Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Let's Talk Twilight

Who has seen Breaking Dawn (Part 1) in the last couple of weeks? I have to admit, I have. I didn't go at midnight. I actually waited about a week I think before I went. And don't get me wrong, it's not because I wasn't excited. Because I was. But I think I have a right to be excited. I read Twilight when I was fifteen and it was the only book in the series. At that age, I thought Edward was wonderful. Now I'm a little older, I have the ability to acknowledge that maybe the Twilight books aren't as amazing as I thought and I am able to make fun of them while still liking them. I also don't usually admit I like them, just because I fear of being put into that "Oh, she likes Twilight" (in a snide voice) category. But I do like Twilight; I'm still a little attached to that teenage part of me that loved those books. And I still sort of fan-girl about Twilight stuff. Forgive me.
On to Breaking Dawn the Movie.
Um, am I the only one who thought Bella was the nastiest pregnant mom ever?! I thought pregnancy was supposed to give you that special glow. I know that she was pregnant with a monster baby instead of a normal one, but still. She looked gosh-freaking-awful. I was embarrassed for her.
Can I just say I am so glad that during the wolf scene (yes, that one) at least their mouths didn't move? Cause that would have taken the lameness up like a million levels. I wanted to *facepalm* at this part in the movie, but I admit they did a pretty OK job with a scene that was probably difficult to make.
I do want to point out how gorgeous the wedding was. It was lovely and Bella's dress was insane. The beginning of the movie was well done, I think, and really did the book justice. But Kristen Stewart, did you really have to look like they were torturing you the entire time??
I also remember how much I love Alice every time I watch these movies. She's my fave, hands down. I love her stubbornness, her lively spirit, and the fact that she's just freaking adorable and at the same time could rip someone to shreds.
Also, Jessica's comments at the wedding were freaking hilarious. In the book, she's horrid and I just want to tear her face off, but in the movies, she's pretty darn funny.
Overall, I think they did a great job keeping true to the book. Almost everything I didn't like about the movie is the same as what I didn't like about the book, so I blame Stephenie Meyer and not the movies. I enjoyed most of the movie, minus the part where Bella drinks blood from a random styrofoam cup. Ew.
I am looking forward to Part 2. I liked the last half of the book better, where Bella isn't a pregnant zombie, and where most of the action (what little action there is) happens. I am excited to see all the new characters that get introduced when the vampires from around the world gather at the Cullens. The new characters are my favorite part of the book. I hope Part 2 is what I imagine it will be!
Twi-fanningly Yours,
Cait

P.S. The trailer for The Hunger Games was my favorite part of this whole experience. So excited for that movie!!!

November's End

I am so excited that December is almost here. Aside from the crappy weather, I love the Thanksgiving-to-Christmas holiday season. Definitely awesome.
First of all, (I can't help but slip this in) this is my first post from my new MacBook Air!!! Please note the extra exclamation points that show how excited I am about this fact. My lovely, lovely MacBook is now two days old. On Monday night Brad completely surprised me by telling me he was buying me a new computer, after watching me struggle with my old HP the other night trying to do a programming assignment. Needless to say, I freaked out and could not stop smiling at the Apple Store (at which point Brad would just look at me and laugh like, "Oh wow... She's nuts."). Alright, I will shut up about my new computer now. It's just so awesome. Shutting up now.
Thanksgiving was really a wonderful holiday. We went up to Wyoming with Brad's parents to spend the weekend with his grandparents. It was the smallest Thanksgiving of my life (we all fit around one table!), but the peace and calm was amazing for my more-than-slightly stressed out self. We ate tons of yummy food, played I think five games of Monopoly (no, of course I didn't win), and I got some good reading done for school. I want to keep it simple, but just want to say that I am so thankful for all my family and friends and loved ones, for my wonderful husband, for everything that we are so blessed to have, and for a great holiday that I spend completely disconnected from the internet and stress of everyday life. It was extremely cathartic.
Also, sadly, there will be no Books: November Edition Part Two. This month I had to read two novels for my mythology class along with all the normal reading, so I didn't really have time this last part of November to really get into a new novel. I have started a book for December, and will probably have more than two for that month seeing as how I get a nice two-or-three (not quite sure..) week break after the semester ends.
I am so thrilled that it's almost Christmas! Hopefully I will have lots of holiday posts coming along. :)
Thankfully Yours,
Cait

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Hey Y'all

It's Tuesday... which means there are still four more days til the weekend. Does anyone else feel like they are living for the weekend? I feel like that a lot.. Ha ha. So to brighten my mood and hopefully yours if you are reading this, here is some funny/awesome/random stuff I found on Pinterest. :) Enjoy!Love Alan Rickman... Love that he said this.

I totally hate those commercials. So true!

Ha ha! I got a pocket got a pocket full of sunshine! I got a love and I know that it's all mine WHOA! Whaohhh!

Star Wars Nesting Dolls... Lol I'm a geek.

I can't stand stupid people... Sorry.

So sweet. :)

Yeah, I need this warning sign pinned to my head..

This is just cool.

Cheerfully Yours,
Cait
P.S. I still can't stop thinking about Crossed by Ally Condie. If you haven't read it yet, repent now and read it asap.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Books: November Edition (Part One)

Even though we are not even halfway through November, I just can't wait to write about the last couple of books I read! Somehow in the past week I managed to fly through two books. I am not quite sure how that happened with homework and everything, but I am not going to try too hard to figure that one out. Ha ha.The first book I read was Destined, #9 in the House of Night series by P.C. and Kristin Cast. Before I continue, I just have to say that these books are just for fun. If you are looking for deep, literary "genius" writing, these are not the books for you. But if you just want a good story, funny sarcasm, and unique characters, then this is a good one. These books are about Vampyres and have a lot of Cherokee myth woven through them as well, which is one thing I love about them. Zoe is our main girl, and she's kinda funny yet kinda annoying. She has had a billion (OK, like 4 or 5) boyfriends, but finally in this book she has whittled that number down to one (however, I'm not sure how long that will last either). Basically, Zoe and her circle of friends each have an affinity with a certain element (earth, air, water, fire, spirit). They must stop the evil priestess Neferet from bringing darkness into their House of Night. I can't say too much, since this is #9 after all (which, by the way, this series is way drawn out, but I keep reading them anyways!). Overall, I would probably give this book three out of five stars. It's a good, easy read and very entertaining.And finally, finally after waiting a freaking year for this book to come out, Crossed by Ally Condie went on sale. I cannot explain my excitement and I certainly couldn't contain it. Matched, the first book, is one of my all time favorites and I previously raved about it in a much earlier post. I reread Matched (loved it, again) and was again just in awe over how wonderful the author lets this story take shape. I adore her writing, the way her characters interact, and everything about how her words flow and stick in your brain. Crossed just gets even-freaking-better. This book is told in Cassia's point of view as well as Ky's. Can I just say how much I love reading Ky's point of view? He is one of the best male main characters I have ever read, ever. I really liked seeing his world through his point of view and being able to understand so many more things because of how he sees them.
In this book, Cassia is bound and determined to get to the Outer Provinces (Oh yeah, *spoiler* alert. Skip this paragraph if you haven't read the first book!) to find Ky, who was taken from his home in Oria Province. Cassia finds a way to escape, as does Ky, and they begin the journey to find one another. Cassia is also trying to find The Rising, an organized rebellion against The Society. In this book, we meet a lot of new characters and learn a lot more about The Society. Ally Condie works her magic again and brings poems and lyrics to life, weaving them through her story effortlessly. Her books are just plain music to read. I love this book, even though there were times that I got so angry I had to put it down, take a deep breath, and remember that it was a story. It feels that real. Last night, when I finished reading it, I wanted to cry because it ended and I have to wait again for the third one.
I would give this book five out of five stars. I seriously, absolutely, fully love this book. The love story is beautiful and the adventure kept my heart racing the entire time. People, please go read this book? Awesome. You can thank me later. :)
Your-Welcoming-ly Yours,
Cait

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Books: October Edition

Whew, October has been a busy month! I feel like it passed much faster than normal, just flying by! And I will admit, I didn't get a whole lot done. I seriously need to look into a time management class... or if I could just borrow Hermione's time turner? Yeah, that would be great.
So I only managed to make it through the first book of The Secret Circle, which technically is two books in one! I didn't get to the next book, or have time for The Vampire Diaries. I am pretty sad, let me tell you. But I will read them! Anyhow, here is my review for The Secret Circle: The Initiation and The Captive (Part 1).
First of all, I really like this book. It's awesome. It was written in the 90's, so I totally got all of the aged references and they made me smile. This book is about a girl named Cassie, who is forced to move to New Salem with her mother to take care of her aging grandmother. She starts school, noticing that a certain group called 'The Club' seems to rule the school. It turns out they are witches, and she tries to find her place in their circle. There is definitely some romance and drama with the hot guy Adam, which makes for a really interesting story.
Sadly, the main character, Cassie, is kind of a pushover and I found it difficult to relate to her. One minute, I thought she was finally going to stand up for herself, but she just failed all of my expectations! Most of the time I was extremely annoyed and wanted to slap some sense into her. I am hoping in the next book that she becomes a stronger character.
Overall, I would give this book four out of five stars. I think the plot is interesting (again, I'm hoping it goes more in depth in the next one) and the variety of characters keeps it from being blah. If you watch the show on the CW, just know that the book is certainly its own story and very unique. I would for sure recommend it!
Witchingly yours,
Cait