Monthly Favorites ~March 2014~

Hey guys!

So this past has been alright. Not the best, since I haven't seen Ray once this month, but it was alright. I also celebrated my birthday last week, which meant I got Lindsey Stirling tickets for her show here in town in May, and a cd! :)

But here's my favorites of the month!

BOOK

Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan

Read it here: http://www.mangahere.com/manga/nurarihyon_no_mago/

I know, I know. I talk about this a LOT. But it's my fav manga since Fullmetal Alchemist finished. This one's finished as well, and I read the last chapter this past week. AMAZING! So well done! If you like manga, supernatural kind, you'll love this!

SHOW

Check it here: https://www.youtube.com/user/CarbotAnimations

This little show is StarCrafts, a mock show of the StarCraft games from Blizzard. They take the super ugly monsters and make them cute. They've even taken the newest trailer for Diablo and redid it, as well as an awesome opening for StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm and made it all cute and funny. It's adorable and each episode is only about 1 minute long! :)

MOVIES

This month I have 3!

Warm Bodies

I haven't read the book (LA said it was gorier than the movie and would freak me out), but this is pretty awesome! Love it and want to own it!

Jack the Giant Slayer

This was a bit of a surprise. It was a little predictable, but there were still plot twists that were nice. I wasn't expecting it to be quite so good!

Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox

Dude. My brother has been raving about how amazing this movie is, and he was SO right! Absolutely brilliant! Totally messed up, and there was one squicky moment of gore, but it was just one shot and then it was done. Totally loved it!

VIDEOS

First up is the funny one. Have you ever done this? I do it all the time! Recently I've been doing it to Korean or Japanese Pop. What can I say? I love the stuff!

This is a hero, right here. This lady has cerebral palsy and has refused to let it ruin her life. She's done so much and is hilarious to boot! You've got to see this!

YOUTUBERS/BOOKTUBERS

Little Book Owl

Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/LittleBookOwl

This booktuber is funny, witty and awesome to watch. She's honest with her opinions and talks about books I've never heard of. And it's just awesome to watch her admit she has a book buying problem. :)

kimberleyreads

Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9t0kSdDRaa9diJ3DarzBFg

 I stumbled across Kimberley after watching Little Book Owl's latest vid. She had invented her own tag, which I will be doing very soon! Love her! You really should watch and subscribe, she's got less than 300 viewers!

MUSIC

2NE1 Album - Crush

For my birthday, my awesome bro let me have the last two tacos from my celebration dinner, and bought me 2NE1's Crush, as well as the last 4 singles from them that weren't included (why?). I've been listening to it non-stop since (although after listening to it 3 times today, I'm taking a break right now). Absolutely love it! Thanks Dude! <3 p="">

Linkin Park X Steve Aoki - A Light that Never Comes

My bro had this on his old comp, my new comp. I've loved it ever since I heard it, and lately can't get it out of my head!

AKB48 - UZA

AKB48 has been a favorite of mine these past few months. But other than River, none of their songs have stood out to me at all! Until UZA! I *totally* do NOT agree with the message--the girl of the song is seducing a guy and telling him to ignore the fact he has a girlfriend--but it's so ADDICTING! Kinda like Creep by TLC. Don't agree, but it's in my head! The video's pretty awesome, and the music's so catchy...I can't help it! I say you watch and listen, but DON'T follow the advice! They dress like...demon women anyway (not sexually, just...demon women or something).

RANDOM

Have you guys seen my first video ever? The lighting's bad (I remembered what was wrong, I kept the shade on when I wasn't supposed to), but I've been told it's fine! It's my announcement that I'll be joining #AYEARATHON and will read and bunch of books all at once for a week. April 7-13 I'll be re-reading The Chronicles of Narnia. If I finish them before the end of the week, I'll start something else.

Alright! That was my favs!

Please check out my video! I'll be uploading a book review this coming Friday too!

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#AYEARATHON First Video

Hey Guys!

So...I did it. I posted my first video. The quality's terrible, but that's what I get for using a cheap camera. I have two more already filmed and the amazing LA Knight's already editing them into masterpieces. But this one I felt I needed to film and post ASAP...which meant I did it with my camera and my novice editing skills.

Anywho, enough about the quality. I've joined the Goodreads group #AYEARATHON, where we read together 1 book series all at once for a week. April 7th - 13th is Re-Read-A-Thon. I couldn't decide what series I wanted to re-read, so I let it fall to chance! Check it out below!

I'll be posting videos during that week, hopefully with a little better quality. Not sure if I can, since the other vids are being shot by LA Knight on her camera. But don't hold your breath. I'm broke, so buying a new camera is harder than me sawing my own arm off, or going on a shopping spree in New York City.

Let me know what you think of the video! Please give thumbs up and share!

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My Week in Pics ~3/12 - 3/22~

Hey guys!

I've been really good with pictures, so I actually have so many! So let's get started!

In case you didn't check this completely out, this stands for Love146. Learn more here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4k2whreYSI

Had to send this to the amazing Demi Lovato. So true.

Couldn't find Mighty...he was under my bed. Like this. LOL!

I *FINALLY* finished Alta by Mercedes Lackey. It's book two of the Joust series. It's really good, though it took me forever to be sucked into it. I'm planning on doing a BookTube Review on it. Let me know if you'd watch!

Peter Hollens posted this cute video, and replied to my comment! You've got to see it. Check it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCQVGYDbrSw&index=23&list=PLtvXM8Lav_QMfFBTwXeGyIocGryYmBtUA

No, these are not rolls. My mom made RUNZAS! Stuffed rolls, with ground beef and cabbage! So delicious! This was one of TWO batches she did, and we have some meat left over for more! ;)

Angel was being randomly adorable! (sorry for the blur, she'd be running if I tried the flash!)

My dad has the latter half of this week off like my mom (who's a teacher on spring break). Strider wasn't used to him occupying their chair so late into the night and was begging and begging for the chair. He's scared of the camera, that's why he looks nervous, but he refused to move from the spot by my dad, lol!

Found an awesome Pinterest board for FMA, so of course I had to rewatch both series (never saw all of the first one, they didn't do so many reruns back then and I missed the middle). This dude was a side character in ep 3 or 4 of the original...he never blinked. Not once! O.O'

Had my first churro in over TEN YEARS. Oh man, it was so good!

We FINALLY got this! I love it, and don't know why it didn't do well! Sad they aren't gonna do the other four! :(

Found this quote on tumblr. Oh man, so beautiful and true! <3 p="">

Today I also finished Nevermore, Ray's fav novel of all time. It's definitely NOT a fav, but it is good. I'll read book 2 before I decide if I want to own this. It's good, but not that good, not by itself. I'll definitely be doing a video review about it, though!

That was my past (just over) a week! I went out of town, read a bunch, and wrote a little.

What'd you guys do?

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Hero - Prologue

Hey guys!

So I'm taking a break from Warrior. I started flipping out because I wrote it in the wrong voice--yes, I really did. YA novels are written differently from any other genre, and I normally read middle grade or adult novels. I only got into YA recently, and really the genre wasn't really alive until Twilight. So yes, you can thank Twilight for Rick Roirdan's Heroes of Olympus, The Hunger Games, and so many more series. It changes writing for the better, even if the plot is...questionable. ;) Yes, I am a fan. And critic.

Anywho, so we I realized just how much editing had to be done, I freaked out. Then I found out most novelist write the novel, and wait for a month or more before they begin editing. Since I want to have Warrior completely done before I move onto book 2, I've been writing randomly little scenes here and there for books 5, 6, 7 or even further down. And yes, I have about 10 novels planned so far. There may be even more, if I can get this thing off the ground! :)

So here's the prologue for book 6!

Now, for what this is about. I'm not sure I've talked about who my audience is with Star Warriors. Sure, I want anyone who wants to read it. But I write for those who've had a really tough life, like Kana, Eirren, or Mabyn. Yes, characters who have that type of life are the most interesting to read, but lots of the dark experiences I write in are based on real, horrible events that I or, more often, someone I love and care about has experienced. The epilogue of Warrior was based almost entirely on things one of my best friend was told by her own mother and family, just like in that chapter.

This prologue is based on the true, horrible story behind the name of Love146. Love146 is a profit free organization that helps victims of human trafficking. If you want to know more about them, watch this vid by Michelle Phan and check out their website.

http://love146.org/

To honor the girl, I wrote this story. I had planned on writing this, but this really developed after watching this video, and reading the story. Remember The Girl.

Prologue One

Sixteen Years Ago

He didn’t know how long he’d been there. An eternity, maybe. Chained to the chair, put on display. The girls lined up beside him wore beautiful, short dresses. He, being the only boy, was wearing simple, dress shorts, a button-up shirt, and a blazer.

The girls’ were broken, their faces echoing their misery, staring down, defeated. He stared down too, but not because of fear, though he was afraid. No, he was looking down because his eyes reflected his anger. Showing it meant even more pain and hurt than he already suffered.

He glanced at the number pinned to his blazer. It was his new identity. That number and his body was all that mattered to them. All that he was. He was 349. Beside him was 287 and then 435. That’s all they were. Numbers. Products. Customers eyed them, then gave the number they wanted to the owner. Then it was upstairs and…

Sure enough, a worker called, “349.”

Without looking up, 349 held up his right arm, which was cuffed down. After all, he’d attempted to escaped so many times they just chained him to everything, including the bar by the toilet. The worker tsked and unchained him. Leading him out like a dog, he was pulled upstairs and into room number 6. His number was removed from his shirt and hung from the door, letting the customer know where his prize was. Then the worker chained him again to the bed.

When the worker left, 349 stared at the wall, trying to keep his mind blank, hoping he’d be numb to everything. He never really was.

The customer entered. Petting his face, whispering horrors to him before…

Screams, roars, gunshots. The customer straightened up and 349 dared to feel a tiny flicker of hope. Maybe he wouldn’t…maybe.

The door exploded. 349’s jaw dropped as his hero, The Scorpion, stepped through. The man pulled out a gun from his dropped trousers and attempted to shot him. Of course, The dodged. He moved like shadow, just as the drug kids from the street a lifetime ago had claimed. But 349 realized that he wasn’t shadow, or a demon, or anything like everyone else had claimed. He was fast, like lightning. All it took was a second before the customer was down, and then he was standing over 349. The handcuffs fell away, then the ones on his feet were gone too. Still shocked, 349 rose, eyeing his hero with apprehension. He protected people, but supposedly so did the cops that came and used the girls, or the judge and city councilor member that’d taken a liking to him.

“Come on,” his rough, deep voice called. It should’ve scared 349, but it didn’t. There was a gentleness, and deep sorrow that comforted the boy. “You’re getting out of here.”

“There’s another one,” the boy said as he put his fancy clothes back on. “Another…place like this.”

“Where?” Scorpion asked, his dark eyes studying him.

“I…” 349 racked his brain, trying to think. A bag had been over his head both when he’d arrived and left. “I don’t know,” he admitted. He hunched his shoulders. They’d beaten him for the smallest slight, real or imagined.

Instead of bashing his head, Scorpion’s large, gloved hand came down on his shoulder, squeezing it gently. “Try to remember. Give yourself time. Now, you’re getting out of here. They’ll take care of you.”

For the first time in years, 349 looked him in the eye. “I want to go with you. I want to help you.”

“You need to go with the workers. They can help you.”

“I want to help you,” he repeated.

Scorpion studied him. “What’s your name?”

349 blinked. He hadn’t been called by a name other than disgusting pet names in years. He’d been a number. First 145, then 349. But his real name, the one his mother had called him before she died…

“Jacob. Jacob Conner.”

“Okay, Jacob. I want you to go with them now. I know, you want to help, but protect the girls. They’ve been hurt worse than you. You need to help them. Then, when you think you’re ready, I’ll come for you.”

“How do I tell you when I’m ready?”

Scorpion had been headed towards the door, but stopped and looked back. “I’ll know. Then I’ll come find you.”

Jacob helped the girls who were too scared to come to the workers. He helped the smaller ones out to the trucks that took them away from that hell hole. And a few months later, when he wasn’t so scared anymore, Scorpion found him and kept his promise.

My Month in Pics ~2/15 - 3/11~

Hey guys!

I know, I know! I promised a week in pics...for a month. Yup, it's been THAT long! o.o" Whoops!

But just as promised, here all they are. There's quite a few, but here's just some of the things I've been up to including my fav meal at any restaurant, my Mi Niditos order!

(I don't know why, but this website put it up sideways)

I went to Bookmans in Feb with my mom, which is my fav bookstore. No underhanded tactics like at Barnes and Nobel, and you can trade in books and other things for credit! This whole purchase was under $25, and with credit was free! YES!

Megan was getting a light headache (turns out she was sick), so she had to wear my sunglasses...over her regular glasses. :)

Headed to Panda Express with my brother some weeks ago and got this as a fortune. I hope it's true! And it teaches patience, which I'm terrible at.

LA Knight was trying to describe a clock face...and this is what she described. BUT the final ver is so cool! Can't wait to talk more about LA's newest novel!

Another fortune from a different restaurant, Peking Palace (fav Chinese restaurant EVER). I hope it's true.

I attended the Gilbert Temple Dedication. Sadly my friends, brother and mom couldn't because of various reasons, but me and my dad enjoyed ourselves. I teared up during the dedication song. Everyone pretty much did.

Can't wait for the one in Tucson!

Mighty's been more and more cuddly and warm to me. He decided to sleep on the space between the bed frame and the mattress of the top bunk on my bunk bed. He was just so happy to be there! Cuddled with him quite a bit!

Been getting my reading on lately, so I picked up some books from the library! I have even more! Look for vids about most of these (not Endgame or Batman).

This past Friday we headed to Mi Niditos, my fav restaurant EVER. Got my normal, 1 order (3) of ground beef tacos and a side of beans. As you can see, I finished it ALL! I waited all day, having only breakfast so I was ready for this dinner!

So that was my past month or so in pics!

Anything cool happen to you? I've got some exciting things coming your way, including videos and something else!

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Women's Day 2014

Hey guys!

Sorry I haven't been posting. Found out I wrote Warrior in the wrong type of voice, so every few sentences (every sentence in some paragraphs) has to be overhauled and rewritten. Needless to say, I did 5 chaps one week, and this week I've done 1. Seriously, 1 in 7 days. ><

But I do have enough pictures for at least two weeks in pics, and I decided to not be productive and instead write about today.

Today is International Women's Day. It's a day for the ladies. I saw a vid (saw, as in read the title, not watch. I like my music :3 ) where someone wanted to talk about the most girl-empowering authors. I'm gonna talk about the strongest female characters in books that I've read. These aren't about women becoming men, but women being gentle, kind, loving, and still strong.

To start things off, I'm gonna talk about one of my favorite series of all time, and the one that changed my definition of a powerful woman. The Sevenwaters Series by Juliet Marillier.

All six of these ladies are incredible strong. Sorcha, who sacrificed so much for her brother's, including (she thought) the love of her life. Liadan, who refused to listen to anyone, including those she viewed as gods, because she knew what was right. Fainne, who learned she was being played and went with it, because she knew the only way to stop her own grandmother was perhaps to sacrifice her own life. Clodagh, who knew that her brother was stolen and was determined to save him, and the changling who'd been switched with him. Sibeal, a seer whose life turned out to be completely different from what she expected, and decided to follow her heart. And Maeve, the scarred girl who thought herself as worthless, and ended up saving her whole family, and her people, and still found out she was more than she ever thought she was.

This series shows women as they really are: strong, independent, weak, beautiful, ugly. They doubt themselves, doubt they matter or can do what needs doing. But they're determined to make their own Happily Ever After, and while they don't all get exactly what they want, they prove to themselves and the world that they're more than what they seem.


Another series I love to pieces is The Black Jewels series by Anne Bishop:

There are 4 main characters: Daemon, Lucivar, Saetan, and Jaenelle. Jaenelle may be the only woman, but she's the savior the whole world has been waiting for for millennia. And she's completely different from what everyone expects. They want a strong, powerful queen who can sweep away the evil High Priestess that's been destroying the world one nation at a time. And while she is that, she's so much more. She begins as a little girl facing the most horrific abuse who falls into a coma at the end of book 1 and beginning of book 2. When she awakens, the last thing she wants to do is rule. She refuses to go to war, to rule over her friends. But she sacrifices so much to protect those she loves, including her dreams, her wishes, and almost her own life. We follow her from the odd 7 year old until after her death and watch how a strong woman change change those around her for the better. It's an amazing story and I highly recommend it--but there is sex and a bit of gore. Look for my video reviews of this series coming soon!


I probably can come up with many more, but these truly changed me. I learned that the strongest of women don't kick ass. They don't need to. Sorcha ends a fiery feud by merely yawning, saying she's tired, and giving short, direct advice to each man involved that silences them one at a time. Jaenelle can blow up a nation, but would rather almost kill herself healing every person involved in a conflict. They show what I've always heard about women:

and

“Women bring with them into the world a certain virtue, a divine gift that makes them adept at instilling such qualities as faith, courage, empathy, and refinement in relationships and in cultures." - D. Todd Christofferson

So ladies, remember. You don't have to be like a man to be strong. Be a woman, a lady. Be kind, loving, and tough as nails. Because to me, that's a woman in her prime.

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