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HahliLavender

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Blog Entries posted by HahliLavender

  1. HahliLavender
    - UPDATED - June 14, 2008 - 
    Current Update:
    Added Maximum Ride series, and age rating.
     
    Here is a list of books I have read and enjoyed, and are now listing for anyone looking for something interesting to read. These are all fiction, mind you, so unless you enjoy the weird and fantasmical, you might want to consider something else.
     
    Or not.
     
    I've rated each book so you can determine for yourself what sort of content it might contain. Based on violence, language (if any), and various other elements that I deem relevant for a rating. You may think otherwise in some cases, but this is how I would rate these books. They are rated similarly to movies.
     
    -----------------------------
     

     
    1. A Series of Unfortunate Events - by Lemony Snicket
    Now, I know this series is very widely known, with a movie and everything, but I'm talking about the books. If you haven't read the series but think you know the story... well, read the series. It's remained one of my favorite series of books for years, and is something I, personally, would consider a modern classic.
     
    My Rating: PG
     
    -----------------------------
     

     
    2. The Books of Ember - by Jeanne DuPrau
    These consist of The City of Ember, The People of Sparks, And The Prophet of Yonwood. The later being a prequel. The story begins in the dying city of Ember. A place with no sky and no natural light. It's about a girl named Lina and her friend Doon who learn the secrets of the city and attempt to save the people living there. I don't know how to explain the next two books without spoiling the ending of the first one, so I'll just leave it at that.
     
    My Rating: G
     
    -----------------------------
     

     
    3. The Larklight Trilogy - by Philip Reeve
    This trilogy consists of Larklight, Starcross, and Mothstorm. I've only read Larklight so far, but I'm looking forward to reading Starcross. (Mothstorm has yet to be released.) Larklight takes place in an alternate victorian era. It's about a boy named Art and his older sister Myrtle who live in a house they call Larklight. A building that floats in space orbiting the moon. When giant six-legged spiders invade, they get thrown into an adventure with pirates and aliens. Traveling the solar system in hopes of putting an end to the invading spiders, and for answers to the many mysteries that surround the universe.
    - Mothstorm will be released next October.
     
    My Rating: PG
     
    -----------------------------
     

     
    4. Airborn & Skybreaker - by Kenneth Oppel
    Airborn and Skybreaker are another two of my favorite books. They're about a boy named Matt Cruse who works as a cabin boy on the luxurious commercial airship known as the Aurora. He meets a girl named Kate, and together the two confront pirates and discover some of the many secrets of the sky.
     
    My Rating: PG-13
     
    -----------------------------
     

     
    5. The Kingdom Keepers - by Ridley Pearson
    This book was very interesting. It's like Disney World meets Night at the Museum. It's about a boy named Finn who was one of five kids chosen to be recorded as a new type of holographic tour guide for Disney World's Magic Kingdom. But every time he goes to sleep, he finds himself as his hologram in the middle of Magic Kingdom, where at night, the rides and attractions come to life! And Finn and the other four hologram kids have to save Magic Kingdom from the villains who are loose.
    - There's a confirmed sequel set to be released this September.
     
    My Rating: G
     
    -----------------------------
     

     
    6. His Dark Materials - by Philip Pullman
    Now, I am fully aware of the controversy of these books, but that will not be discussed here. I have yet to make a final decision as to how I view the series' deeper matters. I must say that I do not agree with Pullman's view of Christians. (Very biased). I'm probably going to regret adding this trilogy here, but this list is about my favorite books and the stories they hold. Not the authors. The reason I'm adding His Dark Materials to this list is simply that I enjoyed the story. The story starts out with a girl named Lyra who sets off to rescue her kidnapped friend. The trilogy consists of The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. Though I feel I should advise, those of you who are Christians, or Catholic, or the like, should approach these books, as I have, with a cautious and open mind.
     
    My Rating: PG-13
     
    -----------------------------
     

     
    7. Endymion Spring - by Matthew Skelton
    Endymion Spring takes place in two time periods. 1452-53, and the present. When a chapter is taking place in the past, it's written in first person as a mute boy who's name is Endymion Spring. Most of the book however, is about an American kid named Blake who, with his mother and sister, are staying in Oxford for his mother's work. Blake finds a book in one of the old libraries that is entirely blank, but it seems to be alive; occasionally revealing riddles that only he can see.
     
    My Rating: PG
     
    ----------------------------
     

     
    8. The Chronicles of Narnia - by C.S. Lewis
    This series tells the chronicles of the land of Narnia. From it's creation, to it's destruction, these books tell the stories of the children who enter the world of Narnia, and the adventures that they have while there. My personal favorites in this series are definitely The Magician's Nephew, and Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The only thing I didn't like about this series, is the ending in The Last Battle. It gives me mixed feelings of opposing emotions that just makes me feel... something I find very difficult to explain.
     
    My Rating: G
     
    ----------------------------
     

     
    9. Bridge to Terabithia - by Katherine Paterson
    This book is one of my favorites. I first read it when I found out it was going to be a movie, after I saw the trailer. So I expected it to be a Narnia-esque story. Well, this is definitely not a fantasy story, and I was far from prepared for what happened near the end. I took me completely by surprise. Now that it's a movie, I'm sure most of you know what I'm talking about. But if you don't, I suggest you read this book.
     
    My Rating: PG
     
    ----------------------------
     

     
    10. Artemis Fowl - by Eoin Colfer
    I'm not quite sure what I was expecting of these book, but I'm happy with what I've found. I have yet to read the rest of the books in the series, so I'll just summarize the general concept of the story. Artemis Fowl is about a twelve year-old criminal mastermind (of the same name) who attempts to exploit fairies for personal gain. Very interesting concept, and an enjoyable read. Thanks for the suggestion BioHero!
     
    My Rating: PG
     
    ----------------------------
     

     
    11. The Lightning Thief - by Rick Riordan
    The Lightning Thief is the first book of a series called Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Think greek mythology in the 21st century. It's about a boy named Percy Jackson who discovers he's the son of a greek god and becomes the target of several monsters of the underworld. He goes to Camp Half-Blood, a training camp for demigods, and is sent on a quest to find and return Zeus's stolen lightning bolt. Thanks for the suggestion Keyblade Master of Light!
     
    My Rating: PG
     
    ----------------------------
     

     
    12. Maximum Ride - by James Patterson
    I really liked this book. It's about six kids who were part of a genetic experiment to implement avian DNA into humans. The result? Each of those kids have wings. When the youngest of the group is kidnapped, the rest set out to rescue her, and end up on the run from the organization that mutated them. Full of action, violence, and witty humor, this was definitely an enjoyable read. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
     
    My Rating: PG-13
     
    ----------------------------
     
    I hope this list could help out those who want to read something, but can't seem to find anything interesting. That happens to me all the time, but I eventually come across a book I'll enjoy. These are some of those books.
  2. HahliLavender
    This morning I found out about this store called Skia, and we decided to visit it today. It's an awesome store! They sell music, books, apparel, and there's a café and skate shop inside as well! Not to mention you get free WiFi! So I applied for a job there. They aren't hiring yet, but they said they'd contact me when they are.

    Not only that, but on the 24th (this month) Superchick will be there to meet fans, sign stuff, and celebrate the release of their new album Rock What You Got! I was originally going to buy the album off iTunes, but since they'll be here for the release, I'm going to wait and buy the album autographed at Skia. They're one of my favorite music artists... I'm so excited!
  3. HahliLavender
    My Grandmother, I call her Mémère (pronounced MEM-ay) produced a play for her church several years ago based on the story The Day Boy and the Night Girl by George McDonald. My whole family got to take part in it, and it couldn't have been better cast.
     
    The story is about a Witch named Watho who takes two newborn babies, one a girl, one a boy, and raises them in completely opposite ways. Watho names the boy Photogen and raises him in a way so that he never experiences darkness, and knows nothing of the night. Watho names the girl Nycteris, who is raised in the darkest rooms of the castle, knowing nothing of light, or even outdoors. The only source of illumination she has is a dim lantern that hangs on her ceiling.
     
    I'll leave the description at that.
     
    Well, about my Mémère's play being (IMO at the time) excellently cast, she played Watho. My aunt who played Nycteris was goth, and her fiancé was a bright, red-headed, outgoing guy. They just really looked the part. My sister and I were wolves, (for ambience, I think) and my parents played the king and queen. Other people were involved, but I don't remember them. Except for one kid, who also played a wolf. Had a Mario obsession.
     
    Anyway...
     
    I guess I like this story mostly for nostalgia, but there's something else that catches my interest. Though I can't quite figure out what it is.
     
    Well, this entry is mostly to reveal this. Some art I've made... Nycteris.
     

     
    If you want to read the story, you can search for it online. It's in the public domain.
  4. HahliLavender

    Fireflies!

    By HahliLavender,

    I went out to catch fireflies just now. Though, unlike in movies, they don't glow while in the jar. I guessed they were too scared to glow, so I let them go. :/
     
    But they are amazing creatures, aren't they?
  5. HahliLavender
    No matter who wins the next US presidential election, (meaning each presidential candidate currently running has stated that) within the first 100 days of being in office, the next president will put a tax on carbon. Supposedly, it's supposed to help cut down on carbon being released into the air so as to stop global warming. But a carbon tax would raise the prices of food, clothing, oil, gas.. literally everything.
     
    Oil has recently gone up by $10.75 a barrel, and as a result, the entire stock market plunged quite significantly. You see, this not only hurts us citizens, (assuming whoever is reading this is a US citizen,) it also hurts the economy. And my family is noticing this in the products we buy. For example, we always buy Saltine and Ritz crackers. They are now half the thickness they used to be. The packaging is thinner as well.
     
    And the thing that annoys me the most, is there is a simple solution to the "oil crisis." We (The United States) should use our own oil reserves. We have enough oil in our country to last over 200 years. By then we may not even have a use for oil. But instead of using it to help ourselves, we're being greedy, and there have been laws set to forbid the harvesting of oil in our country to protect the environment. The only thing that could be harmful by mining here is if there's an oil spill, which the US hasn't had in any of their overseas harvesting operations for a significant amount of time. And with outdated equipment. Now, I'm for caring for the environment and all, but I think it's a ridiculous excuse to keep our oil hidden away for "the sake of the environment."
     
    The United States of America is supposed to be an independent country. But relies so much on other countries for oil, product manufacturing, and food, that as a result, we seem to no longer be in charge of our nation. The rest of the world has control over our resources, and should something go wrong, or someone get evermore greedy, our resources could just as easily be cut off, or harder to get to; making them more expensive.
     
    Or we could switch to an alternative fuel, like water, or steam. Something everyone can benefit from.
     
    Now I know there may be points in all this that I may not have seen, or may not know about completely. I'm just throwing around what I've learned so far. It just annoys me, is all.
  6. HahliLavender
    I applied for a job at the Borders via the internet a few days ago, and today I went to the store to ask the manager if she received my application. Turns out, applications won't be checked until next week, but they're hiring! So I'll be contacted after they go over my application.
     
    I think I have a good chance of getting the job too, the manager wrote down my name, so my application will be likely to stick out.
     
    The atmosphere of the store is great too. The store is real big, but quiet, and somehow doesn't echo like it looks like it should. There's a second floor with a café on it too, so that's nice.
     
    Now all I have to do is wait.
     
    *waits*
  7. HahliLavender
    I've graduated from high school!
     
    Memorial weekend was great. I got to see Indy 4 on my birthday, (22nd) and my graduation party was real nice. Everything was black, white, and violet, and was small but enjoyable. Just my family, grandparents, and some family friends.
    For my birthday I got an iTunes card, and a pair of pants and a belt, put they didn't fit, so we returned them, and I'm going to use the money for something else. Also, as a graduation gift I got a Flip Video!
     

     
    It's black! I also got a ton of money from everyone else. *mixed feelings* I was expecting real gifts, but money is fine. I just think it's a little cold. A gift shows that you put some thought into the person you were shopping for. Money just says, "here you go." And leaves it at that.
     
    Oh well, I now have enough for a new iPod! The iPod I have right now is a 2nd gen Mini in lime. I've had it for just over three years now! It still works fine, but it's not worth enough to sell anymore. So my sister will use it when I get my new one. I'm going to get an iPod classic in black.
     

     
    In other news, currently my favorite song is Shiny Toy Guns' rendition of Puttin' on the Ritz. It just screams 1930's New York City. Only, with a techno edge. ;D
     
    Oh, and Your Love Is Better Than Life by Newsboys is just as awesome! (if not more)
  8. HahliLavender
    Ok, it's midnight, I just got back from seeing Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and it was awesome!
     
    I love the fact that they made it look and sound like the older movies. Same sound effects, and there's something about the way it looks that blends it in well with the last three movies.
     
    - Seriously, if you haven't seen the movie, do not click the spoiler link. -

    » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «Even though the fact there were aliens was way out there, (well, it was a Spielberg movie. ) almost seeming out of place in an Indy film, the movie was still enjoyable and a lot of fun.
  9. HahliLavender

    17+1=18

    By HahliLavender,

    I'm 18 today! Well, actually I'll be 18 at 6:45 PM EDT.
     
    And about the whole moving situation, I think I understand what's going on. My parents are going through all the options for places to move to that will accommodate us well. The previous states mentioned are the options, not an indecisive attempt at choosing where to live. It's just the way they brought this all about that got me so confused!
     
    Anyway, a new option (big surprise there) is just around New York City! New York is one of my favorite states, (I was born there) but I've never been to the Big Apple. So that's exciting! Unfortunately, NY has ridiculously strict homeschool laws. Homeschool for my younger siblings, of course, because I'm graduating!
     
    Anyway, I may not make anymore posts on moving until we really move. This is just all so confusing.
     
    -- off topic --
     
    Have you heard about what happened to Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter? ;_;
     
    *is sad*
  10. HahliLavender
    My birthday is tomorrow! I'll be 18!
     
    Unfortunately It's not going to be the party that I described in a previous entry. We didn't really have time, money, or people to invite. So We'll be having a pizza party at Pizza Hut instead. Even though we did that last year for my birthday, there aren't many other nice places where you can eat, open presents, and not have to sit through an obnoxious song taken straight out of The Emperor's New Groove, being sung by a horde of employees. It's never happened to me before, but I intend to keep it that way.
     
    In other news, my parents are now considering Pennsylvania instead of Virginia. T_T
     
    I don't think they've ever been this indecisive before. Honestly, I don't really want to move to PA. The area they're considering moving to is at least an hour or so drive to anywhere I'd like to be. We'd be close to New York city! But you would have to plan a weekend trip if you wanted to visit. There's also Philadelphia! But it's about as far as NY city is. And DC would be even further.
     
    *sighs*
     
    As you can probably tell by now, I'm a city/suburb person. And the only one in my family; everyone else prefers the country. They all want land. Lots of land. But I don't think it's practical for our lifestyle. I don't know how I would describe our "lifestyle", but we aren't farmers.
     
    I don't know, I'll see what happens. For now, back to thinking about my birthday.
     
    *goes back to thinking about birthday*
  11. HahliLavender

    Whiplash

    By HahliLavender,

    Because that's what it feels when you get serious about moving to one place, but then suddenly decide on a completely different location in the opposite direction.
     
    Turns out we might not move to Texas after all. Instead we're considering Virginia! Go figure.
     
    I don't know what made us decide to look into Virginia, but it might actually work out better than Texas. See, we have family living in New York and Florida, so we'd be just a day's drive from either state. And there's a collage, Liberty University, in Virginia that my cousins from New York are planning on going to, so I'm looking into that so we may be able to go the same school!
     
    I'd like to live right outside of Washington DC, but we might have to live a little farther. I don't now.
     
    Hey, I may even be able to go to BrickFair this year!
     
    Well, I'll keep you posted on what we decide to do. Life is crazy.
  12. HahliLavender
    Well, it looks like my week isn't so busy after all. Our trip to visit Texas has been postponed due to lack of money, and really bad timing. But I'm not disappointed. In fact, I'm actually relieved! We had way too much planned for one week. Now I might be able to actually have a party for my birthday. I want my 18th birthday to be special. After all, you only turn 18 once!
     
    Anyway, I've been thinking about my birthday. Actually, it's not only my birthday, but I'm also graduating this month too, so I've been thinking that I might want a party.
     
    For some reason, I haven't been too exited about my upcoming birthday recently. I guess I've had a lot on my mind, and I didn't know what I wanted to do for it, so I just told my mom I wanted something simple. But now I'm real excited about an idea I have, and I want to make it happen! What is it? A steampunk themed birthday/graduation, where everyone dresses up in neo-victorian clothing, and we have a party with themed food, beverages, and activities! And talk like upper class European gentlemen!
     
    Though, I only have about a week. Any low-budget steampunk party ideas would be greatly appreciated.
     
    - Edited for spelling. -
  13. HahliLavender

    Error

    By HahliLavender,

    I found this on Orlando, Florida's official information site:
     

     
    It says "Here's 50 reason's to get you started." It should say "Here are 50 reasons..." There is more than one reason, so it should say "are."
     
    It just annoyed me, so I thought I'd post this.
  15. HahliLavender
    Well, it's finally May! The month of the end of Spring, the month of my birthday, the month of Indy 4's theatrical release which just so happens to be on my birthday hence the reason I'm excited about it, and the month of a week-long trip to Texas in order to find a house and to get to know the general area before we move there.
     
    All smacking into my birthday.
     
    When it comes to birthdays and Christmas, I'm hard to surprise. I keep unintentionally finding out or correctly predicting what I'm getting, but I just go along with it. I'm not saying I can't be surprised; I've been surprised before, and it still happens on occasion. It just doesn't happen often.
     
    I hope I'll have a surprise for my birthday this year. But I know I can't expect one. Due to our trip to Texas, we won't be back till the night before my birthday. And even on my birthday we have things to do. That whole week, 15th-22nd is planned out. While in Texas, we need to find a house, (or at least a neighborhood,) my dad needs to take a test to receive a special license in order to work his career in that state, we'll be going to The Houston Galleria, a huge mall that we're all excited about, and a bunch of other things I haven't paid too much attention to. On my birthday, my sister has a ballet recital that evening, and I'm going to see Indy 4 afterwards.
     
    It's bitter-sweet. I'll have an exciting week, but nothing really special is planned for my birthday (with the exception of the movie). It's almost disappointing. I don't want to sound selfish; I don't want to be selfish. I guess I'm just used to my birthday being celebrated like it's something special. But who am I to predict the future? I don't know what will really happen when the time comes.
     
    Ok, enough worrying about the future. Nothing satisfying ever comes from that anyway. I'll talk about what's happening now.
     
    Well, Our kitchen has been under construction for a couple of weeks now. We're renovating it so we can sell our house. right now, all we have in there is the fridge, stove, and a small table to act as a counter. We need to use the bathroom to wash dishes. It wouldn't bee so bad if we could afford to eat out every night. Alas, we haven't eaten out for dinner since we started the renovation. So we've been cooking in there every night, even though there's not much of a place to cook. Fortunately we have the new cabinets and counters sitting in our garage, and my dad is doing the pluming today, so we're making progress!
     
    I feel excited, anxious, and overall exhausted. Though I would think I'd be used to it by now seeing as I've lived the past decade or so moving and renovating houses only to move again.
  16. HahliLavender
    I passed my driving test today, first try! Now I have two weeks to turn in my permit for an intermediate license. Then when I turn 18 (next month!) I can trade it in for a real license!
     

     
    ***
     
    Unrelated to to the previously stated announcement, I'm the only one in my family who will watch a DVD with the commentary. Am I the only one here as well?
  17. HahliLavender
    I've had nothing to blog about for a while, but now I now I do. Below are twelve things I have to say.
    1. Aren't you glad American democracy applies to the internet? 
    2. I like Wonka goggles. 8)
     
    3. I enjoy musicals, weather you like it or not.
     
    4. I'm getting my driver's license this week! *prepares for inevitable comments of warnings to others*
     
    5. I feel like intelligently discussing a controversial subject on life, but I don't think that would be allowed here.
     
    6. I'll be moving to Texas by summertime!
     
    7. My birthday is next month!
     
    8. I'm hoping to get Portal for my birthday.
     
    9. I don't know if I should go to a certain college in Texas, or wait until I'm older and go to a specific one in Florida.
     
    10. Discovery Channel has the best commercial ever! Google, Discovery Channel: I Love the World. That video always makes me feel good.
     
    11. Remember when a Razor scooter cost $100?
     
    12. I'm thinking about getting a job at Barnes & Noble.
     
    13. Movies are always better than you expect them to be. Well, most of the time.
     
    14. The release date for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Commence questions and comments.
  18. HahliLavender
    Why is it that some people can get away with rhetoric speech, and others can't? I don't joke too often, but when I do, people usually take me seriously. Either it's bad timing, or I simply can't speak in a way that makes the joke obvious. And sometimes it's the other way around. When people ask me a question, I takes a second for me to figure out if it was rhetorical or not; the way they say it. And usually I'm wrong in which I think it is.
     
    Edit: A prime example can be found here.
     
    A few years ago, I used to take "What's up" literally, until I realized that it simply meant "hi."
     
    Modern slang can be so confusing.
  19. HahliLavender
    I've won an ebay auction today for a really nice pocket watch! It's silver plated, flips open, has a classic face, comes with a chain, is brand new, and only cost $11.98! (including shipping). It looks really nice, and I've always wanted a pocket watch. It's being shipped from Hong Kong, So it might take a while to get here. :/
     

     
    Also, I'm starting to get into J-pop/rock/etc... and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to which artists you might recommend.
  21. HahliLavender
    I've stated a few times before that I enjoy exploring the Japanese language in my spare time. But I haven't yet found a way to really study it. I sent for a Rosetta Stone demo, but I'd also like suggestions for recommended books to help me study the language.
     
    If you have studied Japanese, and know of a book that really helped you, please tell me. I'd really appreciate it.
  22. HahliLavender

    Spring Cleaning

    By HahliLavender,

    I've been updating the look of my blog, profile, avatar, and sig, etc., and I've added some content blocks. One showcasing some of my pixel work, and one dedicated to the Junkbot game on LEGO.com, because It's simply one of the greatest online LEGO games available, IMO. Feel free to use my Micro Kit for whatever reason, granted I receive credit.
     
    Junkbot Rocks!
     
    Anyway, now you can browse the various categories of my blog with "Categories of the Rainbow!" And be sure to check out the list of irrational fears in the "Words" block.
     
    Also, I feel I should mention, I occasionally add little easter eggs in select spots of my blog. Click in the right spot, and surprise!
     
    Well, I hope you like the new look. Oh, and the silhouette in my profile pic... yeah, that's me.
  23. HahliLavender
    It's raining hard, there's hail the size of Kix cereal, a possible tornado heading our way, and best of all... it's not dark out, so I can see it all happening!
     
    Why, yes! As a matter of fact I do enjoy this type of weather! Such graceful power!
     
    Update:
    The worst of the storm is over. Now it's only drizzling, the clouds have broken up, and it's the perfect temperature outside! Everything is glowing with a high saturation of color!
  24. HahliLavender

    New Old Shoes!

    By HahliLavender,

    I have a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors that I've worn for who knows how long, and they've gotten pretty worn down over the years. So much so, that the heels and toes have worn down into the rubber! Since they're likely to be thrown out in due time, I decided to experiment with customizing them. My inspiration for the design was the fleur-de-lis.
     

     
    So I made a stencil of the shape, and painted it onto the side of each shoe. After it dried, I was going to slit some holes in the outer fabric for character, but my mom didn't want me to do that. So I stitched up the hole that was there, (and made slightly larger by my "creativity"), and added stitches along the back of the other shoe to tie in the look. Afterwards, I decided to take a Sharpie and refine the outline of the fleur-de-lis, as well as add vertical stripes; because I've always wanted vertical striped shoes.
     
    Here are some photos:
     

     
    Now I don't want them to be thrown away! XD
  25. HahliLavender

    Art - A Poem

    By HahliLavender,

    Art is the soul
    Expressed as a whole
     
    Meant to explain
    Feelings unfeigned
     
    Though only perceived
    By those who receive
     
    The art as a whole
    As expressed by the soul
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