September 25, 2009 at 2:46 pm (Books)
Tags: blood crazy, book review, eclipse, insatiable, marie brennan, simon clark, stephenie meyer, warrior, witch
There is no doubt that I have always loved books. My mom is convinced that I was able to read at two years old, because since then I have buried my nose in a book and not looked back. She was always reading something, as was my father (even though I only saw him once a week and he was drunk, there was always a book in his hands). My sister is the only one that seems to have escaped this obsession; I think the only two books she has ever read were Skinny Bitch and the Lance Armstrong autobiography (I think it was an autobio).
Anyways, since finishing my degree on September 1st, I have gone through Warrior and Witch by Marie Brennan, Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer and Blood Crazy by Simon Clark. Relatively light, but I have been working a lot and trying to have some semblance of a social life. 
Here are my thoughts on each book, as I would like to begin rating what I read.
Warrior, 405 pgs; Witch, 430 pgs by Marie Brennan
- I am writing a joint review, even though these are two separate books. These books are great, and in a sense are about finding your whole self. The back covers of both books have a variation of this written: “When a witch is born, a Doppelganger is created. For the witch to master her powers, the twin must be killed.” Warrior was given to me by a classmate, who simply told me that the book was about witches. The book takes you to an unknown land full of characters and non-traditional magic. It was a wonderful story, following Mirage and Miryo in their quest to find a new answer. Struggling to control her magic, new witch, Miryo, battles with herself on killing her Doppelganger, Mirage. Mirage is trained as a “Hunter”, and even though she has shied away from witches and magic all her life, knows that there is something more. Witch is the sequel, but too much said will spoil the ending of Warrior. I will just say that when I finished Warrior, I rushed out to buy Witch.
- Warrior rating: 9/10
- Witch rating: 8.5/10
Eclipse, 629 pgs by Stephenie Meyer
- I never thought a fictional novel would make me mad like this, but Eclipse was ridiculous. Yes, I know these books were written for teenagers, and yes, I know I’m a little bit behind (my mom is buying them for me as they come out in paperback). I’m just trying to figure out if I was that stupid when I was a teenager. I highly doubt it, because Bella is a complete moron. The book is full of ideas that should put Meyer to shame. Encouraging abusive teenage relationships? Sexual abuse? Sadomasochism? Permanently living on drugs (as stated by Jacob at the end, he is a drug to you Bella, but I am much healthier like air or the sun)? Lovely. The only thing that kept me turning pages was that Meyer is onto something when it comes to a battle between werewolves and vampires. An interesting take when you learn that the only reason why Jacob and his “pack” turn into werewolves is because the Cullens are near. Also, the action in this book were better than in the last, but I still don’t think teenagers should be inspired by this (but they are teenagers, so they will continue their obsessive ways…glad I was reading when I was a teen).
- Eclipse rating: 6/10
Blood Crazy, 397 pgs by Simon Clark
- I love new twists on traditional zombie novels, which is exactly what Blood Crazy starts out with. The entire adult population goes crazy one day and ends up trying to kill all of their children. The book follows what happens to a 17-year-old boy named Nick Aten (sounds like Satan), and his search for answers and quest for survival. Reminiscent of Lord of the Flies, you travel into a world with a power struggle among children trying to survive. Everything was dandy for me, until Nick gets kidnapped by his “mad” parents and is released. While trying to get back to his home of survivors, he runs across the “Arc”. Bernadette gives her idea on what has happened, which turns out to be not well researched and propaganda given by Clark. She (the character) at one point states that we are evolved from Neanderthals (which is incorrect; Homo sapiens and Neanderthals share a common ancestor, so are at most cousins). Now, as a scientist, I do believe in evolution, but if you are writing, please get popular science right. Further, if I wanted to read about the mind, I wouldn’t have chosen a zombie novel. I would have instead opted for Ishmael by Daniel Quinn (my favorite). Towards the end of Blood Crazy I felt like I was trying to be sold on Clark’s idea on the church, and about how God only exists in our mind. If Clark wanted to write about things like this, he shouldn’t be writing fiction, and maybe go waste his time on a degree in psychology. Harsh I know, but don’t disguise agitprop as horror fiction.
- Blood Crazy rating: 4/10
So I’m sure I will continue this insatiable book reading for a while. When I visit my mom, I will probably load up on tons of books to keep myself occupied.
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September 17, 2009 at 4:21 pm (Thoughts)
Tags: concert, hollywood bowl, hollywood/highland, killers, ladybug, lucky strikes bowling, shopping, sister, variety, visit
After much anticipation, my sister came down for the Killers concert held at the Hollywood Bowl last night. My sister had asked if I wanted to go, and Nate answered with a yes for me (originally we were going to meet my sister and her friend in Santa Barbara, but that show was sold out).
I waited all morning for Janessa and Amber. They finally made it and decided we needed to get new “Going Outfits”. We didn’t need new outfits; we wanted new outfits. Plus, shopping is what we do best. Janessa wanted new make-up too and who better to ask than her former make-up artist sister. We also went to the Halloween store and transformed my sister into a ladybug. I finally dragged them out of the mall so we could get ready. Still ended up making Nate wait for us. I had to do Janessa’s make-up in the car (still looked great!).
We parked at the church, because Nate and I refuse to be stuck in stack parking. It is also cheaper, and the proceeds go to the church (you can tell). When we got out of the car I heard a lot of commotion over at Hollywood and Highland (that’s where we were going to eat anyways). Turns out Panic at the Disco was playing. It is pretty interesting to be sipping strawbaby margaritas and listening to a live band.
We walked to the Bowl just in time to miss most of the opening band (fortunate for us, they blew). Our bottle of wine got us through their last few songs. Then the Killers came on and…
A-MA-ZING!
These guys really put on one killer show (haha, pun totally intended!). Let me just give you a run down of my experience of the Killers prior to the show: I love-love-loved Hot Fuss; Only a couple of songs on Sam’s Town wowed me; Heard about two songs from Day and Age. Now even if you have not kept up with the Killers (like me, because of Sam’s Town), you would have loved this show. These guys are true performers and really play for their fans. Everything they played was absolutely fantastic.
After the show we decided to head on over to Lucky Strikes to bowl. Everyone kicked my ass. I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who was tired early. Janessa and Amber just wanted to get food and go home after one game.
Overall I had a great time with my sister (as usual!). Great concert, great time! 
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September 13, 2009 at 8:13 am (Thoughts)
Tags: Beauty, behavior, breast cancer, clarify, courage, doubts, fear, grandmother, hair, happiness, inner beauty, listen, physical beauty, positive, soul, stunning, sublime, truth
Recently, I have been slammed with hate comments to a particular blog I wrote. I’m not one for negativity, so I deleted that particular piece from my blog. I am ready to clarify my views on the subject, because snobbery from people due to their own ignorance should not be a reason why I remove something.
My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 12 years old. And so began the radiation and chemotherapy that made her lose her hair. The first time here hair fell out, my sister and I were not around, so I’m not really sure how she took it. I just remember her coming to pick us up from school with a scarf wrapping her head (not due to the lack of hair; it was cool outside).
Her hair began to grow back in. Mostly she would not wear a wig, with the exception to going to her club meetings. That was more for their benefit, not hers. She was very positive about the near bald head, saying it was all the rage. Her courage, to this day, brings me to tears.
One day in the summer (my sister and I would spend the weekdays at her house while mom was at work), we went outside to play with the a neighborhood friend. About 20-30 minutes after leaving, I had to come back inside to ask my grandma something. I found her in her bathroom brushing out clumps of her hair. The hair was in her brush, in her hand, and on the floor. Being young, it scared me. But my grandmother just smiled. I don’t remember what was said, and if she had any fear or doubts, I did not know they existed.
I am thankful for my grandmother’s boldness. She did not survive her battle with breast cancer, but I am grateful for the time I got to spend with her. She showed me that you can be beautiful with and you can be beautiful without, because it is not about physicality. Everything that makes a person stunning radiates from their soul. If you solely rely on physical beauty, but have nothing but hate/bitterness on the inside, you will not glow and be truly sublime.
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September 8, 2009 at 6:58 pm (Thoughts)
Tags: advice, betrayal, black/white, hurt, integrity, racism, racist, tension, truth, victim
I feel quite betrayed at lately, because my coworker said I was racist. This hits me personally since it questions my integrity. I am white and I am not claiming to understand what it is to be black, but I can honestly say that I am not racist. Me not liking a person will never be because of where they came from or what they look like. It will always come from the way they treat me/others and their integrity. I am hurt by this, because I thought this girl and I were friends and I really liked that I could always talk to her.
Here are my thoughts:
- Just because you’re white, doesn’t mean you’re racist. It is completely unfair to be thought of as only having a racist agenda. I believe that this world is a richer place with the diversity that it contains as do many people of different ethnicities.
- I wish I could have pride in my European heritage, but if I voice that in public, I am automatically assumed to be discriminatory. My Irish/German/Portuguese roots are not something I should have to be ashamed of.
- I believe that claiming that someone is racist, is racist in itself. The people enduring (or that have endured) genuine racism cannot be focused on if everyone else is crying wolf.
- Realizing that the world is not against you will ease much of the racial tensions. Making excuses because you think everyone is discriminating against you does not make you the victim, it just makes you pathetic.
- Just for one day, I wish everyone could look exactly the same. I bet the world would not be as bright that day.
- I believe that much of the tension in the United States is imaginary racism. I am not applying this to every situation, but I think a lot of it could be cured if everyone opened up their minds a little bit.
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September 6, 2009 at 9:23 pm (Thoughts)
Tags: behavior, bike ride, concert, cranky, ditched, gi joe, halloween 2, happiness, happy, lush, modest mouse, movies, painting, reading, sleepless, Thoughts, twilight, warrior, witch
Things have come to a slow down recently (as expected). Here is what I have been up to…
Nate took me to a the Modest Mouse concert in Anaheim last Saturday (29th). The concert was spectacular. I have only ever heard Dashboard and Float, but everything else was amazing. Their music has great rhythm, and is easy to dance to. I certainly danced, and had plenty of room to do so.
Worked two nights in a row into the wee hours in the morning. Made me cranky for a day or so, because what little sleep I did get was restless. I don’t do well sleeping during the day, even with a sleep mask. I’m pretty sure corporate America hates their employees.
Ended up seeing two movies on Thursday. Took D to see GI Joe (I had already seen it). I thought I was going to fall asleep during that one. Then Nate and I went to see Halloween 2. This is when I was a little cranky (and thank you so much Nate for putting up with my fatigue and pissy attitude). I really shouldn’t do anything the day after I have to work until 4 am. I told Nate that I wasn’t going to see movies with him anymore, but I lied. I lie when I’m sleepy. I also talk in my sleep (when I’m in lucid sleep), lol.
Got ditched on Friday, and discovered Lush. My boss at work always wears their Karma solid perfume, and it’s to die for. Had to get some when I went to Glendale. The sales associate (totally gay, and super sweet) talked me into the moisturizing/exfoliating bar soap. Also stopped at the Sweet Factory (yeah, my sweet tooth is severe). I also decided that I’m not quite ready to give up painting. I went to Pasadena to get some canvas boards. I’m not sure what I am going to paint yet.
Started reading Warrior by Marie Brennan. It’s about witches. I think I’m going to have to get the sequel, because I’m enjoying the plot so far. My mom also sent me the 3rd in the Twilight series (Eclipse). Those are easy reads, but I have enjoyed the books (not so much with the movie).
I’ve been getting more rides in, thank goodness. Riding my bike three times a week was not making me happy. It has been hot outside, but the sweat is worth it. I need to remember to stretch before my ride. With my extra time, I’m hoping to start up doing Pilate’s again.
And poor little lobsters.
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