Competitions and New Years Resolutions!

  

I understand that that looks pretty confusing but allow me to explain! I proposed a reading battle to my sister Ava. My goal is to read 30 books before my sis and vice versa! We have until the end of the 2013. Here's what I have lined-up- A Tale of Two Cities, Harry Potter (The WHOLE series), and the 2nd book in the Legend Series-Prodigy.

Now getting my hands on Prodigy is a matter of whether or not I have any Christmas money left by the time it comes out in January! :) Now, that is only nine books which means that I need to find 21 other books to read! I welcome any suggestions that you all might have! Wish me luck! School keeps me really busy, but then again it keeps my sis busy too. We'll see how this works out!

The Hobbit

 

 Oh my goodness, gracious me!!!!! I went and saw the Hobbit about a week ago and was blown away! I was a bit worried about what would happen with them making it into three movies but the end really 
 worked! Another thing which I really liked about it is that it followed the book beautifully! There was one slight addition that has to do with a rivalry between Thorin and an orc, but I actually don't think that it took away from the movie at all! Martin Freeman was amazing as a young Bilbo and it was great to see Ian Mckellan as Gandalf again! This movie was an absolute and complete success!!!! Peter Jackson made the decision to film the Hobbit at 48 frames per second. Simply meaning that the cameras take 48 pictures per second versus the 25 fps used in the earlier movies. This makes for a clearer film with less blur. I heard that there was some negative feedback from people saying that that made the movie seem too focused on the makeup and set design, made it seem too lifelike. My point of view- what the heck is wrong with lifelike?!?! I didn't notice anything wrong with the set and so what if you can tell that a dwarf is wearing a fake nose? (not that I could tell) That isn't the 48 fps's fault that's the makeup peoples fault! I loved the film quality and thought the lighting and camera angles were pristine! I can't wait for the next one to come out! It is going to drive me crazy!!!! 

This movie is a must see! I give it 5/5 stars!!!

 

If you don't think this is the Ultimate picture you have a major problem!!!!! 

This is also my 100'th post! Hip Hip Hooray!! But hopefully my 200'th post will come quicker then my 100 did! Haha Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve

 

 I don't know about you but I absolutely cannot believe that it is Christmas Eve!!!! Now, my family does presents a bit differently then I think most people do. We open our gifts on Christmas Eve then do stockings Christmas Day morning. Which means that tonight, of comes the wrapping paper! I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a Happy new year!!!!!!

 

Choir Concert and Carolers!

This past Monday I had my second choir concert. Our first one wasn't really themed but this one was.  Christmas! We had a medley which included several of my favorite christmas carols. We had a pretty good time! I would love to be in a choir outside of school but I'm not sure when or where that would happen!

 

 Three days ago a group of people from a local church came to our neighborhood and were christmas caroling! I had never seen anyone caroling in person and it was really cool! I have wanted to go christmas caroling since I was little and still do!  I think that one of my favorite Christmas carols is Joy to the World! I love how up-beat it is! Let me know what your favorite carol is!

Any Thoughts?

Well, at LCA (My school) we have AR points that we have to get. My AR goal is 38.8 points and each book that we read is worth a certain amount of points. I also have to reach at least 50% of my goal before the first quarter is over, which is in about 1 1/2 weeks. Right now I have 107 AR points! :) But I want to keep getting AR points because I thought it would be cool if I could have some of the most AR points in the middle school!
Sooo I thought it would be neat to ask you your thoughts or suggestions on what books I should read! They have LOTS of books to choose from of many genres from N.D. Wilson to Dickens to Suzanne Collins!!!!

I can't wait to hear your thoughts!
FAD

My Paper!

As I promised I have copied and pasted my paper! This is one of two papers with over 500 words in my portfolio! (The underlined and italics were for the benefit of the teacher in grading that we included certain secret weapons and such!) :) Enjoy!~

                                                 Why you should consider blogging!

I, along with 92% of the people asked, believe that blogging is good. The first reason is that you meet great people. Because of social networking you can learn about new places and spread the gospel. You can also share your experiences. By doing so, you can benefit others and make them stronger! Also, you will gain knowledge about whatever you blog about. If you blog about books, you learn more about books and authors. If you blog about tools, you learn more about tools and their uses! These are three reasons why blogging is good for all ages.

Nobody denies that through social networking you can meet people: most of the time they are great people. Through blogging I have met three great kids who are in Africa spreading the gospel and another great friend in the States! Through social networking you can learn about new places.  I have learned what it’s like to live in Africa!  Like those kids in Tanzania, I can spread the gospel to people who I meet through blogging who aren’t believers. You can also learn people’s thoughts on your topic. It might even change or improve you own knowledge!  As my dad said “Technology continues to shrink the globe, and communication with nearly anyone on this planet continues to get easier and easier. Blogging provides a platform that is public, and invites anyone with internet access to interact with a person or topic of interest to them. This has created a means of social connections that was previously unheard of, and it has provided the opportunity to engage people within the context of every imaginable topic.”

Consequently, when you meet people through social networking, you will have many opportunities to share your experiences.  You will also meet plenty of non-believers, creating the opportunities to have a Christian influence.  If you take advantage of those opportunities you have the chance to change those people’s lives for the better! Through sharing your experiences, you are enabling people to gain knowledge! You can also strengthen people by telling them about your experiences/trials and how you dealt with them.

Undoubtedly, if you are blogging semi-regularly you will become very familiar with your topic. You can gain knowledge and thus become knowledgeable in a wide variety of topics. You also gain resources helping you in life and career. It also provides wider varieties of knowledge. Isn’t a wider variety of knowledge a good thing?

I believe that blogging is a good thing, and even though it takes time, you are using that time to influence and change people’s lives for the better! Through social networking you can meet great people. You can share your experiences and benefit others. And last, but certainly not least, you can learn more about whatever your topic is! Blogging is an amazing way to strengthen and encourage others! That’s why blogging is very beneficial to people of any age!

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Thank you for reading!

Beautiful!

I am watching the presidential debate right now and hopped on the computer to search Google for some random pictures and I found some that were so beautiful I just had to share!
I have numbered the photos. Vote on the pole and tell us your favorite!

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My life is crazy!!!

Well... where to begin! As you probably have heard I have been home schooled all my life. Until now. Because of certain unpleasant family circumstances it didn't work out for me to be home schooled anymore. I now go to Liberty Christian Academy and I love it here! My first time at a school couldn't have gone any better and I already know almost every seventh grader!!! My teachers are amazing and as hard as Pre-Algebra is, thanks to Mrs. Pomajzl my teacher even that is bearable!  

In English I am working on my first paper. Guess what it is about... Why blogging is so AWESOME!! :):):) My dad said that after my paper is done I can post it on here! So in a week or two you guys will read my paper on why I enjoy blogging so much!

I am hoping that now things are slowing down I will be able to get back to blogging more regularly!

~FAD~

Doctor Who!

Well before I get back to book reviews I had to tell the world that I am now a Doctor Who fan!!!!!
While I was at camp I stayed with a family who had two girls around my age who were fans of Doctor Who. They showed me a few episodes and I was hooked!! I must admit that I am rather out of the loop and am not quite sure what is going on in the world of Doctor Who except that season seven just made its premiere Saturday night! I have only seen a few episodes and I am just itching to get my hands on the DVDs of the series! I really, really love this show! 

School!

Today was one of the craziest days ever!!!! As you probably know I have been home schooled all my life. Well that changed today! I was blessed and was able to get into a fantastic Christian school in my area. It was hectic. For subjects I have English, Science, Civics, Bible, Gym/Health, Pre-Algebra, and Choir. I wasn't planning on doing Choir originally but by the time I got in, the only other thing available was band and I would die rather then play in a band! So I went with Choir. I was a bit comprehensive at first, but by the time the class was over I was pretty sure that it would be one of my favorite classes right alongside English! :) Also we sang in groups so that our teacher could tell our vocal range. She had us sing Amazing Grace, then she asked me to sing it by myself. I said sure without thinking! By the time I was half way through I started thinking to myself "Oh my goodness I am singing by myself in front of a quarter of the 7th and 8th grade! Thankfully I don't think that I cracked at all so that was really neat! I was the only person who sang a solo! ;)

Because of school and how new it is to me I am not sure when I will post next, but I will definitely  make it a priority, and should have a review of Legend ready this weekend!

Review- The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Summary-Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year old Hadley Sullivan's life. Having missed her flight, she's stuck at JFK airport and late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon-to-be stepmother Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's sitting in her row!
Set over a twenty-four hour period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

My Thoughts-I was reading a more detailed summary for this book and noticed that there were several mentions of chance and/or fate and quirks of timing. My dad saw and was hesitant as to whether or not I should read the book, But two people who's reviews I trust had said that they enjoyed the book so I decided to go for it. I really, really liked it! Jennifer E. Smith mentioned chance a few to many times for me to really absolutely love the book but again I really enjoyed it!

Character Notes-Hadley, Hadley, Hadley... She has had a tough life and is trying really hard to cope with it all. I can relate to the part about her parents being divorced because unfortunately mine are going through that process right now. She has become bitter over the last year or so of her life and I think that she almost try's to kindle that bitterness into a flame. (note the book her father gave her) But she also in a way wants to mend it all. Oliver. Oh what can I say that encompasses the magnitude of funniness and kindness and all the other quirky things that are Ollie. Oliver is such a unique character and one that you don't come across often! He is also going through a tough time in his life. It is in some ways easier for him then Hadley to 'cope' and other times vice-verse. Oliver is just what Hadley needs and is one of the reasons why I hope I miss my next flight! (okay so I actually don't want to miss a flight in my life but that gives you an idea of how AWESOME he is!!! :D)

Story Notes-I absolutely love Smith's writing style! She makes you feel like you are right there in customs or at the wedding! I have not looked into Smith much, but if she has written other books then I can't wait to read them! She did a very good job developing her characters. In the scene where Hadley finally forgives and comes to an understanding with Andrew it could have very easily been fake or rushed but Smith makes you feel like it all could have happened just like that!

Summing It Up-This book was super-duper sweet and even though it focuses a bit to much on what is chance and what isn't, I still loved it!!!!

For The Parents-There is a kiss or two but nothing I think you need to be worried about! Recommended for 11-12+.

Review-Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (Movie)

Ok how do I put this?... This movie stunk but Logan Lerman made it all perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So as I have said before I am a complete and I mean COMPLETE  sucker for Logan Lerman! I had heard lots of negative reviews on this movie and I am afraid that I have to agree with most of them. I mean they made Annabeth a brunette. Seriously?!?!?! Her blond hair was one of the things that she was known for!!! And they completely left out Luke and Annabeth's relationship. Hades was a Mick Jagger idiot and even Zeus and Poseidon were done all wrong!

But Logan was in the movie so really who cares??

Grover was pretty good!

Mick Jagger idiot. (Sorry Hades)

Acting wise she was OK...

I just had to add this pic! :)

Lightning Thief!

Catching Fire

I am in shock!!! Ok... Well I was yesterday afternoon when I finished the book! Now I am over the shock but am still processing what happened. I found that I was far more emotionally unprepared in this book. In the Hunger Games I felt prepared like Katniss and on top of things! But in the second book I was swept away (Like Katniss) and I kept having to stop and think!! I can't say to much because it would spoil the book for those who haven't read it, but it was a shocker!!!!!
(Also for people who are reading this post I actually posted it in early April but because of an update glitch it says that I posted it today. 8/12.)

Review-The Sea of Monsters By:Rick Riordan

Summary-
As I said in my review of The Lightning Thief- "I'm afraid that every summary I found online spoiled what happens in the story and I am awful at writing that sort of thing myself so if you want to know what happens I have a secret way to tell you..... *psst over here*    READ THE BOOK!!! :)

My Thoughts-
I love this series! It isn't anywhere near being a challenge to read, yet it isn't a 7 year old's story book either. This book's reading level is meant for kids around 12 years of age which would normally be perfect since I'm 12 but I was reading The Lord of the Rings at age 7 (and enjoying it) so I'm not exactly your average 12 year old reader. So because of how easy it is I have to make it a 4 star but the story line itself deserves 5 stars! Again I love reading about Mythology and gods and goddesses so this was another favorite

Character Notes-
In the beginning of The Lightning Thief Percy was... lets face it... a .wimp. But he is changing into a much more confident person. So much so that when someone makes a decision that he doesn't agree with, he will go ahead and do what he thinks is right. That being something the old Percy never would have done.


Story Notes-
I love Riordan's writing style so much! One of the things that stand out to me about it is his tendency to have his characters make funny remarks in the midst of a battle or dire situation. I can't help but smile!


Summing It Up-
I love this book even if it is somewhat of an easy read! 4/5 stars!

Yearning to Read's (special) Giveaway!

Hey Everyone! Sierra at Yearning to Read is hosting her second year Blogoversary giveaway!!!! The prize? Any book from her Goodreads sections Best lit-men or Forever Favorites, as long as it is under 18 dollars! The final day to enter is August 31st!
Sierra had this pic in her post saying that "These are just some of the books you can choose from:"




Make sure you enter!

Lots of updates!

Hello Everyone! My have I had a busy last four weeks! This was my second year of Encore at the Academy of Fine Arts! This year we performed Music Man Jr. The Music Man was the first show that I was ever in and I have also performed multiple songs from it in the Americana Shows over the last couple of years so I know this show like the back of my hand! I had a blast! Sunday was our final performance and it went great!

I'm not sure how many people heard about this but where I live in VA and many of the surrounding counties lost power for anywhere from 3 to 8 days! My house lost power for around 5 days and it was also during a heat wave!!! But we have recouped from that, and now that camp is over things are beginning to return to normal!!!

I have some great news!!! Helen @ The Life of a Musician and Dancer has awarded me with the Versatile Blogger Award!! Thank you sooo much Helen for my first award!!!



Here are 7 random things about myself~
1.I am 12 but most people think that I am 14 or 15.
2.I love Logan Lerman and Josh Hutcherson, :)
3.I have been an official nerd since I was six because that is when I started reading Lord of the Rings!
4.My favorite soundtrack song is Concerning Hobbits on the Fellowship of the Rings soundtrack!
5.I hate shopping for clothes but I absolutely love having new stylish outfits!
6.Star Trek:Next Generation and Mythbusters are two of my favorite tv shows.
7.I own the record for Fiddler on the Roof!


I would like to award~~
Jam
Kate
HannahBannana
 
Thank you Helen and all of my followers!

Sherlock Holmes:A Game of Shadows

Sherlock Holmes:A Game of Shadows

Awesome much?!?!?! Sooo I thought that nothing could top the first Sherlock Holmes movie but I was mistaken. This movie was soooo AMAZING!!! I mean the train scene??? How can you not love it!!! It was stuffed with wit, comedy and action!!! I mean Robert Downy Jr. is Fantastic!! And Jude Law, (Dr. Watson) Noomi Rapace, (Madame Simza) and Stephen Fry (Mycroft Holmes) all AMAZING!!!!! Not to mention Rachel McAdams (Irene Alder) and Kelly Reilly (Mary Watson)!!! The entire cast was just Jaw-Dropping Amazing! Now you are probably asking yourself where does Professor James Moriarty come in... Well... hmm... As amazing a bad guy as Holmes is a good guy?!? Would that encompass for you how incredibly brilliant and evil Moriarty is? I hope so! :)  Oh My Goodness everyone!!! Go see this movie please!!!! :):):)

My favorite character second only to Holmes and Watson!

Love this picture!!!!

Mr. Amazing, Insane, Genius!!!!!

The Amazing Madame Simza!

She is sooo Awesome! (love her outfit in this pic!)

 

Most AMAZING dynamic duo EVER!

More books!

I just got The Return of Sherlock Holmes and The Serpents Shadow from the library!!!!! I have been waiting to read Serpents Shadow FOREVER!!! Now I can find out what will happen to Walt!!!! :) Recently people have been talking about Sherlock Holmes (the book) and that made me want to read it, so I am! :) yay for books!