Letters

Hand-decorated mini jar to hold my chalk collection :)

Dear Weather: I am 100% for no jackets, no tights, no scarves, and no boots. Bring it on! Dear Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble" Goat Edition: Funniest thing you will ever watch, ever. No seriously, go watch it here. Harlem Shakes begone! Dear College Tuition/Fees: Why? Why? Why? Beginning to think we should go back to the trading & bartering system. Dear IV Medication Administration: Please go smoothly during clinical and don't give anyone speed shock or mix incompatible drugs. Dear Lifeguard Training: I really don't want to swim 400m in 10 minutes {I know, I know, that is not difficult}. Why am I still training? Isn't 8 years enough proof that I know my stuff??? Dear Saturday Night Banquet: So pumped to dress up and do my hair and makeup! Gonna be a good time. Dear Reading: I haven't touched a fiction book since Christmas. Feel free to make a re-entry into my life at anytime! Dear Blog Commenters: I kinda sorta really like your input. Thanks!

Happy Friday!

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Current State of Mind

loving // So many things! Clinical. Friendships. Hockey. Yoga. Work {yes, I said it}. This past month {so this past year} has been off to good start, and if every month is as good, then I think I'm set for a great year!

watching // Well, now that Once Upon A Time is on hiatus, I've had to find other TV to occupy my time {although there hasn't been much free time to do that}. It's no secret that I've been keeping up with the Vancouver Canucks {boo to the shoot-out loss last night}. I saw Hansel and Gretel in theatres this past weekend. And to everyone who is just catching up with Downton Abbey {I watched it online when it came out in the UK}, how do you feel now after the "Sybil" episode!?!?!?

wishing // That eating healthy and exercising wasn't so hard to coordinate. I realized that I need a routine in order to get my health in order, but the difficult part is my life is so void of routine due to the school schedule {I know, excuses, excuses}. 

eating // On that note, I went grocery shopping for chicken and penne over the weekend, and now am anxious to try out a good cheese sauce. Yet another area of my life I wish had more forethought {oh the ever looming meal planning}.

reading // My first choice for my 100 Books reading challenge was the Harry Potter series. I'm excited to read all seven books again! Another series I'll be rereading before November will be The Hunger Games. There are some books that deserve to be read over and over and over.

looking forward to // Reading week. I get to go on a mini-vacation, and just spend time not studying or getting up early. Plus after reading week, I will only have a total of 7 weeks left of third year! Booyah!

kudos to much love, illy for the idea

Happy Tuesday!

P.S. I can't wait for everyone to see what is happening here on the blog on Thursday! Make sure to clear your schedule cause it's exciting stuff!

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I Have A Crush On . . .

Okay, so this is how it works in my life {for the lesser important things that is}. I get really into some fad or phase for awhile, and I can't just keep it to myself. So here are my latest crushes ♥

• Hockey - How can you not cheer when it's been such a long process to get the season started? 48 games? Anything can happen! Of course, I'm a Vancouver Canucks fan through and through! Go Schneider!

• Jennifer Lawrence - Come on, who doesn't like this girl? She is one of the funniest and down-to-earth celebrities out there, and I feel as if she has appeal to everyone. 

• Yoga - Every since I found out I can take a Yoga class for a 3 credit elective, I've been sold. Not only do I relax and de-stress, but it's a workout. Yes please! {And yes, I look like this all the time . . . }

• Captain Hook - I have not come across one gal who doesn't like the resident bad boy on Once Upon A Time. You know what they're calling his fans on Twitter??? #hookers . . . I promise, I didn't come up with that one.

• Reading - I wrote about my 100 Books To Read Challenge on Wednesday, but can I just say that there is nothing so wonderful as escaping into the world of fiction and knowledge? I often remind Brother that my choice superpower would be to remember everything I read. 

What do you have a crush on these days???

Happy Friday!

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One Hundred Books

In my life, I'm all about the "challenges". I've done wardrobe challenges, photography challenges, eating challenges, and now I'm doing a reading challenge. BBC's 100 Books To Read Before You Die. I've already read 17 of the books on the list, but I made the decision to only count those reads if it's been within the last year {grand total of 1}.

On a related note, some recent reads have been the following:

• Julie and Julia by Julie Powell - One of the few instances where I prefer the movie over the book. Crazy, I know.
• The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury - I'm a sucker for Ms. Kingsbury, and this was a sweet and easy Christmas read.
• Life of Pi by Yann Martel - So interesting and so cultured.
• The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks - Lovely story about Noah & Allie's daughter.
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - I was preparing myself for the film. Excellent read!
• Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks - Another preparation for the film. This is one of my favourite Nicholas Sparks now {The Lucky One is at the top}.

Wish me luck, and I'll keep you posted!

Happy Wednesday!

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Seven Questions Book Review: "The Casual Vacancy"

This book was a surprise and not in a good way. I remember a few months ago when the announcement was released that J. K. Rowling was writing another book, this time geared towards adults. However, my excitement couldn't have been more misplaced. Here are some thoughts.

If you could have dinner with one character from the book who would it be?
Krystal Weedon, hands down. Her character, although with many faults, was the only one I was drawn to. Particularly because she was such a mess and just in need of someone to love her and believe in her.

If you could say something to a character in the book what would it be?
I would say something to everyone, because they all needed someone to tell it like it is. However, I was really frustrated with Dr. Parminder and her treatment of her daughter. So I'd probably start with her.

How would you rewrite the ending?
I would rewrite it so that all the villagers would see their faults and begin to take the necessary steps to fix and improve themselves. The book just kind of . . . ended.

Favourite part?
The beginning . . . because I didn't know what I was getting into.

Worst part?
Everything after the beginning. Now, I know I could have just stopped reading, but I honestly thought that it had to get better at some point.

What is something new you learned from the book?
Never judge an author due to their previous work????

How you rate/recommend this book?
I would rate it a 1/5. I know that sounds harsh, but if you noticed any redeeming qualities that I missed, I would be glad to hear about them.

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Little Letters

Fort McMurray is the prettiest in the fall. I'm in love with the changing trees.

I was going to link up with Emily from The Freckled Fox for her "Little Letters", but I don't think she's having that linky party today. Either way, kudos to her for the idea!

UPDATE: Linky party was on Thursday. Whups, my bad!

Dear September: Where did you go? First semester is almost halfway over...
Dear Once Upon A Time: You were everything I hoped and nothing like I expected. Best episode yet!
Dear J. K. Rowling Book: You are a grave disappointment. Expect a full blogpost book review soon.
Dear Final Exam: You are NEXT WEEK!?!?! Um, what!?!?! Surrender flag being raised now.
Dear Sister: Happy travels as you're off to the Amazon. Love you.
Dear New Taylor Swift Songs Begin Again and Red: Love, love, love. I am so excited for October 22nd!
Dear Halloween: I am getting excited for costumes and the party I'm hosting :) Gotta love dressing up.
Dear Music Covers: Occasionally Sometimes Most of the time, I like you better than original music. Whups.
Dear Thanksgiving: I hope you are filled in an incessant amount of turkey, pumpkin pie, football, friends, and laughter {oh, and of course, studying}.


Happy Wednesday!

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Friday's Letters

Linking up early with Ashley from Adventures of Newlyweds for her weekly "Friday's Letter's".

Dear Third Year: You are everything and nothing like I planned. I'm so nervous and excited all in one bundle. Help? Dear Once Upon A Time: NINE DAYS! Dear Brother: Random pizza and Booster Juice dates are the best. Let's never stop doing that, okay? Dear Burn-Victim-Simulation-Lab: I will never be as unprepared for anything else in life as I was for you. Let's all agree to forget that disheartening moment in my training. Dear Dan Bremnes Concert: There are no words. The Lord truly works through your music and the message that goes with it. Dear Fall: I love your yellow, falling leaves. Dear Whose Line Is It Anyways: Why ever did you stop? YouTube reruns will have to suffice. Dear Fiction: I miss reading you. Come back into my life. Dear Kate: Phone calls with you are the best. I miss you. Dear Meal Planning: Still searching for you.

Happy Weekend! ♥

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Can You Get Any Weirder?

So once our Girls Group starts up again, we will be doing the series Weird by Craig Groeschel. Our young adults group did it last year, so I've heard good things about it! I'm really excited too, because I get the opportunity to take the lead in this study, something I've not yet done in the group {and that was a run-on sentence . . . }.

To prepare, I've started reading the book ahead of time, and my goodness, there is some good stuff in there.
Check it out.

• "You have enough time to do everything God wants you to do {p. 26}."
• "Too many good {or acceptable} things quickly overwhelm the most important things in life {p. 31}.
• "You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment {p. 37}." - Henry David Thoreau

I'll keep you updated on this study, and let's get weird {is that weird to say?}.

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Seven Questions Book Review: "Blue Like Jazz"

This was an intensely good book that really challenged my views of life and love. It is somewhat of an amusing story of how I got this book too. I won it through a local radio station by remembering the year that Niagara Falls froze over. However, texting it to my radio host friend wasn't good enough. No, he actually made me phone in. At 7:30 in the morning. Yep. 

Anyways, long story short, I got this book out of it, and here are some thoughts.

If you could have dinner with one character from the book who would it be?
Well, this is somewhat of a trick question considering the book is entirely about Don, written by Don, and tells the story of Don, so I guess . . . Don??? Or Penny.

If you could say something to a character in the book what would it be?
In Chapter 15 Community: Living with Freaks, I would have liked to have had a conversation about how valuable friendships and community are with Don, but he kinda figured that out anyways.

How would you rewrite the ending?
Since this wasn't fictional, I wouldn't. However, it would be interesting to see where his life has lead him since then. I would like to read some of his other books.

Favourite part?
Page 226, " . . . heaven can be other people too, and . . . we have the power to bring a little of heaven into the lives of others every day."

Worst part?
I don't think there was a worst part.

What is something new you learned from the book?
Too much to sum up in a blog post. I learned that we love so conditionally in this world, and Jesus is all about un-conditional love. I learned about money and time management and priorities. I learned about sharing/living my faith.

How you rate/recommend this book?
Yes, I would rate it 5/5, or maybe 4.9/5 because I feel like no one ever rates perfectly . . . . Anyways, just go read it.

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No. 342 - Seven Questions Book Review: "Divergent & Insurgent"

So I started reading this series because I was told that if you liked The Hunger Games then you would enjoy this series. Okay, I get where they were coming from, but these were nowhere near The Hunger Games level. 

Here are my thoughts.

If you could have dinner with one character from the book who would it be?
Probably Four/Tobias. Not sure why, he just seems like an interesting character to talk to.

If you could say something to a character in the book what would it be?
I would tell Tris that she needs to get outside of her head. She keeps making bad, emotional decisions due to her own . . . reasoning.

How would you rewrite the ending?
Well, technically, it hasn't officially ended yet, but I would rewrite all the randomness in the second book. The first one was so put together and everything fell apart in the second.

Favourite part?
All of the stuff in the Dauntless faction at the beginning of Divergent. I found the whole idea of fear simulations so interesting and intriguing.

Worst part?
When Tris keeps lying to Four/Tobias. Why?

What is something new you learned from the book?
Erm . . . that our fears can really hold us back from who we are meant to be, I guess, in a roundabout way.

How you rate/recommend this book?
I would recommend it as a teeny-bopish book, 2.5/5. However, I'm gonna finish reading the series because I want to know what happens.

Grab a button to use these questions for a book you're reading!

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No. 336 - Seven Questions Book Review: "The Lucky One"

I really loved this book. Here are my seven answers.

If you could have dinner with one character from the book who would it be?
Definitely Ben! This kid was so interesting to read about, and I feel like the conversation would be entertaining and enlightening. Bring on the chess.

If you could say something to a character in the book what would it be?
I would tell Beth that she is an excellent mother for believing and encouraging Ben and working as hard as she did after he was born. I would say to trust her instincts, because they are good.

How would you rewrite the ending?
To be honest, I'm not going to talk about the ending because it was quite emotional, but I wouldn't change it.

Favourite part?
All of my favourite parts were the long conversations between Logan and Beth. Both of them just needed to talk but for different reasons.

Worst part?
When Keith Clayton brought Beth that picture. Scared me.

What is something new you learned from the book?
I learned a lot about conversation from this book. I learned that it's okay to be silent and just let the other person talk, but it's ok to share your story too.

How you rate/recommend this book?
I would recommend it as an easy romantic, summer read, 3.5/5. Gonna watch the movie next, and {Spoiler Alert} the trailer doesn't give away the biggest parts.

Grab a button to use these questions for a book you're reading!

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No. 330 - Seven Questions Book Review: "The Help"

So I just finished reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett, but instead of telling you about it, I am going to answer seven questions {originated by yours truly} about the book. Hopefully, this will be fun and enlightening.

If you could have dinner with one character from the book who would it be?
Although I would love to have dinner with all three of the main characters {Skeeter, Aibileen, & Minny), I think I would choose Aibileen. There was something about her character that drew you in and made you feel safe.

If you could say something to a character in the book what would it be?
I would say what Minny couldn't to Celia Foote. I would tell her she's too good for the women who treat her like trash. She deserves so much better. Or I would talk to Elizabeth Leefolt about her mothering skills {or lack of}.

How would you rewrite the ending?
I would keep Stuart & Skeeter together. Even though it was more realistic to have them break up, I am a hopeless romantic and would have written him as more understanding.

Favourite part?
Everything between Aibileen & Mae Mobley. I loved their interactions.

Worst part?
When Hilly Holbrook tried to get Elizabeth Leefolt to set up Aibileen for stealing pieces from the silver utensils set. What a low move!

What is something new you learned from the book?
I know this book is fiction, but I am assuming some of the attitudes the white people had towards the black are true to history. It just really brought to light the treatment of some {most} of the people.

How you rate/recommend this book?
I would recommend it as a stirring, yet enjoyable book to read. Great writing. Great characters. 4.5/5. 

Grab a button to use these questions for a book you're reading!

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No. 258 - Embracing Life

Here are two things I did in the past week to embrace life:

{1} I did my first outdoor run. It was tough getting back outside, but I enjoyed it.

{2} Created a reading nook on our patio on Sunday afternoon and spent the whole afternoon reading.

Books On My Current Reading List

• Shall We Tell The President? by Jeffrey Archer
• The Bailey Flanigan Series (Leaving, Learning, Longing, & Loving) by Karen Kingsbury
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (How have I gotten to 22 without reading this book?)

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No. 222 - Anne of Green Gables

"Marilla, isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"

Anne Shirley

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No. 103 - Lose Yourself

Anyone who says they have only one life to live 

must not know how to read a book.

No. 78 - Bookworm Part 2

This is my first book on my book adventure. It's actually the 2nd in a series of five (I read the first on my Calgary trip a couple months ago). Pretty good stuff. Medieval-esque. Good times.

No. 77 - Bookworm

I need to begin reading more. I was looking at a list last night of "100 Books To Read", and there were so many classics that I have not cracked the cover on. Today, my resolution is to read more - no timeline, no order, no specifics. 

Just more reading.

No. 44 - Library

Expand your horizons.

No. 16 - HP

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that." 

- Albus Dumbledore-