My Reading List for Spain!

Tomorrow, I leave for Barcelona!

Eep!

My bag is nearly packed and my passport is ready for a brand new stamp! But before I can munch on tapas and practice my extremely rusty Spanish, I must first survive my 8-hour flight to Switzerland and then a 5-hour layover in Geneva. Which is why I have armed myself with a slew of books to devour while I roam around the Geneva airport, where I shall avoid speaking to anyone because I don't know any French or German and I'm terrified I'll have to resort to pointing and grunting to order a sandwich.

(I figure most people will speak English but I was in Paris a few years ago and I politely asked a saleswoman if she spoke any English...and she scoffed at me! So now I'm all nervous.)

Anyway. Books! Here is my reading list for the long flights and train rides:

Grave Mercy
{by Robin LaFevers}

My friend Ellen Oh was kind enough to loan me her ARC and I couldn't resist diving into the novel last night. I mean, the book is about medieval female assassins! How could I resist? The first paragraph totally hooked me:

I bear a deep red stain that runs from my left shoulder down to my right hip, a trail left by the herbwitch's poison that my mother used to try to expel me from her womb. That I survived, according to the herbwitch, is no miracle but a sign I have been sired by the god of death himself.

Code Name Verity
{by Elizabeth Wein}

WWII. British spies. Shot down in Nazi-run France.

Um, yes, please?

Thanks to Sasha and Em, I snagged a copy of this ARC last week and I'm super excited to dig into it. I studied history in college and so any novel with a WWI or WWII backdrop tickles the nerdy historian in me.

A Clash of Kings
{by George R.R. Martin}

Justin and I are huge fans of the show Game of Thrones (new season starts in April!) and he urged me to read the books.

Right now I'm only a few chapters into A Clash of Kings, the second novel in the series, but I'm really enjoying it so far, especially the constant shift of POVs. My favorite POV? Sansa. Oh, Sansa. My heart hurts for her  and what she has lost.

*Death scowl at Joffrey*

Bitterblue
{by Kristin Cashore}

My preciousssssssss....

Haha.

But seriously. Don't touch my copy of Bitterblue! It's mine.

Ok, it's not really mine---I borrowed it from Jessica Sheehan *waves at Jess*---but I am bursting at the seams to read this novel! I have been waiting and waiting for it since I finished Fire three years ago, and I can't wait to get lost in Bitterblue's story.


Since I can be a speedy reader, I also have Under the Never Sky and Black Hole Sun loaded up on my Kindle. Just in case, you know? I can never have enough books! Much to Justin's chagrin....

But he can't complain. Miracle of miracles, I have packed very lightly for this trip, which is no small feat for an over-packer like me. Behold, the suitcase of wonder!

{Me Caroline! Me can pack!}

Yep, I have crammed a week's worth of clothes, three pairs of shoes (thank God for thin ballet flats!), toiletries, and three books into a little carry-on-size suitcase. And I have a tiny bit of space leftover if I want to buy something from Zara during my trip.

Who am I kidding? I'm totally buying something from Zara!

Hope you guys a have wonderfully fantastic weekend!

Ten Thoughts on the Hunger Games!

AHOY, SPOILERS AHEAD! 


YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

...

...

...

GO NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED! 

Okay, so deep breath.

I finally watched The Hunger Games movie on Saturday night! Yay! I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for this movie to come out, and so I walked into the theater like a nerdy schoolgirl who's meeting Luke Skywalker for the first time.

Does that simile even make sense?

Hmm, moving on.

So here are my thoughts! In numbered form!

1. I cried twice. 

The first time? I teared up when Katniss volunteered to take Prim's place during the Reaping. Gale scoops up Prim to take her to her mother but she screams out, "Nooooo!" Oh, the tears. The second time? After Rue died. Of course. How can you not cry when Rue died?!

2. Stanley Tucci = Amazing. Let's worship him. 

The expansion of Caesar Flickerman's character from book to movie was 100% brilliant. Caesar's dialogue was such a wonderful way to explain to the audience what was going on in the Games and---let's face it---Stanley Tucci was awesome in the role. That smile. That charm. That smarminess. It was such a smart casting decision.

3. Another actor to worship = Jennifer Lawrence. 

Three cheers for Jen Lawrence, eh? She totally brought her A-game to the role of Katniss Everdeen, fully embodying Katniss' resiliency, her strength, and her soft heart. One of my favorite scenes was during the lead-up to the Games when Katniss waits with Cinna before her entrance to the arena. You can just see the fear in Katniss' eyes and in the tremble of her hands. She doesn't have to say a word.

Is it okay for me to call her Jen? I hope so. :)

4. Team Gale.

I know, I know! I love Peeta too but I've always been a Team Gale girl at heart. It certainly helps that Liam Hemsworth is so darn attractive!

(How can the Hemsworth family produce such good-looking sons?! Are they descendants of Zoolander?!)

5. The Roman Empire Redux! 

In the book, the Capitol is painted as garish and almost carnival-like but the movie opted for a darker tone. I especially liked how the director wove in a few nods to the Roman Empire: the chariots, some of the Tributes' costumes, and the modernizing of the Coliseum for the stadium scene. (At least, I thought the stadium looked like a modernized version of the Coliseum....)

6. Nepotism helps.

Every time I saw Jack Quaid (AKA Marvel) appear on the screen, I only had one thought running in my mind: "Your mom is Meg Ryan! Your dad is Dennis Quaid! This is why you're in this movie!" Good ol' nepotism. 

7. Rue is black. Get over it. 

Arghhhhh, racist people! *Eye twitch*

8. I missed a few scenes from the book....

Like when District 11 sends Katniss the bread intended for Rue. *Cries*

And Madge. I like Madge. 

Or when Peeta's dad visits Katniss after the Reaping and gives her a bag of cookies.

9. But I loved the additions to the movie!

Like when District 11 rebels after Rue dies. Awesomeness! 

And all of the scenes with President Snow. *Shivers* 

Also, the behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Gamemakers at work. It gave the movie an uber creepy slickness that reminded me of reality shows that we watch everyday on our television sets. 

10. The movie gets better the second time around. 

I re-watched the film with my dad today and I enjoyed it even more. The first time around, I think my brain was far too analytical. Buttercup should be orange! I thought the tracker jackers would be bigger! Can I hire Stanley Tucci to be my best friend? But upon my second viewing, I could sit back and relax more, enjoying the movie as a movie instead of nitpicking all of the details.

And it was a great movie.
A really great movie.

It isn't fair that I have to wait a whole year for the next one!

*Cries*

*Sobs into Finnick's shoulder*

HOLD ME, FINNICK!

So what did y'all think of the movie? Thumbs up? Thumbs down? And no, you can't have Finnick. He is MINE!

Finally, Friday!

Ah, Friday! 

And even better, it's the Friday in which The Hunger Games opens! Aiee! Have you watched it? HOW WAS IT?! I'm not watching the movie until tomorrow so I must try to be patient....

...I'm awful at being patient.

Anyway, would you like to giggle at my misadventures at trying to be a fashion blogger? Ha! Look at the photos below, where I'm trying very hard to take pictures of my new blouse. Blurry! Bad angles! No makeup! 

Alas, my dreams of becoming a Super High Fashion photographer have been foiled.

(But I do love my new blouse. Anthro sale!)

In other news, I have been a Book Devourer as of late.

Why yes, I think books are mighty tasty! On the menu this weekend:

{The Space Between, American Born Chinese, All These Things I've Done}

My library has offered me such a feast as of late!

I'm especially excited---and a little nervous---to dig into the graphic novel American Born Chinese. I'm excited because it has gotten great buzz but I'm nervous because the book deals with a lot of racism and Asian stereotypes, which always makes me feel...frustrated. And sad. And self-conscious.

Still, I can't wait to dig in! This will be only the second graphic novel I've read (the first being The Watchmen), and I really do love the blending of narrative and art. 

So what are your plans for the weekend? Whatcha reading? Whatcha watching? How many naps do you plan on taking? Naps for all!

Wednesday Wants

Want #1

{Shoe Clips}

{Via Etsy}

Aren't these little plaid bow clips just the cutest? I'd love to buy a pair to dress up my ballet flats!

I wouldn't be surprised though if Justin is heaving a long sigh and rolling his eyes right now in Afghanistan. "Honey," he would say. "Why must you have bows on all of your shoes? It's not practical, my darling wife!"

To which I'd reply: PRACTICAL SCHMACTICAL!

And then I'd say: YES, BOWS ARE NECESSARY FOR ALL SHOES.

Want #2

{Polka Dot Pants}

{Via Anthropologie}

All right, I don't think I would look good in these pants AT ALL but I still sort of love them. 'Cause I'm a sucker for yellow! And polka dots! 

As for Justin's reaction, he'd probably say: "Oh, dear God." 

Ah, my sweet honest husband! 

Want #3

{Bubble Gum Necklace}

{Via Etsy}

This necklace is light and bubbly and perfect for spring, methinks! 

As for Justin, I've already bought this little beauty so I'll be sure to gauge his reaction in person when I see him in a couple weeks. :)

Want #4

{Book Lust}

This is what I want the most! The mostest! 

I seriously can't wait to read Kristin Cashore's latest novel, Bitterblue, which publishes in early May. I'm so goshdarn excited to dig into Bitterblue's story and I'm already in love with the book's prologue and first chapter. (Read those here.) 

May can't come soon enough! 

So what are you craving this fine Wednesday afternoon?

The Voice Inside My Head

After yesterday's sad-filled post, I thought I'd lighten things up around this ol' blog. Why don't we talk about something fun?

THE VOICE INSIDE MY HEAD! 

Okay, so let's backtrack a little.... You guys have seen the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, right? If you haven't here's the basic premise: 

Harrison Ford + Nazis + Blimp + Mission to find the Holy Grail

So, near the end of the movie, Harrison Ford finally meets an eight-hundred-year-old knight who has been tasked to protect the Holy Grail. The knight shows Harrison & Co. a cavern full of golden goblets and bowls, telling them that they must choose the right one. The true grail shall grant eternal life while the false grails shall bring...DEATH!

Anyway, this rich guy steps forward and chooses a jewel-encrusted cup, which he promptly drinks from to gain immortality. And this happens to him: 

Then the old, old, old knight pipes in: 

Yep! Awesome! Indiana Jones = One of my favorite movies. 

(Also, I think the real line is "He has chosen...poorly." But I'm taking liberties for the sake of this post.)

So...back to the topic at hand...

Sometimes, when I'm out and about, I seriously hear this old knight's voice in my head, chiding me. Really. 

Like, when I switch lanes to drive a little faster but then I proceed to crawl at a snail's pace. 

YOU HAVE CHOSEN...POORLY! 

Or when I buy a new brand of hummus but it's not as good as my old brand.

YOU HAVE CHOSEN...POORLY! 

Or when I decide to eat cake for dinner and a Cinnabon for dessert (and ice cream for second dessert).

YOU HAVE CHOSEN...POORLY! AND UNHEALTHILY! 

Haha. 

Yeah. 

I promise you I'm not crazy. 

I'm just...obsessed with Indiana Jones? 

And, hey, at least the voice in my head isn't saying Fuggetaboutit or STELLA! or May the odds be ever in your favor. 

Although would it be such a bad thing to hear Hunger Games lines in your head? 

:)

Missing Aimee

Today is the three-month anniversary of my sister-in-law's passing. 

I miss Aimee. 

I miss her friendship and her support. I miss her laugh, her high-wattage smile. 

I mourn that I won't see that smile again. I mourn over a friendship lost. I mourn that she won't be there to see her daughter grow up, and that she won't be a part of my own children's lives. 

I mourn her. I miss her. And I love her for having been the very best sister to my husband and the very best sister-in-law I could have asked for. 

Sometimes, I still feel angry and sad and frustrated about Aimee's death. Today though, I am grateful for Aimee's life. For her optimism. For her strength. For the example she set for me and for all those around her. 

She was the best person I knew, and I'm so very thankful that I got to be part of her too-short life. 

{Photos courtesy of Pat Rhoads}

Those Pesky New Year's Resolutions

I'm pretty bad at keeping my New Year's resolutions.

Go to the gym every day? Ehh, I'd rather sit here on the couch and...exercise my eyelids.

Eat healthier? Oh, look! A block of cheese! ALL FOR ME.

Keep in better touch with friends? *Distracted by shiny things* *Feels guilty*

Hmm.

But I really have been trying to keep my resolution for 2012, which is to find more peace in my life.

Namely...

To stop and breathe when I get overwhelmed and to be grateful for the things I have
To speak up, to communicate, whenever I get frustrated/angry/sad instead of bottling things up
To spend quality time with the ones I love and to delve into new activities that make me happy
To enjoy my writing--'cause what a fun profession it can be!--instead of dwelling on my failings

So, lately, I've been trying to figure out photography. It's a hobby I've wanted to take up for years and, yes, I've become one of those annoying people who tote around my camera wherever I go. Still, I like being annoying! And I love capturing moments of daily life--moments that would flutter away otherwise.

{My fab friend Allie and me}

{Eating lunch with my dad and grandma}

Not the best photographs art-wise! But these pictures show the people I love so that's what counts, right?

I've been lucky enough to spend time with my best friend Allison in the last couple weeks. We met on the first day of seventh grade (I was the new girl at school) and we've been crazy, giggly friends ever since. Nowadays, Allie lives in San Francisco but we get to see each other a couple times a year, which I look forward to more than Cadbury Mini Eggs. (And I have a deep abiding love for Cadbury Mini Eggs!)

I've also been spending more time with my paternal grandmother, my NaiNai. She's turning 89 this year and she isn't as as mobile as she used to be. So...she wants to hire me as her maid! Haha, isn't that hilarious? I would never let my grandma pay me for housekeeping--I mean, she changed my diapers as a kid!--but I still chuckle at the notion.

Anyway, I know I have a lot of room for growth when it comes to my 2012 New Year's resolution but I'm trying to keep at it--and I think it's making a difference. At least, I'm feeling the difference.

Yay for peace and friends and grandmas!

Hey, look! My friends write books!

Ahem! Please pardon the cheesiness of this blog post title.

(But it rhymes! I couldn't resist!)

Yesterday afternoon, I ventured to the adorable indie bookstore One More Page to attend a signing with Miranda Kenneally and Jessica Spotswood. Miranda wrote the YA contemporary novel Catching Jordan while Jessica wrote the YA fantasy-with-an-alternate-history-twist Born Wicked.

Both books = AWESOMENESS!

(Awesomeness is not a word but it is sure fun to say!)

{Miranda and Jess read excerpts from their books.}

{Lynn Colt, Miranda, Jessica, Me}

In some ways, this signing was a bit surreal to me....

'Cause I remember reading an early draft of Born Wicked, back in February '11, and I thought to myself: This book is going to sell. I love it so much, and it features such a strong heroine who girls should look up to. Fast forward to now, Jess has toured the country to promote Born Wicked and here she is fielding Q&A sessions at a book signing!

And I remember reading an ARC of Miranda's book Catching Jordan back in September '11. I thought to myself then: This book is laugh-out-loud funny and so incredibly well-written. And it features such a strong heroine who girls should look up to. Fast forward to now, Miranda has appeared on TV shows to discuss her novel and she's already working on her third manuscript for her publisher.

It's amazing how much can happen in the span of a year or even the span of a few months. And I can't be prouder of Miranda and Jess, who have worked so hard for their success and who have written two amazing protagonists who are strong yet vulnerable, capable yet flawed, and just completely real.

Brava, ladies!

On a related note, the bookstore presented Miranda and Jess with bottles of champagne after the signing. How awesomely nice is that?! Lynn and I totally looked at each other and said, "If we ever get our books published, we're coming here ASAP!"

Ah, free stuff.

:)

Weekend Wrap-Up

Ah, man. Monday, already? This weekend went far too fast! 

Yesterday morning, I curled up on the couch with a bowl of scrambled eggs mixed with bacon, scallions, and low-fat sour cream. Um, it's sort of delicious! And not very good for me! But calories don't count on Sundays, right? 

Maybe?

Anyway, on Saturday afternoon, the weather peaked in the mid-60s so I headed over to a local garden to snap some pictures with my new camera. *Hugs camera* I was pleasantly surprised to find a few of the cherry blossom trees in bloom! This means spring is almost here. Hopefully.

{Cherry blossoms in bloom!}

{Spring must be around the corner.}

Suffice to say, I'm super ready for winter to retreat back into its cave! I want to wear skirts and shorts and flowy dresses. I suppose I shall pray to the Weather Gods.

The rest of the weekend was spent revising and reading, namely whittling down my library pile. See, I'm trying to cut back on my book spending, mostly because I could spend $100 a day on books if I let myself. Also, I've bought some lemons in the past and that makes my brows furrow like this...  >: (

It's no fun getting all excited about a book and buying it and then...that awful disappointment. And hey, books ain't cheap! 

{The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight} 

{The Hunger Games}

I've been re-reading The Hunger Games (yet again) as inspiration for my WIP and because the movie is almost upon us! My excitement cannot be expressed in words! Eeep! 

So how was your weekend?

Saturday Six

One

The big news of the week... 

I got a new camera!

Since Justin and I will be doing some traveling in the next few months, I figured it was finally time to get a DSLR. I've wanted one for years, but I've hesitated due to the pricing. Fortunately, I scored a great deal on an older Nikon model on eBay. It's nothing fancy but I'm sorta in love! 

I'm totally holding the camera wrong, aren't I?

Two

So I've been tinkering around a little with the Nikon, snapping shots outside and whatnot. 

Um, I'm not very good? Haha. 

I'm thinking about taking a photography class (maybe with Sarah McClung!) to teach me how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO all relate together. So many numbers! So confusing to my math-challenged brain!

I haven't moved onto live subjects yet....

Three

Okay, one more picture from me? 

The sweet and fabulous Jessica Spotswood has finally returned from her book tour and I caught up with her this week. (Have you read Born Wicked yet? Why not?!)

Jess was kind enough to lend me an ARC of Leigh Bardugo's Shadow & Bone! I'm already on page 75. Such a well-drawn fantasy world! 

You can check out the amazing final cover here!

Four

Aieee! 

We are T minus 23 days from The Hunger Games movie premiere! EW just released three new photo stills from the film, and I'm especially intrigued by this one with President Snow and Seneca Crane. 

Via EW.com. Image credit: Murray Close.

I'm really glad that the director added a scene with President Snow at his rose garden. (Yeah, I'm nerding out here, aren't I? Come on, you love it. Ha!) Anyway, I can't wait to see how the movie and book differ. 

Nerding out over...

Five

Oh! My lovely friend Erin Bowman has a fantastic blog about writing, reading, and designing, which is one of my favorites. Unfortunately, Erin's Google Friends Connect got cut so if you follow her via GFC or your Blogger dashboard, please go here so you can resubscribe! 

Seriously, you don't want to miss Erin's posts! Especially her monthly book reviews, which I simply love. 

Six

Finally, please tell me what you're up to this weekend! Any fun plans? Just hangin' out? 

Since my week was rather busy, I plan on an easy weekend, full of revising and learning photography things and trying to whittle down my pile of library books. (Scorpio Races! State of Wonder! The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight!) What's in your reading pile, by the way? 

Have a fantastic weekend!