be featured as a next blog post!

Don't dawdle now!!

This post wouldn't be fully complete without including this memorable moment from _Freaks and Geeks_ (at the beginning of the clip):

*Note: If you're viewing this on facebook, I'm pretty sure you'll have to click on the 'Original Post' button on there to get to my blog (http://maryannesrandomramblings.blogspot.com/) and actually see the video.

Frying Nemo--Well, Almost.

2010-06-28T13:54:00.010-06:00

Chelsea, James, Dad, and I went to Pine Valley early this morning, and as you can see from the view, it was well worth the effort!

Here's Dad's head as he fishes at the shore.

I LOVE this thing! I shouted out when I first discovered this lurking behind a picnic table. I thought it was a human leg for half a second. Freakishly delightful!

This was probably my favorite picture I took. I love the deep green and serene atmostphere.

It was so nice that the waterfall was just a quick walk from the picnic area. Very beautiful and cool--literally.

Here's a couple more trees. Can't recall their names...I'm sure it'll come to me--maybe when we go back to Pine Valley?

As you can see, it was a great day to be fishing and shooting...pictures, that is.

Here's James hanging out by the creek.

Lookin' good, Dad! Glad you didn't fall in...I think?

Can't wait to go back. It was incredibly worth waking up early and dealing with annoying bugs of many sorts!

I like this one a lot too.

So much, in fact,

I'm beginning

PINE.

"Dad Is Great!"

2010-06-20T01:42:00.005-06:00

What Is A Dad?

A dad is someone who
wants to catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up,
brushes you off,
and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who
wants to keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail...

- Unknown

Happy Father's day to all dads and, of course, my dad!

Love you more.

Lizards and Birdies, and Trolls--Ohhhh My!

2010-06-05T21:23:00.016-06:00

PART 1: My Pad

Here's where I currently live as of now.

This is just a closer-up shot of our place.

We live quite close to the side of a mountain, so we get lots of crazy critters. I'm quite partial to the reptiles. And this may not look like much, but I was pretty happy I managed to "catch" this guy/girl? on film. This type of lizard is actually pretty big compared to your average lizard.

The same day from above, I managed to snag a pic of this little roof dweller. I think it's a sparrow of sorts.

Anyhoo, it's cute and a heck of a lot less annoying the the 'coo, coo, coo-ing' of our Doves-in-Mourning.

PART 2: That Darn Dog!

Now comes Charlie's first mishap since I've been sitting for him and the folk's house.

Shortly after, James was grandly-helpful and threw away most of the sticky debris.

PART 3: Burd (like from 'Bambi')

A mourning dove has taken roost in my parent's overhang in their backyard. It usually takes off in flight whenever someone gets too close, so I was surprised I could get this "close" to it.

Sorry I couldn't get a better angle, but you can still make out the tail and most of the head.

Eye dig this eye.

PART 4: Troll 2 Party

We had a party in honor of the arrival/viewing of one of my cousin's favorite cult-classic horror movies that is said to be one of the worst movies ever made.

All one had to do to be admitted into the exclusive affair was bring/make something green and edible.

Chelsea made a moist and squiggly cake infused with lime Jell-O.

Nathan says, "'Bone' apetit!"

Heather provided homemade, yummy guac.

These creepy masks were drawn by fans of the film, which we (by all means) had to adorn!

Say "Nilbog!"

From left to right: Weston, Chelsea, James, me, Mickey (Heather's bro), and Heather!

Chelsea really became one with the mask.

PART 5: Considering Murder

After all that scolding, all Charlie did was stick his tongue out.

Thanks, little punk.

It may appear that I'm choking said offender, but this is not so! I thought it was sorta funny that he had incriminating evidence on his face, which would be green Jell-O Troll cake

Google Verb Meme

2010-05-25T01:29:00.004-06:00

Type your name into Google with the verb that comes after in the question. Answer with your favorites from the first page of google results. Have fun!

Q: Type in “[your name] needs” in the Google search.
A: Mary Anne needs something better than the best electron. (Um, yeah...sure. Whu?) or Mary Anne needs to recognize and name that she is lonely. (Okay, I'm lonely? Hehehe.)

Q: Type in “[your name] looks” in Google search.
A: Mary Anne probably looks good in any color, but in this pink outfit I think she looks especially hot. Maybe it's that seductive glance... (Heck yeah! It's ABOUT time. How many seductive glances does it take?!)

Q: Type in “[your name] says” in Google search.
A: Maryanne says she has an opportunity. (Okay, for...what exactly?) or Mary Anne says "the GOD (not goddess nor Gods) demands it's sacrifice." (Sure looking forward to that.)

Q: Type in “[your name] wants” in Google search.
A: Mary Anne wants to frame Sam. (Uh oh. Look out...Sam.) or Mary Anne wants Tara to have a baby or be in a relationship because she keeps pushing her on that guy named Eggs. (How can you NOT trust a man with such a namesake?)

Q:Type in “[your name] does” in Google search.
A: Mary Anne does not need tools, but can use Numerology, Oracle and Tarot cards upon request. (And don't you forget it!) MaryAnne does it all. (Yes I does.)

Q: Type in “[your name] hates” in Google search.
A: Mary Anne hates men. But not really. But kind of really. Maybe. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Ha ha! Not constantly, but for sure at times...like most things.)

Q: Type in “[your name] asks” in Google search.
A: Mary Anne asks Claudia if she knows what "teacher wore her bloomers out" means. (Ha ha. Random.) Mary Anne asks politely. (As well I should.)

Q: Type in “[your name] likes ” in Google search.
A: Mary Anne likes to read, see movies, and take walks. (It's almost TOO accurate now.)

Q: Type in “[your name] eats ” in Google search.
A: Mary Anne eats like a bird. (Umm, yeah, I can I guess. Like an ostrich.) Mary Anne, who's a psycho immortal witch, that eats organs, kills folks... (I only did that a couple times, jeez.)

Q: Type in “[your name] wears ” in Google search.
A: Mary Anne wears it. (Pretty descriptive there. Almost pyscho-ly so.) Mary Anne wears her famous cities skirt to two consecutive and substantial "with Logan" functions-- the dance and the surprise party. (How can I live with myself?)

Q: Type in “[your name] was arrested for” in Google Search.
A: Mary Anne, on the '60s comedy, was arrested in Idaho for possesion of marijuana this past October. (I finally gave in.)

Q: Type in “[your name] loves” in Google Search.
A: Mary Anne LOVES Island Living! (Yes I do...nay, I would. As long as it's not one like LOST.)

Now it's your turn!!!

Pumped...under the Circumstances

2010-05-10T00:32:00.007-06:00

Left to right: Nathan, James, me, and Chelsea

I'm so glad they could both be there to support me--though technically--Chelsea didn't have a choice because she had--I mean--got to play for the graduates in the orchestra. They sounded excellent too.

Mackenzie and me. It meant a lot to have her come see me pass through a giant D. Thanks, Mackface!!

Heather!! What can I say? She's like a sister to me! I'm convinced we were way close in another life as well. I love this picture of us!! We look so awesomely-good.

My mom and dad! They've been too amazing through my college journey. I don't think I would've lasted very long without all of their constant encouragement, patience, and support.

I was so tickled that confetti rained down on us. It was pretty sweet.

I have NOT said this enough, but this is my new favorite picture right now. We look so happy.

I love all of you guys (reading this)!! Thanks sooo much for being there for me and helping me get through all these papers, tests, and crazy projects!!

Also, I'M DONE!!! At last. I can't believe it! It's still sinking in. Not to say that I haven't enjoyed my time at Dixie (which I most certainly have for the most part), but I WAS gettin' pretty tired of papers and piles of homework...I'd lost pretty much all will power to get anything done...not good. So, it's a very good thing I graduated in time before it got any worse.

Finally, I'm SO glad I didn't suffer this misfortune during the Pomps and Circumstances.

My 50th Post!--So Here's a Paper.

2010-04-19T17:36:00.006-06:00

Feel free to read the paper below as is or for a higher readability, click on the link above to download as a Microsoft Word document.

But before we get to that, how many can you name?

And now, without further interruption...

The Simpsons:

The Idiom Impact on English Language

Mary Anne Trunnell

Professor George R. Jantzen

Engl 3810. History and Structure of the English Language

April 15, 2010

For the past twenty years, an unprecedented phenomenon has swept the world through the less-common medium of a seemingly straightforward, average cartoon. John Alberti, editor of Leaving Springfield: The Simpsons and the Possibility of Oppositional Culture, writes that The Simpsons was brought to life by then comic strip artist, Matt Groening (pronounced gray-neeing), along side television comedy-writing veteran, director, and also producer James L. Brooks in the late 1980s (xi). In the early years, no one could ever begin to fathom just how far and wide this animated sitcom could reach viewers. Whether one embraces the popularity or critical acclaim of the animated series or not, it is undeniable The Simpsons is a vastly influential television program that has, in a variety ways, contributed to the English language.

In addition, some of these largest vernacular contributions have been made possible through a large selection of popular idioms coined or made famous by The Simpsons characters. Truly, Bart, Homer Simpson, and even little Maggie Simpson have broken new ground with just how far and wide a seemingly simple “cartoon” can reach and modify a universal English-speaking audience. Steven Keslowitz, the author of The Simpsons and Society: An Independence Analysis of Our Favorite TV Family and Its Influence in Contemporary Society and a University Scholar from the Honors college found at Brooklyn College, opens his book by proudly declaring this simple, yet profound, fact:

The Simpsons has transformed the American way of life. Fans of the series view the show as a parody of the “average” American family. Indeed, The Simpsons does provide inside into the inner workings of the American household. However, the television audience may not realize that The Simpsons has actually shaped our very way of life. (10)

One of the many ways this delightfully-dysfunctional family has influenced the English language is through popular sayings by the main characters of the program. It might come as a surprise to learn that “Don’t have a cow, man!” gained so much limelight through The Simpsons. Interestingly enough, Matt Groening was the first to rejuvenate this popular retort, which was once used widely in the 70s, in his 1988 collection of cartoons entitled “Life in Hell” from the cartoon “Childhood is Hell” (Keslowitz v). Perhaps mischievous, little Bart Simpson, Springfield’s (their fictional hometown suburbia) answer to a more edgy, irreverent Dennis the Menace, was not the first to start this catchphrase; however, it certainly did not take off and become a household name until that plucky, spikey-haired youth uttered those words. In fact, this idiom took off so much so that it was once plastered on hundreds Simpsons merchandise: T-shirts, toys, cups, stickers, magnets, just to name a few. So what if The Simpsons didn’t create this saying—don’t have a cow, man!

Along with “Don’t have a cow, man!”, Bart Simpson also coined a phrase that continues to this day to be in high use—and even growing more so in the process. To introduce this catchphrase, here is an excerpt of dialogue when the saying made its first debut on March 19, 1995 in episode 122, “Lisa’s Wedding”:

Bart: Oh, these Renaissance fairs are so boring.
Marge: Oh, really? Did you see the loom? I took loom in high school.
(Marge then weaves the message "Hi Bart, I am weaving on a loom”)
Bart: Meh.

What does “meh” even mean? According to Mark Peters, the author of the article “Doh! Meh Makes Its Mark” from the online publication Good, the Collins English Dictionary, in which “meh” recently was added in the 30^th edition, states that the phrase “meh” can work as an interjection to express indifference or boredom: How’d you like the movie last night? Meh. Also, “meh” functions as an adjective for something that is mediocre or boring (Did you like the new album I lent you a while ago? It was meh.) Also, “meh” has an alternate version as an adjective. It can also be used to describe being apathetic, unimpressed, or bored (I saw you earlier today, and you looked pretty down. Yeah, I was pretty meh.) Collins own head of content Cormac Mckeown added that information on the Yiddish saying “feh” (where the popular phrase was derived from) will also be added to the final entry of “meh” in the dictionary.

However, besides finding a permanent home in a British-based dictionary, “meh” has also been spoken and featured in countless media genre as seen from Peters last word on the matter:

Urban Dictionary is a dubious, Wikipedia-like source, but its 229 definitions of meh show large awareness of the tiny word. Online variations such as meh-ness, mehometer, mehgasm, mehitude, mehage, mehtastic, mehtacular, mehlicious, non-meh, and meh-on-a-stick show the term’s usefulness and adaptability. Getting in the Collins Dictionary, however, requires wide use. In English texts from around the world—which include magazines, newspapers, books, journals, and websites—McKeown says meh scored big: “We have examples of meh being used in more than 40 of our sources over the last three years.” Some words are added despite appearing in as few as five of their sources, so for such a weary word, meh certainly gets around. (“Doh!”)

It is safe to say that this phrase will most likely be along for a very long time and only continue to grow in reputation and usage as time goes on. What if it doesn’t? Meh.

Certainly “meh” has clearly contributed in molding and honing the vernacular of the world’s modern day culture, but an even more well-known catchphrase was coined by the idiotic genius himself, Homer J. Simpson. Take, for example, this scenario: I’m afraid to have to tell you that you have not passed this particular college course. D’oh! As written by Blair Shewchuk for CBC News Online, he explains that the definition of this exclamatory remark can be located in The New Oxford Dictionary of English. The definition states that “do’h” refers to : "[e]xpressing frustration at the realization that things have turned out badly or not as planned, or that one has just said or done something foolish. Also (usually mildly derogatory) [this phrase can also be used for] implying that another person has said or done something foolish." Here it becomes even more evident than ever before that The Simpsons are not your average prime-time animated series. This TV series is far more than any one individual could ever begin to properly imagine. In so much that a famous phrase coined by the father, Homer Simpson himself, found a home in an English dictionary that takes many, many years to update and has only been updated two other times previously: once in 1928 and once in 1989 (Shewchuk).

Yet, catchphrases, whether funny or not, also can serve as something more than a popular saying. Julie Woblewski author of English 60A Contemporary Critical Theory entitled “Language and Filial Relationships in The Simpsons” from lawerence.edu sums up quite nicely the function of this saying Homer frequently uses. “His "D'oh!" communicates an instantly understood message in a simple and straightforward manner.” This is why catchphrases from this TV show work so effectively. Whether heard or said from the program itself, in other forms of entertainment, or merely in a public setting, these quirky idioms become fully universal: anyone can use these sayings, most people will automatically recognize or even assume its meaning by the inflection applied, and, as mentioned above, these catchphrases are short and to the point—the perfect answer to a world gone instant or truncated in all sayings and doings. Everyone loves using quirky idioms! They don’t? D’oh!

Homer Simpson may have one of the most well-known and celebrated exclamatory remarks in contemporary culture from The Simpsons, but his youngest, infantile daughter Maggie also has a less-than-formulaic approach to being heard and remembered just as well by viewers world-wide. Keslowitz dedicates a short chapter on Maggie Simpson and her significance and representation to the show and to the audience at hand. Only able to walk for brief periods, only to comically flop momentarily onto the floor face-first, Maggie is one of the few verbally-absent characters in a vast crowd of colorful, loud Springfieldians. Only once does the littlest Simpson speak up, uttering a soft coo of “Daddy” throughout the entire animated TV show’s airing. Despite her expected quiet nature due to her undeveloped speaking abilities, Maggie Simpson can still say far more in a glance or pacifier suck than most cartoons can convey in an entire episode (Keslowitz 60).

Furthermore, a very important role of Maggie is to convey an on-going presence and example of pure innocence. This concept is made even more apparent and possible through her lack of verbal communication. With her large eyes and sweet demeanor, Maggie Simpson is hard not to like or sympathize with—despite her age and maturity, or lack thereof. Often times, this is all that is needed from the stumbling infant: a subtle glance or brief acknowledgment (Keslowitz 61). However, Maggie is not a typical baby girl. Because of her bright red pacifier always present in her mouth which she continuously sucks upon, she can make sure even the most boorish of characters (her father, Homer Simpson, for instance) doesn’t get all the attention. What is one of the integral characteristics of the youngest Simpson is how likeable and loveable this character is, further proving that catchphrases do not have to be verbalized to become memorable in an always-verbal society. For all Maggie Simpson haters out there: “Let the baby have [her] bottle.” Also, quit sucking up to only Bart and Homer Simpson! They are not the only characters worth quoting—er—see: *suck suck* (pacifier noise)

In the end, it cannot be denied; The Simpsons are here to stay. And why not? Any cartoon that can come from such humble beginnings and gain such a monumental amount of praise and of a following by people of all demographics must be doing something right, and therefore, deserves to claim ownership and enjoy the limelight for all of these. Thanks to simple idioms spoken by various Simpson family members, Americans and other people of this world have grown accustomed and fond of these sayings--so much so that many of these unique utterances have taken off on their own to spread even further than the TV show and the loyal fan base. Many of these catchphrases can be located and heard in numerous instances of media, some have and still are found on various items of Simpson merchandise, and a choice few have given the honor of becoming immortalized as actual English language phrases in The Oxford and Collins dictionaries.

Even more so, not many TV sitcoms—let alone animated TV sitcoms—have this opportunity (or measure of power) to revolutionize and contribute to the actual vernacular of English. Dr. Sarah J. Greenwald, from Appalachian State University, and Dr. Andrew Nestler, from Santa Monica College, state from the web site mathsci.appstate.edu: “The Simpsons has established itself as an award-winning international pop culture phenomenon. It is the longest-running sitcom of all time and it is also one of the most literate television programs on the air, containing many references to subject matter and scholars from various academic fields…” It goes without saying that no more evidence needs to be provided for an open-minded individual to rightfully and dutifully accept, admire, and celebrate Matt Groening’s brainchild, The Simpsons, for its influence and its bestowment on the English language itself. Still not convinced? D’oh! Or as Maggie would say if she was old enough (meaning, not-so-innocent) to verbalize her own feelings, “Sucks to be you.”

Works Cited

Alberti, John. Leaving Springfield: The Simpsons and the Possibility of Oppositional Culture. Detroit: Wayne State University, 2004. xi. Print.

Greenwald, Dr. Sarah J., and Dr. Andrew Nestler Nestler. "simpsonsmath.com." mathsci.appstate.edu. n. pag. Web. 6 Apr 2010. <http://www.mathsci.appstate.edu/

~sjg/simpsonsmath/>.

Keslowitz, Steven. The Simpsons and Society: An Independence Analysis of Our Favorite TV Family and Its Influence in Contemporary Society. Tucson: Hats Off Books, 2004. v, 60-61. Print.

"Lisa’s Wedding." The Simpsons. FOX: 2F15, 19, 1995. Television.

Peters, Mark. "Doh! Meh Makes Its Mark ." Good November 21, 2008: n. pag. Web. 6 Apr 2010. <http://www.good.is/post/doh-meh-makes-its-mark>.

Shewchuk, Blair. "DOH!? WELL DUH!." CBC News Online July 17 2001: n. pag. Web. 18 Apr 2010. <http://www.cbc.ca/news/indepth/words/doh_oed.html>.

Wroblewski, Julie. "Language and Filial Relationships in The Simpsons." lawrence.edu. N.p., March 1 1997. Web. 6 Apr 2010. <http://www.lawrence.edu/dept/english/courses/60a/

handouts/juliesite3.html>.

Let's go fly a kite--uh--and try to come out on top in the fight.

2010-04-10T19:34:00.006-06:00

Just a couple days ago, I caught sight of a young mourning dove (cute!) hanging out on our balcony rail. I didn't want to startle it by going outside, so this was the closest I could get. I really enjoy taking pictures of animals...hopefully in the future I can get much more closer up too.

Today, I went to go fly kites with the folks. We went to my old elementary school. Sorta surprisingly, an unstoppable wave of school days nostalgia fell over me. I had to take a picture of one of my favorite spots to play with during recess in third grade. Man, it sure doesn't look like much, but back then, it was a very ungoing source of entertainment. I used to bring my dinosaurs, frogs, and turtles (All toys--I don't have my own Jurassic Park, yet.) from home. Great, great memories.

Here's Dad. Dad likes to fly a kite.

Dad tries to make it fly. The kite falls.

Dad gets the kite to stay up. Go, Dad, go!

Just a couple more pictures of the kite. Because it was so sunny, I really couldn't hardly see what kind of picture I was getting of the kite. Nonetheless, you get the idea.

Once again, couldn't see at all, so the face that I snagged the kite at all was good enough for the likes of I. What a cool kite! It's like the friendly version of Mothra.

But before I go, it's been far too long sense I put something gross or weird on my blog, so I'm throwing in my banged up thumb for no extra cost. This is the result of very foolishly trying to stop my kite handle, which is more or less like a fishing reel.

As the wind took off with the kite, I didn't know how to try to hinder its progress. Without thinking, I used my hand (and thumb, obviously) to try to slow it down. Kids, DON'T do it. It hurts and messes up your thumb.

I guess the funny-esque thing was I didn't even realize what I had done until the damage was already done. Truth be told, this wasn't a huge thing, but I didn't want to simply write: "I hurt my thumb." That's just boring.

These didn't come in too well, but you get the idea. There goes my shot at getting uniform cut/shaped nails once again...

Until next time... Same blog time. Same blog channel!!

Another childhood favorite memory:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jgE-lrfZ3k&feature=related

Room & Trip Pics!

2010-03-19T00:52:00.020-06:00

Welcome to my humble (French for "super-awesome") abode.

I thought it'd be fun to create themed shelves, so here's a friends shelf for ya'.

And as anyone knows, Giraffes be my favorite creatures, so here's my Giraffe collection.

Here's my Z-Bot (sweet lil' toys from the good ol' days) residing on my TV.

Here's my movie collection:

Next we have my Tim Burton shelf, which I updated quite a while ago. Anyhow, it was so fun putting this together.

Then comes my Harry Potter collection. This too has been updated. Now I have all movies on DVD (only needed the first).

Let's now move on to the pics from my trip to California. Here we have Milo, my aunt's dog. Love that guy. He's adorable.

Aw!

The following evening, Nathan and I set forth to the Troubadour in L.A. We saw four bands. The first was okay, the second was pretty cool, but kind of scream-y, and the third was just fantastic. All the pictures below are featuring the band The Features. Check 'em out! By the way, most of the pics are of the lead singer because I thought he was pretty cute.

"A child."

Later that week, we visited Sarah and Joey. Below is their dog Jacob named after--oh c'mon--I'm sure you can guess it on your own.

Anyways, Jacob's usually an unusually well-tempered dog, but as seen from the photo, Joey did unfortunately loose his hand that day.

Here's Joey just climbing around on various surfaces.

I'm not huge on poodle-y-looking dogs, but Jacob's just cute and a total sweetheart. No, this does NOT reflect another Jacob--okay, maybe for the movie.

Joey didn't like keeping still, so this was about the best I was gonna get of him.

What Joey's thinking: I think you've taken PLENTY of pictures...

Introducing (can you take a wild guess) Edward! He's just as lethal and agile as his namesake.

Another one of my cousin's kids, Samantha.

Love this one of my lovely Aunt Mary Anne with Sammy.

Sammy love Milo!

Um, my mom wanted a pic of the boys...this is the result. Not very riveting...

Might as well show off this new lamp I procured! It was only 10 bucks, and it's just perfect for me. The base is a plastic rotating caddy for all my loose items.

Can't help but think of Lampy from the animated disney classic _The Brave Little Toaster_.

Oh yeah, and it even has an electrical outlet BUILT IN, so I can charge my cell phone very easily now.

Uh...don't ask it was late.

I dunno...just being wacky.

I really do adore this lamp...perhaps too much?

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

2010-01-29T00:17:00.001-07:00

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity

Fhoto Fun

2010-01-29T00:00:00.003-07:00

25 Websites to Have Fun with Your Photos

Click here: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/25-websites-to-have-fun-with-your-photos/

Um, sorry about the PiZap one. }:o[ It's stupid. Just skip it.

I'm definitely gonna check some of these out and plan to use them for a blog post or two...or eighteen. Please feel free to post your creations as well! =)

One Word Tag: My Version

2010-01-28T02:20:00.007-07:00

I found this on me Mum's blog and thought I'd give it a whirl.

1. Where is your cell phone?............... covers

2. Your significant other?............... undecided

3. Your hair?................ messy

4. Your Mother?............... irreplaceable

5. Your Father?............... Deustchland

6. Your favorite thing?.............. laughing

7. Your dream last night?............... dunno

8. Your favorite drink?................ Hawaiian

9. Your dream/goal?............... content

10. The room you're in?............... mine

11. Your children?................ waiting

12. Your fear?............... irrational

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years?....... earth

14. Where were you last night?................ around

15. What you're not?...............mathematician

16. Muffins?................ pumpkin

17. One of your wish list items?............... Wacom

18. Where you grew up?................. Utah

19. What are you wearing?............... guess

20. Your t.v.?................ sharp

21. Your pets?.................unborn

22. Your computer?................ decent

23. Your life?...............stable

24. Your mood?...............meh

25. Missing someone?............... sisters

26. Your car?............... mauve

27. Something you're not wearing?.............bracelet

28. Favorite store?................Target

29. Your Summer?................sweaty

30. Like someone?................you

31. Your favorite color?................aqua

32. Last time you laughed?................yesterday

33. Last time you cried?...............yesterday

I tag anyone reading this who wants to play...or who doesn't!

Flickr Meme

2010-01-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Rules:

1. Go to http://www.flickr.com/

2. Type in your answer to the question in the "search" box.

3. Use only the first page.

4. Copy the html and paste for the answer.

1. What is your first name?

2. What is your favorite food?

3. What school did you go to?

4. What is your favorite color?

5. Who is your celebrity crush?

6. Who is your favorite Disney Princess?

7. Favorite drink?

8. Dream Vacation?

9. Favorite Dessert?

10. What do you want to be when you grow up?

11. What do you love most in life?

12. One word to describe you?

13. What do you dream about?

Here's the template if you want to do it!

Rules: 1. Go to http://www.flickr.com/
2. Type in your answer to the question in the "search" box
3. Use only the first page
4. Copy the html and paste for the answer.

1. What is your first name?

2. What is your favorite food?

3. What school did you go to?

4. What is your favorite color?

5. Who is your celebrity crush?

6. Who is your favorite Disney Princess?

7. Favorite drink?

8. Dream Vacation?

9. Favorite Dessert?

10. What do you want to be when you grow up?

11. What do you love most in life?

12. One word to describe you?

13. What do you dream about?

For Your Consideration...

2010-01-22T23:13:00.005-07:00

Here's a short story I posted months ago on here. I've revised it over and over, but don't know if it's going anywhere. Please tell me what you think! Is there something else/different you want to happen? What doesn't work? Are there parts that don't work, that are confusing, or over-the-top? Does the end seem...dumb, too abrupt, anti-climatic or anything like these? Also, I'm notorious for using too many adjectives--did I go overboard on this? Please, please tell me what you think. I want to submit this very soon, by Monday, to a literary magazine and can use all the feedback I can get.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Fear Conversed

A young girl encased in a green bathrobe nestled in a couch's corner, her feet and body wrapped in folds of a sixteen-year old 101 Dalmatians comforter. The once vibrant red now pinkish orange material constricted further as her right hand slid down determinedly and secured a loose corner under her right foot. She yawned. Her exposed teeth gleamed dully from a late night TV show. The leather coach groaned as her form sank further, further into depths of deliciously warm fabric.

A commercial selling greasy, slowly-rotating pizzas began. Her fingers and chin bobbed absently to the muted jingle about "2 pizzas for 10 bucks" while fists of 10 dollar bills and grinning families at immaculate dinner tables flashed across the screen. Another followed, featuring a natural male-enhancement pill. Her lips and brows wrinkled downward over the ridiculous, distasteful innuendo.

Her sluggish, undecided thumb surrendered and switched off the jumbled images with a silent click. Black exhaustion lowered her into arms of waiting dreams. Her mouth became lax, a black void drawing air in…out…in…out.

A tall shadow crept through her closed eyes. A worn sole shuffled over laminate wood.

Charlie? She wondered with petrified hope. No. No fourteen year-old dog's paws made that noise but a person, casually—the presence thick and noiseless as fog.

Her chest kept her frantic heart from escaping. Her breathing cut off. She refused to see.
Nothing was there. Nothing was there. Nothing was there. Nothing was th—! A whispering of smooth, light fabric brushed leisurely back-and-forth, like solidifying vapor. Closer…closer…closer…

The floor she cowered by creaked deliberately. She felt the presence of something, felt the air in front of her occupied. Someone was standing there. Watching her. Waiting.

"Dad? Mom?" she jerkily cracked. Why weren't they saying anything? This was not her parents. She knew their footsteps: a heavy shuffle or quiet, dry sweep of heels. This was another’s.
Her mind shrieked at her legs, Run! Get away! The waterless mouth struggled to function. What could she do? Her arms clenched each other. She wrenched open her quivering eyelids. A thin silhouette waited before her.

Knowing, quiet omnipotence.

"Hello, Elenore." A fluttering, soft noise.

The blanket and feet yanked back from the sound. The remote control, laid to rest for the night, catapulted off the armrest into thick ebony silence. Her mouth gaped.

A desiccated chuckle.

"Help. Help. Help. Help. Help. Help." Her whispered plea lost in juddered breaths.

A smooth voice. "No need to fear. I won’t extinguish you tonight."

She shrunk from the response. Her chest squeezed air into frozen lungs.

"Wh—what—who are you!?"

"I couldn't tell you, really. I'm fashioned from fear," a deliberate, heavy hesitation, "yours, actually. I’m unattached to bonds of existence, yet your imagination and fear insist I…linger."

The girl's pupils contracted. Her eyelids drew back, disbelieving.

"I'm awake, so how can I see you?"

"Oh, I'm not a nightmare." A hint of jeering loftiness.

The floating voice paralyzed the girl. Each word cut, slowly, deeply, carefully into her skin, seeping, searing into her bones. Blood slogged icily through veins and heart.

"Get away from me!" "Help!" she wailed. The shadow laughed. Quiet, bemused.

"You, Elenore, arranged this to be private."

"I…what?"

Each word drew, languidly from encircling darkness: a water-laden rope dragging up from fathomless depths. "No one can hear us. No one can see us.”

“Why are you here? What do you want!?”

“Now that’s a sensible response from you for a change.” Mocking incredulousness.

Without thought, the girl retorted. “Shut u—!” Slender fingers slid calmly around her throat. Blood pulsed beneath his quiet hand.

He whispered liltingly, harshly directing her to his voice, caressing her cheek with one fingertip. A weak moan bled through her lips. “Should I break my promise? The one I made just for you, Elenore? Do you want me to kill you—right now? When I could give you more time to live, to ponder, wonder just what night I’ll return to unravel your mind and ultimately destroy you?”

Her body quaked as fear held her. A trapped sob longed to escape her.

“S-sorry—! Ple-ase …” The fingers allowed only so much air for her plea.

And then fear released the girl. Her body took over next as it convulsed with frenzied twitches. Perspiration coated her flesh like liquid sequins. She inhaled slowly, fearing to do so too audibly for its ears--if it had any.

“Don’t be frightened, my sweet, precious Elenore…breath all you want tonight. Enjoy the lovely, fresh air surrounding you.”

“Ar-are you human?” The question had hung on her lip from the beginning of the meeting.

A laugh. Humorless, dark. “Of course not. Most humans have eyes, I gathered.”

The young girl couldn’t stopper the sickened curiosity teeming within her, “How can you see? The last word a noiseless hiss.

“I don’t need eyes to see my prey, Elenore. Most humans produce an extraordinarily tangible representation of fear. Though I can't see other’s or your fear always, only when my prey gives in to their thoughts, hallucinations.” She saw the shadow smirk though she could not see him.
His voice was thoughtful, polite.

“I've been watching you,” every one of her cells quivered, “I should say your fear, for a long time. Sometimes I lost track of yours amidst the forest of mindless victims, but as of late, your fear has grown stronger and clearer for me to watch and study. How could I resist not acquainting myself with the owner of this distinct fear manifestation? I owed yourself and I that much.”

Boundless euphoria rang with a note of reverence from darkness: “How fortunate and rare you are to be selected by me." She recoiled, clutching at the blanket and moisture between her fingers.

She dreaded the response before the question entered her thoughts, "What do I…What does my fear look like?"

"An odd, unwise notion to pursue. However, if you insist. It is, after all, a peculiar, rather delicious image to behold.” He surveyed a great, succulent feast with those words. The higher tone and tempo ripped at her. Her numbing fingers clung to withered edges of the quaking blanket, furling it around her.

“Absolute fear always looks a deep, dark, old shadow.” He spoke slowly now. Ancient and far away.

“As fear matures and prey weakens, I always step closer to examine—being, of course, understandably incapable of disregarding my own maturing curiosity and craving. As I come nearer, I look beneath, past what all other humans see and project. You. I see a crumpled, grey child. Scarcely does she raise her head or eyes. Whimpering, whining, weeping always. Her eyes always staring, never closing, never calm. Eyes so hallow, so broke, like an expired light bulb."

"You’re lying." She barely whispered.

"False hope, ludicrous hope usually springs up.” She imagined him waving a hand airily as his tone while he smiled sympathetically, shaking his head in jest. Then his voice was bubbling acid. “But soon enough it’ll wane.” Just as abruptly, his voice once again became as quiet and assuring as each step of a feline. “My selections sometimes manage to hold on to a fragment of light I can distinguish—like yours. Each loses this dim glimmer though. Once I find them, I lead each one-by-one to fade to darkness, utterly absorbed, lost in fear. He paused, breathing measured, peaceful breathes. His words smoothed out and became eager, exultant. “How I look forward to guiding you there soon, Elenore. Watching the little grey figure grow limper, darker. Watching those once shivering limbs lie silent, still, welcoming. Seeing—"

"No!"

Elenore sunk back, terrified and spent. A long, sinister gap of sound hovered and fell upon both. All she could muster was a dry, involuntary swallowing inside her throat. Still, he did not speak. Finally, a faint snigger, to mostly himself.

"My most sincere apologies, dear, sweet Elenore.” Artificial. A crescendo of obsession mixed with palpable jubilation crept in. “I'm getting far too ahead of the agenda, so to speak. There's plenty time left yet to savor those happy moments.” He stopped, smiling wistfully to himself, she imagined. The voice became somber and longing. “Yes. Those long…happy…moments." He

sighed true bliss.

“Well then, until next time, my very fortunate friend." She heard a cold, pleased smile in his farewell as she sunk into the cushions, limp, cold, unaware a slight hand rested upon her still, grey countenance.

_____________________________________________________

Also, here's two poems I was working on today. I have no idea if either is worth pursuing. You tell me. What do you like/dislike and why?

I can't decide if the first one is too short/unfinished, but everytime I tried to add more, it just seemed to bog down the rest of it.

embryo

There's something waiting,

fighting to be free

burrowing away at shell of order and

space

There's something emerging,

breaking through the void

wriggling in earnest for light and

purpose

Does the ending work for this next one? I like this one a lot more and think it has a bit of potential. What do you think? How can I improve it?

The Slaying of the Dragon

Her lips part in despair.

The beast hath come for her.

She retreats from its many greedy eyes.

He advances with mechanical speed.

The maiden mounts a stool, crying for assistance.

Its long spindly legs reach for her.

Will no one save her?

Hark!

A knight approaches.

Eying the hairy demon monster

Who holds the lady at bay.

The good knight raises his arms to strike as

The creature races across the smooth surface.

The fair maiden pleads for the beast’s demise.

The weapon smites the body of the brute.

She shrieks in fear and disgust.

The fiend is all but expired, twitching in agony.

Thousands of bristles drive again at the sorry creature.

At last, it lays mangled upon the bathroom floor.

Extreme Makeover: Cheap Edition

2010-01-14T10:22:00.012-07:00

Here's a still frozen, not opened pizza from Digiornos (R). I'm generally quite happy with their products, but it's almost like something was missing...or drastically lacking on this Hawaiian Pizza.

I know I take a lot of pictures of Charlie. Let's just say I love him to pieces, he's one of the few subjects I can easily catch and not get attacked for doing so, and I want as much of him in picture-form before it's too late. 'Cause, sadly, that's all that'll be left...well, maybe a petrified present or two in the backyard.

Anywho, on a lighter note, here's a picture I had to capture of Joel and Charlie nestled up together. Very cute.

Thanks to Mackenzie, I found/purchased this fairly worn, still pretty nice computer desk for...wait for it...are you ready--10 bucks. Not bad. I think even Lisa'd be pretty proud of my penny-pinching find.

Here's several pictures to give you an idea of its condition.

Not way horrible, but definitely on it's way out.

Here's more.

Hm, I think I took too many.

We'll get back to that in a bit. For now, let me introduce you to my awesome new room.

For starters, I got a king-size bed that's so unbelieveably soft. It's a blessing and a curse, in that I love it to death, but never won't to leave it's glorious surface once I've made contact.

This isn't a great shot, but it gives you an idea. I've got my own computer, courtesy of my super-deluxely-awesome parents. THANKS, GUYS! And no, I'm not crazy and keep my Christmas decorations all year. These are old pics that I've meant to post for quite some time. I've got my own phone and a nice lamp. The lady I'm staying with, Marjean, is so sweet and generous. She lets me use whatever I want--which is both nice and disconcerting. =]

There's my ever-growing movie collection. I must say, I didn't realize it had manifested into this much.

I even can use my Gamecube--whenever I want. YES. Not to mention, I get my own nifty TV and DVD player. The TV may look small, but the picture is very crisp which means more to me, personally.

Whew, okay now here's some snapshots of the New Year's Eve party I orchestrated with Mackenzie. Mom, being awesome as always, picked up a box that had everything one needed to throw a neat little shindig. Oh, and that's Ashlee's arm.

Who's this? Why who else but Mackenzie, and half of Ashlee.

Mack and me.

Don't ask. I look...special. Mackenzie looks normal.

Nathan's really getting into game-mode or something.

Heather wants to start a life-long career as a paper cup model. Good luck there, Tiger.

This is such a weird expression from yours truly. That's what I get for getting caught eating a chip.

Wow.

Nathan obediently smiles big for the camera.

Man, Heather really likes posing with products. She just really, really likes that game Hilarium. A lot.

Drum roll if you please.

After Mackenzie enthusiastically bleach-washed the crap out of the whole desk, Dad spray painted the desk black, and I clear coated it to death.

Here are our efforts:

Yeah, I know I took tons of pictures. Granted, this was much fun to fix up a cheap desk and make it look close to new. And for 10 BUCKS.

Thanks for all the help, guys!

Well, I'll attempt to update more often. That's always the wish...

As always, thanks for all ya'll who check and comment!!

We Wish You a 'Hairy' Christmas!

2009-12-23T11:20:00.005-07:00

It's a Christmas miracle. I consented to have my hair go dark--quite close to my actual hair color. Well, the real miracle is I absolutely can't get enough of the color!!

I didn't think I'd look good with darker hair. However, Mackenzie made the color much more "pretty" by adding some extra color to kick it up.

I'm just not quite sure in the picture above about Mackenzie's laugh-inducing methods.

Okay, she finally hit her mark. I don't know how anyone could withhold laughing from the phrase: "I have chicken nuggets in my pants."

Above, I think I'm wearing thin from trying to smile on cue.

Here's some close-up shots of my hair from the side and back.

These last two pics are great!

Here's the one who makes it all possible...ME!

Naw, just joshing. Mackenzie!!! Thanks for being such an awesome-amazing friend and sister!! You're the most super-coolest best!

Holiday Merriments

2009-12-14T14:49:00.007-07:00

Below are two videos featuring Charlie the Boston Terrier and, my brother Phil's pooch, Joel. Both are widely engaged in a sock with a knot in it...fascinating.

In this first video, Charlie seems so bent on ripping that sock out of Joe'ls jowls, but then he suddenly wimps out and admits defeat. Personally, I think Charlie's just trying to be nice to Joel. I dunno.

In this second video, they're both at the same sock again, but now they take to the couch...where Joel, again, gains control of the foot-covering cloth.

Here's poor ol' Charlie later that night. He was worn out, but still looks super-adorable as always.

This is a video of our quick snowflake extravaganza in St. George. I wish it could've gone on much longer, but it was beautiful, and I'm so glad I got to see it and film it.

As a bonus, our neighbor unknowingly walked into the shot. I didn't mind, but he seemed to feel a tad bad. No harm done. I never know what to say anyhow as it is.

Here's a gnomeman that started out as a bunny, which turned in a tiny snowguy, which turned into a bird, which turned into a penguin, which turned into...a melting lump of nothingness. Fun stuff.

Mackenzie thought it was the snowy owl, Hedwig, from the Harry Potter series. Why didn't I think of that?! I mean, sure...OF COURSE!

Here's a picture I've grown quite fond of. It's the St. George temple at night, with the Christmas lights reflected in the wet walkway.

Didn't turn out so grand, but here's a cute light display of carolers. Cool.

Here's outside of the temple gates. I loved how many lights there were in such a small space. Very pretty!

Here's the life-size nativity scene. I can't get enough of these.

Just a, not-so-focused-because-I-still-don't-know-how-to-shoot-worth-beans-at-night close-up shot of it. I think the infant should be moved down a tad closer so he's in the light more and closer to his mom...or dad.

Well, that's it for now! Aren't you shocked? I updated again, and it was sooner than 2 or 3 months!!!!!!!!! >8oD

2009-12-14T00:58:00.001-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Let it Snow...in St. George.

2009-12-12T09:43:00.010-07:00

Oh golly, It's snowed earlier here today,

--I couldn't help but want to shout, "Hurray!"

I'm just trying out my brand-new camera too.

Can you tell that my skills are quite new?

Charlie sits peacefully on the top of the sofa.

He's dying to go outside to smell, but it wouldn't be so fun.

Here's a glassy, ornament-like light outside.

The snow dusted on top gives me a special feeling inside.

These two lone pine trees have little to no snow,

but I still wanted to snow them off--that's the way I go.

Here's our neighborhood still sleeping and unaware

That Jack Frost painted everything frosty and white without care.

My SW 98 is all nestled on the driveway.

So I like to take pictures of snow on my car...what the hey.

I love how this frost settles serenely on vegetation.

It almost gets me going on my own meditation.

So, if you have time, gather 'round your tree and gaze

Outside to a world a new, to better days.

I Turned Him into a Newt

2009-10-24T20:38:00.005-06:00

Okay...I really didn't turn some confused British man into a slimy amphibian, but now that I've got your attention, let me show you my most elaborate/favorite costume for All Hallow's Eve yet!

Here's me having a little doggie treat before my daily helping of Batwing Soup, Snake Steak, and Rodd and Todd Flanders Casserole.

Here I'm just contemplating who to bewitch to clean my room and teach my classes for the rest of the week.

Note: This photo has not been altered or resized in any way, shape, or form.

That, folks, is indeed my leg. Maybe the tights make them look that good or maybe it's the nightly walks. Either way, I'm happy.

Gotta love the vibrant-orange pumpkins I'm gently caressing.

Also, I'm not wearing the blood red nail polish, fake, glittery-tipped eyelashes, a neat metal necklace with links and balls, witch make-up, and huge spider-webby earrings in these--which I most certainly will for Friday/Saturday and possibly other days too!

I'm so blasted excited for Halloween!! Hey, who isn't?!

Just so ya'll know, I'm going all out for dressing up starting next week (the 26th-30th), so I hope to post a couple pics or so for each Red Ribbon Week theme day. If I forget, remind me so I can! Hope everyone has a lovely week!

...but remember, If you do me wrong, you'll be next on my menu! Heheheheheheh! < ) ;^D

30 "Firsts"

2009-10-09T21:53:00.003-06:00

Who was your FIRST prom date?
I never got...or had to go.

2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love?
Um...my first love was in California when I was like 5, so, no.

3. What was your FIRST alcoholic drink?
I've never drank said liquid.

4. Who was your FIRST kiss?
My very first love. I remember it being more of a hunt down for this poor boy and cornering him in the sitting room at church were I laid a big wet, slobberly one on his quivering cheek. (I pray it wasn't his mouth. Maybe I wisely blotted it from my memory?)

5. What was your FIRST job?
I'd have to say cleaning houses for three months (I quit as soon as college started for me) for Home Pros Clean Team. It was mostly fun, sometimes way exhausting. I met some way nice/way picky/way overly-lavish rich people that way. One had a TV IN their fridge door, with a huge screen TV feet away in the next room. Good holy crapness!

6. What was your FIRST car?
98 Saturn SW She runs great and was a super-great deal!

7. Who was the FIRST person to text you today?
Haven't had the pleasure yet.

8. Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning?
Psh, like I remember that and from the MORNING. Um, either me or my mentor teacher. Not so sure.

9. Who was your FIRST grade teacher?
Mrs. Sunberg (Sadly, I can't think of her name! I think this is it.)

10. Where was your FIRST apartment or place of your own?
The first place of my own really was a multi-colored kiddie tent from Ikea. Not kidding. I LURVED that piece of 80-licious fabric and plastic black poles. It literally was my little sanctuary. I slept in it a lot too!

11. Your FIRST ride on an airplane?
17 years old from Las Vegas to Honolulu

12. Who was your FIRST best friend & do you still talk?
I'd say Michelle Anderson. Um...no, not really.

13. Where was your FIRST sleep over?
The first one I remember was sleeping over at one of my friends when I was 5. Her name was Marin.

14. Who was the FIRST person you talked to today?
Me madre or myself.

15. Whose wedding were you in the FIRST time?
Never really been IN a wedding. I was a kind of a server at my Uncle Nephi's when I was 8.

16. What was the FIRST thing you did this morning?
Sleep in too much as usual...

17. What was the FIRST concert you ever went to?
Um...I guess Jericho's Road

18. FIRST tattoo?
I used to get tattoos all the time in California. They sold them with a piece of gum from the ice cream truck. Those were the days! All those tattoos were creepy/gross themed. I specifically remember one of them being maggots coming out of the skin. They were SO dang awesome! The setback was they were temporary and hurt exceedingly when they started coming off soon after. The sticky residue of the tattoo pulled the hair on my arms/legs. That hurt SO bad. I hated that.

19. FIRST piercing?
When I was 17 I think. Yep, I never wanted/was interested in earrings. Now I can't get enough of them!

20. FIRST foreign country you've been to?
Never been as of now.

21. FIRST movie you remember seeing?
Wow, I dunno. Good question. Dang, still can't think of one...so many bombarding my mind right now. I'm just gonna say Batman because that movie changed the way I saw movies. Man did I love (and still do) the Joker.

22. When was your FIRST detention?
I've never gone. I kept any detention-worthy comments/actions out of school for the most part.

23. What was the FIRST state/province you lived in?
California!

24. Who was your FIRST roommate?
Lisa, my big sis

25. What was your FIRST "bad" word?
I don't know. Maybe "damn?" It slipped out when I was like 7 or something. I was banging on the bathroom door and told my older brother to, "open the [dang] door!"

26. What was your FIRST broken bone?
I really haven't broken any yet. I'll say chunks of my jaw bone from getting my wisdom teeth yanked out.

27. When did you lose your FIRST tooth?
Have no clue. Maybe 5?

28. If you had one FIRST wish, what would it be?
This is an incredibly stupid, vague question. I guess I'd wish I could see my grandma one more time and just hug her for as long as I could, while she talked softly to me with her reassuring, irreplaceable voice. I regret not doing this more often.

29. What is something you would learn FIRST if you had the time?
Still don't quite get what this is asking. Maybe it's just me? Ummmm...learn how to decorate cakes semi-professionally-ish!

30. Who do you think will be the FIRST person to post this?
I'm thinking my super-awesome mom will.

Mostly Musings of an Adolescent in Bondage

2009-09-06T20:25:00.007-06:00

This is a short story I've been playing around with for quite a while. I don't know if it's worth pursuing further, but it was great fun to write! This is loosely based on me if I was 15 and grossly exaggerated in most aspects. This has a bit of a _Freaks and Geeks_ and _Breakfast Club_ sprinkled into it, or at least, that's what I was indirectly going for. Let me know what ya'll think! I'd love to know!

Mostly Musings of an Adolescent in Bondage

Now, I can be a pretty shy person. In many ways, I'm not really, but most people see me as one. In reality, I'm not a "Little Miss Quiet" or whatever. I easn't really like that at all. Anyone who really knew me would say I loved to laugh, joke, watch movies, act like a moron, be completely random, and play various videogames. Yes, even the ones with guns and varying degress of blood. But in school, we tend to "be" what were not. So I guess this was it. I had finally got put in detention for the first time. I was a good student. I never ditched. I never did any of that "rebelling kid" crud. I was one of the quiet kids.

Carefully, I opened the door, trying to eliminate any sound so none of the kids would look up and see me as I came in. Success! I had managed to turn and hold the knob enough so the lock majigger wouldn't stick out and click on the door frame as I opened it. Yeah, I know it's not really called "lock majigger," but my mind wasn't deeply concerned with using appropriate door mechanism jargon at the moment. Excuse me if some lock or door mechanism lover just cried or died a inside from my uncouth phraseology. Right now, I was heavily focused on not having people look at me when I came in. I hate it when they do. That's about when I start to either ardently loathe or admire every last invisible superhero out there. Lucky punks.

I managed to slip into the room fairly unnotice. A couple looked up and gave me bored, indifferent stares. Hurry and sit down before more look up! I silently urged myself. I really hope no one recognizes me...I made it to an empty desk with the usual amount of left over graphite smears tatooing its chipped surface. It was on the second to last row, third desk from the back. I did not feel like sitting close to a man who had to baby-sit twenty or so troubledoers. Crap! My stupid backpack betrayed me before I had successfully stealthed my way to the desk. One of the backpack straps had caught on an unsuspecting chair.

The chair in reply screeched obscenely on the hard floor my my panicky momentum, but I was already sitting down. Pretending I was unaware of and hadn't broked the silence, I chanced a cringing glance. Most of them were ignoring my interruption and presence. A few were looking at me, while pretending to see something behind or close by me. Great. Just fantastic...

I recognized one of the kids looking around at me. My heart stopped beating. I knew those calm light blue eyes anyplace. Not to mention his cute, short, red hair. It was my one-side crush: Eric Vance. My face was turning into a deformed tomato that could easily place in any mutant vegetable fair.

No! No. Please don't. Not right when he's looking at you! Not now. Get a hold of yourself or I'm gonna punch you in the face!

I wasn't sure if I should look away or pretend I didn't notice that my face was on fire. Finally, I felt my wretched capillaries in my face settle down. He had only looked around at me for a couple seconds, but I felt like it had been much, much longer--like his blue- eyed, pale face was still hovering right in front of my desk. Good crimany! That sounds incredibly demented. My face continued to tingle, reminding me, shamefully, of how I had resembled someone with a terrible sunburn upon their face that mysterious vanished. I felt dizzy and nauseous.

It doesn't matter anyways. He doesn't lke you. He's never liked you. He never will like you, so move on and quit freaking out! He's probably wondering what I'm doing in here. I'm pretty sure he knows I'm a good student. Yeah right...I really doubt he's thinking about you. I dunno...you never know. Oh yes you do! Come on already!

I looked up again. I didn't know that guy's name with the spiky black hair sitting in the row in front of me, two desks to the right, but I knew he was a jock or in the somewhat-a-jock's group at least.

I looked up again. I didn't know that guy's name with the spiky black hair sitting in the row in front of me two desks to the right, but I knew he was a jock or in the somewhat-a-jock group at least. He was kinda cute, but I didn't really care for him. He never looked at me and when he did, he still wasn't really looking at me.

I didn't understand this 'unspoken' rule revered by many and abhorred by many others. Why in the world couldn't I freely talk to this guy without worrying of feeling like a circus freak gawked at from every angle while all of my shortcomings and insecurities were pointed out instantly with one passing glance from a jock or cheerleader type? I hated it. I couldn't stand feeling like that, how I felt right now in every last cell's obtusely-shaped corner located in my slowly-sinking-through-the-weird-school-tile-floor body. But he was still dang hot.

Curse his incredibly white, straight smile and narrow, hotly-pointed nose and chin! Don't you dare think of getting me started on his deep emerald eyes… Please don't get me started on those jade orbs containing captured stars, shining just for me…though, somehow, he'd never yet said so much as a "hi" to me.

My head became dizzy from the overwhelming fuzzy, hot stupidness, that most high school crushing infects your brain with an expertly-applied covering, briefly suffocating all crevices devoted to the logical, smart leanings I sometimes allow to momentarily pass into action when thinking clearly enough in my brain. It was so utterly blissful and freeing. Too bad it was a pathetic hallucinatory hope--but it was mine! Freakin' hurrah for me…

I scowled at no one, at thin, extremely boring air. Still, I did not know why in this sorry, stinking world I had to be forced to endure endless torture in this small, starting-to-smell room. I couldn't fathom that this had really happened--to me! This wasn't me. I was innocent! I was a good kid! I--

Then the male teacher who was watching us and who's name I couldn't remember spoke: "Listen, I'm going to leave the room for a couple minutes. I don't want anyone leaving this room or talking. I'll be back in no more than five minutes. If I find out that anyone was out of their seat or talking, you'll be spending two more weeks in here with me for two hours after school each day Monday through Friday without question. Okay?"

The room muttered some form of the response 'yes', and the thirty-something-year-old babysitter with wrinkled corduroys and a fake, confident smile squeaked his way out of our midst in ugly brown sandals. The sandals had two squeaks. The first was higher, and the second was lower. The shoes seemed to be announcing proudly to everyone within hearing distance in a creaky squeak, "I'm lame. I'm lame. I'm lame. I'm lame." I nodded my head boredly in agreement. As soon as he was gone, most of the class was walking around the room, talking to anything that moved, and some were even slipping out of the not-even-fully-closed door.

I pulled out some homework. I didn't want to be here, but I wasn't about to rebel anymore. I struggled through a worksheet about some Greek Mythology. Boring. Just when I was convinced the whole planet would stop rotating do to the lack of anything remotely interesting occurring in this classroom, I noticed my best friend a couple rows away, chatting with some girls. Hallelujah!

Just as I was, for whatever reason, discreetly exiting my chair and making for my friend, the door opened and the babysitter reappeared. I abandoned the attempt and lowered my head in defeat. As he sluggishly squeaked back to the desk, the door opened with a loud door-opening sound and the escapees swept back to their chairs. He heard them. He saw them. He was looking directly at them, but made no indication he had.

"All right, please put away all of your homework (I stifled a deadly snort from erupting through my nose and throat.) and textbooks. It's almost time to go for today." Suddenly the student corpses reanimated with incredible agility and vigor. (It's aliiiive!) We hovered anxiously behind our desks. C'mon, it's only one more minute, be a human for once and show us just one act of compassion!

"Let my people go," I muttered as quietly as a female 15 year-old possibly can. That stupid black-haired spiky jock turned around slowly. My face melted from the bright white straightness of those teeth.

Oh how I deeply love detention. It wasn't that bad at all, and at least the teacher was a nice guy and never annoyed anyone, especially me. Did I mention that detention is way underrated? I couldn't believe how fast time had flown by in those two hours. The bell rang. Every student body galloped through the metal door. What's the rush?! This wasn't that bad. I could spend hours in here dancing and spinning in idiotic circles. Detention was the greatest invention in the world. He smiled at me with his teeth, lips, dimples, and teeth!!

I skipped with joyful glee, trying to give that wonderful teacher a embrace of warmest regard, though somehow his name escaped me. He had brought me and this black-haired angelically-smiling being together. That amazing man squeaked by after the last person had fled this precious, precious room. I lowered my head in respect to the great room I was privileged enough to reside in for a short period of time. I decided at that moment I must research and find out who had come up with the idea for detention and pray he or her was survived by a relative or family member--or pet. I must pay my respects without any hesitation.

Gliding out of that room, I saw my prince standing outside the door--waiting for me! I hesitated, his presence intimidated me. Then that blasted sensible side of my brain gasped for air. My one true lover was not alone. A harlot had her arm and body draped over him, her lips worked furiously, like a bottom feeder with a severe case of Tourette's Syndrome.

I stared in heartbroken realization. I remembered the annoying babysitter again and the terrible, terrible prison cell. I wish somehow detention could have magically transformed into a guy--that jock to be precise. Better yet, why not that stupid jock? How I wished to thrust my right leg upward and cause them to howl as both keeled over in ashamed, but dutiful, defeat.

An Epic Harry Potter Meme

2009-08-29T01:03:00.004-06:00

As of now, most who gander at my blog won't really care for or be able to easily appreciate this post, but for the scarce few (Mackenzie, I'm not pointedly looking in your direction.) who do care for and "get" this sort of stuff--ENJOY and please do this too!

Also, a quick note: meme (mēm) n. A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another.

Thank you, dictionary.com!

A Harry Potter Meme

List the books in order from your favorite to your least favorite.

Man, this is too hard! I'm sure I'll disagree with this in time...but...

1.Deathly Hollows
2.Half Blood Prince
3.Order of the Phoenix
4.Goblet of Fire
5.Prisoner of Azkaban
6.Philosopher's Stone
7. Chamber of Secrets

List the movies in order from your favorite to your least favorite.

For me, they really seem to improve with each one.

1.Half Blood Prince
2.Order of the Phoenix
3.Goblet of Fire
4.Prisoner of Azkaban
5.Chamber of Secrets
6.Philosopher's Stone

Favorite chapter from your favorite book?: "The Prince's Tale--bar-frikin'-none.

Top 5 favorite characters?

How in the world can I narrow it down to three?! There's at least 20-30 I want to put!

1.Severus Snape
2.Luna Lovegood
3.Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
4.Harry Potter
5.Lily Potter

Five least favorite characters?

Maybe I'm just slow, but does this mean characters that are bad/evil and/or characters that just bug me--bad or good? Um, I'll go with characters that bug me.

1.Dolores Umbridge
2.Rita Skeeter
3. Vernon Dursley
4.Bellatrix Lestrange
5.Zacharias Smith

Favorite member of the Golden Trio?: Ah, man, I love 'em all. I'll say Harry. He doesn't get enough love.
Favorite family?:The Weasley Family--Heck yes!
Favorite antagonist?: Either Snape or Voldemort
Favorite Death Eater?:Severus Snape

Three favorite spells?
1.Expecto Patronum
2.Animagus Transfiguration
3.Bond of Blood

Three favorite potions?
1.Felix Felicis
2.Polyjuice Potion
3.Amortentia

Five favorite quotes:

Bah! Could they make this any harder?!

1."You've been so brave."

2."Look at me."

3."Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love."

4.""Well, usually when a person shakes their head," said McGonagall coldly, "they mean 'no.' So unless Miss Edgecombe is using a form of sign language as yet unknown to humans --"

5.“What's comin' will come, an' we'll meet it when it does."

Favorite non-Hogwarts magical building?
The Ministry of Magic--particulary the Department of Mysteries

Favorite Diagon Alley shop?
Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes

Favorite Hogsmeade Shop?
Honeydukes Sweetshop or The Three Broomsticks

Favorite Unforgivable Curse?
Avada Kedavra

Favorite mode of wizard transportation?
Broomsticks or Thestrals

Favorite Weasley?
Ron

Favorite Order Member?
Severus Snape

Favorite DA Member?

Darn. Hard to choose.

Neville Longbottom or Luna Lovegood

Favorite pet?
Fawkes

Favorite Hogwarts room?
The Great Hall or the Room of Requirement

Favorite Hogwarts professor?
Remus Lupin

Favorite non-human Hogwarts resident?
Kreacher

Favorite Tri-Wizard Champion?
Harry. (Sorry, Cedric. Harry had to put up with a lot of flack in that book--even though you kinda died...)

Favorite house elf?
Kreacher! Dobby's okay, but not super developed.

Favorite wizard sweet?
Fizzing Whizbees

Favorite couple?
Ron and Hermione or Snape and Lily (I don't think they really became a couple, but yeh know, it was a sweet relationship/friendship they had.)

Biggest surprise of the series?
Probably Moody's true identity at the end of Goblet of Fire or Harry's or Fred's death. Or...Nagini camping out in Bathilda Bagshot

Biggest letdown of the series?
Hm. I dunno... I don't think I was really ever let down. Not finding out more about "the locked room" or the "death veil" in The Department of Mysteries was a bummer. I was dying to hear all about that.

One character you wish lived?
Snape. But at the same time, he was so miserable and didn't seem to have anything left to live for...so maybe death was sort of necessary for him. He could finally "relax" and not spend his life living as a double-agent. Or Fred. That was way sad! Dang I hated having any of the Weasleys die. Or Dumbledore or Sirius. Yep, that's only one...

Moment that will always make you cry?
It's weird. I cry a lot sometimes, but hardly EVER from a book or movie. I had to really get into the book (the last one) the second time to tear up. That would be when Harry's taking his last walk into the forest. The narrative is absolutely beautiful and heart-breaking.

Your Patronus would be______?
I wish I knew! Perhaps a doe?

Three things Amortentia would smell like to you:
Straight-out-of-the-oven homemade bread, freshly-fallen rain, and very old book pages

You would use Felix Felicis to______?
I have no clue! Save it for a rainy day, perhaps? Or, as someone else said, to win a lottery, but I don't really want that much money. It'd be overwhelming and weird sorta. I don't need THAT much. Maybe a small lottery? :D

Job you would most like to try?
Not sure. Never really thought of it ... Probably a professor and/or writer? Maybe taking care of magical creatures?

Ron/Hermione or Harry/Hermione?
Ron/Hermione! Are so many people that blind and deaf?!

James/Lily or Snape/Lily?
James/Lily as a couple and Lily/Snape as very good friends

Do you think Harry Potter is better than Twilight?
Very much so. But at the same time, they are too different and unique to compare. But I much prefer Harry Potter over Twilight when it comes down to it.

Are you going to go see the Half Blood Prince in theaters?
Already seen it 3 times

Do you own the books/movies?
Yep.

Have you ever played any of the video games?
No, not really.

Do you think it would be cool to have a pet owl?
Freakin' heck yes!

How about a rat?
Um, maybe.

Have you ever listened to the soundtrack?
Yes! I love them. Especially the 1st, and 4th-6th

Which house would you want to be in?
Gryffindor Not sure if I'd really get in, but yeah...

Do you like Draco?
Um, in some ways. He's good as a antagonist/bully of sorts. So to speak, he gets the job done. He's really a jerky character, but he's not completely evil. Just raised to be predjudiced and arrogant to those different than him. He's not exactly plesant--especially in the first four books. But he starts fleshing out as a real young man with a terrifying mission to complete. This makes me like him and sympathize for him.

Would you ever enter the Triwizard tournament?
Um, if I'd been previously going to Hogwarts for 6 years, maybe.

Would you keep your money in Gringotts?
Uh, if I lived in London...sure.

What class would be your favorite?
Care of Magical Creatures, DADA, and Transfiguration

Do you think you would enjoy being a witch/wizard?
Fo' sho!

I hope you had as much fun reading this as I did filling it in. I'd love to read yours too!

*hint* *hint*

*wink* *wink*

*stab* *stab*

*shoot* *shoot*

*impale* *impale*

*disfigure* *disfigure*

...Okay, I'll stop.

My Newfangled Lorgnette (a.k.a My New Glasses)

2009-08-27T16:09:00.005-06:00

At long last, the time felt quite ripe and right to get my eyes checked and pick out some new specs. I have wanted to do this for many, many months, but kept telling myself to be realistic and focus on school and such. Well, I tried to stay in this mindset, but when Mackenzie, one of my best friends--as if you didn't know already, voiced how much she wanted new glasses, by golly, I couldn't ignore the same notion trying to surge from my twitching mouth. So, this last Tuesday, her and I ventured forth to the local Lens Crafters located in the Red Cliffs Mall.

To summarize the journey and happenings which took place there, we both got eye appointments. Mackenzie picked out her glasses AFTER me (I had been looking for a half hour or more already). It took her 15 minutes to choose, and it took me 2 hours. In my defense, I stink at deciding/picking out most solid matter of value. Also, Mackenzie's very glasses savvy and knows the different styles, brands, and so on. She kind of knew what she wanted, at least far more than I did. Me, I was incredibly clueless--except I knew I didn't want just plain ol' wire frames ever again. I wanted plastic frames--and somewhat chunky. That helped me slightly, but I had no idea 90 or more percent of the frames were plastic there. In conclusion, it was so giddily fun and hopelessly maddening trying to find the glasses that were, to quote The Three Bears, "just right."

At last, after driving everyone in slight vicinity from me nuts with my incessant hesitation and which-is-the-right-frame-for-me? confusion, I was basically convinced with which glasses fit me the best. I couldn't be happier with them. I really liked them when I picked them out, but, because I had to run to a meeting, I couldn't pick them up until the next day. Garbage!

So the next morning, I was excited and filled with trepidation. I couldn't wait to seize my very own awesome spectacles, but I kept feeling unsure and uneasy. "Did I pick out too flashy or bold glasses for my taste or wearability?" I couldn't help ask to myself and aloud to all who were present. After putting them on for the first time, though I loved how the glasses looked, I kept feeling unsure about how they really looked on me. But, as the day wore on, I couldn't believe how much the glasses seemed to fit me: unique and reflective...okay, that was a lame pun.

In short, I seem to suck incredibly at quickly picking out glasses, but thanks to Mackenzie, Bree Squires and their limitless patience and struggle to keep their sanity, I was able to pick out the coolest glasses I've ever seen and never thought I'd own, let alone, be able to wear.

Well (this is for mainly Lisa) you be the judge. But if you even try to diss my glasses, I shall incinerate the very fabric of your soul:

Mary Anneology: The Study of...Me

2009-07-06T16:00:00.003-06:00

I saw this questionaire thing on Mackenzie's blog, so I thought I'd give it a whirl:

FOODOLOGY

What is your salad dressing of choice? Ranch, poppy seed or that exquisite rasberry vinegerette one in the pre-maid Hearty Italian salad kit.

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Quite debatable. Village Inn comes to mind or Chili's. Wait, nevermind--Northwoods!

What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Maybe taquitos? Can't say for certain.

What are your pizza toppings of choice? Either hawaiian, meat lover's, spinach, or chicken/bacon.

What do you like to put on your toast? Sometimes just butter, but usually various types of jellies--pomegranate is the beyond best!

TECHNOLOGY
How many televisions are in your house? Two.

BIOLOGY
Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right-handed

Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Um, clothes? Wait, that sounds dodgey. Four wisdom teeth and other baby teeth.

What was the last heavy item you lifted? I believe it was dog food.

Have you ever been knocked unconscious? Not that I can recall. Closest would probably be procuring a concussion of sorts from playing Red Rover

BULLCRAPOLOGY
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No way. I'd spend the rest of my life waiting, worrying, and not living, so to speak, if I knew. Plus, I really don't think it'd do any good, and I don't think anyone's supposed to know unless "privileged" enough.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I love the name Elenor (Ellie), Allie (Always loved that name.), Sunny, Elizabeth (Lizzy/Lizzie is such a cute nickname!), oh, maybe Lily-always, always thought this was such a nice, beautiful name.

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? The incentive is nice, but I'd probably blow chunks before I got halfway through. But I'd try it for the heck of it.

DUMBOLOGY
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? I dunno. I think like four.

Last time you had a run-in with the cops? A couple months ago. It was just one cop on a motorcycle who made sure I updated my plates. He was very nice and helped me put them on.

Last person you talked to? Daddio

Last person you hugged? Mackenzie

FAVORITOLOGY

Season? I don't know! I like different aspects for each...right between fall and winter?

Holiday? Christmas, my birthday, and Halloween!

Day of the week? Oh it depends so very much. Friday, I'm thinking. I love the weekend break.

Month? December or October!

CURRENTOLOGY

Missing someone? You, probably. My grandma, sister, and nephews.

Mood? Content and grateful

What are you listening to? A shower?

Watching? Amazing Wedding Cakes! Love that show!

Worrying about? Being ready for the fall.

RANDOMOLOGY

First place you went this morning? Haven't gone anywhere yet.

What's the last movie you saw? Transformers II: Revenge of the Fallen. Not fantastic, but amazing visuals and chocked to the max with action.

Do you smile often? When it's meaningful or depends on who I'm with or where I'm at.

Sleeping Alone Tonight? I dunno...you tell me!

OTHER-OLOGY
Do you always answer your phone? Most of the time. Sometimes, because I can see who's calling me without answering, I wisely do not comply.

Its four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? I have no idea! I was asleep, but now I'm worried, possibly scared, and struggling to gain consciousness.

If you could change your eye color what would it be? If there is such a thing, or not, a soft green, like cottonwood leaves.

What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Um, I used to just get cherry limeades.

Do you own a digital camera? No. I'd certainly like to, but I'd want a pretty nice one. Not super important in the long run as of now.

Favorite Christmas song(s)? Dang, so many to choose from! Happy X-mas (War is Over) by Neil Diamond, any song from the zany cartoon with the mice family, Twas the Night Before Christmas, oh, and Carol of the Bells.

What's on your wish list for your birthday? Not sure. Haven't thought concretely about it.

Can you do push ups? It's been ages, but I'm thinking no.

Does the future make you more nervous or excited? A little of both.

Do you have any saved texts? Nope.

Ever been in a car wreck? Does an accident mean the same thing? Not sure if wreck would be more severe. Anywho, it could've been a lot worse, but luckily, I didn't even get a scratch--but my car indeed did.

Do you have an accent? No, unless a lisp counts.

What is the last song to make you cry? Wow, not really sure. Can't remember which song exactly, but a certain hymn made me pretty emotional a while ago.

Plans tonight? Neighborhood Block Party--woot.

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? Every once in a while. It's crappy, but happens to the best of us at least a little bit.

Name 3 things you bought today. Haven't bought anything as of yet.

Have you ever been given roses? I think like one for Mother's Day

Current worry? School

Current hate right now? Having a pimple right next to my lip. Kills like the dickens.

Met someone who changed your life? Mackenzie and my grandma

How will you bring in the New Year? Um, not sure. Only time will tell.

What song represents you? Way cool question. Give me a minute to consider. There's so many, and I don't think I could definitely say. For the time being, I really gravitate to this song and love it: Magic Works by Jarvis Cocker--> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBPGJ0daqWg

Name three people who might complete this? Me mudder, Lisa, and Lori :o)

Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? Heck yes, I would! I'd love to see the dinosaurs, go to Jane Austen's time, or the medieval times

Do you have any tattoos/piercings? One piercing on each earlobe.

Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now? Couldn't say. Anything's possible.

Would you be a pirate? Heck yeah! But not today. They're kinda too evil now.

Attack of the Killer Tomato Worms!

2009-07-02T23:41:00.014-06:00

Blergh. You're probably wondering, unless you had the privilege to already read Mormor the Merrier's (me mum) blog, why I'd ever want to post such hideous creatures on here. Well, read on, and I'll enlighten you shortly.

After watching a thoroughly disturbing 1953 sci-fi film titled Invaders from Mars but enjoying it quite thoroughly, I graciously acknowledged the comforting thought that at least my parents weren't being controlled by an extraterrestial's tentacled-head, residing in a glass orb.

My graciousness was short-lived. No, my mom didn't go glassy-eyed on me and try to enslave me for her master's biddings, but something equally horrifying occured: my mom's two tomato plants were infested with bloated, green worms of destruction! Good criminitly crap! Well, wait. Let me back up a bit and start at the beginning.

So not long after finishing the movie, my mom announced she was going outside in the backyard to water her tomato plants she had planted a month or so ago. Shortly after she had passed through the backdoor, I began watching a show on TV. Only a couple minutes later, an urgent "Mary Anne!" rang through the evening air. My mother was calling me, in desperation it seemed--but for good or bad, I had not yet found out. She beckoned again, even more shrilly. What in the world is it? What's going on? I raced outside, perplexed and hesitantly curious. She was standing by her two tomato plants. I thought at first that she was just really excited her tomatoes on one of the plants were growing real well, thinking she was over reacting a bit. No, I looked at her face and saw revulsion, fear, and despair. She pointed and explained as she did so, a large, plump green (caterpillar, I thought) was hugging it's grotesque, jelly form against one of the branches. Good night, it was ugly. Sadly, this experience only deepened in the nightmare category.

Increduously, we became aware that three more gross green grubs feasted fiendishly upon the poor tomato plant's arms. I immediately wanted the vile things to be gone. As if reading my mind, my mom announced we had to get it off and snatched up a plastic trowel from nearby. The black plastic fell against supple, pale green flesh, prying and swiping with vicious endeavor. Still, the worm of evil clung. Her slashes with the makeshift sword against the foul beast became more frenzied, crescendoing with our dance of disgust and just plain freaking out, complete with many a well-deserved scream. She said something like, "It won't budge!" Her proclamation was sound. The wreaking worm of wrong held fast. What to do? What to do? In the back of my mind, I couldn't help but think perhaps salt would work against them? I returned with salt, shouting for my brother, James, to help us destroy these beastly bugs. Pretty soon, I was armed with a small glass salt shaker. I scattered the tiny white granules on the same worm we'd unsuccessfully tried to remove. Success! Very, very gross success.

Yep, the salt worked, exceedingly well. The creature soon resembled a very long, writhing Gusher fruit snack. Very nasty ordeal, but unusually satisfying. As if this wasn't sci-fi enough, the stupid slitherers still succeeded in staying on the branch after I had provided each a life of sodium overdose. That's where James came in. Instructed by my mother, James brandished a pair of steel barbeque tongs at the leeches. It worked! It was comically downright weird at one point and, dare you imagine, graphically gross, but it worked. What I mean is, one of the worms managed to stick to the branch even as James yanked at the poor devil. The result was sickening but cartoonish. The worm literally stretched out, half grabbing the branch and the other clamped in metal. It finally was ripped off, but, as James put it, "deflated" upon breaking contact with the branch. Blechchch... Nope, still not done grossing you out. Throughout this exoricism, each was gushing green goo, leaving plenty smeared upon the tongs--not unlike how a sword would look after slaying a fiery, scaled monster. Or for that matter, not unlike slaying a like-like:

Okay, no more. I think I've sufficiently grossed or scared the pants off of you. Now I just need to check the backs of my parent's necks.

Yeah...laugh! Watch the movie--you'll see!

Managed to Clear My Head...er

2009-06-30T00:37:00.007-06:00

Sorry this isn't fantastically exciting, but my new post is really above (a brand-spankin'-new blog header and, to a lesser extent, my blog background and such). Yippity-doo-dah...

I'll try to post something soon--"something" being the keyword, mind.

Here's something else to occupy you in the meantime:

Um, you're welcome?

Write or Wrong--You Tell Me.

2009-06-14T15:37:00.005-06:00

Below is a fictional short story I've been working on since last fall or so. In case it's not your thing or your not in the mood, this isn't a happy story. It's fairly dark and eerie. I would love to have anyone that's (still) interested read it and tell me what they think. Any constructive criticism is quite welcome. The title's still not set in stone. Also, if at all possible, please try to be specific with exactly what you didn't like or (hopefully) liked (e.g. what worked or didn't work in the story why or why not). I can't wait to improve this and submit it to a literary magazine of some sort. Also, I promise I know quite well how to indent and when to. This word processing program on blogger doesn't seem to allow it. Finally, if you'd rather read it later or on/in a different format, I'd be more than happy to e-mail the story to you instead because this blogger is doing a wonderful job of not spacing out the dialogue and paragraphs as well.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and critique/comment on it!

Fear Conversed

A young girl encased in a lime green bathrobe nestled against a couch's corner, her feet and body wrapped in folds of a sixteen-year old 101 Dalmatians comforter. The once vibrant red now pinkish orange material constricted further as her right hand slid down determinedly and secured a loose corner under her right foot. She yawned. Her exposed teeth gleamed dully from a late night TV show's ghostly grey light. The leather coach squeaked, groaned as her form sank further, further into depths of deliciously warm fabric.

A commercial selling greasy, slowly-rotating pizzas began. Her fingers and chin bobbed absently to the muted jingle about "2 pizzas for 10 bucks" while fists of 10 dollar bills and grinning families in well-furnished kitchens with immaculate dinners flashed across the small square screen. Another followed featuring a natural male-enhancement pill. Her lips and brows wrinkled downward over the ridiculous, distasteful innuendo.

Her sluggish, undecided thumb surrendered of locating a watchable program and switched off the jumbled images with a silent click. Black exhaustion lowered her into arms of waiting dreams. Her mouth became lax, a black void drawing air in…out…in…out…
A tall shadow crept through her closed eyes. A worn sole shuffled over laminate wood.

Charlie? She wondered with petrified hope. No ten year-old dog's paws made that noise but a large person, casually, the presence silent and thick as fog.

The floor she cowered by creaked deliberately. She felt the presence of something, felt the air in front of her occupied. Someone was standing there. Watching her. Waiting.
"Dad? Mom?" she jerkily cracked. Why weren't they saying anything? This wasn't her parents. She knew their footsteps: a heavy shuffle or quiet, dry sweep of heels. This was another’s.

Her mind shrieked at her legs, Run! Get away! The waterless mouth struggled to function. What could she do? Her arms clenched each other. She wrenched open her quivering eyelids. A thin silhouette waited.

Knowing, quiet omnipotence.

"Hello, Elenore." A fluttering, soft noise.

The blanket and feet yanked back from the sound. The remote control, laid to rest for the night, catapulted off the armrest into thick ebony silence. Her mouth gaped.
A desiccated chuckle.

"Help. Help. Help. Help. Help. Help." Her whispered words lost in juddered breaths.

A smooth voice. "No need to fear. I won’t kill you tonight."

She shrunk from the response. Her chest squeezed air into frozen lungs and heart.
"Wh—what—who are you!?"

"I couldn't tell you, really. I'm fashioned from fear," a deliberate, heavy hesitation, "yours, actually. I’m unattached to any bonds of existence, yet your imagination and fear insist I…linger." The girl's pupils contracted. Her eyelids drew back, disbelieving.

"I'm awake so how can I see you?"

"Oh, I'm not a nightmare." A hint of jeering loftiness.

The floating voice paralyzed the girl. Each word cut, slowly, deeply, carefully into her skin, seeping, searing into her bones. Blood slogged icily through veins and heart.

"Get away from me!" "Help!" she wailed. The shadow laughed. Quiet, bemused.

"You arranged this to be private."

"…what?"

Each word drew, languidly from encircling darkness: a water-laden rope dragging up from fathomless depths. "No one can hear us. No one can see us.”

“Why are you here? What do you want!?”

“Now that’s a good, sensible response from you for a change.” Mocking incredulousness.

“Shut u—” Slender fingers slid quietly around her throat.

He whispered liltingly, his hand harshly directing her to his voice, caressing her ear’s ridge with one fingertip. A weak moan bled through her lips. “Should I break my promise? The one I made just for you, Elenore? Do you want me to kill you—right now? When I could give you more time to live, to ponder, wonder just what night I’ll return to unravel your mind and destroy you?” Her body quaked as fear held her. A trapped whimper longed to escape her.

“S-sorry—! Ple-ase …” The fingers allowed only so much air for her plea.

And then fear released the girl. Her body took over next as it convulsed with frenzied twitches. Perspiration coated her trembling flesh like liquid sequins. She inhaled slowly, fearing to do so too audibly for its ears--if it had any.

“Don’t be frightened, my sweet, precious Elenore…breath all you want tonight. Enjoy the sweet, fresh air surrounding you.”

“Ar-are you human?” The question had lingered on her lips from the beginning of the meeting.

A laugh. Humorless, dark. “Of course not. Most humans have eyes, I gathered.”

The young girl couldn’t stopper the sickened curiosity teeming within her, “How can you see? The last word a noiseless hiss.

“I don’t need eyes to see my prey, Elenore. Most humans produce an extraordinarily tangible representation of fear. Though I can't see others’ or your fear always, only when my prey gives in to thoughts and hallucinations.” She saw the shadow smirk though she could not see him. His voice was thoughtful, polite. “I've been watching you,” every one of her cells quivered, “I should say your fear, for quite some time. Sometimes I lost track of yours amidst the ever-growing forest of mindless victims, but as of late, it's grown stronger and clearer for me to watch and study.”

The young girl could feel boundless euphoria and a ringing note of reverence swell forth from the shadow with the next words: “How fortunate and rare you truly are to be selected by me." She recoiled, clutching at cushions, blanket, moisture between her fingers.

She feared the response before the question entered her thoughts, "What do I…What's my fear look like?"

"An odd, unwise notion to pursue. However, if you insist. A peculiar, rather delicious image.” He was surveying a great, succulent feast with those words. The higher tone and tempo ripped at her. She clung to the withered edges of the quaking blanket, furling the material around her.
“Fully-ripened fear always looks a deep, dark, old shadow.” He spoke slowly now. Ancient and far away.

“As fear matures and prey weakens, I always step closer to examine, being, of course, understandably incapable of disregarding my maturing curiosity and craving. As I come nearer, I look beneath, past what all other humans see and project. You. I see a crumpled, grey girl child. Scarcely does she raise her head or eyes. Whimpering, whining, weeping always. Her eyes always staring, never closing, never calm. Eyes so hallow, so broken, like an expired light bulb."

"You’re lying." She barely whispered.

"False hope, ludicrous hope usually springs up.” She imagined him waving a hand airily as his tone while he smiled ruefully and shook his head in jest. Then his voice was bubbling acid, “But soon enough I'll ruin it.” Just as abruptly, his voice became as quiet and assuring as each careful step of a feline. “My selections sometimes manage to hold onto a little bit of light that I can distinguish—like you. Each loses this dim glimmer though. Once I find them, I lead each to fade to darkness, utterly absorbed, lost in fear. He paused, breathing measured, peaceful breathes. His words smoothed out and became eager, exultant. “How I look forward to guiding you there soon, Elenore. Watching the little grey figure grow limper, darker. Watching those once shivering fists and arms lie silent, still, welcoming. Seeing—"

"No!"

"My most sincere apologies, dear sweet Elenore.” Polite. Then, a rapid crescendo of obsession mixed with palpable resonances of jubilation. “I'm getting far too ahead of the agenda, so to speak. There's plenty time left yet to savor those happy moments.” He stopped, smiling wistfully to himself, she imagined. The voice became solemn and longing. “Yes. Those long, delightful moments." He sighed true bliss.

“Well then, until next time, my most extraordinarily fortunate friend." She heard a cold, pleased smile in his farewell as she sunk into the cushions from her body’s weight, limp and cold, unaware another slighter hand also rested upon her still, grey countenance.

Still "Man's Best Friend?"

2009-05-18T20:44:00.002-06:00

Well, this may look awful familiar--awful being used literally in this instance.

Our family dog's (Charlie) at it again:

And guess who got to pick all this crud up and clean up afterwards?

Urghh! It was so gross and made me exceedingly displeased. But Charlie's old and he looked so forlorn and ashamedly curled on the floor looking up at me with those chocolate eyes of sorrow and pouty black lip...

so I didn't yell at him...or murder him.

And yep, he's still walking around with all four limbs.

However, I almost altered his appearance when I had to also clean up sick he'd left earlier this day on the floor. Surprisingly, I didn't think anybody'd really want to see that, so I didn't take a picture of that.

Well, I guess he didn't mean to (I hope!! D:< ) , so I'll forgive him... yet again!

Do Re N' Mi (Translation: Dory and Me)

2009-05-06T14:56:00.006-06:00

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, this post really doesn't feature me in photo and/or text. I just thought the post title was mildly clever.

This is my a'Dory'ble new niece, (you guessed it) named Dory.
I was privileged enough to see her just this last Saturday and Sunday while visiting cousins/family in Glendora, California.

It's the story
of a girl named Dory
who--

Naw, just kidding, but she kinda looks like she is singing in the above pic.

Anyways, I'm so happy I got to finally see my sweet little niece. Thanks Lisa, for flying all the way out there with her so we could all meet and get to know her!

It looks like she's saying, "C'mere, lemme show yeh somethin." in the picture above.

She's a way well-behaved baby, and she has such a beautiful face/smile and quirky expressions. I fell in love with her when she first smiled-which she, thankfully, liked and kept doing!

I couldn't (obviously) get enough of her (or taking pictures of her). She even does a crooked smile (sadly not caught on camera yet) that's to die for! It's way unique and so cute! Edward lovers, eat your hearts out!

In case you needed any other reason or argument of why my niece is the most adorable, sweet, and boss baby ever in existence:
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Get ready...
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Here it comes.
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Can you tell yet how much I love to brag about my niece?
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Ready to smack me for making you scroll down/wait so much?
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AW!!!

Can't wait to see more of you, Dory--not to mention the rest of your equally awesome family later this Summer. Thanks for making the beginning of my Summer so memorable and special, Lisa and Dory!

Love you both lots!!!

Good-bye, Grandma.

2009-05-01T23:21:00.002-06:00

This is one of the most precious memories I have of my Grandma. Sadly, she left us this last Wednesday on April 29th, 2009.

This photograph was taken on my sixth birthday when I spent the night with my grandparents in Glendora, California. There was nothing I loved more than sitting with my Grandma, nestling against her as she rocked slowly and talked quietly to me in her wonderful, loving voice.

This picture sums up everything my Grandmother represented to me. I've never felt more loved, content, and at peace then when my Grandma held me and rocked with me. Time seemed to slow, and all other thoughts or troubles disappeared as her love and soothing voice washed over me, and we rocked and rocked, enjoying each other's quiet, happy company.

Her passing leaves a aching, empty place in my heart--and I'm sure with everyone else who knew her well. I loved her so much, and I always, always will!

This particular verse has been on my mind since her death:

And should we die before our journey's through,

Happy day! All is well!

We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;

With the just we shall dwell!

-"Come, Come, Ye Saints" William Clayton, 1846

Grandma's journey on earth has been fulfilled, and she has been called home by her Heavenly Father. I know she can once again be happy, at peace, and feel loved as she once gave me (and always has) in a certain reclining rocking chair years ago.

Also, during this difficult time, we need to remember to:

"...not pity the dead...[but to] [p]ity the living..."

-Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, p. 722

Contemplating these words, I'm so grateful for my family/relatives/friends and the strength and comfort each gives me. I can't imagine trying to get through this without any of them.

For any of those people reading this, I love each of you so much! I hope you know I'm here for each of you--no matter what.

The Many Sides of Charlie

2009-04-03T00:17:00.005-06:00

I know this post is fairly odd and random. This is really for an assignment for my Methods in Teaching Literature class.

High Angle

This angle is used to make the subject look more vulnerable, submissive, and insignificant.

Low Angle

This shot is used to portray the subject as powerful and more in control.

Eye Level

This shot carries no significance. It's a neutral shot that keeps characters on the same page.

Dutch Angle

This shot is used to create danger, tension, and/or a character's evil side.

A Rather 'Office'tial Valentine's

2009-02-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

From the "Valentine's Day episode:

Pam Beesly:
Okay, well, sometimes the gift is really about the gesture, you know, like, what it means instead of what it is.
Dwight Schrute:
You mean... like a ham?
Pam Beesly:
[pause] No, not like a ham. It's about doing something so that the person knows that you really care about her. That you remember her--
Dwight Schrute:
Okay shut up. I know exactly what to do.

Hope everybody had a wonderful Valentine's Day devoid of any ham...or beets.

(Apologies if the sketch is hard to see. Hopefully you can sort of tell who they're supposed to be.)

My two favorite ships on The Office:

My Kind of "Colorful Language"

2009-02-06T12:35:00.010-07:00

Long time no see. Been incredibly busy and incredibly-er scatter-brained. Life's good(ish), but blog-posting-at-all-preventing. Here's some poetry and "art" (hah) I've been working on and submitted to my college's literary magazine, The Southern Quill.

fantasyland

i miss my childhood.

everything was simple,

magical

exploring mountainous terrain with my brother james:
the mastadon and triceratops
and me:
the brontosaurus and saber tooth

streaking by on a white horse that looked like
my pink bike with white wheels

racing clothespin boats in a street gutter
with rancho cucamonga neighbor kids

hunting the call of crickets
for hungry green and brown anoles:
liz and rex

hiding amongst a soap forest in my grandma’s
queenly, humungous bathtub

sitting here now and

thinking
wondering
wishing

seeing what was real

remembering wanting

magic

"Caretaker of the Grasslands", MS Paint

"Spirit of a Woman", pencil

Marshall Your Mind and Instill Humanity

Marshall your mind and pen in union
And conduct your paper in jubilant solo symphony
Reach out to the highest peak of understanding seen or unseen
Yearn to seek and find each fathomless meaning

Answer the unasked, the unspoken
Nurture wilting voices and awaken dormant emotions
Negate the pleasing pretty popular perfect positive poem
Evaluate, explore, invite, and instill humanity

"Float", pencil, pastels

sous chef

i’d love to be

simmering in poetry inviting

juices and spices entrancing

students to whittle their own tasting

a part

from the world tasting

the soul

"Empty", MS Paint

That's all for now.

Stay tuned for the next year for my next update.

"Oh Come Let Us Adore Him"

2008-12-23T17:45:00.005-07:00

These are different renditions of the nativity scene. I hope you take a couple minutes to looks at these:

http://lufusa.deviantart.com/art/No-hay-posada-72552479

This is amazing. I can't believe the detail in this.

http://samantharobinson.deviantart.com/art/Oh-Holy-Night-44586008

I absolutely love this. The love and warmth is almost tangible in Mary and Joseph's countenances.

http://roxmad.deviantart.com/art/Away-in-a-Manger-107017821

I absolutely love Nativity scenes. This one caught my eye because of Mary. She looks so willowy and graceful, elven almost.

http://chaoticambition.deviantart.com/art/ATM-Nativity-87609147

This blew my mind. See what you want, but I think this formation can be seen as a miracle.

http://young-invincible.deviantart.com/art/Belen-45094125

This is so different. I always get a kick out of non-traditional (in America) Nativity scenes. Just shows how universal the real reason for Christmas still is and continues to be.

In closing, why Christmas brings everyone so much laughter, joy, love, happiness, peace, hope, and miracles:

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Let's all invite Chirst into our "inns."

Season's Ramblings!

2008-12-23T01:14:00.001-07:00

I can't think of anything vastly inspiring or sophisticated to comment on or say.

I sincerely hope it snows again--right around or on Christmas would be boss.

I wanted to hurry and use my Christmas pictures before it's too late.

I hope everyone's having a bodacious Christmas Vacation.

I can't think of anything else to say.

I need to stop sentences with 'I.'

Happy Holidays!

It's Melting...Melting!

2008-12-18T12:10:00.019-07:00

St. George, Utah sure didn't look like St. George, Utah Thursday.

In fact, you could say St. George, Utah was

the

Anywho...

These four cold-shouldered fellows were made by our neighbors the Bowdens.

I think it's cool they all made one for each member of the family.

This shocked-looking guy was brought to life by our other neighbors, the Squires.

I love how they painted it! Very fun and original.

And even though he has a frosty demeanor, I love the twigs used

as hair folicles to set off any cold remarks he might make.

Okay, I know you haven't seen my snowdog enough,

so here's some updated pictures.

*trumpet fanfare*

It's SnowCharlie 2.0.

Here's a different angle.

Just giving you a better view of my attempt at snowdog legs.

Aww!

I made his head look more like Charlie's.

Now his head is bigger, and his muzzle is smaller and jowl-included.

Hey! Here's our snowman again.

Yay.

Here he is again.

Riveting.

In parting, I just wanted to wish everyone who happens to view this blogpost that I know (or

don't know)...

Waking to a Winter Wonderland

2008-12-18T10:06:00.006-07:00

I couldn't believe my eyes when I woke up this morning.

I knew there would be snow, but not this sorta thing.

These berries are so pretty and delightful--

all thanks to that white, fluffy stuff we call snow.

Here's our wonderful canine Charlie the Boston Terrier.

He's standing next to his very own doppelganger.

Poor thing was shivering (obviously quite cold),

but he tried to sit obediently--despite being old.

Here's the snowperson my Dad, Mackenzie (my best friend),

and me created out of freshly-fallen, frozen H2O.

I hope everyone everwhere in St. George and

close by had fun building out of and playing in this snow!

A Ginormous Christmas Show Tribute

2008-12-13T01:19:00.011-07:00

Getting sick of these entirely-consisting-of-random-google-image posts?

Too bad. I've got at least one more, and here it is. This little number is all of the Christmas movies I love and have grown up with.

Also, quite a few of these movies are NOT Christmas movies per se, but hey, they have Christmas in them, so they definitely count.

So sit back and reminisce--or scratch your head quite vigorously, punk.

Okay, I used to love this movie. Now, after seeing it somewhat recently, it didn't do much for me. But they celebrate Christmas at the end and I used to greatly enjoy it, so on it stays!

Ernst Robinson: Fritz! Listen! Do you think when we get to New Guinea, *if* we ever do, there'll be any girls our age?

Fritz Robinson: By the time we get to New Guinea, we won't care *what* age they are!

I think I used to watch this or saw this once when I was little. Anyways, I recently saw this on TV and was blown away at how sweet and relaxing the music and illustrations were. I've always loved this story. I just want to give that little guy a hug.

"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."

"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.
"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."

"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"

"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

If you've never heard of this or seen this, that stinks. I've only seen it once for Seminary, but I remember being very impressed and touched by this.

Ginny Hanks Grainger: [to Cal] Don't get jelly on your jacket.

Cal Grainger: Abbie got jelly on her jacket.

Abbie Grainger: I did not, jelly face.

Cal Grainger: One of these days Abbie, to the moon!

Wow. When I was little, I had so much fun watching this. It has such a subtle magic and inescapable charm through the music and illustrations. Oh, and the theme song is super catchy.

Older James: I remember that winter because it had brought the heaviest snows I had ever seen. Snow had fallen steadily all night long and in the morning I woke in a room filled with light and silence, the world seemed to be held in a dream-like stillness. It was a magical day.

Okay, the shower scene's a little overly fleshy, but, overall, I really like this movie. For the most part, I enjoy Nicolas Cage's acting, and he's spot on in this role. Very funny and moving.

Jack: We have a house in Jersey. We have two kids, Annie and Josh. Annie's not much of a violin player, but she tries real hard. She's a little precocious, but that's only because she says what's on her mind. And when she smiles... And Josh, he has your eyes. He doesn't say much, but we know he's smart. He's always got his eyes open, he's always watching us. Sometimes you can look at him and you just know he's learning something new. It's like witnessing a miracle. The house is a mess but it's ours. After 122 more payments, it's going to be ours. And you, you're a non-profit lawyer. That's right, you're completely non-profit, but that doesn't seem to bother you. And we're in love. After 13 years of marriage we're still unbelievably in love. You won't even let me [hug] you until I've said it. I sing to you. Not all the time, but definitely on special occasions. We've dealt with our share of surprises and made a lot of sacrifices but we've stayed together. You see, you're a better person than I am. And it made me a better person to be around you. I don't know, maybe it was just all a dream. Maybe I went to bed one lonely night in December and I imagined it all. But I swear, nothing has ever felt more real. And if you get on that plane right now, it'll disappear forever. I know we could both go on with our lives and we'd both be fine, but I've seen what we could be like together. And I choose us.

I'm not always crazy about shoot-'em-up war movies, but this is definitely a large step above the rest. It's got humor, violence, and inspiring exchanges.

"Deacon's the squarest guy I know. He's from some little backwards town in Arizona. Doesn't drink. Doesn't smoke. He doesn't even like coffee. That's why they call him "The Deacon"."

One of my favorites. Awesome music, animation, and story.

Boris: Ah, but remember, my friends. Even Tramp has his Achilles heel.

Pedro: Pardon me, amigo. What is this chili deal?

Boris: Achilles heel, Pedro. This is meaning his, uh, weaknesses.

Toughy: Oh! Oh, the dames. Yeah.

Bulldog in Pound: He has an eye for a well-turned paw, he has. Let's see, there's been Lulu... Toughy: Yeah, and Trixie...

Dachsie: Und Fifi...

Pedro: And my sister, Rosita Chiquita Juanita Chihuahua. I think.

Absolutely priceless episode: Marge be Not Proud

Homer: How could you? Haven't you learned anything from that guy that gives those sermons in church? Captain What's-his-name. We live in a society of laws, why do you think I took you to see all those Police Academy movies? For fun? Well I didn't hear anybody laughing. Did you? Except at that guy who made sound effects. Vroom. Beep. Honk. Honk. Ha-ha. Where was I? Oh yeah, stay out of my booze.

Maybe not a classic, but still a great way to get into the spirit and laugh a lot.

Squidward: My wish is that the people of Bikini Bottom will stop paying any attention to the inane drivel that is constantly streaming out of this dunderhead's mouth.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Gee, SquidWard, maybe Santa will bring me a dictionary so I can understand what you just said.

I'd never seen this before but just happened to catch it this year. It's super sweet and funny.

Jon Arbuckle: Hey, Dad.

Doc Boy: Psst. Hey, Dad. You awake?

Jon Arbuckle: Dad? [turns on light]

Doc Boy: [shouts] Dad, you awake?

Dad: I'm awake now. What do you boys want?

Jon Arbuckle: Is it time to open our presents yet?

Dad: It's 1:30 in the morning. No, it is not time to open our presents yet. [turns off light]

Doc Boy: [to Jon] It is Christmas morning now, you know.

Jon Arbuckle: [turns light back on] Doc Boy has a point there. Any time after midnight is technically Christmas morning, you know.

Dad: [to Jon and Doc Boy] Go to bed!

A family favorite. Hey, it's Christmas at the end, so close enough, okay?

Woody: Tuesday night's plastic corrosion awareness meeting, was I think, a big success. We'd like to thank Mr. Spell for putting that on for us, thank you Mr. Spell...

Mr. Spell: [mechanically] You're. Welcome.

This has got to be one of the best Christmas episodes from any TV show. This is so funny, poignant, and memorable. Anybody who hasn't seen it already is sorely missing out.

Watch it now and be not dismayed: http://www.blinkx.com/video/the-wonder-years-christmas/OuKeMxXwDTuJNadl2wBl3A

"When you're a kid, it's simple. Christmas is magic. It's a time of miracles, when reindeer can fly, and Frosty never melts. Then you get older. Somehow, things change. The magic begins to fade. Until something happens that reminds you at Christmas time... miracles still can be found. Sometimes in the most unexpected places. "

Haven't seen this forever, but I remember watch it a lot when I was much younger.

Ernest P. Worell: Ahh, smell those Christmas trees. You can keep your 'Channel' Number 5, just give me a whiff of the old lonesome pine. That symbol of brotherly love, that centerpiece that all mankind gathers around to share the cranberry sauce shaped like a can.

Both the 2nd and 3rd season The Office Christmas episodes are awesome.

Michael Scott: Christmas is awesome. First of all you got to spend time with people you love. Secondly, you can get drunk and no one can say anything. Third, you give presents. What's better than giving presents? And fourth, getting presents. So four things. Not bad for one day. It's really the greatest day of all time.

Carol Stills: [shows Michael a framed photograph of her 2 kids, herself and a man on a ski trip. Michael photoshopped his face in place of Carol's ex-husband's face] What is this?

Michael Scott: [laughing] That's my Christmas card. It's a picture of you and me and your kids on a ski-trip, having a blast. Ski-son's Greetings.

Carol Stills: No, see, we never went on a ski-trip.

Michael Scott: I kn... I know.

Carol Stills: I went on a ski-trip two years ago, with my kids and my ex-husband.

Michael Scott: Y-Yes, but what you didn't realize at the time was that I, was with you, in a sense, I was in your heart...

Carol Stills: [interrupts him] Michael?

Michael Scott: ...and next to your kids.

Carol Stills: This is so weird.

Michael Scott: I don't understand.

Dwight Schrute: Okay, this is stupid.

Jim Halpert: Can you please keep it down? I'm in session [long pause]

Jim Halpert: I've determined this committee is valid.

Dwight Schrute: No, no, no. Wait. [thinks about it]

Dwight Schrute: Permission to join the Validity Committee.

Jim Halpert: Permission denied.

Dwight Schrute: [Dang it]!

Okay, if you still haven't watched this after I insisted to do--you're dead to me. Begone.

Mr. Bean: Ahh! A classic ship!

Way cute, clever, non-traditional animation/story (kind of).

Martini: The laws of breaking and entering, as they pertain to Santa, are unclear.

This whole show is freakin' hillarious. Not all of Will Ferrell's antics are golden, but this is.

Buddy: Who the heck are you?

Gimbel's Santa: What are you talkin' about? I'm Santa Claus.

Buddy: No, you're not.

Gimbel's Santa: Uh, why of course I am! Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.

Buddy: Well, if you're Santa, what song did I sing for you on your birthday this year?

Gimbel's Santa: Um, Happy Birthday of course. Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho. How old are you son?

Kid with Santa: Four.

Gimbel's Santa: You're a big boy. What's your name?

Kid with Santa: Paul.

Gimbel's Santa: Now what can I get you for Christmas?

Buddy: Don't tell him what you want, he's a liar.

Gimbel's Santa: Let the kid talk.

Buddy: You disgust me! How can you live with yourself?

Gimbel's Santa: Just cool it, Zippy.

Buddy: You sit on a throne of lies.

Gimbel's Santa: Look, I'm not kiddin'.

Buddy: You're a fake.

Gimbel's Santa: I'm a fake?

Buddy: Yes!

Gimbel's Santa: How'd you like to be dead, huh? Ho, ho, just kidding.

Buddy: You stink.

Gimbel's Santa: I think you're gonna have a good Christmas, all right.

Buddy: You smell like beef and cheese, you don't smell like Santa.

Such a well-done classic. Excellent acting and casting. All you need to know--Christian Bale.

Beth: [hearing Jo crying] Are you thinking about father?

Jo March: [whimpering] My hair!

Wonderful collection of Christmas shows.

Mr. Krueger: Hello there... I-I-I-I... Oh dear... Oh... Oh, you're-you're... I'm Willy Krueger and I'm custodian over at the Beck Apartments, but, but you know that, don't you. You know that. I guess nobody here can see me or hear me except you. I didn't bring a gift, I, but I, I guess that's not important. Thank you for everything you've done for me. As long as I can remember you've been right by my side. I'll never forget when you walked with me right in those first few hours after I lost Martha. I-I've always been able to count on you, when I felt dark inside and when I... You were right there, right, every time, right there. Even when I didn't feel good about myself, I knew that you cared for me enough, and that, that made me feel better. Like that time I got mad with Mabel Huntington because she broke her pipes on purpose just so she could have somebody to see while I came up and fixed them for her. Boy, I hollered at her, boy I hollered real loud. But then, then I got to thinking - you loved Mabel just as much as you loved me and I should treat her the way you want me to. I believe I talked to you about that at the time. Well, I started visiting her and we became friends. I saw her almost every day until the day she died. I love you. You're my closest, my finest friend. And that means that I can hold my head high, wherever I go. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

This is boss. Watch this and laugh your face off. Now!

Ollie Dee: Me and The Toymaker are just like that! [crosses his fingers for emphasis]

Stannie Dum: [looking at Ollie's crossed fingers] Which one's you?

This kid's lips drive me nuts, but I love the story and wonky sheep--I think.

Couldn't find a quote, so enjoy this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPRtL61QEu0

The epitome of what Christmas really can be.

Bart: Can we keep him, Dad? Please?

Homer: But he's a loser. He's pathetic. He's... [the dog licks his face]

Homer: A Simpson.

Love this. Very different and addictive.

Ms. Yvonne: Aren't you going to comment on my hair?

Pee-wee: Wow! Christmasy! But what's the plant growin' out of it?

Ms. Yvonne: It's mistletoe! You're always supposed to kiss somebody if they're standing underneath the mistletoe! This way, I'm assured hundreds and hundreds of kisses from everyone!

Pterri: Stand over here.

Chairry: Stand over here! The Fish: Come over here and give us a big, wet kiss!

Ms. Yvonne: Oh, don't worry. There's enough of me for everybody!

Pee-wee: Excuse me, Miss Yvonne, but before you go making out with everybody in the playhouse, how about forking over that gift?

Family favorite. Fabulous quotes, humor, and family disfunctionality.

Goggles: I like The Wizard of Oz. I like the Tin Man.

Ralphie as Adult: [narrating] In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan.

I couldn't find one movie cover ANYWHERE. Anywho, this little film is a masterpiece. This has so much heart and humor in this.

"It's fruitcake weather!"

This is golden! So witty. Anybody with less-than-pleasant relatives can easily relate.

Eddie: You surprised to see us, Clark?

Clark: Oh, Eddie... If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am now.

Total classic. This has always been one of my favorite movies.

Jasper: I ain't gonna hurt ya.

Horace: But I thought we was gonna pop 'em off.

Jasper: Shh, shut up!

This is befar one of the funniest films ever filmed!

Lane Myer: Sorry Johnny, I don't have a dime.

Johnny: Didn't ask for a dime. Two dollars.

Lane Myer: My little brother got his arm stuck in the microwave. So my mom had to take him to the hospital. My grandma dropped acid this morning, and she freaked out. She hijacked a busload of penguins. So it's sort of a family crisis. Bye!

This one's timeless. So simple, yet so powerful.

Charlie Brown: I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about. [shouting in desperation]

Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. [moves toward the center of the stage]

Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please. [a spotlight shines on Linus]

Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'" [Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]

Linus Van Pelt: That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

So sweet and unforgettable! I'll never get tired of this.

Narrator: Welcome, Christmas, bring your cheer. Cheer to all Whos far and near. Christmas Day is in our grasp so long as we have hands to clasp. Christmas Day will always be just as long as we have we. Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart and hand in hand.

A timeless modern-day fairy tale. This movie has so much in it: sorrow, happiness, warmth, betrayl, love, curiosity, acceptance, isolation, magic, and Christmas. It's also pretty dang funny. Did I mention there's countless memorable lines?

Kim: Hold me.

Edward: I can't.

Kim: You see, before he came down here, it never snowed. And afterwards, it did. If he weren't up there now... I don't think it would be snowing. Sometimes you can still catch me dancing in it.

Haven't seen this for ages. Plan on watching it hopefully soon.

Couldn't find one quote. Bah.

Bizzare, creepy, and hysterical.

Lucifer: You shall be punished, and instead of red-hot coals, you will eat chocolate ice cream.

Precio: No! No, Lucifer, King of all Evil Spirits! Not that! By the horns of everything satanic, I beg you! To live I must have heat. Frozen meals are bad for me, especially chocolate! It's very bad for my digestion, which is so delicate.

I remember watching this when I was five or so.

Ghost of Christmas Past: Listen, Scrooge, if men were measured by kindness, you'd be no bigger than a speck of dust.

Scrooge: [yawns] Kindness is of little use in this world.

Ghost of Christmas Past: You didn't always think so. Come on, Scrooge, it's time to go.

Scrooge: Then go!

Weird, confusing, and spacey.

Rigna: Chochem is eight hundred years old, you can't dismiss the wisdom of centuries.

Voldar: I can.

Never knew about this 'til I caught on TV last year. Make sure and watch it only on TV. It's super heart-warming and sure to make you laugh and smile.

Prime Minister: Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspision love actually is all around.

Christmas doesn't happen until this has been watched.

Sleeping Man: Watch it, kid! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

So dang funny and cute!

Ashley: Peter Callahan is engaged to me. I object to this wedding!

Priest: Get in line.

Ashley's husband: And I object to your objection.

Mary Callaghan: Who's that?

Peter: Ashley's husband.

Midge Callaghan: You proposed to a married woman?

Peter: Yes. And I'm in a coma when my brother makes a play for my- sort of my fiancée

Christmas doesn't exist until this has been viewed.

Megan McCallister: You're not at all worried that something might happen to Kevin?

Buzz McCallister: No, for three reasons: A, I'm not that lucky. Two, we use smoke detectors and D, we live on the most boring street in the whole United States of America, where nothing even remotely dangerous will ever happen. Period.

I think this gets perhaps a little overlooked. Maybe it's not for everyone, but I love the balance of humor, oddness, and sincerity in this.

Frank Cross: It's Christmas Eve. It's-it's the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer, we-we-we smile a little easier, we-w-w-we-we-we cheer a little more. For a couple of hours out of the whole year we are the people that we always hoped we would be.

I love the stop-motion animation and songs! Abominable Snowman rules all.

Yukon Cornelius: This fog's as thick as peanut butter!

Hermey: You mean pea soup.

Yukon Cornelius: You eat what you like, and I'll eat what I like!

So original and amazing. The music and songs make the movie.

Kid: Santa? Jack Skellington: Merry Christmas! And what is your name? Kid: uh... uh...

Jack Skellington: That's all right. I have a present for you anyway. There ya go, sonny! Ho ho ho! HEEHEEHEE! [slips out the chimney] Mother: And what did Santa bring you, Honey? [kid shows parents his present - a shrunken head; parents scream]

Wacky animation--but way fun to watch. I love the magician and rabbit, Hocus Pocus. It also has crazy sound effects.

Boy #1: What shall we call him? How about Harold?

Boy #2: Bruce? Children: No.

Girl #1: Christopher Columbus?

Children: No.

Boy #3: Oatmeal?

Children: Oatmeal?

Narrator: Hocus-Pocus explained the situtation to Santa, who as you know, speaks fluent rabbit.

Very creepy animation, but catchy tunes and oddly-affectionate characters--except Santa-whoever designed him was on something--strong. He freaks me out.

Father Mouse: "T'was the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." Well, I'm stirring.

'Kay, here's the Santa at 8:30 min. Watch out. I'm not kidding. You've been warned: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6GGE9yycns

Incredibly clever, witty, nonformulaic, and heartfelt. A must-see!

Christine: You will end up childless and alone.

Will: Well, fingers crossed, yeah.

I didn't think to show this earlier, but this is a pre-Christmas-type clip. The scarecrow at 4:55 min is so messed up and hillarious. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8hc4UywAOE

Whew! Okay, I think I covered everything. Hope I gave everyone some movies to lovingly watch or hopefully give a first try.

Have a great week, all!

Ten days till Christmas!!

You'd be barking mad to not be excited about this, doggone it!

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town!"

2008-12-10T15:05:00.010-07:00

Okay, I was slightly admonished by my sister and mom for accidentally traumatizing some viewers yesterday with my previous post, so here's an attempt to sooth those people who were affected or deeply scarred by showing images of Santas who make me chuckle, smile, or sigh (in content, not exasperation).

(Also, without meaning to, this basically turned into a list of Christmas movies I love which contain Santas.)

If you haven't seen this movie, you're missing out--on wackiness.

All I can say is, whether you like, love, or hate him, you gotta see the nativity scene!

There really isn't a Santa in either Christmas episode, but they're both dang funny.

Here's another bizarre movie gem entitled Santa Claus--from Mexico, no less! The toy cat on wheels must be viewed! There's even a main character named Pitch who's a devil.

This is such a cute, clever little made-for-tv and adapted-from-a-children's-book cartoon called Olive the Other Reindeer. I like the animation and the way Santa looks a little less traditional.

Clark Griswold. What more can I say?

I tried desperately to find a better picture of the Santa from this (Frosty the Snowman). I liked this version because he wasn't ho, ho, hoing constantly, and was more wise but also kind at the same time.

The Pee-Wee Herman Christmas Special: "Thank you, Santa. You're the best!"

"I know you are, but what am I?"

Altogether, this show is to-the-brim with celebrity guest appearances and off-the-wall nuttiness. Also, it's incredibly funny!

If I have to tell you what this is from, you should get off my blog NOW before I find you.

Anyways, one of my all-time-favorite Santas--despite him being non-human.

You're probably wondering why this isn't in the creepy Santa post. Well, perhaps he's creepy to you, but I happen to love The Nightmare Before Christmas. If you've ever seen it, you know his looks are very deceiving--especially when he tries to be "Sandy Claws."

Anyways, one of my all-time-favorite Santas--despite him being dead.

I've always liked the Coca-Cola Santa. He's just a happy, warm looking guy.

Okay, this is really cute.

I lied, this is far cuter!

"Papa Elf" from Elf. I liked his portrayl: slightly grumpy, but good-hearted.

He may have a huge head, but he gave Rudolph his first major break.

And, of course, the best to me is Homer Simpson working as a shopping mall Santa in the episode Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire. A very funny, honest, and sweet take on a family getting ready for Christmas.

"You Better Watch Out..."

2008-12-09T22:44:00.008-07:00

Here's a collaboration of "Just Plain Creepy Santa Clauses":

This is going to assuredly give me many, many nightmares.

What in the world is going on with this one!? I don't even know where to begin.

Those eyes creep me out.

Looks like he eats people or something.

Good night! Is this a halloween mask!?

These just don't quite make it into the non-creepy category.

This is a scary santa, sorta, but I had to put this in. It's so clever and original!

This is the translation of a japanese ad. Watch out!

This is fairly borderline creepy, I guess.

Ehhhh! The teeth and excessive shadows make him look messed up.

I have no idea who this is, but I wouldn't want him coming down my chimney.

Uh, did Santa spontaneously melt or combust?

Not super scary, but definitely close enough!

I'm not positive if this is supposed to be Father Christmas, but whoever he is, he's grandly freaking me out.

Ech. I don't want him delivering toys to all the girls and the boys.

What is wrong with people? This is the single-most disturbing piece of clip art I've ever come across.

Besides who the people are, that's one creepy Kris Kringle.

Moderately creepy.

Looks like Santa got Vodka instead of milk and cookies this year.

I didn't think Martin Shorts could look any more weird and frightening than when he was Jimmy Glick. How wrong I was.

" You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout or I'll smack you in the thigh."

I guess this is from Japan. Er...that's about as far as I wanted to go with this...Santa?

Okay, if you're still somehow voluntarily sitting in front of the computer, comment and paste a link in your comment of some creepy or weird Santas you've come across.

I hope I succeeded in sufficiently marring your picture-perfect Santa.

Heh, heh, heh...

Skison's Greetings!

2008-12-06T22:22:00.004-07:00

I have also, like me mam, opened up a brand new account on deviantART:

http://idioticircles.deviantart.com/

I'm not a hugely-skilled artist, but fill free to poke around there and tell me what you think--only if it's nice, though!

This picture above was drawn years ago when I was in seventh grade. I drew this on MS Paint with a mouse only.

I hope everyone had a good first week of Decemeber. Only eighteen or so days until Christmas!!!

2 Divas, 1 Dog, 1 Dream, and 1 Dummy

2008-11-29T20:31:00.001-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Charlie and the Charlestons

2008-11-29T20:15:00.001-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A Belated Use of Pictures

2008-11-29T18:20:00.005-07:00

Hey! I'm glad I thought to use this AFTER Thanksgiving. I just thought I might as well since Thanksgiving was only two days ago and such. Well, and at least I'm somewhat appeasing my father who opposed the placement of a certain picture of a certain turkey from my last post.

All of these pictures were done with a mouse on MS (Microsoft) Paint when I was in seventh grade. They are all the result of my semi-carpal tunnel. I love how this turkey seems to have no neck. Hehe...

Also, I don't know why I felt this particular pilgrim needed to look like a beatnik or something.

While I'm at it, here's a belated clip you may or may not appreciate or understand for the season: (Hope everyone had a Thanksgiving that was just as eventful and crazy as this!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptLD0kCoHG4&feature=related

For anyone who is viewing my blog that I do not already know or hasn't commented yet, I would absolutely love to hear from any of you. Tell me a little bit about yourself if you want or tell me how crazy my blog is. Whatever you like--I'd be utterly delighted to get any comments from any person! I'm so excited and honored to see people on my blog map who are looking at my blog (hopefully with some enjoyment) from all over the world. I think it's amazing and would love to see their blogs or just know something about them. Thanks a lot, everyone!

For example, if this doesn't seem weird or stalkerish, who are these two viewers? : )

Dalton, GA, United States
Sat, 29 Nov 2008 08:21:11 -0600
Thousand Oaks, CA, United States
Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:12:44 -0600

Okay, I'll stop...for now.

It's a great day! It's a great day!

2008-11-27T09:30:00.005-07:00

Relax and take it easy, all you turkey-baking moms! Everyone else, help out as much as you possibly can and then some. Be grateful and happy for who you are and where you live. Don't take for granted your family or all of your blessings!

Give thanks to everyone and everything you love and enjoy this special day with your family

and friends.

Have a very, very Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

A Very Questionable Activity

2008-11-23T00:28:00.002-07:00

(A.K.A 20 Questions Online)

Okay, if you've got at least five or so minutes, you've got to try this out. It's very fun and doesn't require a lot of brain power, which is good news for me. Just scroll down a little, pick which category you'd like and try to stump the game! It's crazy how accurate this is--unsettling, even.

Click Here!!!---> http://www.20q.net/

Still not convinced? C'mon! It's easy, free, and is virtually limitless! There's a category for everyone in your family, even you!

What're you waiting for? Hurry up before I smack you in the neck!

Okay...if you already know about this or have an electronic version, then I will spare you suffering a very painful neck bruise as seen here from my previous victim.