On Sunday, Pastor Justin talked about how God is the author, the source, of everything we have to be thankful for. You may not agree, I understand that.

You may think you don't have much to be thankful for anyway, so God must have jipped you of blessings. That's not true.

Bad things happen to everyone, and God will work through those, even more greatly if you let Him work through those.

Okay, I'm stepping off my Jesus-podium now and getting on with my annual list.

Things For Which I am Thankful (such as grammar):

Sunday (sometimes Monday) night phone calls with my best friend
my HP family
inside jokes
wrock Christmas music
having the perfect song come on the radio/iTunes shuffle
my favorite librarian
sophisticated ballets
unsophisticated jokes about the ballet
bows
cute boys at work
nutella
food blogs that are teaching me how to cook
cute old men who make me genuinely smile at work
good, hard cries
spontaneous get-togethers
Starbucks red holiday cups
buying homewares for my future house/apartment
laughing until I cry
feelings of accomplishment
cheap post-Halloween lollipops
Maggie, my favorite work supervisor in the world (a.k.a. Maggers, Magpie, Mags or, if you want to make her mad, Margaret)
sexy heels
coupons, especially for books

I could list more, but I'd rather do something to enjoy these things than continue listing them. Happy Thanksgiving! :D

I only have one thing to mention, which goes along with HanksGiving, before I do the Random Dozen.

I really think I have a deficiency in friend-making. I don't think I'm going to make many real friends that 1. I don't already have, 2. I didn't meet on the internet. It's not because I don't want to. I instinctively care about people after spending a certain amount of time with them, even though I'm not friends with them, though I would like to be.

I don't know. There's something about me that somehow makes me less likely to be a chosen friend candidate. Basically, I'm nice, but people don't want to be my friend. And it makes me lonely sometimes.

On to the Random Dozen.

1. Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinarily adventurous?
Always traditional.

2. Tell me something concrete that you're thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like "hope.")
My Harry Potter fleece blanket.

3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you're thankful for.
Acceptance.

4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn't have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory.
Most holidays in my house look/feel/are remembered the same, but I do remember one Thanksgiving where I was incredibly full and warm and sleepy. I took a pretty long nap while everyone else watched football.

5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year?
I'm going to eat lots of turkey and pie.

6. Do your pets get any left-overs?
She gets first-overs! She stalks the dining room table until we give her some turkey.

7. Does your family pray before the big meal? If so, do you join hands while seated, stand, repeat a formal prayer or offer a spontaneous prayer? Who does the praying?
We hold hands around the table and Daddy usual does the praying.

8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing?
Well, I'll be "watching" football, but everyone else will be watching football.

9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing?
Gross.

10. Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving?
Yes.

11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying?
Apple and Pumpkin.

12. Do you feel for the turkey?? (This is a humorous throw back question related to the 12th question in another Random Dozen!) Ew? But I do feel a lot of turkeys this time of year, as I work at a grocery store.

Chapel today had kind of polar affects on my day.

My dad made it a Thanksgiving chapel. For the first 5-10 minutes, he told us to go around the room finding people we're thankful for and letting them know. After that, we were to come back together to share with almost the entire student body things we wanted to thank God for.

First of all, I absolutely hate these activities that force you to get prayer requests for people or formally tell people you're grateful for them. It seems so forced. Plus, I don't know if you've noticed, but I don't have many friends on campus. So I literally sat in my seat for those 5-10 minutes. Anyone who noticed probably thought I'm an ungrateful brat, but I could care less what they think.

However...Jeremy, my favorite librarian ever, came up to me. It was so loud with everyone talking that I couldn't hear everything he said, but I distinctly remember hearing him say, "Christina, I'm thankful for you..." And it kind of made my day. Even though the entire process is so forced and stupid, he definitely didn't have to do that for me. I don't feel like I make a difference in his life, but he's thankful for me. I can't even begin to think why, but it made me happy.

Unfortunately, the rest of the chapel consisted of students standing up all over the room saying how thankful they are for all the awesome people at Davis. How thankful they are for all the friends they've made. How thankful they are that God has blessed them with a family at school, a home away from home. It depresses me so much to hear things like that because of how completely untrue they are for me. Every time I think I'm over how little my college means to me, it comes back to me all at once how much I wish I had a normal college experience.

Days like today, with everything that happened, not just chapel, make me realize how different I am from everyone else. Sometimes I love that. Sometimes it makes me feel really lonely.

But I'll always have my library.

I was telling my best friend about this NaBloPoMo thing. She can't read any of my entries at the moment because she's at a Nazi camp masquerading as a Bible College (I'm kidding. I go to Bible College, too, but her's is crazy with the internet proxies blocking every cool website there ever was). BUT she told me that if I ever run out of ideas for posts, I should write about her.

So I am.

Please note: I would prefer if you didn't start stalking her or anything. That would be good. Okay, glad we covered that.

Our friendship begins when I was a freshman in high school. My sister was on the basketball team with her. That was the only year Heather was on the team, so even from the start, I can see how our friendship was completely orchestrated by God. We weren't really best friends at the beginning. She hung out with some people I didn't like and she made fun of me for liking soap operas. Nevertheless, those things helped us to grow into a mature relationship, with a healthy amount of give and take. We always talked about that, how healthy relationships involve both giving and taking, which is probably why we worked so hard to make sure ours was that way.

Anyway, we spent many years in high school being in separate classes, since she's a year younger than I am. But my sophomore year we spent almost every lunch together in my dad's office; junior year we wrote lots of notes and emails and spent tons of time together in between classes and on IM; senior year, we isolated ourselves from everyone during lunch to discuss the serious issues we both had in our lives.

We have classic traditions of Gilmore Girls marations and themed movie marathons (Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Classics, etc) with sparkling grape juice and, most of the time, ice cream. We describe our parties as epic as "partying like it's 1999." We made up acronyms for things and use them to this day. While we were figuring out our futures, we screwed up each others dreams. She got me to listen to some country music and I got her more obsessed with Harry Potter.

Amanda Sue Reed is my very best friend in the whole world. After SEVEN years of solid friendship, she knows more about me than any person out there. And I'd like to think I know the same about her. She has been the biggest blessing God has given me and I don't know what I would do without her.

She's coming home from school in 1.5 days and I couldn't be more excited. <33

You Never Let Go by Matt Redman
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
Your perfect love is casting out fear.
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life,
I won’t turn back, I know You are near.

And I will fear no evil,
For my God is with me.
And if my God is with me,
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm.
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low.
Oh no, You never let go,
Lord, You never let go of me.

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on,
A glorious light beyond all compare.
And there will be an end to these troubles,
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth.

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on.
And there will be an end to these troubles,
But until that day comes,
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You.

Short entry today. Lists are helpful for tired brains.

• No 8.5 hour work shift for me today! I went to Syracuse with Daddy, Heather and Katie to go to the mall and a Syracuse football game. We went to the Apple store and I played with the new Macbook Pro. I want it so bad. Oh well.
  
• I don't like Fox News. Random, not planned note, but my mom is watching it right now and I don't like it.
  
• I have reading to do for a class, but the library doesn't have the books I want to read. So I'm going to be spending multiple hours at Barnes and Noble reading these books and putting them back on the shelf. Fun stuff.
  
• Is it Wednesday yet? Amanda Sue is arriving around 1:30 and I'm meeting her at the airport and then a weekend of turkey and football and partying with my best friend. I cannot wait.
  

Let's talk about Twilight.

I don't really want to talk about Twilight because I feel like everyone else has been talking about it recently, but now's as good a time as any, right?

When I first read Twilight, from what I remember, I was recently graduated from high school. That's about 3 years ago. If I remember correctly, Eclipse was recently released. According to Google, Eclipse was released in August of 2007. I really truly knew nothing about the series. I had heard maybe one person in the Harry Potter fandom mention it, so when I went to a Borders and saw it, I said "What the heck? I like books and this cover is really awesome. Let's read it."

I won't lie to you, my friends, I liked it. I liked it for the same reasons many teenage girls like it. Bella has no personality so we're able imagine ourselves in her place, having a mysterious and incredibly good looking guy paying lots of attention to us. Especially for a girl like me, that can get you hooked. It also blinds you to the truth about your "perfect dreamy cupcake marble Adonis" (see cleolinda, my Twilight goddess). I enjoyed the angst of New Moon and the picking sides in the Edward vs. Jacob debate of Eclipse. Very nice, shallow ridiculous enjoyment.

The covers were removed from my eyes (I know, I'm so dramatic) when everyone else I knew started reading the books and I decided to check out the online fandom for Twilight. GUYS, IT WAS FREAKING SCARY. I...can't even describe it to you other than absolute terror. And it's only gotten scarier! Edward dildo's? His shadow to place on your wall? A shower curtain? My shock at sparkle powder at Hot Topic is minor compared to the insane things people have created (and purchased, mind you) in regards to Twilight. My experience with "real life" Twilight fans hasn't been much better, so don't try to tell me it's just the online crazies.

Basically, once you read the books without allowing your emotions to get involved, you see a stupid teenager girl falling in love with a stalker!vampire. I summarized it for a coworker by saying "he's a vampire who stalks her and she falls in love with him because he's mysterious and hot." It is the exact opposite of what teenagers need to read. Obsessive teenage relationships are too common and Twilight romanticizes them (pun intended). And seriously? If a boy is climbing into your window to watch you sleep? Call the police!

I have this intense distaste for all things "teenybopper." It's my inner Ravenclaw, both the good and the bad in it, coming out. I highly value intelligence and when teenyboppers begin exclaiming that Twilight is legitimately amazing literature, I get pissed off. It just isn't. It's trashy romance that has appealing qualities, but enhances our lives very little. Going to the Breaking Dawn book release and the Twilight midnight release probably ended the "like the books, hate the fandom" stage and just turned me into a hater. I legitimately felt stupider after both occasions. While standing in line for the movie, I was surrounded by incredibly shallow, unintelligent girls reading TeenSpirit and other ridiculous magazines; I was reading Dante's Inferno. Twilight's existence to me now is a release for agression; I don't feel bad mocking the books and movies. I should probably feel bad for mocking its fans, but I usually don't.

I want to make it clear that I have no problem with people who like Twilight and act like normal people about it. Recognize it's trashy romance and enjoy it, that's fine. But anyone who legit thinks it is fine literature (especially Breaking Dawn, wtf, people, wtf) and will fight to say that, I don't want to be their friend, sorry.

Basically, I adore everything cleolinda has ever said about Twilight. I dislike it a bit more than she does, but her views (and humorous approach to it) make Twilight bearable for me.

I could go on for days, but I'll stop there.

Dear Readers,

I had two separate ideas for today's blog, both of witty and hilarious substance. However, I had one solitary hour today in which I could write this witty and hilarious post. Instead of sharing these posts with you, I will instead tell you the original plans.

First, I was going to write an awesome and mock-tastic post about why I dislike Twilight. If you remember, I actually liked Twilight...a very long time ago. When I write this post, I will explain it all, don't worry. And I will write this one eventually.

I was also intending to write a Thursday Thirteen of Thirteen Things Not to Say to Your Cashier. As a cashier, I have seen and heard many stupid things. I wanted to share my experiences with you and advise you on how best to interact with cashiers.

Alas, neither of these ideas became an actual blog entry, because I am tired and I must get up early. But I still have to make some sort of attempt at an entry today or I fail NaBloPoMo.

Hoping you are well!
Mafalda Hopkirk

Errr...I mean, Christina

P.S. My precious laptop has been placed on the motherboard replacement list, apparently. I don't intend on paying $300 for the third or fourth motherboard the laptop has had installed. My dad said he will "fight with HP" when he gets home. He's referring to Hewlett Packard, of course, not Harry Potter. I miss my laptop, I would really like James back.

The Random Dozen.

1. If you could master one sport, what would it be?
Hm, I've never been a big sports girl. Maybe tennis?

2. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision?
A combination of both. I always do my research to see if it's a worthwhile product for the cost and all that lovely research, but sometimes I have legitimately moving gut instincts that make me go against research.

3. There is an old kids' game that says you can find out what your movie star name would be by using your middle name as your first name and the name of the street you grew up on as your last. What is your movie star name?
Joy Rustington.

4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food?
Oh dear. Favorite food. I'd probably lose some weight that way.

5. There are two types of banana preferences. One is pristine yellow, almost to the point of being green; the other is spotty and more ripe. Which is your preference?
Spotty and ripe. I don't like it to be too soft, but it tastes pasty to me if its too yellow/green.

6. Your favorite tree is?
Maple.

7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?
9ish.

8. Has H1N1 touched your family?
No, but a few friends have had it. A couple of people on campus have been quarantined with it as well.

9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing?
Soooo analytical. Over-analytical, really. I question and think through everything, but my emotions jump in on the analyzing sometimes.

10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala?
What's the personality of a Koala? I've never heard this theory!

11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?
The ones who are important to me, yes. I met a majority of my closest friends in sixth grade. We grew up together through Jr High and High School.

12. You are checking out at a grocery store. In the express lane, there are more people than the regular lanes, but of course, their load is less than those in the regular lanes. Which lane do you choose (assuming you qualify for the express lane) and why?
I choose express because I feel like I'm breaking the rules if I go through the normal lanes with only a few things. But I know for a fact that the regular lanes take less time, even with shorter orders being in the express lane. It's a strange strategy of grocery stores. But Maines has no express lanes, so don't worry, we don't deceive you.

I am so overjoyed by the books I got at the book sale, that's all I can think about right now. So that's what I'm going to blog about.

Every year, Penguin Putnam Publishing holds a huge book sale at a warehouse (Maines, ironically) only a few minutes from where I live, work and go to school. It is a beautiful thing, my friends.

Most YA fiction is $1. The most I've ever paid for a thick, hardcover adult bestseller is $5. I mean, if you can't deal with the crowds or carrying heavy books around a huge warehouse, it's not worth it. But, believe me, I completely think it's worth it.

So, a summary of my treasures:

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson
Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Peeled by Joan Bauer
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
That Summer by Sarah Dessen
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
It's Not About the Coffee by Howard Behar (a business book about Starbucks!)
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Peace, Love and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle
The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barron (signed! no idea who he is, but it's signed!)
The Seven Songs of Merlin by T.A. Barron
Corked by Cabernet by Michelle Scott (purchased for its title alone, inside joke)
The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Peeps by Scott Westerfeld
Grimm's Fairy Tales by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
Magic's Child by Justine Larbalestier
(Plus, four other books I cannot mention because they're Christmas presents. :-P)

...for $35. I LOVE BOOK SALES.


Also, an update on my Holidays in Hand class: Jessica Sprague gave us prompt pages for every day in December. Photography and writing prompts, plus areas for "do" and "make" prompts, to customize toward our lives and our scrapbook ideas. I think this is going to be harder than I imagined, since I have no experience in digital scrapbooking, and that was my plan for all of this. So...I'll take pictures and write, but I'm not sure how to turn them into something tangible.

Despite my laptop's untimely departure from the land of the living, I am determined to find a way to participate in Jessica Sprague's digital scrapbooking class.

It's a very good thing the first assignment is a blog entry. Ha!

The holidays have a two-fold purpose for me. Besides being a beautiful time of year for reading by the fire with coffee, I adore the opportunity to give simple, material gifts to people I love. I am blessed to have enough money to buy nice gifts for my friends and family and I absolutely love doing it. I also enjoy the rest and laughter that comes from having my family in one place, doing the same things we've always done, being crazy and stupid.

My extended family used to get together every Christmas, but because of finances, we don't anymore. Honestly, I'm okay with that. Those weeks were less about fun and relaxation as they were about trying not to grate each other's nerves.

I would rather spend the holidays enjoying the company of my family, going out with friends, especially my best friend, and finding time to read books.

Jessica mentioned just stating some words that describe what I value about the holidays, so aside from what I mentioned above, I'll name some fun things.

silliness
magic
coziness
turkey
teasing
football
traditions

I like receiving gifts, not because I like stuff, but because I like feeling appreciated and known by people who are close to me. When friends buy me things without asking what I want, it's exciting because I know they KNOW me and what I like. And I like knowing that I know them that way, too.

So, I'm throwing off the hatchets and fully embracing that the holiday season has arrived! Let's put up the Christmas tree!

Things To Do This Week:


Work, of course.


Fold laundry, which I should have done today, but didn't.


Book Warehouse Sale! I get to make this pile of books even larger!


Homework. Lots. Of Homework. This pile may seem small, but it results in an 8 pg paper and a crazy amount of reading.

I'm also making dinner on Wednesday night, but I wasn't sure how to take a picture of some sort of culinary idea. ;-)

Seriously, guys, I am too attached to my laptop.

How can my entire life be so connected a piece of machinery?

Truthfully, though, it is. I do homework on it. I write my thoughts on it. I contact friends on it. I learn on it. I listen to music on it. I relax on it.

I do almost everything on my laptop.

(Which is why my having to be without it for awhile is so devastating.)

(Also depressing is the fact that my digital scrapbooking class is this week...the week I am without a laptop with Photoshop...FAIL.)

This fact has emphatically enlightened the fact that I want a more reliable, long-lasting laptop. I haven't had as many issues on my laptop as some people, but I definitely want to upgrade to a MacBook Pro.

This decision is made. However, I can't afford one yet, nor does it make sense to switch to a Mac when every piece of technology my family uses is designed for a PC. As soon as I am on my own, with a "good job," and hopefully close to paying off my car loan, I will be buying a Mac of some kind.

Even with it being so far in the future, I'm excited for it already.

Things That Make Me Happy:
When the cute boy at work specifically says goodbye to me before he leaves
Talking to a girl at work about how much trouble boys cause in our lives
Thinking about last night - the ballet was wonderful and Denny's after the ballet was hilarious
Payday is pretty nice

Things That Make Me Sad:
My broken laptop screen
My aging iPod that won't play sound on both sides of my car or ear buds (broken sound port?)
When a fun boy at work thinks less of me because I told him about Jesus
Maggie still being in the hospital, after 3 days of the doctor's not knowing what's wrong
The thought of my 8.5 hour shift tomorrow, working closely with one of only two employees I don't like
Post Potter Depression

Tonight, I am going to see the Moscow Ballet perform "The Great Russian Nutcracker."

I'll be sitting in the third row.

With some of my favorite people.

Being an arts nerd and enjoying wonderful performance.

I'm so excited.

And I won't be home until after midnight. Thus, an entry about my excitement before I leave.

I wrote up my entire entry and when I pressed post, it all disappeared. FAIL.

I got home, watched GLEE and now I want to go to bed. And now that LiveJournal has conspired against me, I want to go to bed even more.

1. About 20 minutes before I got to work, Maggie passed out. They called 911 and she was taken to the hospital. Ally went with her and was texting us updates as the night went on, but we were all really worried. She was supposed to close, so Jeff had to come in to close instead, which leads us to...

2. Jeff looks really good in a nice pair of jeans. Mmmhmmmm. Cue inappropriate discussion about our manager's butt. It was hilarious how much time we spent discussing how hot his butt looks in jeans. Manager's aren't usually supposed to wear jeans, but since he got called in, he decided to wear them. Trust me, none of the cashiers minded! In fact, we're contemplating protesting the no-jeans rule. ;-)

3. Ron showed up. Again. Have we discussed how his showing up and treating me like just another person makes me feel really stupid? Well, it does. And I'm not a fan of it. I hate feeling like I care about someone more than they care about me, but that is the story of my life. With all friendships and possible significant other relationships, I always get more attached. It's ridiculous.

Oh, and also, I have to lead a Bible study for class tomorrow and I am SO SO SO nervous!

That is all. Goodnight, friends.

So, I'm really getting the feeling that the Random Dozen is a Wednesday posting thing, but I always seem to have more creative ideas on Wednesday. It works better to post on Tuesdays.

Sorry, I'm breaking the rules.

1. What was the last song you listened to?
Slow Me Down by Emmy Rossum

2. Have you ever had “buyer’s remorse” over anything?
Half the nonsense sitting in my closet. I had a serious dollar store addiction when I was a child - all my "allowance" went to stupid things from the dollar store that are now cluttering up my closet.

3. What is something in your life that you are thankful for now that you didn’t think you would be at the time of the event? (Something that seemed ill-timed, inconvenient or hurtful which turned out to be a good thing)
I'm definitely more thankful for struggles in general than I was before. I mean, I hate them while I'm going through them, but I always know I'll learn something - and we all know how much I love learning! Specifically...hmmm, I guess I'm grateful that I did end up going to Davis. There are parts of a normal college experience that I really regret missing out on, but it's really helped me solidify my beliefs and how I act them out. And I've been able to save money, which is always helpful.

4. Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade every year? If so, do you have a favorite float or balloon?
I can't remember ever really watching it, like actually paying attention to it. Maybe I'll watch it this year.

5. Share a quote, scripture, poem or lyric which has been an inspiration to you lately.
"You're a very special girl and someday, some boy will tell you so." One of my best friends wrote that in our senior yearbook. I have it written on a whiteboard in my room.

6. This is meant to be a fun question, and this is a G-rated blog, but please share a “guilty pleasure,” something that you enjoy that’s probably not the most edifying, time-worthy or healthy thing you could be indulging in. Did I mention--G rating?
Gossip Girl. Really, that show is so trashy, but I can't help but love it.

7. What Thanksgiving food are you looking forward to?
Stuffing. I love true, fresh-from-the-turkey stuffing. Pie is pretty awesome, too.

8. What is your favorite book to read to children, or what was your favorite childhood book?
First of all, I don't read to children. Let that be known. This is actually really hard to recall. I read a ton of Babysitter's Club books when I was a kid. I also loved an unofficial biography of Shannon Miller, the gymnast (I can't remember which biography, though) - I checked it out of my library at least 7 times.

9. Do you collect anything? (Feel free to post a photo.)
Harry Potter stuff? See this entry.

10. Gift bags or wrapping paper?
As an environmentalist, I should definitely say gift bags because you can reuse them. Buuuuut, I love wrapping presents! It's one of my favorite parts of Christmas.

11. Share an after-school memory from when you were younger. What was your routine like on an average day?
Well, I don't really remember. When I was homeschooled, we'd have tutoring with my one of the teachers at our old elementary school. Daddy dropped us of at her house before work then she'd drop us off at home around lunch. We'd stay with my grandmother in her guest house, watching cooking shows and doing crafts and such.

12. True story: Once, in a job interview, I was asked this question and told there would be no clarifying; I simply had to answer the question: “When you’re fishing, do you feel for the fish?” So what about you? When you're fishing, do you feel for the fish??
What the heck?! o_O Random, for sure. No, I don't feel for the fish. I logistically figure where the fish would be hanging out and then fish there....? That sounds like what I would do.

There are two important details you need to fully understand this story.

1. I finished preparing for a Bible study yesterday about not worrying about the future. Specifically, I used James 4:13-16 to talk about making plans, both daily and long term, without consulting God. There is nothing wrong with making plans, but we can't be so stuck in our ways, so controlling, as to not let God change those plans.

2. I had a wonderful day planned out for today. After accomplishing much research in a singular hour in the library, I would go to Starbucks for my first Peppermint Mocha of the season. I would then go grocery shopping for some small necessities and certain items I need to spend my evening baking some scrumptious looking scones. When I planned this out yesterday, I was so excited that I actually wanted the weekend to end. I just wanted to go shopping and bake scones.

So, now we come to reality of today. Things were going so well. I was so excited to get things done and enjoy my Monday plans. But then during chapel, work called. My heart sank. I knew exactly what they wanted, what they always want when they call me on my day off. I tried to negotiate a shorter shift, but it didn't matter anyway. I wouldn't have time to enjoy my well-made plans. I was so angry. I work so hard to earn so little and I just wanted something to truly enjoy. I cried like I always do and moped.

But I did the exact opposite of what I'm supposed to be challenging those girls with on Thursday! I made my plans, selfish plans for me alone, and when things changed, I got angry and upset. I failed the test.

God was specifically teaching me something this weekend and I obviously didn't listen.

I joined a couple of groups on the NaBloPoMo ning, including this one on writing prompts. Especially when I'm tired, I don't think I'm going to be able to come up with 22 more interesting posts all on my own. While I've hardly used up my supply of ideas, the prompt for today cannot possibly be ignored! :)

"Who is your favourite author, and why do you love reading their books?"

Perhaps a list would be best in this situation? I have many favorite authors.

1. J.K. Rowling. Of. Course. Only really new people in my life don't know about my love of Harry Potter. There really is just something special about Jo's writing. The details, the dialogue, the characterization, everything about the story draws you in. Jo said once that she likes reading novels where she can sense that the author knows everything about the story, even if the author doesn't tell you everything. I always get that sense from reading the books and we know from her interviews that she really does know everything about her created world. I could go on forever about it, but I would read anything Jo writes, magical boarding school or not.

2. John Green. Honestly, I had never heard of John Green until VlogBrothers started being mentioned in my circle of the HP fandom in 2007. After watching his videos, I knew that if he wrote anything like he spoke, I would adore his books. I quickly read through Looking for Alaska. While I wasn't always comfortable with the sexuality and alcohol stuff, the story really held me. He has an incredible point of view that really resonates with people, even those who aren't teens anymore. Paper Towns is definitely one of my favorite books. And my trinity of John Green books have made their way through my group of friends; they're hooked, too.

3. Ann Brashares. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is an incredible series of books. Her characterization is so beautiful. She really eloquently writes their thoughts as they grow through struggles and friendships and distances and changes. Her other works, while much less well-known, are also really wonderful. Three Willows is a really easy read about a younger group of girls than the Sisterhood. But they go through similar struggles to find out who they are and who their real friends are. Ann's first adult novel was The Last Summer; it was much more mature than the others, with more complicated relationships that sometimes lead to stupider adult decisions. I absolutely loved that one as well.

There are many more. I tend to be loyal to an author if I like one of their books.

More about my reading habits at my GoodReads account.

I usually fall asleep to the local classical radio station. But I'm thinking about burning a mix for nights when the classical music is preempted to jazz or opera, neither of which are helpful for sleeping.

Based on its lyrics, not only its ironic title, this will definitely be the first song.

Lullaby by Emmy Rossum
Laying alone with the history that made you cold and uncertain inside.
Careful now, deep breath, the water's still rising.
But your silver lining's in sight.

When you feel like you're breaking down,
And your body's just giving in,
And you can't go on broken like this any longer.

Close your eyes, don't you cry.
Let the sorrow within you subside.
Don't despair, have no fear,
Give your weight to me when you hear this lullaby

You say all seems so wrong with the life that you're living
You're searching for some reasons why.
You're so scared to trust, you're feeling unworthy.
Aching for comfort tonight.

When your hearts too sore to beat,
And you feel it might never heal,
And you feel not even beggars want you, I do.

Close your eyes, don't you cry.
Let the sorrow within you subside.
Don't despair, have no fear,
Give your weight to me when you hear this lullaby.
Close your eyes, don't you cry.

Close your eyes, don't you cry.
Let the sorrow within you subside.
Don't despair, have no fear,
Give your weight to me when you hear this lullaby.

Don't you cry,
Let the darkness within you feel light,
Don't despair
Have no fear.
You'll find comfort in me like a child with this lullaby.
This lullaby.