Looks A Lot Like...

I know I keep saying I'm going to update more.. I promise eventually I will. Maybe I'll make it my New Years resolution.
Anyway, I've been enjoying my couple weeks off so far. Even though I don't think I can be considered officially "off" if I'm still working every day.. But, thankfully, yesterday, today, and until the day after Christmas I am really OFF. No school, no work, (unless you count the slave work my mother forces on me), until the day after Christmas.
But between all the work, wrapping, and cleaning, I really have been relaxing. In just a little bit, we will be leaving for Ohio to see some family. So here's a quick update on the Christmas highlights from the last few weeks!
First, here's some pictures of the lovely door that a few of my friends and I created for VTI's door decorating contest. We didn't win, but it was still tons of fun.





The snowflakes are courtesy of my friend, Janice, who should clearly make paper snowflakes professionally.



And here's a taste of our Christmas decorations this year. They make me cheerful!









Hope everyone is enjoying Christmas time and they're break if they're lucky enough to get one!

L.A. Candy

L.A. Candy
By Lauren Conrad

I know I said I would be reading The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest next, but... I didn't.
Anyway, this book was actually better than I thought it would be. It was a fun, quick, easy read. It would probably make for a great beach read. However, I read it in December and it was still just as much fun.
Also, I know that I've been pretty absent on here lately, but finals are this week and then I have a whole two weeks of no school! I promise to give you a good update soon.
Hope everyone is enjoying the snow! I know I am... but I feel like the people in Minnesota aren't...

Columbine

Columbine
By Dave Cullen

Columbine by Dave Cullen is the first account of the Columbine tragedy that took place on April 20th, 1999. Its a unique perspective that will have you crying for everyone involved - including the killers.
Columbine reveals the truth about the massacres. It will change all of your opinions about the tragedy. It was not caused by bullies, video games, or violent television; it was caused by something that until now, no one understood.
I can't say much without telling the whole story, but I can tell you this: Its worth the read. I know I say that about every book, but this one will really change your perspective. Everything you thought about Columbine is wrong. Everything you thought about the killers is wrong. And everyone involved deserves your sympathy, especially the families of the killers.
A note on the publisher:
Twelve is a publishing company with a unique goal: to publish one book every month. But not just any book. They stive to publish only "Works that explain our culture; that illuminate, inspire, provoke, and entertain." I promise you they have done just that with Columbine, and I hope to find that every book they have produced is as powerful as this one.

Next up: The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest.

And also... nose:

What You've Missed...

The past few weeks have been a blur of busy-ness... The weekend of October 23rd was "Barktoberfest," which was a fundraiser I participated in through school. I was part of the dog washing group, and even though it was cold, we still had our hands full.






I also had an opportunity to wear my awesome boots...



And then last weekend was the Kiss FM Halloween party, which I've been waiting like, 47 years to attend, and now I am finally of age!




The guest of honor this year was Antoine Dodson:





Pretty much the biggest YouTube star ever and I saw him in real life!



And I got to meet Mikey and Big Bob, the DJs from Kiss FM Morning Freak Show. Super exciting!



So... the last few weekends have been a fun and exciting blur. Hopefully I'll be better with my updating through November!

Fun In The 'Burgh

I know I complain about how hard school is, but don't think it's all work and no play! We still get a little bit of time to enjoy ourselves and the city.









We also get some time to wear ridiculous clothes...



And sharpen our artistic abilities...



So don't feel bad for me, because despite my complaining, I'm having a great time!

Kalloween 2010

Last weekend was Kalloween at Kalyumet. It was a nice, relaxing weekend with lots of family, friends, and frights!
Zion got to wear his awesome costume that he was super excited about!




For the second year in a row Andrea participated in the Scarewood Forest haunted trail.




It really wasn't too exciting of a weekend. But I'm not complaining. I just enjoyed the two days of relaxtion.

The Girl Who Played With Fire

The Girl Who Played With Fire
By Stieg Larsson

So, I finished the second book in the Millenium series awhile ago, but things have been so busy, I haven't had any time to share my thoughts on it!
Anyway, like The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, this was an awesome book. I wish I could have had the time to finish it faster, but unfortunately my summer ended quicker than I had hoped.
But this book it definately a page turner, and its such a shame tht Stieg Larsson passed away so suddenly, because he really was a great writer. Who knows other worlds he could have created for us.
In short, everyone everywhere should read Steig Larsson's books. They are amazing and his death was a profound loss to the literary world.

Movie Star Mex

In case you don't know, Kalyumet in the campground in Clarion that my family has a seasonal spot at. This year, Kalyumet made their first commercial, and my little Mexican was one of the stars!

Click here to see her amazing portrayal of a game-playing, pizza-eating wild child.

Without a doubt, some of the finest acting I have ever seen. She deserves an Emmy or something. Such passionate pizza eating... it almost brought me to tears.

2010 BCHS Pet Walk

This was my second year participating in the Beaver County Humane Society Pet Walk. This year I raised $150 for the event, which was significantly more than I raised last year.



Just like last year, I went with my Aunt Karen and her Golden, Annie, because its just wayyyy too much stimulation for Zion.



Each year they have a few contests, best pet costume and best trick. If you think I abuse Zion by making him wear a costume for a few hours, I wonder what you're going to think about these people...






Even though Zion can't participate, I still love being a part of this event every year... look at the animals I get to help!

Fourteen Years

This post come a few weeks late, things have been pretty busy! But just a quick update regarding Mex and her aging.
On Augst 29th, Andrea turned fourteen. Fourteen is such a wonderful age, right?
Anyway, here's some pictures!





For her birthday I drew her a wonderful portrait of herself. I must say, the resemblance is striking.

New School, Huge Books!

Well, I survived the first week of vet tech school. And I have to say, I really, really enjoyed it!
The teachers are very friendly, the location is great, (Starbucks and McDonald's in walking distance!), and the bus ride in really is not bad at all. I actually kind of enjoy riding the bus, if you can believe it!
I get to eat lunch everyday in the beautiful park across the street, too.




Unfortunately the park comes complete with crazy, moocher pigeons that will kill you for a Dorito.
The only other misfortune is the GIGANTIC, HUGE reference book we have to use. The older students call it "the bible."






But, all in all, school, (and the new job), are great!