I feel like I have been working on writing this novel of mine for ever. I know that's not really true, but it sure feels that way. It's only really been a couple of years, but I feel like I should be done by now.
I have been making great progress though. I think I'm finally past the halfway point in the story, and am heading down the slope. Now all I need to do is actually finish it, then I can worry about getting it published. Or something like that.
I just have to keep on trudging along. It'll get finished eventually. At least I sure hope it does.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Monday, September 26, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Back to School
I've gotten through my first week of school, and am about to start the second (tomorrow). The first week was fairly easy, but I get the feeling that it's only going to get harder. My reading load was too overwhelming the first couple of days, but its a fact that it won't last.
Just look at my classes, three of them are English classes, and a language class. Lots of reading and writing. Throughout the course of the semester I will have:
Class 1.) I will have to read 3 novels, and lots of short stories and poems.
Class 2.) I will have to read around 7 novels, plus some critiques on the novels we read.
Class 3.) I will have to read around 9 novels, plus some short sections from other reading.
and of course all of these classes involve essays of some kind.
I can't really complain can I? Since I did get myself into this mess. By being an English major. At least, so far, I'm enjoying the reading. Hopefully that continues to be that way, but unfortunately a person can't like everything. But I'm sure going to try.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Just look at my classes, three of them are English classes, and a language class. Lots of reading and writing. Throughout the course of the semester I will have:
Class 1.) I will have to read 3 novels, and lots of short stories and poems.
Class 2.) I will have to read around 7 novels, plus some critiques on the novels we read.
Class 3.) I will have to read around 9 novels, plus some short sections from other reading.
and of course all of these classes involve essays of some kind.
I can't really complain can I? Since I did get myself into this mess. By being an English major. At least, so far, I'm enjoying the reading. Hopefully that continues to be that way, but unfortunately a person can't like everything. But I'm sure going to try.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
I Heart BFS
Last night's Bowling for Soup concert may very well have been the best concert I've been to yet. This is third time I have gone to one of their concerts and I swear they only keep getting better. Nothing happened like at the first two concerts. If you want to know more about them go back to the blog post from February 2010 titled Bowling for Soup, Hey!
They have more energy and stage presence then any other band I've seen live, and that is what really makes a show. The songs are all great, and of course I knew every single word to every single song. And of course I sang right along, more like screamed along it was so loud. I even noticed that in a couple of songs they changed the lyrics, like in one instead of a Jonas Brothers movie it was a Justin Beiber movie. Listen to No Hablo Ingles and you'll get it.
But some of the best moments weren't even the songs. These guys can go off on tangents that are so funny that you wouldn't even believe it unless you were there. Like Eric Chandler doing impressions, most notably Bill Cosby. Jaret would try to tell stories, but always got interrupted by either the band or the audience. He then proceeded to tell the guy in the audience that he was speaking and when he had a microphone he could talk to. You had to be there. Things kept breaking, and they attributed this to how much they were rocking out. Jaret told the parents in the audience that they were the coolest parents ever for bringing their children, and even tried to tell them that they were even teaching them. Like Spanish, go back to the song No Hablo Ingles.
They played two songs as an encore, The Bitch Song and Really Cool Dance Song. Although I think this may have been planned because the same thing happened at the last concert of theirs I went to. They headed off stage as if done, the crowd begins chanting their name (myself included), and they come back on stage. I'm not complaining because I got two more wicked cool songs out of the experience. Which included Jaret, the lead singer, coming out into the audience.
Best night ever. If you want to see a concert that is non-stop fun, great music, and that will at various times have you laughing your ass off. Then you need to see these guys. Bowling for Soup will be one of the best concerts you find yourself at.
BFS, continue to rock hard, and I'll continue to love you all!
TNT,
Words by Ali (A BFS fan for 11 years)
They have more energy and stage presence then any other band I've seen live, and that is what really makes a show. The songs are all great, and of course I knew every single word to every single song. And of course I sang right along, more like screamed along it was so loud. I even noticed that in a couple of songs they changed the lyrics, like in one instead of a Jonas Brothers movie it was a Justin Beiber movie. Listen to No Hablo Ingles and you'll get it.
But some of the best moments weren't even the songs. These guys can go off on tangents that are so funny that you wouldn't even believe it unless you were there. Like Eric Chandler doing impressions, most notably Bill Cosby. Jaret would try to tell stories, but always got interrupted by either the band or the audience. He then proceeded to tell the guy in the audience that he was speaking and when he had a microphone he could talk to. You had to be there. Things kept breaking, and they attributed this to how much they were rocking out. Jaret told the parents in the audience that they were the coolest parents ever for bringing their children, and even tried to tell them that they were even teaching them. Like Spanish, go back to the song No Hablo Ingles.
They played two songs as an encore, The Bitch Song and Really Cool Dance Song. Although I think this may have been planned because the same thing happened at the last concert of theirs I went to. They headed off stage as if done, the crowd begins chanting their name (myself included), and they come back on stage. I'm not complaining because I got two more wicked cool songs out of the experience. Which included Jaret, the lead singer, coming out into the audience.
Best night ever. If you want to see a concert that is non-stop fun, great music, and that will at various times have you laughing your ass off. Then you need to see these guys. Bowling for Soup will be one of the best concerts you find yourself at.
BFS, continue to rock hard, and I'll continue to love you all!
TNT,
Words by Ali (A BFS fan for 11 years)
Monday, August 15, 2011
What's to Come
I don't have much to say right now. Other than tomorrow night I will be going to what could be one of the best bands I have ever seen live.
Bowling for Soup.
I have seen these guys twice, tomorrow will be the third time. And I know just like it did before it is going to kick ass. Every time I go to one of their concerts something awesome has happened. If you would like to know more about what happened then read the blog post from February of 2010, and read about it.
Maybe on Wednesday, after the concert, I'll post again. We'll see if I haven't just jinxed the awesomeness.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Bowling for Soup.
I have seen these guys twice, tomorrow will be the third time. And I know just like it did before it is going to kick ass. Every time I go to one of their concerts something awesome has happened. If you would like to know more about what happened then read the blog post from February of 2010, and read about it.
Maybe on Wednesday, after the concert, I'll post again. We'll see if I haven't just jinxed the awesomeness.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Monday, August 8, 2011
The Semester is Finally Over
It feels like it was never going to end, and yet it feels like it had only just began. But I can honestly say I'm glad the summer semester of classes is finally over. I only took two classes, so it was too busy. But I am tired of working.
Yet, there is only two weeks of a break. The fall semester starts in two weeks, and it will have come too soon. I want more of a break. It only seems fair right? Especailly since I will be taking a full semester of classes? No, I guess that's what I get for taking classes in the summer right.
I needed something to do with my time, and I might as well get some classes out of the way. That means I'll have less to do before I graduate. I think what I really need is a job. Then I can keep myself busy and make some money. One can only hope.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Yet, there is only two weeks of a break. The fall semester starts in two weeks, and it will have come too soon. I want more of a break. It only seems fair right? Especailly since I will be taking a full semester of classes? No, I guess that's what I get for taking classes in the summer right.
I needed something to do with my time, and I might as well get some classes out of the way. That means I'll have less to do before I graduate. I think what I really need is a job. Then I can keep myself busy and make some money. One can only hope.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Monday, July 25, 2011
Flat Tire
Last Friday I was on the I-215 headed to school, at around 8 am, when it happened. At first I thought my car was smoking, because that's all I could see. So, I pulled over to the side of the road, luckily it was right next to an off ramp. I called my Mom and told her there was something wrong with my car. I was really frustrated, because we had just paid a lot of money to get it fixed and it should have been trouble free.
My Mom told me to get off the freeway and to a parking lot, if I was able. So, I started my car and started to drive when I realized my car was thunking with each turn. I got out, of the passenger side away from traffic, and saw that that the problem wasn't under the hood, but was a flat tire.
My Mom then called my step dad who told her to call the Highway Patrol. So, I sat there and waited. It wasn't too long before a good Samaritan stopped and asked me if I needed any help. He was kind enough to help me change my tire. Just as I was getting ready to leave with my spare tire on the car, and the shredded one in the trunk, the UHP showed up. I told them how much I appreciated them coming to help even though someone had already helped me, cause I did appreciate it.
What could have been an even more traumatic incident turned out to be something that was quick and easy. All I have to say about my stupid flat tire is thank God for good Samaritans and the Utah Highway Patrol.
TNT,
Words by Ali
My Mom told me to get off the freeway and to a parking lot, if I was able. So, I started my car and started to drive when I realized my car was thunking with each turn. I got out, of the passenger side away from traffic, and saw that that the problem wasn't under the hood, but was a flat tire.
My Mom then called my step dad who told her to call the Highway Patrol. So, I sat there and waited. It wasn't too long before a good Samaritan stopped and asked me if I needed any help. He was kind enough to help me change my tire. Just as I was getting ready to leave with my spare tire on the car, and the shredded one in the trunk, the UHP showed up. I told them how much I appreciated them coming to help even though someone had already helped me, cause I did appreciate it.
What could have been an even more traumatic incident turned out to be something that was quick and easy. All I have to say about my stupid flat tire is thank God for good Samaritans and the Utah Highway Patrol.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Monday, June 13, 2011
The X Files
So, I have started watching episodes of the show The X Files. I started with season one and I just finished season three. Now only six more seasons, and two movies to go.
I've always loved watching tv shows and movies that deal with the supernatural, or just plain science fiction. There is just something about the strange and the things that go bump in the night that I love. I'm not sure what it is about these shows, or movies, that I love so much, but there is just something great about being scared. I mean right now as I'm writing this I'm watching the movie the Ring. Great movie.
I find myself drawn to the horror and science fiction genres like none of my friends seem to be. This of course makes it difficult to find people to go see these movies with when they come to the theaters. But that's ok, I usually just wait till it comes out on DVD and watch it alone in my room at night. Great way to watch scary movies, right?
The X Files is just the classic science fiction show that changed the way shows in this genre were seen. Now it seems every station out there has at least one show that falls within this genre. Now back to my movie. Happy scaring.
TNT,
Words by Ali
I've always loved watching tv shows and movies that deal with the supernatural, or just plain science fiction. There is just something about the strange and the things that go bump in the night that I love. I'm not sure what it is about these shows, or movies, that I love so much, but there is just something great about being scared. I mean right now as I'm writing this I'm watching the movie the Ring. Great movie.
I find myself drawn to the horror and science fiction genres like none of my friends seem to be. This of course makes it difficult to find people to go see these movies with when they come to the theaters. But that's ok, I usually just wait till it comes out on DVD and watch it alone in my room at night. Great way to watch scary movies, right?
The X Files is just the classic science fiction show that changed the way shows in this genre were seen. Now it seems every station out there has at least one show that falls within this genre. Now back to my movie. Happy scaring.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
M~A~T~H
I just started my summer classes last week. One English class one Math class. I haven't taken a Math class in nearly two years, since I transfered up to the U of U. I though since it had been so long since I had taken a Math class that this one would be fairly difficult. It is a Trigonometry class.
I realized in the past week how much I actually like doing Math. Not just because I find most of it easy. I really do like doing it. There is just somehting about solving a math problem that I find to be fun. As long as I understand what I am doing.
I think even though I am an English major I have to keep learning Math. It will keep my brian smart, and I find it interesting.
TNT,
Words by Ali
I realized in the past week how much I actually like doing Math. Not just because I find most of it easy. I really do like doing it. There is just somehting about solving a math problem that I find to be fun. As long as I understand what I am doing.
I think even though I am an English major I have to keep learning Math. It will keep my brian smart, and I find it interesting.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Monday, May 16, 2011
A Road Trip
My Mom and I just got back from a week long road trip to Arizona, and I have to admit it was some of the most fun I've had. Certainly the most fun I've ever had with my mother, and for an extended period of time no less.
The trip down to Arizona was between 10 and 11 hours, and we did the trip in one day. We had a great time. Listened to music, since I brought nearly every C.D. I own, talked about just about everything, and laughed at jokes that might not have been funny in any other setting. The most miraculous thing about it all was that we didn't argue, or fight, once on the entire 11 hour car ride. Usually we only need to be in the car no more than ten minutes before it starts, but not that day. I'd been praying about it before we left, and God sure came through.
The four days we spent there had a few bumps, but the majority of the time was great. We stayed at my Grandma's house, and we spent most of our time with my sister, Katie, and nephew, Levi. The whole reason we went was because my Mom wanted to see Levi. That is one smart, and crazy, kid. I'm not just saying this because he's my nephew. He is one of the most well reasoned two year olds you will ever meet. He's also a laugh riot, and doesn't stop for a second.
On the drive back my Mom decided to break up the drive into two days, and we spent Friday night in Las Vegas. We had just as great of a time there too. We did some gambling, but not a lot, and didn't win a thing. I guess that's just Vegas for you.
We finally made it home safely Saturday night. What I learned on this trip is that my Mother and I can have an amazing time out by ourselves if we just let ourselves have fun.
TNT,
Words by Ali
The trip down to Arizona was between 10 and 11 hours, and we did the trip in one day. We had a great time. Listened to music, since I brought nearly every C.D. I own, talked about just about everything, and laughed at jokes that might not have been funny in any other setting. The most miraculous thing about it all was that we didn't argue, or fight, once on the entire 11 hour car ride. Usually we only need to be in the car no more than ten minutes before it starts, but not that day. I'd been praying about it before we left, and God sure came through.
The four days we spent there had a few bumps, but the majority of the time was great. We stayed at my Grandma's house, and we spent most of our time with my sister, Katie, and nephew, Levi. The whole reason we went was because my Mom wanted to see Levi. That is one smart, and crazy, kid. I'm not just saying this because he's my nephew. He is one of the most well reasoned two year olds you will ever meet. He's also a laugh riot, and doesn't stop for a second.
On the drive back my Mom decided to break up the drive into two days, and we spent Friday night in Las Vegas. We had just as great of a time there too. We did some gambling, but not a lot, and didn't win a thing. I guess that's just Vegas for you.
We finally made it home safely Saturday night. What I learned on this trip is that my Mother and I can have an amazing time out by ourselves if we just let ourselves have fun.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Monday, May 9, 2011
Next Celebrity Obsession
Every now and again I find myself in a new celebrity obsession. Not that the previous one just disappeared, but has lessened as another starts to take its place. It can be a band, a specific musician, or (in this case) an actor. Which actor might it be now? Timothy Olyphant.
He's not new as in I just found him as an actor, because I've known about him for quite awhile. The first movie I remember him from is the very small role of the hitchhiker from A Life Less Ordinary. It is more that I've rediscovered how much I enjoy his movies, and his good looks.
Most recently Timothy is the star of the FX drama Justified; which is about Federal U.S. Marshall Raylan Givens who is transferred reluctantly to his small Kentucky hometown. The second season just finished and if you haven't seen Justified you should go and see it now. Before season three starts.
So, of course being my NCO I went online and found out all of the movies he has been in. That way I can go watch all of the movies he has been in that i hadn't seen yet. Or re-watch the ones I had already seen, and loved.
I had already seen Hitman, Dreamcatcher, and Live Free or Die Hard but I had no problem watching them again. More than once.
I had no idea he was in either A Man Apart or The Perfect Getaway. They were both good movies, especially The Perfect Getaway. One hell of a twisted ending, that I didn't see coming until it actually happened. That is always a sign of a good movie.
If you haven't seen any of Timothy Oyphant's movies, or if you have, go see one of his movies I've mentioned. Or one of his other movies that weren't mentioned. It'll be worth it.
TNT,
Words by Ali
He's not new as in I just found him as an actor, because I've known about him for quite awhile. The first movie I remember him from is the very small role of the hitchhiker from A Life Less Ordinary. It is more that I've rediscovered how much I enjoy his movies, and his good looks.
Most recently Timothy is the star of the FX drama Justified; which is about Federal U.S. Marshall Raylan Givens who is transferred reluctantly to his small Kentucky hometown. The second season just finished and if you haven't seen Justified you should go and see it now. Before season three starts.
So, of course being my NCO I went online and found out all of the movies he has been in. That way I can go watch all of the movies he has been in that i hadn't seen yet. Or re-watch the ones I had already seen, and loved.
I had already seen Hitman, Dreamcatcher, and Live Free or Die Hard but I had no problem watching them again. More than once.
I had no idea he was in either A Man Apart or The Perfect Getaway. They were both good movies, especially The Perfect Getaway. One hell of a twisted ending, that I didn't see coming until it actually happened. That is always a sign of a good movie.
If you haven't seen any of Timothy Oyphant's movies, or if you have, go see one of his movies I've mentioned. Or one of his other movies that weren't mentioned. It'll be worth it.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Sunday, May 1, 2011
To Trust God
I almost didn't go to church last night. The reason being that I have two final papers due Wednesday for my classes and I thought I was going to be way too busy working on them. Well, I ended up getting more than halfway done with the longer of the two papers and I decided I needed to go.
I'm glad I went, for one reason because there are a lot of amazing people who go there and I love hanging out with them. The other reason was because I think that is where God wanted me last night. Steele gave an amazing talk, in our Proverbs series, about Trusting God. People would think, "I'm a Christian, I believe in God. So, that means I trust God." But that doesn't necessarily mean that's true.
Trusting God is more than just you believing He is real. It's about going to God with everything in your life, good or bad. It's about prayer, praise, worship, and so much more.
- God is love.
- God is good and kind.
- God is merciful.
- God is gracious.
- God is in control.
- God is wise.
- God is powerful.
- God is everything we have ever seen that is perfect, beautiful and holy.
Knowing this about God should make everyone realize that God deserves our Trust. In everything in our lives: Past, Present, and most certainly our Future. I know God has been trying to teach me that I need to read His word more regularly, and to pray more. And that is exactly what I'm going to do. I plan to start slow and work my way up to more. Every day I'll read:
- 1 Proverb
- 1 Psalm
- 1 chapter out of the New Testament
Yes, it will take me 260 days to get through the New Testament, but it's a place to start. And for God I know it is worth it.
Praise God for He is Good!!!
TNT,
Words by Ali
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Amazing World of Books
I'm sure you all know how much I love reading. I know I've mentioned it more then once here on my blog. It's probably one of the things I love to do most. Really, there's nothing better then to sit down with a good book. It don't matter if it's a hard copy, or an e-book on my Kindle.
I've recently realized how much I also enjoy listening to audio books. It's not quite the same as actually seeing and reading a book, but there's something about it that I love. It's almost like you get a completely different side to a story you may have already heard before. You hear things that you might not have caught while reading it.
I also like the act of listening (of course this is only when the person reading the story does it right). To be able to hear the different voices for each character it's like a play. You also realize that you have been pronouncing names wrong, but still go on pronouncing it wrong cause you like it better. Or at least I do.
Moral of the story. Get the audio book for one of your favorite novels, you may be pleasantly surprised by how you enjoy listening.
TNT,
Words by Ali
I've recently realized how much I also enjoy listening to audio books. It's not quite the same as actually seeing and reading a book, but there's something about it that I love. It's almost like you get a completely different side to a story you may have already heard before. You hear things that you might not have caught while reading it.
I also like the act of listening (of course this is only when the person reading the story does it right). To be able to hear the different voices for each character it's like a play. You also realize that you have been pronouncing names wrong, but still go on pronouncing it wrong cause you like it better. Or at least I do.
Moral of the story. Get the audio book for one of your favorite novels, you may be pleasantly surprised by how you enjoy listening.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Monday, March 14, 2011
My Amazing Kindle
Hey folks, long time no see. I'm up to my old tricks of being a slacker. Doesn't mean I don't have anything to say though.
I've had my Kindle E-Reader for just over two years now. Can I just say I love it. I'll be the first to admit that it's not for everyone. But for an avid reader like myself, it is a must. It makes it so much easier to give me choices on what to read without having to bring five books along. It also keeps my back pack from breaking my back. Here are a few things I'd like to say about my Kindle:
1.) I have just started subscribing to two different newspapers on the Kindle, and it makes newspaper reading and staying up on current affairs so much easier. You must know what a pain it is to have to bring a huge printed paper on a train everyday. This is certainly easier. So, I'm currently reading The Salt Lake Tribune and The Moscow Times. If you've been following my blog, or you know me, you'll know why The Moscow Times. Oh Russia.
2.) It only took me two years to figure it out, but I've finally found a way to combine my e-books into collections. I still can't believe I didn't figure it out sooner. But you know what I think? Better later then never.
3.) I've also found that Amazon lets you publish your blogs on the Kindle, and people (That's you reading this) can subscribe to my blog if you have a Kindle or a smart phone. I think it only costs like $0.99 a month. I'm not the one who put a price on it, Amazon did. I'd give it away for free if it where up to me. It's still pretty cool though.
That's all for now. Let me just say again that I love my Kindle, and if you love books as much as I do you should definitely invest in one. It is totally worth it.
TNT,
Words by Ali
I've had my Kindle E-Reader for just over two years now. Can I just say I love it. I'll be the first to admit that it's not for everyone. But for an avid reader like myself, it is a must. It makes it so much easier to give me choices on what to read without having to bring five books along. It also keeps my back pack from breaking my back. Here are a few things I'd like to say about my Kindle:
1.) I have just started subscribing to two different newspapers on the Kindle, and it makes newspaper reading and staying up on current affairs so much easier. You must know what a pain it is to have to bring a huge printed paper on a train everyday. This is certainly easier. So, I'm currently reading The Salt Lake Tribune and The Moscow Times. If you've been following my blog, or you know me, you'll know why The Moscow Times. Oh Russia.
2.) It only took me two years to figure it out, but I've finally found a way to combine my e-books into collections. I still can't believe I didn't figure it out sooner. But you know what I think? Better later then never.
3.) I've also found that Amazon lets you publish your blogs on the Kindle, and people (That's you reading this) can subscribe to my blog if you have a Kindle or a smart phone. I think it only costs like $0.99 a month. I'm not the one who put a price on it, Amazon did. I'd give it away for free if it where up to me. It's still pretty cool though.
That's all for now. Let me just say again that I love my Kindle, and if you love books as much as I do you should definitely invest in one. It is totally worth it.
TNT,
Words by Ali
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