So it Begins

Well, Thanksgiving is over. Christmas will be everywhere.

I always get so disappointed that the year is going by so fast, but then I get super excited for Christmas. This year is going to be a small Christmas for us, but that's okay. :)

For Thanksgiving we had our grandparents over. As well as our aunt and uncle. It was our uncle's first thanksgiving with us (my aunt married him in...Oct.). I hope that we

weren't too abrasive. When my grandpa, dad, and aunt get together, it is...a bit much. They all have a very outgoing and loud personality. I hope he had fun. 

OHMYGOSH!! We're going to Mockingjay Part 1 today. I've wanted to see this movie for a while. I'm so excited!

Editing my NaNoWriMo novel is going well. I've edited 3 and a half chapters. I'm hoping to have it all done by January. The quality isn't horrible, but it's not my best. And that's okay. The polishing and making readable will come with the editing. That's what I have to tell myself frequently. :)

I'm pretty proud of myself. Last night, I decided to only have small portions, and I stuck to it. SO that's good. I didn't feel like I was going to burst.

It's snowing!!! Granted, it's like a rain/snow, but still! I hope that we can have a lot of snow this year. That would be a lot of fun to be able to go sledding and...sledding. As well as the...wait, it's back to rain. Well, it was exciting for the moments that we had it. :P

Anyway, I should go get ready to leave for the movie (squee!).

Toodlepip

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Well, I think I might finish NaNoWriMo today. I hope so. Even if I am writing random stuff.

The funniest thing happened on Mon.. It was in speech and debate class, Our instructor was doing something with the projector, so she had it hooked up to her phone. Her phone was password-ed, and she didn't know that as soon as she typed in the password, everyone saw it because it was hooked up to the projector. And guess what? The password was 7443. Otherwise known as Sher. Her password was Sherlocked! It was so great. I had no idea that she was a Sherlockian. Apparently she loves the show, and watches reruns whenever they're on.

I have recently become obsessed with Taylor Davis and ThePianoGuys. They're both on YouTube, and they're both really awesome.

Gah! I love this song so much. I've been listening to these guys all week.

 So great.

Anyway, NaNoWriMo is calling my name. I am determined to finish today.

Toodlepip

Holiday Reminiscing

Writing is going great, but I do think that I will barely make 50,000. I'm having a lot of fun with it all. The late nights all alone in the dark with lemon ginger tea, a huge sweater wrapping me in it's fuzzy warmth.
I wish that I could just stay in those moments forever. In the dusky darkness, the whole house a wonderful, peaceful silence. Gah, I love writing so much.

We ( my family and I) were in the kitchen talking about some random things. We had somehow gotten on the subject of...souls. I don't know how. And my dad said, "Your soul was sucked away." And the only thing I could think of was dementors. Call me weird, nerd, or geek. I don't care, but I am irreversibly and 100 percent full fledged weirdo!

                                                                            Yes. All those who are weird, are awesome...

With the holidays coming up, I'm kind of getting into the festive spirit. Thanksgiving is just this Thurs. Oh my stars, I just realized that that's only a couple days away. I can't believe it. Time has been going by so fast. It feels like just yesterday it was Christmas. We were all laughing through breakfast, exchanging gifts and guessing what they are before opening them. The lights and piddly plastic tree sagging. It's always perfect. I love those times. 

And Thanksgiving with it's gravy covered turkeys, mashed potatoes, and the warmth of a small fire in the hearth. My grandparents and immediate family surrounding me, all telling stories of embarrassing moments and funny happenings. It's so great. :)

Anyway, all the lights and talk of holiday sales has really made me think of how close the holidays really are. 

Toodlepip

Tommy

Ok, what I'm about to say may seem completely insane to some, but it was devastating.
Warning: Spoilers from Arrow Season One.
My mom named the turkey we got for my grandpa's birthday Tommy. She named it Tommy!!!  We're going to be eating Tommy. It wasn't right, so insisted she name the turkey something else. I suggested Bob, but then remembered everybody's favorite custodian from HoO and decided on Larry instead. Well, Larry was the name of her grandfather. She was named after him. Laurie, Larry.
I gave up and sat to name him Trian. No emotional connection to Trian the Turkey. Just like it should be. :)

That was an odd moment, but I felt that I should share with all of you fellow Arrow fans. Especially those that name their computers after beloved fallen characters. :) Hello there.

Anywho, that was all I wanted to say.
Toodlepip

The Princess Analysis Program

I don't really have a lot to write. These past couple of days have been pretty normal. I think the most exciting thing that happened yesterday was that Momma went on a cleaning spree. So she cleaned out three shelves and reorganized a lot of stuff.
When I look back to my previous posts, they are somewhat funny and not boring! But then I look at my recent posts, and guess what? They're boring.

It's funny, I don't believe in superstitions, but I still find myself wishing on fallen eyelashes and 11:11.  I know that the wishes won't come true just because I wished it, but I still do it.
That's why Tiana from The Princess and the Frog is one of my favorite princess'. She knew that wishing on a star wouldn't get her where she wanted, she had to earn it. I also like Mulan, Merida, Kida, and Belle. They all were strong. I know that I am talking about the happy, Disney princess' here, but hear me out. Tiana worked three jobs to get to her dream of owning her own restaurant. She never gave up. Tiana didn't take any flak from Naveen, and she made him work.
Mulan was extremely selfless and gave herself up for her father. She trained extremely hard and didn't back down even when the odds seemed impossible.
Merida marched to the beat of her own drum and didn't give up her values and morals for what the laws said. And in the end, she reshaped a kingdom for the better.
Kida can fight. She had such a strong personality. She was stubborn, spunky, but willing to explore new cultures and people, but I mainly like her because she can fight really well. :)

Wow, I didn't think I could write that much on Disney Princess', but I did. I could actually write more! But I won't.

Lately I've really been getting into the fall mood by drinking tea, wearing my huge robe thing all day, and dramatically looking out the window to watch the leaves fall from the trees. I dramatically look out a window a lot.
I'm getting really hungry...I should make a sandwich...mmm. A sandwich sounds good.
Toodlepip

P.S. When did Toodlepip become my thing? I don't know, but I find myself saying in real life, too.

The Flash

Ok, I started watching The Flash...
I really like it so far. I'm on the fourth episode. I'm glad I decided to start watching it.
It brings in a couple different elements than Arrow, and it's cool to see those two cross over sometimes.

I am doing pretty good on my NaNoWriMo novel. I think I worked things out so I could keep the plot going for a while. I decided to throw in some government secrets to the mix. I'm also thinking of rearranging a couple scenes to allow more development. I'm happy about that.

It's been so cold these past mornings. There is literally chunks of ice in my driveway that we found in the side yard. But Bethany and I have to go running in that. Brr, at least  I don't mind the cold too much. Bethany on the other hand....

For my birthday I got a book I've been wanting for a while, but guess what, I have no room on my bookshelf.  It ha dto end up on the top of my shelf for now. Hopefully I get a bigger bookshelf soon.

Yes! I hit 34,000. My goal is to hit 35,000 today. I can do this. :) Hopefully.

Anyway, I better get back to writing.
Toodlepip

Tacos...

Update on NaNoWriMo: I am doing well. 30,000 words. Moral: Medium

I am stuck, to put it plainly. I thought I'd be able to drag some of these events out to get me that high word count, but my story line and plot is slowly dying....
On a happier note, what I have written isn't too horrible.

Also, I was able to get a writing book. So far it's been super helpful and informative on voice, getting the ideas flowing when you're stuck, and all sorts of other great stuff.

Ooo, we're having tacos for lunch. Tacos are great. When I was younger, I never really understood what was so great about them, but recently, we've been having them more, and may I just say...

 

Thank you tacos for making the world a better place, one crunchy shell at a time.

Last night was a magical night. We had a risotto (that I made) which was delicious with steamed broccoli and roasted chicken. Wonderful. Then we had banana ice cream for dessert. Ok, it's not really ice cream, but super close to it. We take frozen bananas and stick them in this food processor thingie...

 

Ignore the carrots. We do not put carrots in our banana ice cream. Anyway, we put the frozen bananas in, and they come out a cold, creamy, delicious, ice cream like substance. And sometimes, if the stars are in alignment, we'll crumble brownies on it. Mmm...

Anyway. This post was very food focused, wasn't it?

Toodlepip

Tempis Fugit

Wow, it's Day 12 of War of the Words aka NaNoWriMo. And I'm doing pretty good (I think) in moral and word count. I won't be able to write a whole lot today (I don't think). I hope I can figure out a way to get my documents working. They kinda went haywire and stopped opening for the time being. Here's hoping that they start working again soon.

It's a lovely day today, wonderfully frigid and fall-ish. Bethany and I went for a run this morning (we've started to do it every other morning). It felt good in the cold.
We're having salmon chowder for dinner with sourdough rolls. Mmm, the perfect fall dinner.
I think that soup is my favorite fall meal, whether it be bean soup, tomato soup, or...anything soup. As long as it's hot and delicious, I will choose it over any other meal.

Tempis Fugit. Time flies. How true that is. I look back on events earlier this year, and I remember every detail. It doesn't seem like those things happened that long ago, but in fact it was months ago. And NaNoWriMo is 3 days from being halfway over. My brother will be eighteen in Dec., and my sister will be 16 next year. That's scary.

I'm on Chapter Two of Mango Languages: Scottish Gaelic.
I'm really glad that I decided to try it out. The words and pronunciations are so fun. Like, latha blah.
It's pronounced La Bla. And it means, a warm morning. Funny right?

My dad's grandmother (my great-grandmother) has a lot of odds and ends in her house. She shipped some of the little doodads she didn't want anymore to us. Some of them were bizarre, like a ceramic rooster in a chef's hat, a ceramic owl, and a couple other odd things, but there was something I thought was cool. A music box. It plays a pretty little classic melody, and has a red cardinal perched on the top of the small box.

My sister started a YouTube channel. It's about beauty and makeup and all that stuff that Bethany is into, but even though it might not be what you normally like, or maybe it is, check it out! Here's the link. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKDDasBQiZMojILwJtNL41w
She uploads once a week, and I am determined to make her a YouTube sensation. :) Join me in my quest to make Bethany Yackel a name that all in the makeup industry recognize.
Thank you.

Anyway, NaNoWriMo is calling my name.
Toodlepip

The Wife Song

Today feels like it's going to be a great day. It's only 10:00 and I'm already done with all my Have To Do list. Like math, chores, and other shtuff.
The sun is shining, it's a great day.

Okay, I am kind of obsessed with this new song. well, you can't really call it a song. It's more like 1:59 minutes of catchy, but kind of annoying-if-you-listen-to-it-too-much music. It's called Spring in my Step by Silent Partner. No lyrics. Just a happy, uppity beat riff kinda thing.

                                                     **************
                                                    An hour and a lost lung later....
I just got back from a run with my sister.
That's what the lost lung thing is up there. Man alive! I am breathing so hard right now.

I feel ya Olaf. I feel ya.

I have been listening to a lot of Tim Hawkins lately. He has the funniest songs. He'll make parodys and these songs and stuff. But my favorite song out of all is the Wife song.

                                                                            

Another thing that is really sad, is that I'm all caught up with Arrow, and I now have to wait a week in between episodes! How horrid is that?                                                                                                  Well, as short as this is. NaNoWriMo is calling my name. I must answer.

Toodlepip

On Top of the World

Every year I am determined to be on top of Christmas shopping. So I start in July, watching and listening for wants, needs, and wishes, but as soon as a week goes by, I forget.
Then as December rolls around, I panic and scramble for gifts and ideas, but this year, this year is the first time I have ever been punctual and maybe even a bit ahead in getting the gifts. Go me! :)

Yesterday was my Dad's birthday. To celebrate we went on a mini-hike to the Ice Caves. I have only felt on top of the world two times. The first time was at a beach in The Olympic National Park.  It was late, the sun was setting, casting a glow over the entire sky. We found a huge rock that had an abundance of sea anemone covering it, all in a florescent blue. We went to the edge of the rock that was over swirling and stormy grey water. The wind was unbelievable, you could let yourself fall back and the wind would hold you up. Then at the Ice Caves it was freezing but amazingly gorgeous. Parts of the ice were bright blue and as cold as...well, ice. We climbed up the mountain a tiny bit. Well, it was more of climbing the hill that puts you right beside the mountain, but it felt like I was on top of the world, a cold feeling surging through my lungs, the wind dancing through my hair. It was awesome.

Lately I've been drinking a lot of tea. Among these teas is a delicious kind called vanilla chai. It is magical. I am convinced that it is made from a unicorn's tears. Another tea that I found is a peach tea. It smells amazing, but doesn't taste as good. When I first tried it, I added some ginger. It was good enough, but the second time I made it, I didn't add anything, and it tasted like toothpaste - a really bad peach toothpaste. That wasn't fun to drink.

Anyway, my life is going good. Uh, I need to go write.
Toodlepip

P.S. I am so excited to start editing. I've never really edited a book before.

Battle Entry #2

Battle Journal Entry #2
Day 6
War of the Words
I am pressing on. I do not think that without my trusty comrades Sargent Tea and Admiral iPod I would have made it. I am ahead of schedule. The war is going very well. Moral is high.
The weather has been perfect, ideal conditions. My equipment is outdated and slow. I must search for better artillery. I believe that I can win this war. Wish me luck.


Random: I started a new blog. It's for all my stories and stuff. It's private so don't try finding it. I got really inspired by another friends blog. It was a really good idea. That's why my post today is going to be super short. I have a lot of other stuff to do today, and it's my Dad's birthday. We're making a special dinner for him, corned beef (never eaten it before), roasted vegetables, and for dessert, pie and ice cream. Then we're going to watch The Breakfast Club. It's one of his favorite movies.

Anyway, I really better go write some more.
Toodlepip

Battle Journal Entry #1

NaNoWriMo Battle Journal
Day 4
War of the Words
It's been four days. It feels like a lifetime. It has been hours since I stepped outside. I believe if I went out there now the sun would burn me. The war has been going strong. I am winning, but not by much. My two rivals are slowly gaining on me; I must keep going. The day is coming to an end, and I must rest. I do not wish to over exert myself. I must win.

Okay, I'm going to start a segment of my posts for the month of November called "NaNoWriMo Battle Journal.___<---Date would go there. War of the Words. Hopefully it will not crash and fail and burn.
Update: I'm at 12,784 words. This is my first year and I am super excited. :)

We got a lot of books from the library yesterday, and I have to resist the urge to read them too much.  I cannot neglect my writing.

After NaNoWriMo I will be editing the novel. Then editing my OTHER novel that I finished before NaNoWriMo. That's a lot of editing.

I made a rice pilaf for dinner along with tilapia. And it's ready to eat right now.
Toodlepip

Tea and NO ROOM!!!

NaNoWriMo has started and I am so excited, if I keep up my pace I'll be done in ten days. I doubt that I'll keep up the pace, but it's still pretty cool.
I am over 7,000 words right now an it's only day two! I'm having so much fun writing!
We got some new teas, and I've been drinking them non-stop. My favorites so far are the Vanilla Chai, Peach Ginger, and Earl Grey. I like really strong tea, so I normally put in two teabags. If I don't it just tastes like flavored water. Blech.

I love fall. It's my favorite season.

I have officially filled up my bookshelf. There is no more room for ANYTHING. I have the entire Harry Potter series now. I have the entire Sisters Grimm series now. I have the entire Fablehaven series, as well as the entire Percy Jackson saga. Sequel series included. The entire Series of Unfortunate Events. I have loads of other books as well. Man, I never thought I'd start a book collection, but I guess I have! :)

Anyway, I better keep writing. I can't fall behind.
Toodlepip