Life and Love and Why...

I Kissed Dating Goodbye

2011-05-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

In 1997, Joshua Harris published a book with a revolutionary way of thinking about dating: to kiss it goodbye.
Fourteen years later and his best seller is still being read by millions.
I read I Kissed Dating Goodbye when I was thirteen, way before I had ever considered dating, boyfriends and marriage. Along with thousands of young women around the country, I gobbled it all up. I never made a promise not to date but I agreed that dating didn't work and that courtship was the way to go.

Seven years later and my view has changed, but not in the way you might think.
I agree with Mr. Harris on many accounts. I do believe that Christian dating as it is now is a fruitless game that eventually leaves both parties dissatisfied. I agree that there are too many young men and woman out there who make the dating game their idol. I agree that while a person is single, they can focus more on living a life that honors God rather than looking for their next date.

However, there are some things that may have missed the mark.
While Mr. Harris has the best intentions for those who are reading it, it is insinuated that anyone who continues to date after reading the book is not living a life pleasing to God. While I agree wholeheartedly that many people date for all the wrong reasons, I don't believe that everyone who dates is going against the will of God. God works in mysterious ways. While I believe that when it's God's will, it'll be, I am not exclusive in thinking that only not-dating is what God wants for every person.

One thing I really took in when I was reading was how personal his "no-dating" conviction was. And I guess that's where I am in my own life. Seven years after reading this book with my peers, I get to see the results. Some continue to date aimlessly. Some have firmly decided to not date until they get married. And others, the more common result, began dating but after getting hurt multiple times, they decided that God's will for them was to not date.

While I'm all for people to stick to their convictions, I tend to become skeptical of the validity of such a conviction when it's spawned as a result of a heartbreak. If someone decides not to date because they feel God has called them not to date, then that's great. But if someone has suddenly decided not to date because of heartbreak and then says that it is "God's will" for them, I have a little trouble with that.
The decision not to date -- or to date -- is a personal decision. Dating as Mr. Harris experienced it did not work for him so he decided to court, which did. In my own observations, I have seen my friends who used the excuse of "courtship" as a way of becoming too serious, too fast and only hurting each other in the end. This cannot be what Mr. Harris intended.

And yet I wonder if this is what Mr. Harris intended at all.
He published a book based on his own personal convictions that grabbed the attention of the world, thus making his personal decision a public one. As a result, he received a lot of criticism as well as a lot of praise. Then a few years later when his method worked and he got married, the world started watching again. His critics called it lucky while his admirers raved that his method worked.

I do not claim to be an expert on dating and relationships but I will say this, I think that Mr. Harris saying that it was God's will for him not to date was perfect for him... but that may not be perfect or God's will for everyone.

I have seen plenty of stories for both sides of the story: the happily married of those who dated and didn't as well as the single and unhappy of those who dated and didn't.

In the end, I think whatever someone chooses to do concerning dating is truly between them and God. While Mr. Harris wrote convincingly and his story ended up working out -- no life is the same and God's will is not something that can be generalized. After all, He's God... not us.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Having been surrounded with the ideals of "kissing dating goodbye" for most of my life, it was harder to be biased and I readily admit to that. However, I think I was given an advantage with having grown up with the "kissing dating goodbye" ideas around me. It gave me the unique opportunity to not only read the book but to see how it played out in the lives of those around me. For some, it worked and worked well. For some, it didn't work at all. Dating or no dating, I think it really comes down to a decision that is personal. And that's what I Kissed Dating Goodbye reads as: a personal commitment that was made public and that the public applied to themselves without evaluating it for themselves.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

I received this book for free to review from Waterbrook Multnomah.

Churched

2011-05-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

Matthew Paul Turner with his quick wit and humorous take on church life has written a superb memoir-ish story of what it means to be "churched".
Growing up as a fundamentalist Baptist can't be easy but with Turner's humor, we're able to get a sneak peek at just how interesting it was during his childhood. With a simple but direct approach, Turner weaves a smart and funny story together. The chapters are short but sweet and it's definitely something you can read in one sitting. It's enjoyable and for any church kid out there, it brings back memories of what life used to be like. (Because I don't know about you, but I went through a fundamentalist phase when I was a teenager... FUN TIMES....not)

Overall I give this book a 3.5/5
Great book but I wish there would've been a little bit more!

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho

<3

Oh.

2011-05-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

It's a new year.
Quick update:

- I'm finished with my sophomore year of college.
- I am on summer break.

This is about the extent of my news.

Future:
- I plan on reading/reviewing a TON of books this summer. (That's a 1000 books for those of you who think I'm joking.)
- loljk I am only joking. But I do intend to start up reading/reviewing again. OBVIOUSLY it doesn't quite work out while I'm in school but when I'm on break, BAM!
- I also plan on working out more this summer. Which, isn't really much of a 'resolution' as much as a 'continuation'. Once I moved on campus I actually started to work out more. Partly because it was required. Partly because I do like to work out. I guess what I'm saying is to continue working out without having any kind of obligation. (And with the temptation of being home and doing absolutely nothing.)
- And just for fun, I plan on reviewing all the languages I've ever learned. And becoming fluent in them. NBD.

That's all!

...and now for a review :)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Life Without Limits

2010-12-30T17:18:00.000-08:00

I've heard Nick's story awhile back when he visited my church. I was really intrigued to hear more about a guy who has EVERY reason to complain and yet... doesn't.
"Life Without Limits" was a great insight into the mind of Nick and how his daily life is. He talks about his past as a boy growing up without limbs in his home of Australia.

More importantly, we get to see that regardless of what happens in your life -- whether it be a birth defect, hard times or people trying to bring you down -- there's always a positive to look for.

There's always Someone who cares for you.

Looking forward to seeing what comes next in Nick's life!

Even the wrong words seem to rhyme.

2010-09-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

Life is beautiful.
It really is.

We all take life for granted.
Don't even start.
You know you do.

You SAY you value every minute.
You SAY you cherish the people in your life.

And yet, so easily, we lash out... get frustrated...

Sometimes it's just so easy to forget how fleeting life really is...

Or if you're like me,
you are so focused on your goal that you forget to just... breathe.
Gotta study for this quiz to be ready for this exam to get good grades to be ready for the MCAT to get into Medical School to get into a good residency program.......
It never ends.

But one thing I've tried to do, especially lately is to just
stop.
look around.
Breathe.

Did you say it? "I love you. I don't want to ever live without you. You changed my life." Did you say it? Make a plan. Set a goal. Work toward it, but every now and then, look around. Drink it in cause this is it. It might all be gone tomorrow. - Grey's Anatomy

And of course -- since I'm me, I can relate it back to Jonas as well...

Don't forget to take a breath.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Whisper hello, I miss you quite terribly.

2010-08-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

Hi hello how are you?
Oh I'm fine you know, just being a college student.
...like that's really any kind of excuse for ignoring you.

My life can be defined by:
Sleep..
Classes.
Homework.
Sleep.

Add in constant prayer, a teeny tiny bit of socializing and what do you have?

A PRE-MEDICAL COLLEGE SOPHOMORE.

Welcome to my life, kiddos.
It's a good one, don't me wrong. I'm incredibly blessed and busy...
But man oh man, I fondly remember the days of summer.

BUT THIS WILL BE WORTH IT IN THE END.

Hope you're doing well.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Really, I've been learning how to die.

2010-07-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder about the meaning of life?
How so many people spend their entire lives just searching... for that one moment, one word, one person that will define their existence.
It's the belief that once you find that 'thing', that 'person' or whatever else -- you will have found the 'meaning of life'...

Many people believe life is to be lived in the service of others -- to God, first and foremost, to those who hate you, to those who love you and to everyone else in between.
It's a good philosophy that many have lived and died for.

Others think life is to be lived for the moment -- that everything is ending, everything is meaningless and the only meaning you can find is by living life to the fullest.
It's a partially good philosophy; I certainly don't think life is meaningless. But I do think life should be lived to the fullest.

One of the best philosophies I've encountered about the meaning of life was found in -- are you even surprised? -- a Switchfoot song.

Well, a 'Jon Foreman' song to be more specific.

It's from his Winter solo CD. In an effort to get the music out of his system -- and yet they didn't quite fit into being a 'Switchfoot' song -- Jon Foreman compiled 4 CD's, each representing a season. On each of those CD's, Jon perfectly captured the feeling//tone of each season.

Anyway, 'Learning How to Die' was a song that I didn't like at first. Well, one that I didn't listen to very clearly; I really can't say I don't like a song by Switchfoot//Jon Foreman.

It's just not done.

I still bought it off of iTunes and just let it rest in iPod land until the other day.
I had contemplating about life, death and the meaning of it all for awhile now; especially after reading the very compelling and thought-provoking book Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. ((Free advertisement. I was not paid in any way to talk about this book. BUT IT'S A GOOD BOOK SO YOU SHOULD GO CHECK IT OUT.)) ((If Lauren Oliver wants to pay me to advertise Before I Fall -- PLEASE LET ME KNOW.))

I'm rambling.

The point of this?
The chorus -- just a few lines that really got me.

"She said, 'Friend, all along thought I was learning how to take, how to bend not how to break, how to live not how to cry... really I was learning how to die."

It was a wake-up call for me.

We don't live to just live~
We live with the knowing that someday, we will not live anymore.
Why should I learn how to live?
Living is for a short while.
Learn how to die.

And by that, I don't mean go on some morbid adventure to find out cool ways to die ((...thought that would certainly make for an interesting idea...)) ((I CALLED IT.))
I mean, live your life in a way that if you were to die tomorrow, a few hours from now, two minutes from now --
you have lived so much,
that it's ok to die.

I'm probably not making much sense.
This post has been in my drafts for awhile now; I can't seem to find the words to convey exactly what I feel in the way I want it to sound.

But eh,
that's the life of a writer isn't it?
Always in search of new words, new ideas... something, ANYTHING, to write about...
Or maybe that's just me.

I find it weird to consider myself a writer sometimes.
Mostly because of the comparison game; I'll read this extraordinary work and then rage because I don't feel even a tenth talented than the other writer.
Then I rage because I'm comparing.
Then I rage just to rage.

...and then I go drink a glass of chocolate milk.

I have yet to find a problem that cannot be solved with a glass of chocolate milk.

This post officially makes no sense.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

I just wasted ten seconds of your life.

2010-07-04T09:12:00.000-07:00

I came across a beautiful quote the other day.

It really got me thinking -- and really just describes my outlook on life, love and etc.
I guess I should've put WHY in that last statement, especially since my blog name is Life and Love and WHY.
But oh well.

~

I do not care what car you drive. Where you live. If you know someone who knows someone who knows someone.If your clothes are this years cutting edge. If your trust fund is unlimited. If you are A-List, B-List or never-heard-of list. I only care about the words that flutter from your mind. They are the only thing you truly own. The only thing I will remember you by. I will not fall in love with your bones and skin. I will not fall in love with the places you've been. I will not fall in love with anything but the words that flutter from your extraordinary mind.
- Andre Jordan

~

Beautiful isn't it?

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Say goodbye to the people who tied you up.

2010-06-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

Oh hello there, I didn't see you! How are you today?
Good?
Aww well that's great!
What?
No I'm not dead! Why even would you say that?

Oh.
Because I haven't blogged?
Ohhhh.
Yeah. About that.

...I have no excuses.

~

I love the new Miley album. I do, I love it. Great beats and even better lyrics...
She's growing up and making mistakes and probably being everything that people don't want her to be --
and I love that about her.

She's not perfect nor will she ever be.
None of us will ever be.

Don't get me wrong, love all them Disney kids equally -- I don't 'hate' anyone or like one more than the other -- but I've found a new respect for Miley.

Which is ironic since so many have decided that considering a few outfit choices, they have lost respect for her.
I'm sorry, I forgot that we judge people based on their wardrobe. My bad.

~

In other Disney news, Joe Jonas went to Africa. So proud and slightly envious, negl.
I love Africa. I'm haven't been yet but that's just it... YET.
Mission trips change you; you go to 'change' other people's lives and usually, you are the one who has changed the most.

Nick is in London performing in Les Mis in the lead role of Marius.
It's always fun to see a dream fulfilled -- for a celebrity and for everyone else : )

~

I had more in mind for this post but YET AGAIN, I forget what I was going to say.
And what I do say ends up being about Disney folk.

OH WELL.
:)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Just take fall. You're one of us. Spotlight is on.

2010-06-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I think about the universe.

Not the ~actual universe but more of the universe of people surrounding me, beyond me and more.
Have you ever thought about it?
I mean really thought about it?

We are all just a street, a highway, a plane ride away…
I used to think about this all the time when traveling. I would be in the airport people watching, wondering where they were all rushing off to.

I would land in another city and notice all the people. Driving through the city I would realize that while this place was completely unknown and foreign to me, to others this was home.
This was their town. They knew where to go, where to stay, what to do.

Usually, there is the ‘big city’ surrounded by a bunch of little cities — and in those little cities were communities all their own. Go deeper and there were neighborhoods, houses, families… All living their lives as usual. Each and every person a part of their surroundings just as much as I was a part of mine.
A different city, different state, even a different country…

To me, it felt completely foreign. To the people around me, this was their home.

It’s so mind-numbingly simple when you think about it. Of course there are people all around. Of course they are living their lives like I am living mine.

I don’t know, when I first started ~realizing that there was more to life than me, myself and I — it rocked my world.

It gave me a better perspective on the world around me, rather than being so introspective that all I see is what’s in front of me.

I won’t lie, sometimes I lose that perspective. It’s so easy to… You get caught up in the day to day that you forget about the person next to you, down the street from you or across the world.

We’re all so interconnected without even realizing it. You’ve heard about 6 degrees of separation. It’s so true. Not just for celebrities//famous people but for everyone and anyone in the world.

It’s all so awe-inspiring to me. To think, that there’s someone else in the world who could be looking up at the stars just as I am, wondering about the greatness and majesty of it all… It just takes my breath away.

It’s in these moments that I wonder how anyone could doubt in the existance of God. How beautiful and wonderful is this world filled with people so interconnected?

There is hate. There is murder. There is evil.

But there is also love. And life. And good.

Sometimes, I think about the universe. And most of the time? I’m amazed.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

postscript: and to dribbles -- BEDA = Blog Every Day April. : )

Cause it's you and me tonight in the city where dreams are made of.

2010-05-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

Aloha :D

I know, long time no see but I've been taking a sabbatical~ of sorts from my blogger. BEDA was a big fail for me and got me down :\
But I figured I can't let one failure dictate the rest of my blogging experience.

...wow.
That's deep, son.

~

How are you, random person of the internet?
How's life been treating been treating you?

Me? Oh I'm good! Summer break is sweeeeeet. :D
I've been reading more -- which isn't really anything new but y'know. Whatevs~

No new review books for now -- I'll keep you updated when something new comes in :)

JONAS LA premieres in June. Plus, tickets for their ~world tour~ come out in a few weeks. ((I say ~world tour~ cause they seem to think the world involves America, South America and Europe. Um. No. I love Texas, but how about spreading the love to other countires? Like, idk -- Australia? Asia? Africa? You have fans all over the world kiddos... as much as we love you, they'd love to see you too))

I thought I had all these things to say but turns out I don't. Meh.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

The Last Christian

2010-05-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

AD. 2088 Missionary daughter Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her entire village. Abby goes to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. A curious message from her grandfather assigns her a surprising mission: re-introduce the Christian faith in America, no matter how insurmountable the odds.
But a larger threat looms. The world's leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain in a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether -- but at what expense?
As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to simulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father's unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance -- the spiritual future of all humanity.
In this fast paced thriller, startling near-future science collides with thought-provoking religious themes to create a spell-binding 'what if' novel.

When I first heard of this, I was so excited. I love futuristic thrillers. Sometimes you have to suspend logic and even common sense at times, just to enjoy the story but I don't mind. If I'm entertained, I consider it a good book.

Mr. Gregory did no such thing. Oh it was completely entertaining but not ONCE did I have to suspend my logic or good sense in order to enjoy this story. In fact, it seems like this is just a culmination of the current culture... I could honestly and completely imagine this happening.

Not only was it logical but it was truly thrilling. Witty, fast paced and overall great read.

Overall Rating: 5/5
Fantastic book by Mr. Gregory. I definitely recommend this to everyone and anyone.

For more information on how to purchase this title and others like it, please go to:
www.waterbrookmultnomah.com
www.randomhouse.com

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

This is just embarrassing.

2010-05-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

BEDA was an utter and complete failure this year.
And it's not BEDA's fault -- it's my own.

I could use finals ((which I just finished))
Or my 2nd novel ((which I'm thinking about))

But really?

It's just me being LAZY.

I've been too much of that lately.

SO:

anonymous, thank you for taking this hare brained journey with me this year. It felt good to know SOMEONE was actually reading my ramblings on here.

To you, random person of the internet ((who doesn't comment)), hopefully you'll stick around a little while longer. Sometimes, I post quality stuff.

Not always, but sometimes.

...and those sometimes usually have a Jonas Brother in them.
*kanye shrug*

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Day 25, 26, 27, 28 & 29

2010-04-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

Wow. Just wow.
BEDA and I are just not friends this year.

~

Day 25 - A Song that Makes You Laugh

Sadie Hawkins Dance - Relient K

Day 26 - A Song that You Can Play on an Instrument

Boston - Augustana

Day 27 - A Song that You Wish You Could Play

Beautiful Ending - BarlowGirl

Day 28 - A Song that Makes You Feel Guilty

....? None really. I really have none...

Day 29 - A Song From Your Childhood

Bidi Bidi Bom Bom - Selena

~

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Day 24 - A Song That You Want to Play at Your Funeral

2010-04-24T12:43:00.001-07:00

With Hope - Steven Curtis Chapman

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Day 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23

2010-04-23T15:09:00.000-07:00

iFail.

BOO ME.

It's okay. I will try & catch up. :D

~

Day 19 - A Song From Your Favorite Album

Always - Hello Hurricane Switchfoot

Day 20 - A Song That You Listen to When You're Angry

...ehhh. I'm not really an ~angry person. But I guess I'll choose:

Misery Business - Paramore

Day 21 - A Song That You Listen to When You're Happy

Fix You. OH WAIT. You want a new song? Hmm....

Jump Then Fall - Taylor Swift

Day 22 - A Song That You Listen to When You're Sad

Fix You. OH WAIT. FORGOT AGAIN.

She is Love - Parachute

Day 23 - A Song That You Want to Play At Your Wedding

FIX YOU. THAT COUNTS OKAY?

...fine. Along with Fix You,

Better Today - Coffey

HAPPY NOW? OKAY? OKAY.

~

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Day 17 & 18

2010-04-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

Day 17 - A Song that You Hear Often on the Radio

Fireflies - Owl City

Now, I love my widdle Adam Young. Have loved him since 08ish. But now everyone and their mother is all OMG OWL CITY~~~~~

And what's sad is how many people dislike him now.

He writes such happy little tunes... definitely not worth the hate he gets...

Day 18 - A Song that You Wish You Heard on the Radio

Dream You - Stacie Orrico

Stacie hasn't put out an album since 2006... and even that one isn't available in the United States. BOO. I miss her music... she definitely was one of my favorites of my tween years.

((Jump5, Michael W. Smith. Stacie Orrico <-- essentially all I listened to between the ages of 10 - 13. Yes))

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

Day 16 - A Song that You Used to Love but Now Hate

2010-04-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

:|

Can we stop with this hate nonsense?
No worries random person of the internet, I'm not going to rant about the word 'hate' again.

~

...eh.
I can't really think of any song that I'm utterly sick of.
I mean, sure -- I can get tired of a song after playing 487u3972u938392z times but eventually, I can listen to it months//years later and I love it all over again...

How about a song that I used to dislike and now ~love~~?

SEE U IN THE DARK - Honor Society

lulz.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Day 15 - A Song that Describes You

2010-04-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

Oh. Well. This should be easy.
:|

Depending on the time period, I have different songs~ that could explain who I am~
((who I am? Who am I? Who eye yam..?))

Assuming you mean who I am~ today, well.

Let's think about this.

I could go according to my mood: There is a Way - NewWorldSon
According to my relationship status: Haven't Met You Yet - Michael Buble
According to my world~ status: Best of Both Worlds - Hannah Montana ;)

you know what?

I choose 2 songs:

Hands & Feet - Audio Adrenaline
&
Hands - Jewel

A common theme. You'll see why once you hear the songs.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Day 14 - A Song that No One Would Expect You to Love

2010-04-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

Hah.
Haha.
Ahahahaha.

This is gonna be good.

Okay, so the consensus is that I'm the good Christian girl who does no wrong.
HAH. Okay, yes. I'm a Christian girl. Yes, I'm a ~good girl. But I'm far from perfect. Believe you me.

I like all types of music... not just Contemporary Christian. That in and of itself may surprise some people. For some reason, people believe all I listen to are hymns and gospel. Which, I love hymns and don't mind gospel but. Um. No. :)

I'll go with:

Sexy Chick - David Guetta feat. Akon
or
Drop it Low - Ester Dean feat. Chris Brown

Both have been on repeat for about a month now. :)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

A long time ago, we used to be friends but I haven't thought of you lately at all.

2010-04-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

Just because it's BEDA, doesn't mean I can't blog for real!

Well, I really just wanted to share this quote. It's something that everyone, everywhere should read.

~ ~ ~

You don’t want the truth. You want a story. You take a good normal person and you turn them into your own little reality show. You build them up into a big celebrity, just so you can tear them down in public. Just so you can sell magazines and TV shows. That’s really sick.But thanks to you they have to give up some of the best things in life: freedom, privacy, honesty. So congratulations, you’ve created a celebrity, but you have wrecked the human being inside. - Starstruck, Disney Channel Original Movie

~ ~ ~

It's so true. We put these people, sometimes just kids, on pedestals and expect them to be perfect. We expect them to never fail. We relish in the chance to see them crash and burn.
This isn't right. This is never right. And until we as a society decide to change it, it will only continue.

They are worth more than story. They are worth more than money.

They are people deserving of every liberty that you and I have. No, they didn't 'know what they were getting into when they signed on to the business'. That's simply an excuse to make yourself feel better about bashing them. Sit down. If it were YOU in the position, would you be so flippant?
No. You wouldn't.
Your words hurt random person of the internet. Just because they are more well-known does not excuse your behavior.

~ ~ ~

I am not saying that you're wrong and I'm right. I'm not saying that I'm better than you. I'm guilty of this too. It's a continual effort, a continuous change. We can do this. Let's change the world.

~ ~ ~

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Day 13 - A Song that is Your Guilty Pleasure

2010-04-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

Guilty pleasure would assume that I'm ashamed and come on, I'm a self-proclaimed Jonas fan. There is no shame in my game.

But I'll play along,

Best of Both Worlds (2009 Version) - Hannah Montana

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Day 12 - A Song from a band you Hate

2010-04-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

Ehhhh,
see.

'Hate' is a tricky word. Hate is a strong word. Hate is tossed around to describe way too many things imo.
"I hate that shirt!" "I hate broccoli!" "I hate my parents."

That shirt cannot defend it's self. How rude to blast something simply because it has no voice.
...plus, it's a shirt. How can you possibly hate an item of clothing...?

Broccoli is good for you. What does it do exactly?
...I don't know.
But it's good for you. It's a vegetable. And it's green.
You can't go wrong.
If it's the TASTE you don't like, then correct your statement to say "I hate the TASTE of broccoli."
...but then it would still be a false statement because smothered in cheese, broccoli tastes pretty darn good.
((of course, the goal is to eventually eat broccoli steamed and unsmothered. After years of brainwashing, er, acclimation -- I actually like broccoli... in any shape or form.))

Your parents?
You hate your parents..?
Now, if they are serial killers, rapists or abusers -- then maybe I could understand.
But if you 'hate' them because they wouldn't take you to the mall or say you can't go out then you really need to understand just how blessed you are.
Some people don't have parents who care about them enough to make sure they're using their money wisely.
Some people don't have parents who care about them enough to want to hang out with them.
((Because honestly? Your friends will come and go. Come. And. Go. Your family will always be there. Now before you get all in a twist, trusts me. I understand perfectly how friends can become just like family. Believe you me, I understand. But your parents will not always be there, which brings me to my next point))
Some people don't have parents at all.

So no. Do not hate your parents for something insignificant. Please. Cut them slack.

...what was I talking about?

Oh. A song from a a band I hate.

Well, as you can see I have some strong feelings about the world 'hate'. I don't know if I could find a band to hate. You see, if I don't like it, I simply ignore it. It's not on my radar. If someone puts so much effort into saying they hate this or that, than they're still wasting their time and emotion on it. It just does not compute. If you don't like something, than don't concern yourself with it. ((Now, again I'm not talking about world issues or your beliefs -- but I'm talking about movies, music and//or celebrities.))

SO.

I'll post a few gifs instead.

...and by a few, I mean a lot.
Oh? What's that? Two Jonas gifs at the end?
What? You're surprised?
RLY?
;)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Day 11 - A Song from Your Favorite Band

2010-04-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

Oh goodness. Well for starters, my blog name comes from one the first songs I ever heard from my favorite band.

Who is it?

Well, random person of the internet, if you are following me that is just completely unacceptable.

IF however you truly are a random person of the internet, that I shall forgive you and give you the answer.

My favorite band is:

*drum roll*

Switchfoot.

This California based alternative-rock band was formed in the early 90's but received worldwide attention when the movie A Walk to Remember (based off the popular novel by Nicholas Sparks) featured them in their soundtrack in 2004.

About a year or two before the movie came out, a friend gave me Learning to Breathe as a Christmas gift. I listened to a few songs and liked it immediately.

Then AWTR came out and the Switchfoot mania began.

Since no one ever believes that I listened to them pre AWTR, I just say I've been a fan since I was 13.

Anyway,

I guess I'll choose Life and Love and Why.

It's a good explanation of my blog name anyway.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

Day 10 - A Song that Makes You Fall Asleep

2010-04-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Easy,

Catch Me - Demi Lovato

Not because it's snooze worthy, but because it's just so... *deep contented sigh* just one of those songs that make you wish you were an indie hipster, riding a bike with a floral print dress and strappy sandals.

...or maybe that's just me.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Day 9 - A Song that You Can Dance To

2010-04-09T16:55:00.000-07:00

I HAVE A READER?

lol hey there anonymous! Thanks for taking the challenge with me.

A song that I can dance to?

Baila Esta Cumbia - Selena

I miss Selena :(

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Day 8 - A Song that You Know All the Words To

2010-04-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

:|
This is just not working out.
I really should just change this 30 day challenge thing before we get any further in but... I just can't. I like finishing what I started...

Meh.

~

I put it on shuffle ((since, if it's on my iPod, I know all the words to it...))
First result?

Single - New Kids on the Block

I'll take it.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Day 7 - A Song that Reminds You of a Certain Event

2010-04-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

First one that comes to mind was the most recent,

Somebody Like You - Keith Urban

of course, covered by a few familiar faces :)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Day 5 & 6

2010-04-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

So I'm failing at this BEDA thing this year. Blah blah hurp durp durp.

Meh.

~

Day 5 - A Song that Reminds You of Someone

Wow. To be honest, you'd be hardpressed to find a song that doesn't remind me of someone. Most of the songs on my iPod have a memory attached to them...

Meh.

Lord I Believe in You - Crystal Lewis.
<3

~

Day 6 - A Song that Reminds You of Somewhere

...maybe I chose the wrong 30 day challenge. Hardly any of these actually apply or will give a good~ answer. Meh.

Let Go - Souljahz

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Day 3 & 4

2010-04-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

Missed a day. BLAH.

Day 3 - A Song that Makes You Happy

Hmmmmmmm. I'd say Fly with Me by the Jonas Brothers.
Judge all you want but it's a happy little tune. Take a listen. Go ahead.
...what? Are you expecting me to link it for you? LAZY! Go find it yourself.

Day 4 - A Song that Makes You Sad

Oh wow. Fix You can make me sad sometimes. And happy. It's just an epic song.

I'd say Your Guardian Angel by the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. It's so beautiful and yet makes me cry.

<3

Day 2 - Your Least Favorite Song

2010-04-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

Hm. Well, I can't think of my least favorite song. Because to be honest, as much as I might dislike a song -- I might end up liking it.... or at the very least be able to listen to it without questioning my sanity, intelligence, reason for living etc. etc.

For instance, I could not STAND Hey Ya by Outkast. Looking back, I don't rightly know why... it was just completely annoying and just... bleh. DNW.

Now? Well. It's not my favorite song and if it's playing on the radio I'll skip it but meh. I don't care about it either which way.

Blah. I don't have a 'least' favorite song.

So I'll just post a gif instead.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

Day 1 - Your Favorite Song

2010-04-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

It's April! Woo hoo! You know what that means! IT'S BEDA TIME AGAIN.

and... I have to tell you this. I've been keeping it a secret for so long... I'm in a new relationship. Yes. I am.
I mean, it's so awesome... like omg. Did you hear? I'M DATING A JONAS BROTHER.

...it's so hawt.

....................if you can't tell i'm joking then you fail.........

Happy April Fool's Day! :)

~

Anyway, back to BEDA... for this year's BEDA we ((and by we I mean me)) are going to start a 30 day challenge. There are a few of them floating around the interwebs but I thought I would choose the music one because... well... why not? :)

~

Which brings us to today: my favorite song.
If you are following me than this should be abundantly obvious.
If you are not and are just a random person of the internet, than I forgive you.

My favorite song is Fix You by Coldplay.

I posted a longer blog about it before ((and if you click the label 'fix you' you are bound to see it)) but for now I'll just post a video:

<3

Here Burns My Candle

2010-03-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a keeper of secrets. A Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage, she honors the auld ways, even as doubts and fears stir deep within her.
Her husband, Lord Donald, has secrets of his own, well hidden from the household, yet whispered among the town gossips.
His mother, the dowager Lady Marjory, hides gold beneath her floor and guilt inside her heart. Though her two abiding passions are maintaining her place in society and coddling her grown sons, Marjory's many regrets, buried in the Greyfriars Churchyard, continue to plague her.
One by one the Kerr family secrets begin to surface, even as bonny Prince Charlie and his rebel army ride into Edinburgh in September 1745, intent on capturing the crown.
A timeless story of love and betrayal, loss and redemption, flickering against the vivid backdrop of eighteenth century Scotland, Here Burns My Candle illumines the dark side of human nature, even as hope, the brightest of tapers, lights the way home.

Timeless indeed! It wasn't until the very end that I realized the Biblical allegory that this beautiful book is alluding to. I was surprised and yet pleased with the outcome and ready for the next in this captivating series!!

Overall Rating: 4/5
Beautifully written and completely captivating. You get loss in eighteenth century Scotland.... so much so that I didn't want it to end!

For more information on how to purchase this title and others like it, please go to:
www.waterbrookmultnomah.com
www.randomhouse.com

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world...

2010-03-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

THE GROG BLOG IS BACK.
I smiled and danced and fist pumped like a champ and even did the ham and cheese.

~

For those who don't know, the grog blog is Greg Garbowsky's ((bass player for the Brethren Jonas)) blog about touring, life and the quest for the perfect cereal. It was an amazing contribution to the blogosphere and when he shut it down ((due to creepy hackers)), it was sorely missed.

BUT NOW IT'S BACK BABY. And I am over the moon excited.
Comments are not enabled anymore so this is my little note to Mr. Garbowsky ((since this is the internet and you never know...))

~

Dear Garbo ((can I call you Garbo? How about Garbs?)),

Thank you for bringing back the grog blog. While I understand why you shut it down, I definitely missed it. For me, it was never about getting the newest information on the Jonas Brothers... even though I'm a fan, I never read it for a quick look into their lives, but a look into YOURS.

You rock dude. Both figuratively and literally. Thanks for bringing back the awesomeness. May your journey be filled with laughter, joy and music -- sprinkled with some Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Nomz.

~

OH! And life is not what it was two days ago. :)
Just thought'd I let you know.

~

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Love is the final fight.

2010-03-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

I heard a lovely quote today. I thought I'd share it with you, random person of the internet.

A place at the end of the road. A place off the beaten path. Dark, with nothing to see except stars. Silent, except for the family and friends in my head. They make me who I am but I also make them who they are. We all create each other out of the blackness. Ubuntu; I am who I am because of what we all are.

It's from the short-lived CW series Life is Wild. It's about a newly blended family moving to South Africa and learning life. It was a great series, though I think I'm biased because of my love for Africa. I found it on a random tv channel the other day and it just started playing the first ((and only)) season over again.

~

And this pretty much made my weekend.

HILARIOUS. You had to be there.

Also, I've decided to participate in BEDA again. Woot woot! You all remember what BEDA is right?

BEDA = Blog Every Day April. ((And for all the youtubers it's VEDA = Vlog Every Day April!))

This time though, I'll have a clear sense of purpose. it's called the thirty day challenge and I'm mucho excited to participate on my blogger. :)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

Give me a photograph to hang on my wall, superstar.

2010-03-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

First off, this is my 200th post.
two hundred posts.
WHAT?
Can you saw awesomesauce?

~

I just finished some homework. That was given on Monday. PROCRASTINATION FOR THREE HUNDRED.
Seriously, bad college student. Don't procrastinate, kids. It just makes you freak out.
Which really, I didn't freak out since it wasn't hard homework to begin with. But since it WAS so easy, I figured, "Oh I have time!"
...and then it's Saturday night and you're going CRAP!

~

I watched New Moon twice today.
Don't judge me. :|

~

I'm so tired. Like my eyes, they are just so sleepy. My mind is tired too. I should just blogging before I just fall asleep at the computerzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Me ke alola pau ole a hui ho.

<3

You gave me roses but they're all just made of plastic.

2010-03-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

Hi.

How are you? Me? Oh I'm good, I'm good. Studying like a boss or whatever.
I got skype the other day and I LOVE it. I 'hung out' with a friend I literally have not seen in three years. We've talk all the time through facebook, text, twitter etc. but to actually see their face -- man! Technology is mighty fine these days kids. I love it.

~

New changes, new moves. It's a good life my friends. A real good life. I'm excited for all that's to come... slightly nervous since this will be a completely new experience for me but overall excited because... I mean... this is it. This is ~the real world~

~

I know I'm not making a ton of sense but you guys already know, I'm annoyingly cryptic because of my ~paranoia. *kanye shrug* I'd rather side on paranoia and be cryptic about my life then divulge all the ~secret details~~ and have no privacy. :)

~

Hope you're doing well on your side of the world. :)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Start Here

2010-03-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

Do Hard Things inspired thousands of young people around the world to make the most of the teen years. Now Alex and Brett Harris are back and ready to tackle the questions that Do Hard Things inspired: how do I get started? What do I do when I get discouraged? What's the best way to inspire others?
Filled with stories and insights from Alex, Brett and other real-life rebelutionaries, Start Here is a powerful and practical guide to doing hard things, right where you are.

I never read Do Hard Things but I remember all the press it received. I was inspired to do hard things in my own life, just from the testimony that other kids told me of what they thought of Alex & Brett Harris' call for action.

If Start Here is a indication of what Do Hard Things was, I'm impressed.

Overall Rating: 5/5
Alex & Brett give practical steps to Do Hard Things wherever you are and to be an effective leader in everything you do! World changers? This is for you!

For more information on how to purchase this title and others like it, please go to:
www.waterbrookmultnomah.com
www.randomhouse.com

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

I'm going in blind, I don't know which way I need to go.

2010-03-11T11:15:00.000-08:00

Do all these roads lead me back to you?

~

I can haz a funny?

LOL OK

And I've changed my major. Which, considering I'm a freshman I don't need to ~declare until later but considering how big of a change it is, well... it just makes sense.

We'll see how all this goes. I know it'll be fine -- this feels right -- but I guess it's just walking it out eh? Doing what you know you need to do ((and honestly, you want to do it)) ;just taking it one step at a time...

Right?

Don't give me that look.

~

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho,

<3

I think I love you.

2010-03-09T21:22:00.001-08:00

I wanna love somebody, love somebody like you.

2010-03-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

, Hello hello!

How are you today random person of the internet? I am wonderful. :)
Last night were the Academy Awards! Congratulations to all the winners but especially to Kathryn Bigelow for being the first woman to win Best Director! Wow! Such an inspiration! ((Especially for me!! ;) haha))
Last night was also the night of the first official 'Jonas Brothers' concert of 2010 ((and the decade))

It was fantastic. Kevin sang, Joe ran into the crowd & effectively freaked out security and Nick tore off his jacket then seduced all the girls. Good times.

In all seriousness, it was really a great show. Demi Lovato performed as their special guest as well. Seeing them again in concert reminded me ((not that I ever forgot)) how much I love them.

Note: Not that I am in love with them, but that I love them. There's a difference and it grates my nerves when non-fans seem to think that all Jonas fans are obsessive, stalking, "OMJ-I-WANNA-MARRY-THEM" teenies.

No. I am an intelligent, educated young woman who loves their music. It doesn't take away my credibility as a music fan, it just makes me a Jonas fan. :)

((And besides, most people who rag on their music, have never heard a song. Honestly. I have yet to meet someone who didn't like at least one of their songs... and not as a guilty pleasure.))

Keep your mind open folks. Just because their a "Disney" act or have largely a "tween" fan base doesn't diminish their musical abilities and song writing capabilities. :)

Speaking of music, anyone have suggestions? I love all kinds of music and will try listening to a genre at least once. :)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Facing the door, I'm gonna be somebody.

2010-03-04T21:21:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder why I continue blogging. Don't get me wrong, I love it. I love sharing the little tidbits of my life or thoughts I may have at random.
I love that I've had this account for nearly 6 years and have literally grown up with Blogger.
But, I find it funny.
I'm a private person by nature. I'm very friendly and outgoing but when it comes to the internet at least, I'm very ~paranoid so to speak.
*kanye shrug* Maybe it's the years of internet safety stories I've heard. Idk.
I wish I could just post pictures and talk about my life like everyone else does but idk, I prefer it this way. I like having some form of anonymity...
Baby, that's just me.

~

In other news, I passed one of my finals and turned in a paper early.

One more final to go tomorrow than I'm freeeeeeeeeeee --

wait. No I'm not.

Darn my weird schedule.

But in a few months it'll be somewhat normal~ so hey, it's all good.

I'm kind of excited for this movie.

I'm rooting for Miley so it'll be interesting to see how she works in a role that has nothing to do with HM.

What a good looking bunch right? We're hanging out this Sunday. It's gonna be awesome. :)

((For all you fans, I'll be livetweeting so if you care to be spammed with songs & such please follow my twitter ---- > ))

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

These are the moments I'm gonna remember most.

2010-03-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

Hello random person of the internet -- how goes it?

Life is good. Say it with me. Life. Is. Good.

~

It's finals week. YAY ME. :| But that still doesn't put a damper on my mood. Things change so quickly, life's too short to be moody~

But never fear random person of the internet, it's been nothing but good changes lately. :)

~
I had a much longer entry planned out in my head but of course, when I actually sit down and start writing, I've completely forgotten it. Boo.

~

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

The Golden Compass

2010-02-23T19:20:00.000-08:00

"It is said that Cahira, daughter of the great Irish Rory O'Conner, lay dying of a wound from a Norman blade, she lifted her head toward heaven and beseeched God that others would follow after her, bright stars who would break forth from the courses to which they are bound and restore right in this murderous world..."
To Kathleen O'Conner, Cahira's story is nothing more than a charming legend -- until her research divulges that several of Cahira's heirs did, indeed, leave the traditional roles of womanhood to fight for right. Stunned, Kathleen realizes she herself bears Cahira's mark. Is Kathleen destined to continue the legacy in the twenty-first century?
To discover how the histories of the these women relate to her own future, Kathleen must delve deep into the past to learn the truth about the Heirs of Cahira O'Conner.

~
Aidan O'Conner was raised among pickpockets and prostitutes in a Dutch colony on Java, Indonesia. But when a world-famous cartographer discovers her natural artistic talent, she is given a chance to leave her troubled life behind. Disguised as a boy, Aidan joins her benefactor at sea and begins the work of drawing the flora and fauna of the new world. This fresh beginning leads her into adventure -- and to a great love. But can this love survive the force of Aidan's past... and her ambitions for her future?

Part of the "Heirs of O'Conner" series, this truly lived up to being an epic saga. I never got the chance to read the first in the series ((lack of time, not lack of having it. Thanks Waterbrook Multnomah!)) but I definitely will have to go back and see what happened in the past. This is definitely a series to read curled up with some cocoa... especially for all of you snowed in!

Overall Rating: 5/5
Interesting story and a sweep you off your feet love story. Perfecto!

For more information on how to purchase this title and others like it, please go to:
www.waterbrookmultnomah.com

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Deep Harbor

2010-02-23T18:57:00.000-08:00

As they build new lives in America, Tora, Elsa, Kaatje and Karl each experience a personal tragedy that threatens to destroy everything they left Norway to find. Tora's web of lies has cost her a succesful future and the man she loves. When tragedy strieks, Elsa must draw upon her faith and all the strength she can muster to discover who she is and the past she must follow. After her husband's disapperance, Kaatje struggles to raise two young daughters and tend her farm, and Karl finds himself caught in a life of loneliness and emptiness. Only by placing their trust in God -- and in each other -- will they pass through these rough waters and find the safety of the harbor.
From the richly forested banks of the Washington Territory to the burgeoning city of Yokohana and across the turbulent, danger-filled waves of the open sea -- experience an epic saga of perserverance, pain, faith and calling in the Northern Lights series.

I never read the first in the Northern Lights series but that didn't hinder or hurt me in all in reading Deep Harbor. I loved every minute of reading it. Timeless tale, even though it's set in the 1800's. The history and culture you're exposed to in this one book alone is incredible.

Overall Rating: 5/5
Incredibly story and what is sure to be an incredible series!

For more information on how to purchase this title and others like it, please go to
www.randomhouse.com

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

On Fire

2010-02-22T17:09:00.001-08:00

They tell where you need to go,
tell you when you need to leave.
They tell what you need to know,
tell you who you need to be.
But everything inside of you know there's more than what you've heard;
There's so much more than empty conversations filled with empty words.
And you're on fire when he's near you.
You're on fire when he speaks.
You're on fire, burning at these mysteries.
Give me one more time around,
give me one more chance to see, yeah.
Give me everything you are,
give me one more chance to be near you.
When everything inside you looks like everything I hate,
You are the hope I have for change,
You are the only chance I'll take
And I'm on fire when you're near me.
I'm on fire when you speak.
I'm on fire, burning at these mysteries, mysteries, mysteries.
You're on fire. You're on fire. You're on fire.
I'm standing on the edge of me.
I'm standing on the edge of me.
I'm standing on the edge of me.
I'm standing on the edge of me.
I'm standing on the edge of everything I've never been before.
And I've been standing on the edge of me,
standing on the edge.
And I'm on fire when you're near me.
I'm on fire when you speak.
I'm on fire, burning at these mysteries.
These mysteries, these mysteries...
Yeah, you're a mystery.
You're a mystery.

You can't silence my love.

2010-02-19T22:12:00.000-08:00

Tonight was one of the greatest nights of my life.
Not the greatest, since I have a lot of life yet to live, but one of the greatest nights I have ever lived.

Tonight was my very first ((and hopefully not the last)) Switchfoot concert.

~

Many people talk of their favorite bands like they are their closest friend. Being a part of the Jonas fandom~ I've heard many stories of how that particular band of brothers has changed their lives, encouraged them, made life better etc. etc.

While I could understand, I could never really relate. Had I never heard of the Brethern Jonas, I'm sure my life would've been just fine. I don't have ~hopes to marry them. ((I'd like my own love story tyvm)) I don't fangirl~ over them; I really just appreciate their music, lives and the work that they do. I've been a fan for a long time; I'm not a teenie and will never be.

However, tonight at the concert -- I finally understood. Listening to literally every song I have ever loved, every song that I sang through tears and through laughter, LIVE for the first time was, as cliche as it sounds, a dream come true.

It was a smallish arena, not a huge stadium. I had incredible seats, even if they were all squished together like sardines. I had teenies in front and behind me.

Honestly, I didn't care. Once the music started, I was in another world...

I was thirteen and crying because my "best friends" lied about me behind my back and spread rumors that were completely untrue.

I was fifteen and singing out to God, tired of all the hypocrites at church and wishing there was something more.

I was seventeen and believing in change -- regardless of what the naysayers and pessimists said.

I'm nineteen and it's no accident we're here tonight. We are once in a lifetime.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

I won't apologize for who I am

2010-02-18T09:57:00.000-08:00

I am now the proud owner of nearly every Elvis song known to man and quite a collection of the Beatles.
And, if that wasn't enough to completely make my week:
My very first Switchfoot concert is TOMORROW

I am one extremely happy camper.
Party in the usa ya'll~

Oh hay! I can post gifs on here! Woo hoo!

I'll stop now.

Peace.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

Your love is a melody.

2010-02-16T20:09:00.000-08:00

Hello all! :)
How are today? Today was fabulous. Of course, I believe everyday is fabulous but that's beside the point. :)

~

I should be studying now. That seems to be the only thing I ever talk about now. It's true kids. I'm a boring college student. I eat, read and sleep. Meh. I've been reading all day. For school and for fun. My eyes got really tired though so I stopped.
Logically, the only place to go was the computer.
Logically.

~

WUT. WUT WUT. TODAY IS PANCAKE DAY. WHY WAS I NOT AWARE OF THIS BEFORE THIS MOMENT?? DANG IT. I EVEN HAVE PANCAKES ALREADY MADE IN THE FRIDGE. I WAS GOING TO EAT THEM FOR BREAKFAST BUT I THOUGHT NAH~
WUT WUT WUT. I LOVE PANCAKES.

~

/apologies for screaming. I just cannot believe it is pancake day. That's like "Leave-a-cucumber-on-your-neighbor's-porch day". It just shouldn't be missed.

~

I had a lot more deep thoughts planned for this entry but it figures, when I finally sit down and write all I can think of is how annoying a cursor looks when it blinks.

...see? Annoying right?
Well obviously you can't see it but you can imagine it right?

.....annoying. ew. dnw your annoying annoyingness blinking cursor :|

~

I'm annoying myself now. Meh. All I know is that Pandora must've read my blog because all the songs that have played since starting this entry have been made of win. I fully approve of your shenanigans Pandora.
Except for now, when you played Taylor Swift :|

~

No, I'm not a Taylor Swift hater. I actually kind of like her. I'm just ~over all this hype already. And before you tell me, I know not liking someone because everyone else does is just as poser-ish as liking something because everyone else does. Whatever. Listening to some of her songs, she sounds really bitter. Especially from her debut album.

~

It's an undisputed fact that any and//or all celebrities were teased at one point. Heck, EVERYONE has been teased at one time in their lives. However I was talking with my mom about it a few months back and she said something that made me think.
She said that while they ((meaning celebrities)) were teased by bullies when they were younger, they themselves are now in the bully situation.
I didn't quite understand it until now.

Taylor Swift has a reputation for being mercilessly candid in her songs -- even going as far as calling ex-boyfriends by name. While that works for her and a lot of girls can relate, by writing those kind of songs she has put herself in that bully position and has used it.

I get it now.

~

Having said all that, again -- this isn't meant as a diss to Taylor or me nitpicking her on her songwriting. I like a lot of her songs. I'm happy that she is living her dream because, why wouldn't you be happy for someone? It was just a thought I had the other day and since this is my blog, I thought I'd share it with you random person of the internet. :)

~

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Hear No Evil

2010-02-16T19:12:00.000-08:00

If you've ever had the opening bars of a song transport you back in time or remind you of a pivotal spiritual moment, Matthew Paul Turner's honest -- and frequently hilarious -- musings will strike a chord. Sraightforward and amusing, Hear No Evil is Turner's "life soundtrack", a compilation of engaging personal stories about how music -- and music's ability to transform -- has playe da key role in his spiritual life.
Groove along on his journey as young evangelical Turner attends forbidden contemporary Christian concerts, moves to "Music City Nashville and dreams of becoming the Michael Jackson of Christian music.
Cosmic and compelling, keen and funny, every page is a new encounter with the people, places and experiences that have taught the music-editor-turned-author some new things about God, forced him out of his comfort zone, and introduced him to a fresh view of grace along the way.

I have never understood religion. God, He's awesome. But religion is tricky. Religion can easily be turned into a lot of laws, rules and regulations that become nearly impossible to follow.
Which brings us to Matthew Paul Turner. He grew up evangelical -- and even for someone who is a Christian -- I have no idea what that means. I'm labeled "non-denominational" which means... I don't have a denomination. Understandably, I don't know much about the denominations.
Baptist, Lutheran. Methodist. Seventh-day adventist. Anglican, Pentecostal... it all sounds so confusing to me!

With Mr. Turner's help, I got a deeper look into one of those denominations, the fundamental Baptist, and learned more about his life growing up.

The ride was a whirlwind. Reading his life story was like reading about someone's life on a different planet; it was completely different from my upbringing.

That being said: it was exactly what the doctor ordered. Relevant, witty and interesting.

Overall Rating: 5/5
As a biased reader, it was fantastic. I've enjoyed reading MPT's books for quite some time now.
As an unbiased reader, I still have to say it was fantastic. I enjoyed reading every minute of it!

For more information on how to purchase this title and others like it, please go to:
www.randomhouse.com

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder.

2010-02-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

Hello all.

I apologize for all the ~emo posts lately. I had taken to writing when I was in a down mood and reading them over it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I'm a very positive, optimistic person so when I do have bad days//moments etc. -- I tend to get really down. Then I bounce back and I'm Happy McHappy Pants again. Hahaha :) You, however, cannot tell that just by reading my blog so I'd thought I'd give you fair warning :)

~

Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance... I hope you dance <3

~

Selena Gomez covered her namesake Selena Quintanilla-Perez last night at the San Antonio Rodeo. I've been a fan of Selena ((Q-P)) practically since birth so I was a bit skeptical at someone covering her.
However, just like David Archuleta's cover of 'Como la Flor', I loved SG's cover of Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.

~

I'm writing again. I know I said that a few months ago but ~for real~ this time. I'm actually going somewhere with this story. Well, hopefully I am. Sometimes I think maybe CD was a strike of lightning and it won't ever happen again....
Then I get real and laugh. I have way too many stories swirling around in my head to just let it go~

~

Reading. This time for recreation. ((Though I do have book reviews coming up... this will always be a constant)). I'm reading this:

Melody Carlson of course. What did you expect? :)
I've been meaning to request more books from the library but I never seem to get around to doing it. Mainly because I had to get a new library card about a year ago when I turned eighteen and I don't know my library card number anymore. ((...yes, I had my library card number memorized. I was, and still am, very much a book nerd.))
I also had that card for many many years so parting with it was like saying goodbye to a best friend. I know that's odd but what can I say? Books are this girl's best friends :)

~

Maybe I've been avoiding requesting books out of solidarity; to mourn the loss of my old library card or something. Which in hindsight is incredibly stupid since I'm not harming anyone but myself. It's not like my library card is plotting evil or something.
BRB going to go get my library card and request some books.

~

I have two papers due this week. One part of me wants to freak out because that's what I do~ before writing a paper but the majority of me wants is just chillin' cause I work well under pressure.
Meh. I wish I didn't. I mean, I'm glad I do but still... idk. I'm not making much sense.

~

I am incredibly excited for this:

Just a few more weeks! Are you excited? Of course you are.

I hope today brings everything you ever wanted. I hope it's the beginning of better tomorrow's. I hope you dream. I hope you live. I hope you dance.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

Only you can love me this way

2010-02-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

I really should be studying right now but instead, I'm blogging. Meh.

~

This made me laugh. Especially the whole Kevin bit. :)

~

Recently I've been contemplating about love.
Family love. Friendship love. Romantic love.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said:
Make yourself necessary to somebody. Do not make life hard to any.
It got me to thinking. Am I necessary to somebody? I someone necessary to me?
I try not to make life harder than it is ((try being the operative word. If I have any success in it, please let me know.)) especially since life really isn't hard.

Life is crazy. Unpredictable. Shocking. Experimental.
But not hard.

Hard things happen but life -- in and of it self -- is not hard.

Maybe I don't know much since I haven't experienced romantic~ love just yet.
And tbh, that's okay. In case you haven't noticed, I'm not into wasting time. :)

~
www.readprint.com

Something I stumbled across the other day and have been loving ever since. I literally CANNOT give enough. Not only is it a great study tool but it's just so much fun to read and to have HUNDREDS of books at my fingertips. I love it.

~

I now have more journals than I can count. My birthday was a few weeks ago and since everyone knows how much I love to write, they would give a journal. Problem now is, I have way way WAY too many. They're cute, fun and little but I don't write nearly as much as I did when I was fourteen ((and all I wanted then was more journals. I couldn't get enough)) mainly because I'm not as ~angsty~ heh.

~

Truthfully, I was never the ~angsty teenager~
I never saw the point in it. Oh wow. You're angsty. You're mad... why?

Idk. It wasn't my thing. I mainly wrote about my dreams, hopes etc. Journaling is a good way to let off steam. Some people talk about their "problems", I write.

~

Lately it's turned into something useful ((i.e. ~novels~)) but when I read others' blogs or books, I'm tempted to get discouraged. There are a LOT of good writers out there. A lot. And even better bloggers!
Why then, do I think I should continue...?

~

But I do. Because while there may be many great writers out there, they are not me. I have something to bring to the world that no one else can: my perspective.

As do you, random person of the internet, as do you.

~

I guess I say all this to say is to keep you head high. You're special just the way you are and you have something to offer the world that no one else can.

/this is more for me than for you

~

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

It's all going just so perfectly wrong.

2010-01-29T16:43:00.000-08:00

I had a bad day.
It happens. We all have them.
It's not even something ~deep~ or ~spiritual~

No. I'm not angry at the world.
No. I'm not upset with anybody. ((Except for you at the moment cause you won't get out of my face. :| ))
No. I'm not feeling like everyone is out to get me.
No. I'm not fighting with my mom//friends//family//whoever you're thinking of.

I. Am. Having. A. Bad. Day.

We're all entitled to them aren't we? It's not like I make a habit of being aggravated. I'm freaking Miss Happy Pants 24/7. The one day I'm not smiling all the time, you think I'm depressed?

I'm just having a bad day. Please, let me have a bad day. That's all I ask. You know what? Forget that.
I don't need to ask your permission to have a bad day. I'm just gonna have one, dang it.

~

*big sigh* I know this isn't your fault random person of the internet, I just wish people would let me have a bad day and not alert the media like it's the end of the world.

~

Here's another tip. If I'm not talking to you, it's because I have nothing to say to you. I don't do empty chatter.
Kthnxbai.

~

BRB going to finish watching JB:3D. Laugh all you want but they always seem to cheer me up. :)

~

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Tea With Hezbollah

2010-01-25T12:27:00.000-08:00

Is it really possible to love one's enemies?

That's the question that sparked a fascinating, and, at times, terrifying journey into the heart of the Middle East. It was a trip that began in Egypt, passed beneath the steel and glass high-rises of Saudi Arabia, then wound through the bullet-pocked alleyways of Beirut and the dusty streets of Damascus, before ending at the cradle of the world's three major religions, Jerusalem.
Tea with Hezbollah combines nail-biting narrative with the textrue of rich historical background, as readers join novelist Ted Dekker and his co-author and Middle East expert, Carl Medearis, on a hair-raising journey. They are with them in every rocky cab ride, late-night border crossing, and backroom conversation as the authors sit down one-on-one with some of the most notorious figures of the Arab world. These candid discussions - with leaders of Hezbollah and Hamaz, with muftis, sheiks and ayatollahs, with Osama bin Laden's brothers - reveal these men to be real people with emotions, fears and hopes of their own. Along the way, Dekker and Medearis discover surprising answers and even more surprising questions that they could not have anticipated - questions that lead straight to the heart of the Middle Eastern conflict.

I'm a very big fan of Ted Dekker so at first glance I thought this was a fiction book. Halfway through, I was still unsure that it wasn't. The style of Tea with Hezbollah and the events that unfold are so wild, they are either from a fantastic imagination or truth.

Sometimes truth is scarier than fiction. When they say nail-biting, they really do mean nail-biting. Intense, riveting, interesting and eye-opening -- exactly what a book should be, fiction or not.

Overall Rating: 5/5
Mr. Dekker and Mr. Medearis told a tale so compelling that if given the chance I would travel to the Middle East tomorrow.

For more information on how to purchase this title and others like it, please go to:
www.waterbrookmultnomah.com
www.randomhouse.com

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

You're the voice I hear inside my head, the reason that I'm singing

2010-01-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

I think the Jonas Brothers are the bomb.com but after hearing Gotta Find You -- can you honestly tell me he doesn't sound just a tiny bit schizophrenic?
"Oh. You hear voices inside your head Joe? What exactly are they telling you to do...?" O.o

~

/sidetracked
Anyway, I have the Pandora app playing and while I love it, I'm laughing at the fail that's happening right now. I typed in Selena Gomez & the Scene Radio right? ((Don't judge me :|)) I've listened to 7 songs so far... and no Selena. I've heard Demi. I've heard Jonas. I've heard Taylor. Even Kelly Clarkson. But no Selena. Are you trying to tell me someting Pandora..? Wait! Song change... nope. Still not Selena.

~

Reading a very interesting book that I can't wait to tell you about. Granted, I know I say that about every book I review but I really do enjoy them ((and big thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah!!)).

~

College exam today. It's really only a ~quiz but exam sounds so much more ~collegiate~ and important. Meh. I'm not sure I feel about it just yet. I'm fairly sure I won't be a hideous failure but I'm not too cocky to say that I'm going to pass with flying colors. We'll see how it goes. Studying only takes you so far.

~

Being older is... different. A good different, but different nonetheless. It hit me that I'm in a completely demographic now. I'm no longer the high school student. I'm not even the ~freshman~ really. In a few months that'll change. I'm in college. I'm x years old. Geez. I'm that age. You know what I'm talking about. The age that when you're 7, you think is the coolest age in the world and when you reach that age you are very ~hip and fantastic and grown up.
Well, two out of three isn't bad...

~

In other news, I'm very excited for Camp Rock 2 to come out. It's no secret that I'm a Disney fan ((...in case you hadn't noticed. Just FYI...)) but I can honestly say that the first Camp Rock was made of fail. No diss to Demi and the gang but it just wasn't the best DCOM out there. ((Starstruck, Dadnapped... I'm looking at you too)). I'm wondering what happened to GOOD DCOM's... like Going to the Mat, The Color of Friendship, Smart House, Tru Confessions, Gotta Kick it Up... Looking at a list you can see how the quality has gone down over the years.
All that being said, I don't think Camp Rock 2 is going to be on the same level as The Color of Friendship but I think it'll be similar to High School Musical -- mindless yet entertaining fun :)

~

The Killers? Really Pandora? First off you still haven't played Selena Gomez on Selena Gomez radio... but The Killers? Well that was a surprise. Now the Lonely Forest? :|

~

Speaking of mindless fun, Doodlejump is another app that I have come to love. Along with Words with Friends. ((Username: arielsmiles in case you want to play)) It's not going to solve what's happening in Haiti. It's not going to solve depression. It's not going to solve anything at all.
But it's fun. And when I'm serious approximately 99.9% of the time and I'm learning and growing and trying to solve everything when I really need to just solve my own problems: there needs to be a 00.1% where I can just be... mindless.

~

Notwithstanding, I'm not saying to be mindless all the time. I think the key is to have balance. Something I'm still learning. Attempting to learn. Think I've learned until I've encountered a situation where I realized I haven't learned. Realized I haven't learned yet. Rinse and repeat.

~

I also rely on myself entirely too much.

~

What is this crap playing on my radio Pandora? :|
*changes to Switchfoot radio* ahhhhhh.... that's better.

~

And no, it never played Selena Gomez.

~

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Dug Down Deep

2010-01-20T14:03:00.000-08:00

I know from experience that it's possible to be a Christian but live life on the surface. The surface can be empty tradition. It can be emotionalism. It can be doctrine without application. I've done it all. I've spent my share of time on the sandy beaches of superficial Christianity.
This book is the story of how I learned to dig into truth and build my life on a real knowledge of God. I want to share how I learned that orthodoxy isn't just for old men but for anyone who longs to behold a God who is bigger and more real and glorious than the human mind can imagine.
The irony of my story is that the very things I needed, even longed for in my relationship with God, were wrapped up in the very things I was so sure could do me no good. I didn't understand that seemingly worn-out words like theology, doctrine and orthodoxy were the pathway to the mysterious, awe-filled experience of truly knowing the living Jesus Christ.

I am a church kid. Anyone who has been a church kid understand what that one little statement implies.
As a church kid, you understand the ins and outs of "church". You know what the "right" answer is in Sunday School (even if you don't agree with//understand it). You know what to say to sound ~super spiritual~ in jr. high Bible study (whether you read the passage or not). You know how to play "the church game". So many adults wonder how kids who grow up in church hit the ground running as far away as they can come high school//college graduation. The reason ((in my opinion)) is because even though we know the promises that God has for us, we know how good He really is, we know what a fulfilling life serving Him can be... so many of us want nothing to do with it... or at the very least, don't seem as "committed" to it as the adults is because we are grown up on it. For many of us, church is all we know. It's not a lifestyle we have chosen, but the lifestyle we have been given.

As an American I was taught in 3rd Grade all that I needed to know about American History and the Revolution. I know this, I understand this, I am an American citizen. Now, if someone from another country wants to become an American citizen, they must go through a rigorous process which usually involves a test of America's History. Why is it, I ask, that many Americans by birth can take the test and fail?

It's because it's our lifestyle. It was given to us the day we were born. It was not something we had to fight to achieve. It was not something we got after a lifetime of living somewhere else.

I think of Christianity ((for the young)) in the same way. Our parents lived a life without God and when they came to know Him, there life was altered. We weren't.

Which brings me to Dug Down Deep. Mr. Harris understands ((since he himself was a church kid)) and shows that living life for God, the real deal -- not the church game so many Christians know and play -- isn't as complicated as people make it out to be. Understanding God better ((since we will never completely understand Him)) can be done by understanding "old fashioned" things such as theology and orthodoxy.

Overall Rating: 5/5
A great read for anyone who has ever got tired of the "fakeness" and wants the truth. No more facades. No more games. Mr. Harris shows just how real your faith can be, if you allow it to be.

For more information on how to purchase this title and others like it please go to:
www.randomhouse.com
www.waterbrookmultnomah.com

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

You better run for your life.

2010-01-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

This is a test to see if blogging on the go works not only through text but from an app :)

But don't worry, I'll be posting this week. A review of a book I really enjoyed and maybe some musings~ on life... And love... And why :)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho
<3

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

If you ever feel like letting go, I won't let you fall.

2010-01-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

Urban Dictionary makes me laugh.
I won't put you through the endless tirade of inappropriate jokes and foul language but this was meant to be shared. The "best" meaning of the 'Ariel' :

The most beautiful girl in the universe!!! Also known as perfection. Ariel is a princess, and everyone treats her like one. A sexy chick who is also very intelligent. Ariel Knows what she wants, and eventually she'll get it. Every boy wants to go with an Ariel. She has both brains beauty, and contains a wonderful personality. She is honest, and a wonderful friend. She is'nt a fighter, but will be bullied by none. She is extremely mature for her age. She also knows how to party, and makes everyone laugh. Knows everyone, she has numerous friends She is overall perfection!!!

Well isn't that nice? Who doesn't want a little boost every now and then? I don't really ~need it but who am I to refuse a compliment..?

Any funny little internet things you came across this week that made you laugh?

Tell me about it.

Today's M's birthday. Wow. Happy Birthday. Can you believe how old we are? Crazy isn't it?

Blogging has become a work of art lately. I've decided to add more pictures and while I'm thoroughly enjoying it, it's a little different than it used to be. It used to be just words.

I guess that's what this entry is for. No spark. No pizzazz. Just words. :)

EDIT: Joe Jonas has joined the bandwagon and gotten himself a personal twitter.
He is exactly the kind of twitterer I thought he was going to be. Hilarious.
Four for you Joe Jonas. YOU GO JOE JONAS! :)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

For you I would crawl from New York to California

2010-01-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh the start of a new semester.

Invigorating isn't it?

.....and now reality sets in. I have what feels like but probably isn't an infinite amount of reading to do before week's end and it's not like I'm reading Glamour or People. It's some pretty hXc facts, places, people, things that I'll have to know for the quiz at the end of the week.

That's not to say I don't enjoy studying... sometimes. I'll admit, it's not my favorite thing in the world but it's definitely not my least favorite. I enjoy learning. NERD ALERT. But it's true. I've always loved school and learning new things. College isn't any different. Well, graduating would be nice... but that's beside the point.

Miep Gies passed away yesterday.

Who was Miep Gies?

She was the last surviving member of a very brave group of people who helped this family back in WWII.

Don't recognize them?

Maybe you'll recognize her.

This is quite possibly the most famous picture of Anneliese Marie Frank, or Anne Frank as she is known all around the world. An ordinary girl who wrote an extraordinary diary which continues to touch and inspire millions of people to this day.

I first read Anne's diary when I was 10 years old. The very next year I got a diary of my own and have been writing ever since. It hit me when I turned sixteen that I am older than Anne will ever be.

Anne is hailed by many as remarkable. I don't doubt it. She had a knack for humor and writing. She was considered fun to be around and was well-liked by many. But we shouldn't forget that Anne was also just a girl, a girl living in horrible circumstances and yet still said what is ((and always will be)) one of my favorite quotes:

"In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart."

An ordinary girl from Frankfurt am Main who wrote a diary that changed the heart of millions.

Without Miep, we wouldn't have ever known of Anne and her diary.

Thank you Miep. Thank you.

This was absolutely fantastic.

What do you think? Not a fan of those Disney kids? That's alright. I'd still like to know what you thought of his video :)

The hunt for a cooler~ layout is still on it's way. I actually devoted a good hour of my time scouring the web for something that would be interesting, fun, clean and yet unique. Granted, the one layout I did find turned out to be out of commission and the other layout that I didn't really like but was going to settle for wouldn't transfer properly. So.

1. Don't settle. In life and in blogger layouts. It just leaves you disappointed.

2. Don't devote an hour to find blogger layouts. That's an hour of study time.

3. Well. Who am I kidding? I'm a ridiculously fast reader. If anything, I need to ~pace myself.

4. Tone down the pride, dear.

5. Yes ma'am.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

The Male Factor

2010-01-12T16:06:00.000-08:00

The Unwritten Rules, misperceptions and secret beliefs of men in the workplace. The GROUNDBREAKING research that reveals what every woman should know.

Shaunti Feldhahn has done it again. Her best-selling For Women Only and the equally successful series that followed was an eye opening experience for many into the minds and habits of the opposite sex.

With The Male Factor, Mrs. Feldhahn takes that same approach to understanding men in the workplace. In her research, she outlined exactly what guys think when a woman walks in with a low-cut blouse and why the working mom keeps getting passed on that promotion.

Overall Rating: 5/5

A definite must read for any woman in the workplace who wants a better understanding of men, how they think and how to relate to them and communicate effectively.

For more information on how to purchase this title or others like it, please go to:

www.randomhouse.com

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

I want to break all the madness but it's all I have.

2010-01-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

Well dang it.
Remember just a couple posts ago when I was sounding deep and spiritual and very wise~ about how sometimes I mess up but that's okay because God loves me and I'm just a work in progress or whatever I said.

Yeah. Completely and totally living out my words right now.

~

It seems completely inevitable that when I talk about what I should do, what others should do, when I give advice to someone etc. -- it seems like EXACTLY what I talk about comes back to bite me in the butt.

~

It's almost like a -- "Well Ariel, can you practice what you preach?"
No, random person of the internet, not in that sense I cannot.

How I feel right now

~

It's a humbling experience, messing up. Making a mistake. At least it is for me. Which it shouldn't be. I even said it! Stop being so perfectionist! Stop thinking that you're perfect and incapable of making a mistake! AND YET...

~

It's frustrating. Sometimes I sincerely wish I was just perfect. Then I wouldn't have any care in the world.
Then I also wouldn't be in need of a savior. And that's never where I want to be.

~

So for the record =
Pride is stupid.
Wisdom is necessary.
USING wisdom is even more necessary.
I am not perfect.
I will never be perfect.
I need to stop trying to be perfect.
I just need to take the word 'perfect' out of my vocabulary.
Stop trying to rely on yourself and what you "think" is right.
Rely on Him. Plain and simple.

~

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.
<3

Postscript: Google search makes me laugh.

I have no idea how this relates AT ALL to what I was searching. Seriously. It did however make me laugh hysterically. And with my rant~ over and this little gem, my mood has lifted exponentially. Oh you. <3

But these stories don't mean anything if you've got no one to tell them to.

2010-01-06T14:53:00.000-08:00

Today I watched a movie that I haven't seen in ages...

Can you guess what it was?

Riding in Cars with Boys!

Unlike Juno, which makes teen pregnancy seem like a minor issue and the real issue is your indie boyfriend going to prom with a girl who smells like soup, Riding in Cars with Boys says (and shows) the real deal. I know Juno got so much praise and buzz because it showed "what real teenagers are like" and "how teens really talk and relate to each other" and even though I enjoyed Juno, I wouldn't say it's anything like that.

Anyway, after watching Riding in Cars with Boys I was inspired~ once again to start writing. If you've been following my blog ((all four of you)), you know I've published a book before. Well folks, I'm at it again. I have absolutely no idea when it will be finished but I do know that one of my "declarations" of 2010 is to continue being a published author. So there.

It's absolutely incredible how many people there are on youtube. Seriously, have you actually sat down and searched random stuff to find people -- millions of people -- sitting in front of their computer talking about their life?

Now I realize that's not much different from blogging ((hence the term vlogging, blogging etc.)) but when you really think of it... it's sort of mind boggling.

Sidenote: I used the letters b, l and g a little too much in that last paragraph.

"You give your opinion so decidedly for someone so young."

- Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Pride and Prejudice

Yes. Yes I do.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

Well I'm only me when I'm with you.

2010-01-05T12:57:00.000-08:00

Seriously? The world in HD?
THE WORLD IS ALREADY IN HD. IT'S THE WORLD!
:|

That's all.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Smile for the camera, everybody's looking at you. Smile for the camera cause they're all about to trap you.

2010-01-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

2010.
The year of no fear. :)

~

Well, so much for my resolution~ to not buy any more Disney albums. Selena Gomez, you have succeeded in making your album so catchy that I've bought nearly half of your album already. I would go ahead and "complete the album" like they have it on iTunes but I'm making it a habit of not putting songs on my iPod just to have them.

~

Having said that, I now have 500 songs on my iPod. I know that may seem like a paltry sum to many but to me that is absolutely fantastic. I know I'll have "made it" when I have 1,000 songs on my iPod. :)

~

Book reviews all this month! Both are from authors that I've really enjoyed reading from over the years so I hope you enjoy them as much as I have! Remember, you can get any of the books that I review at www.waterbrookmutlnomah.com :)

~

My search for a new blogging layout has turned, once again, to be in vain. Some day I'll find one that fits exactly what I think this place should look like. Until then, just consider "L&L&W" under construction. ;)

~

I just realized I ended every section with a smiley face. Heh.

~

Except that one, thus ending my little repetition.

~

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

The One Day Way

2010-01-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Lose all the weight you want, one meal, one pound, one day at a time!

I've got great news for you. You are about to feel better and look better beginning today! Today is truly a new opportunity for you to reach your weight-loss goals. No, you won't fit your "skinny jeans" today, but I'm going to show you how each day will get you closer to that goal.

Yesterday's mistakes are gone, so let them go. YOu can't control tomorrow, so stop worrying about it. Today is your opportunity to lose weight, get strong and look great. It won't happen overnight, but you can build a new life by changing your actions immediately. I'm here to show you how to make the changes that will create the new lifestyle you dream of: body, mind and spirit. Best of all, you will start celebrating right away!

Come on, my friend. Let's get started! I'll show you how to unlock every tool you need to lose weight and get fit- and stay that way for the rest of your life. Success can be yours, what are you waiting for?

I'll admit, I'm a bit skeptical at any sort of diet book for the plan and simple fact: no book or person will get you motivated to lose weight unless you are motivated entirely. So when I started reading Mrs. Chantel's way of losing weight, I started to take notice.

Mrs. Chantel takes an approach that has been proven in many other areas and one that I agree with wholeheartedly: you have to change your mind & attitude before you can change anything else!

After giving positive and encouraging steps to do just that, she also outlines great workouts that anyone can accomplish in a short amount of time every day!

Overall Rating: 5/5
Finally! An fitness book that takes the direct approach! No stressing about what happened yesterday or what will happen to tomorrow: Mrs. Chantel points out all the necessary and amazing things you have accomplished TODAY and how to keep that mindset for the rest of your life. As she points out, fitness is a way of life, not a 5 step instant weight loss program. If you take to heart what she says and apply it to your life daily, you will definitely see results!

For more information on how to purchase this title or others like it please go to:
www.waterbrookmultnomah.com

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

A city sparkles in the night... how can it glow so bright?

2009-12-30T19:55:00.000-08:00

Last post for 2009.

It's hard to believe another year has passed by! So many things happened this year that I could possibly mention them all but two were the real "biggies"

graduated high school
started college

Not that everything else that happened wasn't significant but out of all the people I've met and the things I've seen, experienced, accomplished etc., those two are some of my proudest accomplishments.

Yes, I know. I'm a nerd. :)

~

Christmas is come and gone. How was yours? Mine was keeping warm with amazing company. I love Christmas. Not necessarily for the gifts~ and such, more for the season. People are more apt to be kind and smile compared to other parts of the year.

~

In less than a month I'll be another year older. I guess it should come to no surprise. It hit me the other day that I am an alumni. I'm no longer in high school. I've been re-reading one of my favorite series and the great thing about this series is it chronicles the main character's lives from freshman in high school well on into college and eventually their married and adult lives.

~

Maybe it's a combination of the reading the series and the time of year but I've been especially aware of time and how quickly it passes. I mentioned in my DekoPosh column that every day can never be relived.

Think about that.

Not one day in your life, not one, can ever be relived. You only have one shot at every day.

There are two ways to view life after realizing this:
1. Your life is getting shorter and shorter. You can never take back anything you've ever done. It's forever sealed away in the past. /wow. That was depressing just typing it out.
OR
2. ((the option I'm leaning towards)) Every day is a chance to start fresh. Taking from one of my favorite Switchfoot songs, "Every breath is a second chance."

Think about that. Every breath is YOUR second chance. As long as you are still breathing, you have a chance to make things right. To become a better person, friend, daughter, son, brother, sister etc....

~

I'm not saying all of this to make you feel inferior//bad or to make it sound like I'm some sort of super human who never needs a reminder of all of this. Believe you me, I could do well with taking my own advice.

~

One thing I've been (re)learning is the importance of priorities... not just the time management and responsibilities part ((which I do need to work on)) but the placing of people on those priorities. Sometimes it can be so easy to place people who I consider important~ high on my "list" when in return, I'm not even a thought in theirs. Or worse, discount and mistreat the people who genuinely care for me. It's really backwards when you think of it. And horrible.

~

I can't say that I've been making any progress on fixing my attitude. Just when I think I've got it figured out~ I end up missing up big time. It reminds me of something I read a long time ago that I've since tried to keep in my heart:

It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.

Romans 7:21 - 25

I realize that every time I try and make things right by myself, I will fail. It's inevitable. I am weak. I am not perfect and it's about darn time I stopped trying to be. Instead of trying to be perfect ((and subconsciously expecting everyone else to be the same)), I should instead aim to just be myself.

This isn't meant to be some sort of judgement call on you, random person of the internet.

As if you can't already tell, I have a hard time figuring out and running my own life -- who am I to tell you how to live yours?

I am certain of absolutely one thing. God loves me. Regardless of my faults and shortcomings, no matter how many times I mess up, He always has and always will love me. It's only by His Grace that I am where I am today. His love and mercy doesn't give me free rein to do whatever I want ((since it's obvious that when I do that I only end up hurting myself and many others)), but instead gives me an incentive to be the person of excellence, one who loves Him and others wholeheartedly.

I challenged my readers on DekoPosh to instead of writing out New Year's Resolutions, write out New Year Declarations. For instance:

I am smart.

I am talented.

I am a good daughter//son.

I am a good student//employee.

etc. etc.

It's not a "name it, claim it" philosophy. It's not even "calling it into being". It's deciding to be.

I am smart. I am talented. I am a good daughter. I am a good student.

Even if I fail an assignment.

Even if I can't get over my writer's block.

Even if I don't respect my mother as well as I should.

Even if I slack on projects...

NONE of those define or detract away from the person I really am. I will make mistakes.

But I don't have to wallow in my mistakes.

You don't have to either. :)

Every breath is a second chance...

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

Wouldn't you like to be older and married with me?

2009-12-20T14:31:00.000-08:00

The new Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kevin Jonas II :)
They got married yesterday in a castle in what was completely like a fairy tale wedding.
Absolutely beautiful... :)

~

Flowers cut and brought inside, black cars in a single line. Your family's in suits and ties and you're free. The ache I feel inside is where the light has left your eyes. I'm alone for our last goodbye and you're free.
I remember you like yesterday, yesterday. I still can't believe you're gone. I remember you like yesterday, yesterday and until I'm with you, I'll carry on.

~

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Ignorance is your new best friend.

2009-12-16T22:26:00.000-08:00

I love music with a passion. I've said it before and I'm saying it again -- I wish I was more musically inclined so I could really show how much I love music.

But I'm not. Hah. Instead, I'll just say that music = <3

No matter how horribly cliche that is :)

I was going through my myspace tonight. I go on from time to time and for all intents and purposes I could erase it and everything would be okay but I like having my myspace. It's so nostalgic and ~retro now. Heh. I know facebook and twitter are the "new" things that are in right now and while I'm not ashamed to say that I use them, going through my myspace reminded me of the newness of having a way to communicate with my friends...

Technology is lovely. Don't get me wrong. It's just so much has changed in the three years since I joined myspace to today. It's mind-boggling.

Christmas is next week. I love it. Absolutely my favorite holiday. Cannot wait :)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me.

2009-12-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
And you can take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the Who's Who's and So-and-So's
That used to be the best at such and such
It wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon
enough destroy

I want to leave a legacy

How will they remember me?

Did I choose to love?

Did I point to You enough

To make a mark on things

I want to leave an offering

A child of mercy and grace

Who blessed Your name unapologetically

And leave that kind of legacy

Not well-traveled, not well-read
Not well-to-do, or well-bred
Just want to hear instead
Well done, good and faithful one

I want to leave a legacy

How will they remember me?

Did I choose to love?

Did I point to You enough

To make a mark on things

I want to leave an offering

A child of mercy and grace

Who blessed Your name unapologetically

And leave that kind of legacy

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me

I need your breath in my lungs tonight.

2009-12-12T19:34:00.000-08:00

OH.

Hello there.

Hah. It feels odd to be blogging again -- it's been awhile since I've actually sat down and thought, "Hmm. Let's blog!"
:)

It's much like riding a bike though, once you get back into the swing of things, you're ready to go!

Christmas vacation. Say it with me. Christmas vacation. Lovely isn't it? Now that I'm in college, I have a new appreciation for it.

And for free time. Who knew that free time would be as valuable as food and air? Seriously -- finding the time to just sit down and read a good book has to be practically scheduled in now.

But, now that it's break time -- maybe I'll get a chance to take a breather.

And catch up on JONAS or whatever.
((Not that I'm behind in that. Somehow my priorities have managed to have enough free time to watch that particular Disney show... what can I say? Those three guys make me laugh.))

:)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.
<3

I still believe in you.

2009-12-01T11:36:00.000-08:00

Oh hello! I didn't see you there!

I know, I've been terribly lax on blogging. I won't even excuse my behavior by saying the usual, "Oh NaNoWriMo" ((which I didn't win this time around)) or "Oh college!" ((Which has become slightly manageable)) or anything else...

I've been lazy. That's all there is to it. I update my twitter more than my blog and to be honest, I really dislike that. ((Hate is a passionate emotion)) Twitter is incredibly useful and fun but it doesn't take ((and never will)) take the place of good ole' old fashioned blogging :)

I won't make empty promises & say I'll come back soon. I honestly don't know -- life is crazy, wild & fun and I'm more concerned about living it than blogging it ;)

But I will try dear random person of the internet, to not take such a long absence again.

Sound good?

I thought so.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Thirsty and Touched By A Vampire

2009-11-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

I'll be honest. Anything touted as "Christian Vampire fiction" immediately sets off two reactions: intrigue and skepticism. Intrigue because I wonder how someone coincides the two and skepticism for... the very same reason.

Let's start with Touched By A Vampire;

People all around the world are enraptured with Edward and Bella's forbidden romance in the Twilight Saga, a four-book serial phenomenon written by Stephenie Meyer. The bestsellers tell the story of a regular girl's relationship with a vampire who has chosen to follow his "good" side. But the Saga isn't just another fantasy - it's teaching girls about love, sex and purpose. With 48 million copies in print and a succession of upcoming blockbuster films, now is the time to ask the important question: Can vampires teach us about God's plan for love?
Touched by A Vampire investigates the theme of the Twilight Saga from a Biblical perspective. Some Christian readers have praised moral principles illustrated in the story, such as premarital abstinence, which align with Meyer's Mormon beliefs. But ultimately, Beth Felker Jones examines whether the story's redemptive qualities outshine its darkness.
Cautionary, thoughtful and challenging, Touched by A Vampire is written for Twilight fans, parents, teachers and youth workers. It includes an overview of the series for those unfamiliar with the story line and a discussion guide for small groups.

It's no secret that I'm a Twilight fan. I read the books about a year before the movie came out and wasn't the least bit surprised when it became a "phenomenon", anyone who was a fan before the movie can attest the fandom has been strong since it was published in 2005. I've never taken into the debate whether the Twilight Saga was ~evil or whether it was ~good. To me, the Twilight Saga was an interesting, exciting series but it was just that - a book series. I do not take it literally and I am not taking life lessons from it. That's why when asked my opinion, I always recommended the parents reading it first than deciding whether their kids should or not. So you can understand my skepticism when Touched By A Vampire clearly states the goal of the book was to see if, "the story's redemptive qualities outshine it's darkness".
I was pleasantly surprised. I found that Ms. Felker Jones, unlike many other Christian commentators about the Twilight Saga, had a strictly professional and unbiased opinion on various aspects of the series. Not only does she outline and summarize the series but points out the specific themes of the book. There was no slant - you know the kind - the author has already decided it was a ~good//bad~ book and just points out whatever fits their point; instead, Ms. Felker Jones talked of Twilight for what it is - a book series.

Overall Rating: 5/5
I definitely would recommend this to anyone who has questions about the Twilight Saga, especially parents. As a fan of the series, I give this my stamp of approval!

Now on to Thirsty;

"Hello, I'm Nina Parker... and I'm an alcoholic."

For Nina, it's not the weighty admission but the first steps toward recovery that prove most difficult. She may face her ex-husband, Hunt, with little hope of making amends, and try to rebuild a relationship with her angry teenage daughter, Meagan. Hardest of all, she is forced to return to Abbey Hills, Missouri, the hometown she abruptly abandoned nearly two decades earlier - and her unexpected arrival in the sleepy Ozark town catches the attention of someone - or something - igniting a two-hundred-fifty-year-old desire that rages like a wildfire.

Unaware of the darkness stalking her, Nina is confronted with a series of events that threaten to unhinge her sobriety. Her daughter wants to spend time with the parents Nina left behind. A terrifying event that has haunted Nina for almost twenty years begins to surface. And an alluring neighbor initiates an unusual friendship with Nina, but is Markus truly a kindred spirit or a man guarding dangerous secrets?

As everything she loves hangs in the balance, will Nina's feeble grasp on her demons be broken, leaving her powerless against the thirst? The battle between redemption and obsession unfolds to its startling, unforgettable end.

I was disappointed, at first. From looking at the cover and reading the summary I was excited to read a "Christian Vampire Novel" - a oxymoron in most instances. It's safe to say that it's still an oxymoron for me.

Thirsty is an interesting, complex novel that follows Nina Parker as she navigates the pain and anguish of staying sober. Her character was so relatable that I was struggling right along with her - and I've never tasted alcohol. However, to say that this was a vampire novel would be misleading. It's a story of mystery, suspense and triumph - with a vampire twist. But that's all it is - just a twist, another part of the already crazy life of Nina Parker.

Overall Rating: 3/5 out of 5

The story in itself is incredible, as I said before Ms. Bateman wrote very believable and compelling characters. However, since it was treated as a vampire novel while it seems not, I have to take points off for false advertisement. Not to say you shouldn't check it out - by all means! I completely recommend it! It truly is an amazing novel, just not a vampire novel.

For more information on how to purchase these or other titles like them, please go to:

www.waterbrookmultnomah.com

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

From I Wrote This For You....

2009-11-07T17:45:00.001-08:00

Let's play hopscotch in malls. Let's drive fast with the top down. Let's turn up the music as loud as it'll go. Let's put a couch on an island in the middle of the freeway and wave at everyone on their way to work. Let's hug strangers in parking lots. Let's hand out secret messages at traffic lights. Let's make lists of all the things that make us smile and tick them off, one at a time. The world will carry on without you and me when we're gone. Let it carry on without us, today.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.
<3

White Picket Fences

2009-11-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Janviers have the idyllic life - a beautiful home, great jobs, two wonderful kids - and surrounding it all is the proverbial white picket fence that protects them, offers them a serene sense of security... and hides all their secrets.
When her black sheep brother disappears, Amanda Janvier eagerly takes in her sixteen-year-old niece Tally. The girl is practically an orphan; motherless and living with a father who raises Tally wherever he lands - in a Buick, a pizza joint, a horse farm - and regularly takes off on wild schemes. Amanda envisions that she, her husband, Neil, and their two teenagers can offer the girl stability and a shot at a "normal" life, even though their own storybook lives are about to crumble.
Seventeen-year-old Chase Janvier hasn't seen his cousin y ears, and other than a vague curiosity about her strange life, he doesn't expect her arrival will affect him much- or interfere with his growing, disturbing interest in a long-ago house fire that plagues his dreams.
Tally and Chase bond as they interview two Holocaust survivors for a sociology project, and become startlingly aware that the whole family is grappling with hidden secrets, with the echoes of the past, and with the realization that ignoring tragic situations won't make them go away.
Will Tally's presence blow apart their carefully constructed world, revealing a hidden past that could destroy them all - or can she help them find the truth without losing each other? From the author of The Shape of Mercy, one of Publishers Weekly's Best Religious Fiction Books of 2008, comes a tale of family secrets smoldering behind a white picket fence.

Breathtaking. Absolutely and completely breathtaking. Once I started reading, I literally could not put it down - only stopping for sleep and homework breaks. A gripping story that grabbed my attention (and my heart) from the very start and didn't let me go - even well after the last word was read.

Overall Rating: 5/5
A compelling story that left me wanting more. The characters were real - with much more depth and emotion than you usually see in fiction today. The story line was believable and kept me guessing till the very end. I would completely recommend this to anyone.

For more information on how to purchase this title and others like it, please go to:
www.waterbrookmultnomah.com

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.
<3

NaNoWriMo

2009-11-05T22:33:00.000-08:00

If I'm absent on this blog, blame it on NaNoWriMo.

Let the insanity begin. :|

:)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.
<3

Leaving Carolina

2009-11-02T07:00:00.002-08:00

They say you can take the girl out of the South, but you can't take the South out of the girl.
This girl begs to differ.
Piper Wick left her hometown of Pickwick, North Carolina, twelve years ago, shook the dust off her feet, ditched her drawl and her family name, and made a new life for herself as a high-powered public relations consultant in Los Angeles. She's even "engaged to be engaged" to the picture perfect U.S. Congressman Grant Spangler.
Now all of Piper's hard-won happiness is threatened by a reclusive uncle's bout of conscience. In the wake of a health scare, Uncle Obadiah Pickwick has decided to change his will, leaving money to make amends for four generations' worth of family misdeeds. But that will reveal all of the Pickwick's secrets, including Piper's.
Though Piper arrives in Pickwick primed for battle, she is unprepared for Uncle Obe's rugged, blue-eyed gardener. So just who is Axel Smith? Why does he think making amends is about more than just making restitution? And why, oh why, can't she stay on task? With God's help, Piper is about to discover that although good PR might smooth things over, only the truth will set her free.

I genuinely enjoyed this story. It was fairly typical and predictable but it's a formula that works and Ms. Leigh sure knows how to work it! As a southern girl myself, I could relate to Piper - at the very least empathize with her - as she tried to right the wrongs (or cover up) her family's name deep in the traditional and "some things are better left unsaid" South.

Overall Rating: 3/5
I enjoyed it immensely. It has what every good novel needs: drama, romance and a lesson in forgiveness. Perfect to take along on road trip or read in the backyard.

For more information on how to purchase this title and others like it, please go to:
www.waterbrookmultnomah.com

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.
<3

Limelight

2009-11-02T07:00:00.001-08:00

"I used to be a beauty... too good for our dusty little town... destined for greatness."

Claudette Fiore used to turn heads and break hearts. She relished the glamourous Hollywood lifestyle because she had what it takes: money, youth, fame and above all, beauty. But age has withered that beauty, and a crooked accountant has taken her wealth, leaving the proud widow penniless and alone.

Armed with stubbornness and sarcasm, Claudette returns to her shabby little hometown and her estranged sister. Slowly, she makes friends. She begins to see her old life in a new light. For the first time, Claudette Fiore questions her own values and finds herself wondering if it's too late to attain true beauty.

For a fan of old Hollywood, reading Limelight was like finding out what happened to all those fabulous actresses - when the fame died down, when times changed and they grew older. Claudette had grown accustomed to Hollywood lifestyle and when that world comes crashing down on her, she's helpless - much like a child learning everything for the first time.

Claudette is feisty and a little too snooty for own good. She learns the hard way that being a snooty booty only alienates you - we all need friends. Thankfully, Claudette discovers the power of true friendship, even amidst nosy neighbors.

Overall Rating: 4/5 out of 5
A charming and exciting read with a few twists along the way. Perfect for a cool, fall day.

For more information on how to purchase this and other titles like it, please go to:
www.waterbrookmultnomah.com

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

What Matters Most

2009-11-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Sixteen-year-old Maya Stark has a lot to sort through. She could graduate from high school early if she wants to. She's considering it, especially when popular cheerleader Vanessa Hartman decides to make her life miserable - and Maya's ex-boyfriend Dominic gets the wrong idea about everything.
To complicate matters even more, Maya's mother will be released from prison soon, and she'll want Maya to live with her again. That's a disaster waiting to happen. And when Maya plays her dad's old acoustic guitar in front of an audience, she discovers talents and opportunities she never expected. Faced with new options, Maya must choose between a "normal" life, and a glamorous one. Ultimately, she has to figure out what matters most.

Melody Carlson is my favorite author.
Have I mentioned that? Oh I have? Oh well. ;)

The DOATG (Diary of a Teenage Girl series) has been one of my favorite series and like the Christy Miller series, I've grown up with it. (Albeit a bit more modern. Love Christy but it was originally set in the 80's! Ha :)) Melody takes an old idea (girl finds God - and writes a diary in the process) and makes it new again.

Out of the 4 girls in the DOATG series, Maya is quickly becoming my favorite. She's smart, witty and wants to save the planet - in a practical way! After every chapter there's a Green Tip of the Day: Things anyone can do to make our planet healthier.

Overall Rating: 4/5
Great book (and series) from a great author. The only reason I didn't give it a 5/5 is because even though it's the last in the series, What Matters Most finished with a few loose ends. I don't expect Melody to please every reader but the way it ended I really thought there would be another book in Maya's story. Aside from that, I would completely recommend this book (and any others written by Melody).

For more information on how to purchase this title and others like it, please go to
www.waterbrookmultnomah.com

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui.
<3

Are you ready?

2009-10-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

say Hello -
It's Hurricane Season:

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

I cried.

2009-10-26T22:40:00.000-07:00

I can be such a sap sometimes.
But really - wouldn't you cry too?

Miley, you win for this one.
You win girl.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.
<3

I'm just trying to find out who I am.

2009-10-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

Not all who wander are lost.

To the ones who cared and who were there from the start

To the love that left and took a piece of my heart.

To the few who'd swear they'd never go anywhere

Where are you now?

Where are you now?

'Cause I'm thinking of you.

You showed me how to live like I do.

If it wasn't for you I would never be who I am.

If it wasn't for you - I'd be nothing.

Where are you now?

I made a mess of me, I wanna get back the rest of me.

I made a mess of me, I wanna reverse this tragedy.

I made a mess of me, I wanna live the rest of my life alive.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

This is the purpose of my life. This is the reason I'm alive.

2009-10-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

Make a move cause talk is really cheap - you'll never start a revolution in your sleep. Showing love to everyone is what it's all about...

I think I'm ready to go.
...Won't stop till everybody knows:

This is the purpose of my life.
This is the reason I'm alive - don't have time to waste: ACTIVATE!

There is a world out there in need, now is the time for you and me, before it gets too late; ACTIVATE!

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.
<3

& people wonder why I love them so much.

2009-10-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

BRB. DYING OF LAUGHTER.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

#beatcancer

2009-10-16T16:57:00.001-07:00

This is a fight we don't have to lose.
This is a fight that can be prevented.
We can do this.

Stand up to cancer.

#beatcancer.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

What's that? You don't like the Jonas Brothers?

2009-10-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

Kevin just does not understand!

Ha. Your daily dose (relatively speaking) of Jonas.
You're welcome.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.
<3

I think I have found the answer.

2009-10-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

The reason behind my small following and nowhere near close enough to be honored as a Blog of Note...

it's my layout!
I'm looking through so many blogs and you would not believe the cool things they have on there. Granted, it's a bit much on the eyes imo but then, if they have 50+ followers - they must be doing something right.

Hmmm. New goal:
- Find a super snazzy layout that says, "Whoa! Who writes this blog?"
- Study more. You've been doing great but you need to focus just a bit more. Mmmkay?
- NaNoWriMo is coming up. Are you prepared? Of course not. You'll be fine. Breathe in. Breathe out.
- Stop being upset at the ignorance of people regarding the whole Anne Frank/Balloon Boy debacle. Especially the question, "Who is Anne Frank?" ..... Seriously? SERIOUSLY? :|
- Breathe in. Breathe out.
- Breathe in. Breathe out.
- Wooo - sah. Wooooo - sahhhh.
- Feel better?
- Yes?
- Good.
- Stop making lists.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Make a Difference Monday - on Tuesday.

2009-10-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

Why did I decide to post this on Tuesday you ask?

1) I'm a rebel! Well, not really but I'd like to think of myself as one who does things out of the ordinary so why be normal and post this on a Monday? Why not Tuesday!? Besides, my Monday's are pretty full up.
2) The real reason [carrotspeak.] asked me to. And she asked so nicely. Besides, it seems like a great idea!

Here's what she said:

I started Making a Difference Mondays as a way for me to use my once miniscule blogging voice to try and change the world one kind deed at a time. Each Monday, I'll post about something I've done to make someone's day a little bit better, and I invite you all to play along by doing the following:

1.) Make your own Making a Difference Monday post, explaining to your readers these rules, and sharing the story of some small act of kindness you've performed in the past week. It could be anything...holding a door, helping a little old lady cross the street, or even just stopping at a red light when there's no one around to know the difference.
2.) Enter a link to your post in the Mcklinky box below.
3.) Link back to my post in yours so that your readers can find the full list of participants.

It is with one person and one action at a time that we change to world. Why not try to change it for the better?

My act of kindness for the week?

Smiling to random strangers. Yes, it's ~cliche~ but you should never underestimate the power of a smile. I've made the effort to smile at everyone for a good three years and I can truthfully say the results are incredible... sure you get the few odd looks but overall guess what? People smile back

So go ahead! Smile at someone. You never know what it can mean to someone. :)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Postscript: I'm not sure how to McLinky something so.... yeah. Just post a comment! :)

Have I mentioned how much I love Fix You?

2009-10-11T22:22:00.001-07:00

I have?
Oh, well that's too bad.
Cause I'm gonna mention it again.

For reasons I can't explain, this song means so much to me.
It's one of those songs that takes hold of you and never lets go... the kind you can hear again and again and AGAIN, and yet you still feel like it's the first time you're listening...

It's a song for:

When you're happy,
when you're sad,
when you're thoughtful,
when you're content,
when you're dreaming,
when you're hopeless,
when you're hurt,
when you're in pain,
when you're joyful,
when you're learning
when you can't describe how you're feeling...
and need a little help...

This song is for you.

~

When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse.

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream, down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face and I...

Tears stream, down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face and I...

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you.

~

When words fail, music speaks.

~

And to my Jonas fans -

If you're gonna rant about how they ~ruined~ the song then please, feel free to keep your opinion to yourself. Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing. You can dislike Fix You. You can dislike Jonas. But please refrain from dissing Fix You + Jonas on this blog. Kthanxbai. :)

~

Never let the dream die. Cause when they die, so do you.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.
<3

I want to repeat one word for you:

2009-10-09T11:49:00.001-07:00

Leave.

Roll the word around your tongue for a bit.
It is a beautiful word, isn't it?
So strong and forceful, the way you always wanted to be.
And you will not be alone.
You have never been alone.
Don't worry.
Everything will still be here when you get back.
It is you who will have changed.

~

I welcome each new day with a hopeful expectancy that I, too, will rise above the ordinary. For I am not content to live a merely "normal" life or settle for an average existence. No, I am destined for more--much, much more.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

You walk & talk like you're some new sensation,

2009-10-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

you move in circles; you don't need an invitation.
you spend your money, you can't get no satisfaction...
you play it right so you can get the right reaction.

playing over and over and OVER in my head.

Selena, you win this round ;)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

postscript: no diss to miss gomez, I just was very adamant about NOT buying another Disney album. Which I succeded in. But I did buy Falling Down. It's quite catchy. Check it out on iTunes :)

I didn't know if you knew,

2009-10-05T21:40:00.000-07:00

so I'm taking this time to say.
That I had the best day with you today.

:)

& I saw this today:

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL

in every single way...

you are beautiful
vous êtes beaux
您美丽
u bent mooi
Sie sind schön
siete bei
أنت جميل
είστε όμορφοι
美しいです
당신은 아름답습니다
wy jesteście piękni
você é bonito
вы красивейши
ustedes son hermosos
du är härliga
Moc ti to sluší
Du er smuk
אתה יפהפה
เธอสวยจัง
jy is pragtig
ikaw ay maganda
sinä olet kaunis
se é fermoso
आप सुंदर हैं
ön gyönyörű
þú ert fallegur
kamu cantik
tá tú go hálainn
tu esi daiļa
tu esi graži
ти си убава
and cantik
inti sabiħ
du er vakker
شما در حال زیبا
eşti frumoasă
ти си леп / а
ty si krásna
lep si
wewe ni mzuri
คุณสวย
ви прекрасні
bạn thật xinh đẹp
ydych yn hardd
דו ביסט שיין

in 46 different languages. you're beautiful in every part of the world even if they speak a language that isn't posted here. the point is, we were all created beautifully.
- it was taken from http://thoughtsunderpressure.blogspot.com/
I really wish I could comment on there & say what a great inspiration she's being... but for some reason Blogger won't let me so Kiyanna - keep up the good work! :)

~

Held a book club/chat/review thing on DP today. It was awesome. :)
NaNoWriMo is coming up soon. Are you ready?

~

I wish you knew how much you were loved.
I really do.
But you don't. And it hurts that I can't convince you of what I know is true...
that Jesus loves you.
It's not cliche. It's not ~churchy~... it's the truth.
Don't let religion and people with good intentions but bad methods tear you down.
You are a precious jewel
I wish I could hug you and tell you how much you mean to Him.
But since I can't, I trust He will... :)

Never give up. Have faith. Be strong. Hold on.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

Do you hear what I hear?

2009-10-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

Christmas is in the air.

Halloween - mehh
Thanksgiving - pshhh

Come December it's time for the best holiday ever. CHRISTMAS

I'm ready.

Extra & etc.

Where the Wild Things Are. October 18th. Are you ready?
FAME came out. From what I understand, I shall see it tomorrow. If I remember to blog about it, I will. Otherwise, check out my tweets --->
I update that more often ;)
I love cold weather. Just thought I'd throw that out there.
It's October. Woot woot! Happy first day of October everybody! Give someone a hug today. They need it. :)
Now that it's October, you know what that means... NaNoWriMo 2009 is almost here!
Nervous? Check.
Excited? Check.
Wondering why am I doing this again? Check.
Going to spam about it big time again? Check. :D
Seriously, because of NaNoWriMo - I published a book. Suffice to say, I'm especially intrigued to see how this one pans out :)
&
You might think I'm a fool for falling over you. But tell me what can I do to prove that it's not that hard to do? Give love a try <3 // You make me feel like a million bucks you do... I was made for you <3 // I think that possibly maybe I'm falling for you <3 // And if all we've got is what no one can break, I know I love you and that's all we can take... <3
:)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.
<3

Oh I wonder when did it all stop making sense? I don't understand.

2009-09-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

I was so unique
Now I feel skin deep
I count on the ~~make-up to cover it all~~ (I don't actually)
Crying myself to sleep cause I cannot keep their attention
I thought I could be strong
But it's killing me

Does someone hear my cry?
I'm dying for new life

I want to be beautiful
Make you stand in awe
Look inside my heart,
and be amazed
I want to hear you say
Who I am is quite enough
Just want to be worthy of love
And beautiful

Sometimes I wish I was someone other than me
Fighting to make the mirror happy
Trying to find whatever is missing
Won't you help me back to glory?

I want to be beautiful
Make you stand in awe
Look inside my heart,
and be amazed
I want to hear you say
Who I am is quite enough
Just want to be worthy of love
And beautiful

You make me beautiful
You make me stand in awe
You step inside my heart, and I am amazed
I love to hear You say
Who I am is quite enough
You make me worthy of love and beautiful

In other news;

2009-09-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

If you haven't sent a note of congratulations to anonymous for winning such an AWESOME prize, I suggest you do so.

Back yet?
Right then.
On to the show!

I've decided that I have a love/hate relationship with Bed, Bath & Beyond.
1) I get the Bed. I see the Bath. But Beyond? Really? How exactly do M&M's and Bumpits classify as ~Beyond~...?
b) It's one of the most pointless stores ever. And confusing. I mean seriously, why in the world would I go someplace where they sell toliet seat covers AND chocolate? It's odd I tell you.
& finally) Somehow, I always get sucked into the BB&B vortex and end up buying things I don't need.

Like this:

Mmmm pumpkin. Om nom nom.

It remains unlit because of the shame.
....not really.
It smells good so it's not completely useless...
it is however unnecessary.

Ohhh BB&B, you slay me.

(This is not a slam to BB&B in anyway. While I detest their sneaky maneuvers & friendly yet very persuading salespeople, I do have to commend them so staying in business for so long... even if I still don't understand the whole "Beyond" category...)

Happy Saturday. :)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

You make me smile. Who? YOU of course!

2009-09-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Anonymous!
You answered correctly!

What was the question?

Name that artist/song: "If we gotta start somewhere why not here? If we gotta start sometime why not now?" (From my blog a few days ago...)
The answer: TobyMac - City On Our Knees
I would link you to it but I feel that would be me enabling laziness...
so go find it yourself :)

To Anonymous:
+300 cool points <---- just for you
*high five*

You go on and be awesome mmkay?

:)

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

When my world is falling apart

2009-09-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

& I can't find my way home anymore,
that's when I look at You....

So I understand full well
1) This is Miley Cyrus and a few of you will skip the video just based on that fact.
2) She's talking about a guy not God.

But

This song has meant so much to me today, I can't even begin to describe it...
When I look at You, I see forgiveness. I see the truth. You love me for who I am, like the stars hold the moon. Right where they belong and I know I'm not alone

Call it being ~spiritual~ or whatever,
I really don't care.

I love this song. I love the lyrics. I love Him and how He always has and always will love me.
Just as He loves you <3

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

I wrote this for you.

2009-09-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

I need you to understand something. I wrote this for you. I wrote this for you and only you. Everyone else who reads it, doesn't get it. They may think they get it, but they don't. This is the sign you've been looking for. You were meant to read these words.

I read this today and now I wish I knew where it was from. This is the one time Google fails me. So please, if you know who wrote this/where it's from - could you please tell me? Merci

EDIT: I've officially put it in my linkage ------->
Here's the story:

I Wrote This For You is a series of micro-stories about a character called "You."

It is not an advice column.

I Wrote This For You was started in July of 2007 by Iain Thomas and Jon Ellis, who met one day in a shady backroom on the internet, although they’ve never actually met in real life.

The main reason behind this is that the words (Iain Thomas) live in South Africa while the pictures (Jon Ellis) live in Japan. Naturally, this makes it hard to pop round for a cup of tea.

I Wrote This For You is published 5 days a week except around about Christmas time when everyone takes a well deserved break.

"Iain Thomas... and his blog partner Jon Ellis have never met, but they produce one of the most elegant blogs in the world, in my opinion: "I WROTE THIS FOR YOU"

It's uncommonly simple and surprisingly powerful, because each entry is a magical photo by Jon, who lives in Japan, accompanied by a wonderfully spare caption by Iain, who lives in South Africa. His words are written in a way that is ambiguous, seemingly random, yet somehow this uncertainty allows us to inject our own meaning into the words and picture. And this simple combination likewise allows everyone to connect with it in their own way. That's what elegance is: the ability to create what appears to be a simple, seemingly incomplete story but that fosters multiple meanings while achieving universal resonance. "

- Matthew E. May, author of In Pursuit Of Elegance

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

There is hope for me yet,

2009-09-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

because God won't forget all the plans He's made for me.
I'll have to wait and see;
He's not finished with me yet.

~

Did you say it? I love you. I don't ever want to live without you. You changed my life. Did you say it? Make a plan. Set a goal. Work toward it. But every now and then, look around. Drink it in. Cause this is it. It might all be gone tomorrow.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui.

<3

If God is Good

2009-09-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

Every one of us will experience suffering. Many of us are experiencing it now. As we have seen in recent years, evil is real in our world, present and close to each one of us.
In such difficult times, suffering and devil beg questions about God- Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?
These are ancient questions, but also modern ones as well. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and even former believers like Bart Ehrman answer the questions imply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God.
In this captivating new book, best-selling Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief and brings a fresh, realistic, and thoroughly biblical perspective to the issues these important questions raise.
Alcorn offers insights from his conversations with men and women whose lives have been torn apart by suffering, and yet whose faith in God burns brighter than ever. He reveals the big picture of who God is and what God is doing in the world- now and forever. And he equips you to share your faith more clearly and genuinely in this world of pain and fear.
Randy Alcorn delves deep into a profound subject, and through compelling stories, provocative questions and answers, and keen biblical understanding, he brings assurance and hope to all.

I'll be very and completely honest: I've always wrestled with the very question poised in the title...
If God is good, why is there suffering?
I unfortunately did not get a chance to finish this book so I can't give a full review. I will say this:
check it out. Mr. Alcorn knows what he's talking about and one of my favorite quotes is from him
Character is what you are in the dark when no one but God is watching. - Randy Alcorn

I don't think you'll be disappointed.

For more information on how to purchase this title and others like it, please click here.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3

if we gotta start somewhere why not here?

2009-09-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

If we gotta start sometime why not now?

300 cool points and a virtual high five if you know that song/artist.
(And I'm not even going to give a hint by posting it in the tags like I usually do)
:P

#TeamTaylor.
And that's all I have to say in the matter. :)

College is fun and stuff.
Work but I'm learning a lot and that's what matters right?
I've been reading some of Laura Jensen Walker lately... specifically Reconstructing Natalie, Daring Chloe and Dreaming in Technicolor. I haven't finished Dreaming but it's been interesting so far. Very witty. And making me feel very lame for not making any progress on my 2nd novel. :|

In other news:
My book is being featured as Dekoposh's September Book of the Month for the Book Club! Come and join us for the discussion later this month! (I'm sure they'll post details soon). Thanks again DP!

And here's something I've noticed:
Sometimes my links don't work? Weird. It's a blogger thing and I haven't found a way to fix it. So, for the time being, just delete my address from the link and it should take you to the correct link. :)

One more thing:
I'm so glad Owl City is getting the attention he deserves :)

Have a lovely week random person of the internet.
Make it special. Be extraordinary.

Me ke aloha pau ole a hui ho.

<3