I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train. -Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest Read previous quotations
My new blog home (http://www.figuratively-speaking.net/civility/blog/) and system (Greymatter) are finally ready! The rest of my new home isn't quite prepared yet, but the blog has (most of?) the problems worked out. Come visit me at:
I have absolutely no motivation today. I'm ashamed of myself! I've tried everything I can think of to trick myself into buckling down, but my mind just wanders. I've spent the last while compuslively checking my email and blog (alas, not a single comment). As long as I just have a day occasionally like this, I suppose it's all right... but I must be very productive tomorrow, to make up for it!
Holly is such a sweetie! As I said in an earlier post, she's offered to host my blog. My account is already set up, and I'm trying to move in. Thanks so much, Holly!
I don't have the time or patience to tackle Greymatter tonight (if you're wondering why, see my post below *wink*), but I've put up a temporary coming soon page at my new home. If you're curious, why not take a peek?
My computer science project is due tomorrow, and I was blissfully typing away at it when my connection to the school system suddenly froze. Not to be fazed, I shut it down and logged in again. My program was gone.
Luckily, I'd been periodically saving a backup copy, so I'm not totally without code, but I have to go back and try to remember what I'd fixed before I continue along debugging it. ARGH!
I ran downstairs and did some defensive baking, so I'm eating far too many snickerdoodles as I work on my project. I want to sleep, but I can't, so sugar's the next best thing.
Missing you a little more than usual, I guiltily open the folder in search of you. It ought to be a parchment envelope, smelling faintly of lavender and sea air. It's not.
My heart beats stereotypically quicker. It's not the same. Amethysts don't look like diamonds, and you don't look like how I remembered. A picture cannot capture that quick smile, that quiet wit, that sweet manner. It seems like a fantastical dream, a life read in a novel and faintly remembered.
I am in a ridiculously good mood today. I just got an offer from the very kind Holly to be hosted (thanks so much, Holly!). I will be moving over there eventually, so I'm not sure how much activity my blog may have in the mean time.
I also had a girls' night last night, and we watched The Importance of Being Earnest. Now we had all seen it at least once... or twice... but it was still just as good! There aren't a lot of movies that leave us all wiping our eyes with laughter, but TIOBE hasn't failed us yet. For those of you who haven't seen the movie yet, oh dear, do go and rent it! And don't neglect to read the play, either- I read the play quite a while before the movie came out, and it's terrific.
The song Lady Come Down, as performed by Colin Firth and Rupert Everett in the movie is ridiculously funny! I've put a link to where you can listen to a version of the song... do make sure to listen to it. Everyone needs a little laughter :).
I am such a procrastinator. As soon as I got home, I said to myself, "I must work on my English paper that is due tomorrow!". So, I proceeded to search the web endlessly for a possible host for my blog that will let me run b2 (I need a MySQL database for that). Although I've stumbled upon some lovely sites in the process, I didn't find a host. So, I've wasted far too much time that should have been spent on schoolwork. I'll bet that Lizzy Bennet wasn't a procrastinator. *sigh*
I'm finally starting to get into the Christmas mood! I have three big projects due this week, but I feel as if, once those are done, I'll be able to whole-heartedly bring in the Christmas season (of course, exams are looming up, too, but I'm trying not to think of them quite yet).
The latest issue of Victoria magazine has some lovely Christmas features. The paper angels in the magazine caught my eye, and I just happened to find the instructions for them on the magazine's site today. Have some virtual apple cider and snuggle up by the roaring fire while you check out this festive craft...
Sometimes I just feel like I'm running damage control constantly. If it's not for one person, it's another. I'm an emotional janitor, cleaning up after the messes that others have made.
Sometimes I wonder if everyone else thinks that I have no life, that I have no problems and issues and insecurities of my own. It's not as if I have anything else that needs to be done other than listening to someone rant and complain. Of course not. Of course not.
Sometimes I wonder why I do it. Sometimes I wonder why I wonder. I'll always do it. I always have. I probably always will. Sometimes I wonder.
What do you expect me to do, cheer for you? Yeah, sure, I really support you in this. It goes against everything about me, morally and logically. But right, I really support you in this. Sure. You're my friend, I care about you- but I can't run your life. Go ahead. Have fun. Hopefully everything works out. Hopefully. I'm glad you're happy. Deep down, I'm glad you're happy... I just wish that happiness didn't have to come at this price.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Sitting here, listening to the Beatles, aimlessly surfing, pretending to work...
Two big, painful tears welled up in her gray eyes. "Oh," she thought, "how horrible it is that people have to grow up - and marry - and change!"
-L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island, Chapter 27
Getting older isn't as much fun as I used to think it would be.
I'm completely ashamed for not mentioning this earlier.
SEA IS BLOGGING AGAIN!
*takes a few deep breaths to calm self* Yes, it's true, Sea is back on the blogging scene. I've missed her old blog so much, and I'm thrilled out of my mind that she's back. I've added her new blog, Out in the Rain, to my links.
I also found a treasure trove of new quizzes at Quizilla.com. Granted, there are some- er- odd ones, but I've founds some good ones among them. Allow me to share one of my faves with you... the result would have nothing to do with its fave status, of course (of course!)...
Whew! I am in a much better mood. I was all frustrated yesterday because I didn't accomplish nearly as much as I wanted to, but I've finished up a whole bunch of stuff today. So, right now I'm in a "gee-gosh-I-sure-am-efficient" high (though who knows how long that'll last?).
I have a definite addiction to dollz, especially ones designed by Josie. I treated myself to an "Autumn Princess" for this post. Hey, I want to hold on to autumn (my favourite season, for the record) for as long as possible, despite the fact that there is already *gulp* snow on the ground.
Oh, and a bit of fun passed along by Jenn... check out this adorable kitty cat! That's some impressive work by whoever made it.
Happy Halloween! Just wanted to check in and let you all know that I haven't just taken a stroll off the face of the earth. More updates this weekend, I promise!
By the way, I'm a very happy girl, for a certain reason. I leave it to yourselves to determine.
I want to browse in a used bookstore for hours. Not one of those stores that sells only Harlequin romances and outdated diet books, but a real used bookstore- one where every book has a background, a history, a story beyond what's printed on the page.
I make my selection; the elderly shopkeeper wraps up my book in a crisp brown paper bag, carefully folding over the top and taping it down. I step out of the shop (making the tinkly bell on the door ring on my way out), and make my way down a sidestreet lined with caf�s.
I have to choose, so I pick one at random and settle into an empty booth. Ordering a light dinner and the absolutely essential cup of tea, I carefully extract my new book from its wrappings and begin to read.
I look up, distractedly, and notice that it's already dark outside. I settle my bill and toss on my coat, careful to return my book to its packaging.
As I make my way down the street, I breathe in the fall air- it's intoxicating in its scent and richness. I wrap my coat about myself tightly and step in time to a silent Strauss waltz.
Do you ever have one of those days? One of those days when all you want to do is curl up with a Jane Austen book, turn on an Ella Fitzgerald album and eat far too much chocolate? The worst of it is, I have no particular reason for feeling this way- I didn't even realise that I felt this way until I had a moment to myself late tonight.
I'm not a particular Breakfast at Tiffany's fan, but I do love the following quote:
"Listen...you know those days when you get the mean reds?"
"The mean reds? You mean like the blues?"
"No...the blues are because you're getting fat or because it's been raining too long. You're just sad, that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?"
"Sure."
"When I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump into a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away."
Hurrah! Have fixed final bug in computer science project, and am no longer computing pariah as previously feared . Just had to share that- it's a v. happy moment. Now, it's off to bed for me... *yawn* Good night, all!
I was disappointed in all my favourite bloggers for not updating, when I realised sheepishly that I haven't been updating much myself lately. It's a lot easier to wish others would write than to write yourself. Sorry!
I'm doing a very un-Cordelia, un-Victorian thing right now- studying for my first ever biology midterm. For years and years, I was under the impression that I hated science in all forms. Suddenly, at the end of grade 12, I was struck by a burning desire to study science. Yes, I've one of the most contrary personalities that you'll find, and I manage to annoy even myself with it.
At any rate, I'm enjoying chemistry enormously (to all those who know of my earlier loathing, I offer this handy vat of smelling salts). I'm also doing (surprisingly!) quite well in it, much better than I ever thought I'd do.
Biology, however, is another story. I have zero background in it, and the prof just assumes that everyone has a basic grounding. I would ask questions, but I really don't know what to ask! I was quite tempted to give up, and almost did today. Then, in a moment of lucidity/madness (depending on your point of view), I decided, "No! I'm not going to just give a half-hearted attempt and sulk because I didn't do well. I'm going to be passionate about biology, and if I fail... well, then I'll fail gloriously!".
This was my quick little personal pep-talk, so now it's back to my biology text. Wish me luck on my midterm and keep your fingers crossed for me, all right?
Camille absolutely made my day today. I already saw her lovely new design, but I hadn't looked closely at the links up until now. She called me Elizabeth Bennet! Elizabeth Bennet! (yes, I'll repeat it once more...) Elizabeth Bennet! *dances around my new virtual ballroom that I referred to in my last post*
Anne had a long meditation at her window that night. Joy and regret struggled together in her heart. She had come at last... suddenly and unexpectedly... to the bend in the road; and college was around it, with a hundred rainbow hopes and visions; but Anne realized as well that when she rounded that curve she must leave many sweet things behind... all the little simple duties and interests which had grown so dear to her in the last two years and which she had glorified into beauty and delight by the enthusiasm she had put into them.
-Anne of Avonlea, Chapter XXVI, L. M. Montgomery
My loyal readers have been with me as I ranted about various I.B. problems, from exams, to CAS hours, to extended essays. Even though it's very late, I wanted to do a tired waltz around my virtual ballroom, and inform you that I officially am a diploma graduate. I have my certificate in hand, and we had a lovely ceremony tonight. I was able to see old friends and former teachers, which was bittersweet at best. As excited as I am to be moving on, I miss the comfort of my old environment- much as I may have complained about it earlier! Anyway, I just wanted to fill in this last step in the I. B. process for those who have offered me so much support and encouragement during my trying time- thank you.
I've been watching Sabrina, with Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden in installments for the past few nights. After I finished all my work, I would allow myself a little bit of escapism into the movie- sort of like eating just a bit of rich chocolate.
I finished watching it the other night, and a few tears actually snuck out of my eyes at the end. It was a beautiful movie, funny and well-acted. However, it's not your average "chick-flick" romance- in fact, some parts of the characters are rather unsettling. Still, it has that melancholy romantic mood down to a science, and sometimes that's just what you need. That's what I needed the past few days, for some reason.
The music in the movie really stuck a chord (ohhh... bad pun... I can't believe that I unwittingly typed that!) with me. I found myself humming them under my breath at home, at school, and on the bus (until I recalled what I usually think of people who sit on the bus and hum to themselves). I found a great Audrey Hepburn site, called The Fairest Lady, with the lyrics I loved so much...
Isn't It Romantic?
Isn't it romantic... music in the night
A dream that can be heard?
Isn't it romantic... moving shadows write
The oldest magic word?
I hear the breezes playing in the trees above
While all the world is saying you were meant for love.
Isn't it romantic... merely to be young
On such a night as this?
Isn't it romantic... every note that's sung
It's like a lover's kiss.
Sweet symbols in the moonlight.
Do you mean that I will fall in love per chance?
Isn't it romance?
La Vie en Rose
English Verse
Hold me close and hold me fast
The magic spell you cast
This is la vie en rose
When you kiss me, Heaven sighs
And though I close my eyes
I see la vie en rose
When you press me to your heart
I'm in a world apart
A world where roses bloom
And when you speak
Angels sing from above
Every day words
Seem to turn into love songs
Give your heart and soul to me
And life will always be
La vie en rose...
French Verse
Quand il me prend dans ses bras
Il me parle tout bas
Je vois la vie en rose
Il me dit des mots d'amour
Des mots de tous les jours
Et �a m'fait quelque chose
Il est entr� dans mon coeur
Une part de bonheur
Dont je connais la cause
C'est lui pour moi, moi pour lui, dans la vie
Il me l'a dit, l'a jur�, pour la vie
Et d�s que je l'aper�ois
Alors je sens dans moi,
Mon coeur qui bat...
I also had a girls' night last night, and we watched The Importance of Being Earnest. Now we had all seen it at least once... or twice... but it was still just as good! There aren't a lot of movies that leave us all wiping our eyes with laughter, but TIOBE hasn't failed us yet. For those of you who haven't seen the movie yet, oh dear, do go and rent it! And don't neglect to read the play, either- I read the play quite a while before the movie came out, and it's terrific.
. Just had to share that- it's a v. happy moment. Now, it's off to bed for me... *yawn* Good night, all!
I was disappointed in all my favourite bloggers for not updating, when I realised sheepishly that I haven't been updating much myself lately. It's a lot easier to wish others would write than to write yourself. Sorry!
I've been watching Sabrina, with Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden in installments for the past few nights. After I finished all my work, I would allow myself a little bit of escapism into the movie- sort of like eating just a bit of rich chocolate.