2008 seems to have gone by so fast. So many things have happened this year- the Olympics, the election, and several other personal things for me.
Now I'm going to have to get used to writing that "9" at the end of dates instead of the "8" I've gotten so used to. I'm going to turn one year older in about 8 months, and my grades are going to start counting next school year (Eeek!). I'm kind of looking forward to 2009- I'll be able to start over and try new things. I'm hoping that this upcoming year has a lot of wonderful things in store.
Have a wonderful New Year's Eve and Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
by Kate DiCamilloThis is a sad story about a china bunny. Edward Tulane has always spent his life with a girl name Abilene, who treated him with the utmost respect. His pampered life disappears as he is accidentally thrown into the Atlantic Ocean. He journeys for several years, spending his time with old ladies, hoboes, dogs, poor children, and more. During his "miraculous journey," he learns to love and remember.
The pictures in this book were very nice too- they really went along with the story. I would recommend this if you're looking for a short, fun read anyday, anytime.
Friday, December 26, 2008
After-Christmas Stuff
I just finished reading a wonderful poem at Miss Erin's blog. Go here to check it out.
Finally, I've gotten some pictures of our Christmas tree:
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
-Clement Clarke Moore
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
-Clement Clarke Moore
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Rambling...
I spent most of today shopping for gifts and wrapping them. We went to Target and Redmond Town Center, where it seems like most people went too. Isn't it funny how no matter where you go during the holidays, you'll always find huge crowds?
Anyways, I just finished wrapping three gifts for my sister. One is in a gift bag, which I completely adore. Gift bags are so simple- just pick one out, drop the gift in, cover it with fancy tissue paper, and Voila! You have a finished gift.
However, the wrapping was a bit of a nightmare. Both presents I wrapped displayed my abysmal wrapping skills. Oh well, all that tape is going to be on the floor Christmas morning anyways.
-going for dinner
Anyways, I just finished wrapping three gifts for my sister. One is in a gift bag, which I completely adore. Gift bags are so simple- just pick one out, drop the gift in, cover it with fancy tissue paper, and Voila! You have a finished gift.
However, the wrapping was a bit of a nightmare. Both presents I wrapped displayed my abysmal wrapping skills. Oh well, all that tape is going to be on the floor Christmas morning anyways.
-going for dinner
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Love Story
It's been snowing like crazy today. I'll try and get some pictures if I can.
Meanwhile, this is one of my favorite songs: Love Story by Taylor Swift
Meanwhile, this is one of my favorite songs: Love Story by Taylor Swift
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Lump of Coal
by Lemony Snicket
Another picture book!!!
This one was super cute. The Lump of Coal features the main character as (duh) a lump of coal who secretly has a burning desire to be an artist. He longs to draw rough, dark strokes on paper. And if he can't get a position as an artist, he hopes to at least be of some use to someone. He visits art galleries and Korean barbecue restaurants in hopes of fulfilling his dreams, but he is turned down at each place. Finally, he meets someone who sends him off to the most unexpected place, where "miracles" happen.
This book was one of Lemony Snicket's more happier books- in fact, it was positively gleeful compared to some of his other works. For those who have read The Series of Unfortunate Events, the writing style and the illustrations are familiar, adorable, and just plain fantastic.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling was an amazing book, in my opinion. Comprising of five wizarding fairytales, the book features stories about love, morality, human limits, kindness, and more. Professor Dumbledore's insightful commentary at the end of each story really added to the fairytale as a whole, and his writings often included a sprinkling of humor in it. There are several references to characters and events in the Harry Potter series, as well as references to his genius mind and his goat-obsessed brother. Although the book didn't have the same feel as a Harry Potter book always had for me, it still was a fabulous, quick read.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Snow Update
It's been melting. It started melting during the night, which I think is completely crazy since temperatures are supposed to drop during the night, not rise. There still is a bit of snow- maybe one inch. The lawn and bushes are dotted with snow, and most of the roofs have some snow still left.
On another topic, my sister Maya is publishing a poetry book! It will be coming out in early spring. Here's the newly finished cover:
On another topic, my sister Maya is publishing a poetry book! It will be coming out in early spring. Here's the newly finished cover:
Saturday, December 13, 2008
snow!
And it's sticking! There's only a little now, but the snow is still falling hard. I'll keep posting, and maybe I'll add a few pictures. Keeping my fingers crossed for no school on Monday!
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Update on Warriors 4th Series
Guess what??? The Warriors fourth series name has been changed from The Fourth Apprentice to Omen of the Stars! Shocking...I'm not really sure if I like the change or not. The first book in the series is now called The Fourth Apprentice instead of Ambush, its original name. You can find more information (as well as Victoria Holmes' wedding details!) here.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
The Somebodies
by N.E. Bode
Yucky cover, but nice story on the inside.
This book features Fern and Howard as they once again embark on their third adventure in the Anybody world. This time, they travel to fluctuating "the city beneath the city," or the Anybody capital. They meet mysterious people and objects as they try to battle the evil Blue Queen, whose dream is to conquer everyone's souls. A suspenseful, adventurous must-read for all ages!
Yucky cover, but nice story on the inside.This book features Fern and Howard as they once again embark on their third adventure in the Anybody world. This time, they travel to fluctuating "the city beneath the city," or the Anybody capital. They meet mysterious people and objects as they try to battle the evil Blue Queen, whose dream is to conquer everyone's souls. A suspenseful, adventurous must-read for all ages!
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