Yesterday was an exceptionally long day. By the time I finally got home all I really wanted to do was get some sleep, in preparation for today, which turned into a moderately long day... At any rate, I chose to skip posting a mediocre entry last night in favor of catching up with a more thought out entry today.
You deserve better than something that's just been thrown together for the sake of something having been posted. So without any further delay...
Day 6 Question: What house would you want to be in?
There isn't a doubt in my mind that my first choice would be Gryffindor. I mean, it's a house that prizes bravery, daring, nerve and chivalry. I've never imagined myself in any other house, never really considered the other houses all that much. For my part, this may be largely because the bulk of the major main characters in the novels ARE in Gryffindor...
Although, as I've pondered this question further, Ravenclaw would most certainly be my second choice as far as houses that I'd want to be in. I mean they're all about intelligence, knowledge and wit and I consider myself a HUGE bookwork. I'm constantly seeking out new information and learning new things. In fact considering the characteristics that are most valued in Ravenclaw, I probably more strongly personify that house than I do Gryffindor...
Diverging slightly from the question however, in all actuality, I'd probably end up being a Hufflepuff because the characteristics most associated with that house are hard work, patience, loyalty and fair play. Each of those are things that I believe deeply in and try to practice daily, with more success some days than others. While none of these are bad things, I don't know... I'd probably be a Hufflepuff, but I'd prefer to be a Gryffindor or Ravenclaw.
Day 7 Question: Who is your favorite female character and why?
I love Professor McGonagall. I just really think that she is amazing. It's such a fun progression in the books going from 1-7, because you learn so much about all of the characters, and she's one you're introduced to very early in the book.
She's tough and sticks to her guns, and she's the ultimate Gryffindor. I just really love some of the contrasts that you see in her character. She's that professor that every once and a while surprises you with her wit. She disarms you.
Monday, November 07, 2011
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Week 44: HP Challenge Day 5- Favorite Male?
Today's challenge question: Who is your favorite male character in the Harry Potter series?
My favorite male character is definitely Fred Weasley. Now that I'm really thinking about this choice though I can't pin-point whether he is my favorite based on the books or ALL the fanfiction that I read while waiting for new books in the series to be released.
I mean, I can easily state that I really enjoy the Weasley twin's in the series itself. They bring a lot of necissary comedic relief to some of the darker moments in the books. I mean, if you really consider some of the pranks that they pull, they're geniuses, and just because they're pranksters they aren't often recognized for that genius.
I takes a lot of talent and ingenuity to come up with some of the things that they do. I certainly wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of that duo...
So as far as the series goes, I can't really pinpoint what it is about Fred that makes him my favorite as opposed to Fred. Truly, the only reason I can find for the preference is some of the fanfiction that I've read (and loved) through the years that has truly fleshed out Fred as a character.
Who's you're favorite male character from the series and why? (Come on, you know you want to answer!)
I'll talk to you soon.
My favorite male character is definitely Fred Weasley. Now that I'm really thinking about this choice though I can't pin-point whether he is my favorite based on the books or ALL the fanfiction that I read while waiting for new books in the series to be released.
I mean, I can easily state that I really enjoy the Weasley twin's in the series itself. They bring a lot of necissary comedic relief to some of the darker moments in the books. I mean, if you really consider some of the pranks that they pull, they're geniuses, and just because they're pranksters they aren't often recognized for that genius.
I takes a lot of talent and ingenuity to come up with some of the things that they do. I certainly wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of that duo...
So as far as the series goes, I can't really pinpoint what it is about Fred that makes him my favorite as opposed to Fred. Truly, the only reason I can find for the preference is some of the fanfiction that I've read (and loved) through the years that has truly fleshed out Fred as a character.
Who's you're favorite male character from the series and why? (Come on, you know you want to answer!)
I'll talk to you soon.
Friday, November 04, 2011
Week 44: HP Challenge Day 4- Least Favorite Female?
Today's Question: Who is your least favorite female character and why?
I have sat here for a good twenty minutes trying to figure out my answer for this question, and I'm honestly not certain that I have one. Obviously there are many female villians in the Harry Potter books, but i wouldn't say that any of them are my least favorite because they each serve their purpose. Each of them bring something to the table and are interesting in their own right.
I guess the most honest and accurate answer to today's question is that I don't really have a least favorite female character, and least not one that currently stands out in my mind.
I have sat here for a good twenty minutes trying to figure out my answer for this question, and I'm honestly not certain that I have one. Obviously there are many female villians in the Harry Potter books, but i wouldn't say that any of them are my least favorite because they each serve their purpose. Each of them bring something to the table and are interesting in their own right.
I guess the most honest and accurate answer to today's question is that I don't really have a least favorite female character, and least not one that currently stands out in my mind.
Week 44: HP Challenge Day 3- Skipped Details?
So I just realized that in yesterday's post I forgot to post the actual question, but I think it was pretty obvious what the question was so, for now, I'm not going to go back and edit in the question. Anyway, I'm merely pointing out the fact that I forgot to include it yesterday, so that I can get to introducing today's question, which is:
Is there any of the film adaptations that have made
you angry because they’ve ignored important parts of the book?
Truly I was a little disappointed when the third movie came out. Having read all of the books it was easy for me to understand why certain things were the way that they were, but you definitely got the sense that someone who hadn't read the books would be a bit lost.
Honestly, it's been a while since I've even watched the third film at this point, but if I'm recalling correctly it just seemed like there were a lost of key plot elements that were thrown in with very little (or no) explanation on how exactly they fit in.
But ultimately that is generally the biggest issue when a book is translated into a movie. Too many of the minor details aren't able to make it into the film due to time constraints and then the film is left lacking for those that love the book.
Since that movie though, I learned to really separate the 'book series' from the 'movie series' in my mind. Were I asked to truly pit the books against the movies, I'd always say the books are better.... but the movies, as they stand alone, are good in their own right. As movies, I enjoy them.
Truly I was a little disappointed when the third movie came out. Having read all of the books it was easy for me to understand why certain things were the way that they were, but you definitely got the sense that someone who hadn't read the books would be a bit lost.
Honestly, it's been a while since I've even watched the third film at this point, but if I'm recalling correctly it just seemed like there were a lost of key plot elements that were thrown in with very little (or no) explanation on how exactly they fit in.
But ultimately that is generally the biggest issue when a book is translated into a movie. Too many of the minor details aren't able to make it into the film due to time constraints and then the film is left lacking for those that love the book.
Since that movie though, I learned to really separate the 'book series' from the 'movie series' in my mind. Were I asked to truly pit the books against the movies, I'd always say the books are better.... but the movies, as they stand alone, are good in their own right. As movies, I enjoy them.
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Week 44: HP Challenge Day 2- Favorite Movie?
Of the Harry Potter movies, I would have to say that my favorite is "Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix". It definitely marks the point in the series where things begin to get darker, and you become very aware of Voldemort as more of a sinister threat. You become more aware of the fact that Voldemort is gaining strength by the day.
Also, this marks the true introduction of Dolores Umbridge. Oh my goodness, her character in this movie is portrayed exactly as I imagined her when reading. When she clear her throat? It's EXACTLY as irritating as imagined. They nailed everything about her in this movie, at least so far as I imagined her to be.
Luna also, amazing! Perfect casting, absolutely astounding portrayal. So yeah, that's my favorite of all the movies.
I'll talk to you soon.
Also, this marks the true introduction of Dolores Umbridge. Oh my goodness, her character in this movie is portrayed exactly as I imagined her when reading. When she clear her throat? It's EXACTLY as irritating as imagined. They nailed everything about her in this movie, at least so far as I imagined her to be.
Luna also, amazing! Perfect casting, absolutely astounding portrayal. So yeah, that's my favorite of all the movies.
I'll talk to you soon.
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Week 44: HP Challenge Day 1- Favortie Book?
Welcome to Day 1 of the 30 Day Harry Potter challenge. Today's question is: What is your favorite book?
My favorite of the seven Harry Potter books in all honesty is the last one, "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows". While it's hard to narrow down a favorite just because I love the series as a whole, to a question such as this one that would be my definite choice.
I love the way that the final book really wraps up loose ends, and it has such a different feel to it. I love the road trip aspect of the book. In previous books Harry and the gang have always been, in a way of speaking, protected or sheltered by the walls of Hogwarts and the professors there. In this book you really get the sense of how much they are really on their own.
They are finally striking out on their own to accomplish things that they can't when they're adhering to the strict schedules at school, not that they always followed those... but still. It's the idea.
This book really embodies the idea that sometimes it's important to stray of the everyday path, the traditional one that you're expected to follow, because sometimes if you want to achieve the greatness that you are capable of you need to forge ahead on the less traveled path. Sometimes calculated risks are necessary.
I'll talk to you soon.
My favorite of the seven Harry Potter books in all honesty is the last one, "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows". While it's hard to narrow down a favorite just because I love the series as a whole, to a question such as this one that would be my definite choice.
I love the way that the final book really wraps up loose ends, and it has such a different feel to it. I love the road trip aspect of the book. In previous books Harry and the gang have always been, in a way of speaking, protected or sheltered by the walls of Hogwarts and the professors there. In this book you really get the sense of how much they are really on their own.
They are finally striking out on their own to accomplish things that they can't when they're adhering to the strict schedules at school, not that they always followed those... but still. It's the idea.
This book really embodies the idea that sometimes it's important to stray of the everyday path, the traditional one that you're expected to follow, because sometimes if you want to achieve the greatness that you are capable of you need to forge ahead on the less traveled path. Sometimes calculated risks are necessary.
I'll talk to you soon.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Week 43: Project and Challenge Announcements
It is SO cold already. There was snow on the ground when I came home from work! It's still October.... Is it obvious that I am thoroughly unprepared for winter? I really dislike being cold.
Moving on however, it is very nearly November. November, is quite literally, just around the corner. Of course, this means one very important thing, and that it that NANOWRIMO is nearly here. I have made attempts at NANOWRIMO over the past few years. Not once have I successfully, or even NEARLY successfully completed it but each year I tell myself "this is the year, I'm going to finish".
If figure, eventually, this goal will blossom into an actuality. Until then I would like to announce that I once more plan on attempting to complete NANOWRIMO. You guys, this is the year! I don't really have any idea yet as to what I want to write, but the intention to write is there...
In addition, I would like to announce that I will be blogging EVERY DAY in November. Several months ago I was searching the interwebs looking for new blogging ideas/prompts, and I came across a 30 day Harry Potter blogging challenge that looked like fun. So, since there are 30 days in November, I've decided that November is the month that I will complete this challenge. Plus, it's a good source of accountability. Not only can I complete the challenge, but I can also update my NANOWRIMO progress so that this year I just might stay on track.
It's going to be a busy, crazy month, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I'll talk to you soon.
Moving on however, it is very nearly November. November, is quite literally, just around the corner. Of course, this means one very important thing, and that it that NANOWRIMO is nearly here. I have made attempts at NANOWRIMO over the past few years. Not once have I successfully, or even NEARLY successfully completed it but each year I tell myself "this is the year, I'm going to finish".
If figure, eventually, this goal will blossom into an actuality. Until then I would like to announce that I once more plan on attempting to complete NANOWRIMO. You guys, this is the year! I don't really have any idea yet as to what I want to write, but the intention to write is there...
In addition, I would like to announce that I will be blogging EVERY DAY in November. Several months ago I was searching the interwebs looking for new blogging ideas/prompts, and I came across a 30 day Harry Potter blogging challenge that looked like fun. So, since there are 30 days in November, I've decided that November is the month that I will complete this challenge. Plus, it's a good source of accountability. Not only can I complete the challenge, but I can also update my NANOWRIMO progress so that this year I just might stay on track.
It's going to be a busy, crazy month, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I'll talk to you soon.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Week 42: Rough Week Ends With A Nail-Biter
I am so incredibly thankful that this week is over. The last several days have been a little rough, and that's putting it mildly. But I don't want to delve into that.
At least I got to end the week by seeing the MSU Spartans defeat the Wisconsin Badgers. Oh my goodness, did you watch that game? Talk about a nail-biter!! In general I think that close games are the most interesting to watch, but that game was even a bit too close for me. While there is something exhilarating about being driven to the edge of your seat and something equally captivating about the suspense of the potential to lose... let's be honest, everyone prefers to win.
But the Spartans really pulled through tonight. What a spectacular win!
I just started reading Scott Westerfeld's "Goliath" last night, and the goal is to have it finished by Monday... roughly speaking. Maybe Tuesday, but we'll see. The point I'm coming to here though is that basically in the last two weeks or so I've devoured this trilogy and while it's cool to be able to read it straight through without waiting a year or years between installments, it also leaves me thinking WHY didn't I start reading it sooner?!
Scott Westerfeld's latest Steampunk trilogy, which began with "Leviathan" is SO good. It's late, and I can't formulate a proper review at this point, though hopefully eventually I can begin communicating in effective sentences, but I'm telling you that you need to check this series out. It's such a fun read!
On that note, I'll talk to you soon!
At least I got to end the week by seeing the MSU Spartans defeat the Wisconsin Badgers. Oh my goodness, did you watch that game? Talk about a nail-biter!! In general I think that close games are the most interesting to watch, but that game was even a bit too close for me. While there is something exhilarating about being driven to the edge of your seat and something equally captivating about the suspense of the potential to lose... let's be honest, everyone prefers to win.
But the Spartans really pulled through tonight. What a spectacular win!
I just started reading Scott Westerfeld's "Goliath" last night, and the goal is to have it finished by Monday... roughly speaking. Maybe Tuesday, but we'll see. The point I'm coming to here though is that basically in the last two weeks or so I've devoured this trilogy and while it's cool to be able to read it straight through without waiting a year or years between installments, it also leaves me thinking WHY didn't I start reading it sooner?!
Scott Westerfeld's latest Steampunk trilogy, which began with "Leviathan" is SO good. It's late, and I can't formulate a proper review at this point, though hopefully eventually I can begin communicating in effective sentences, but I'm telling you that you need to check this series out. It's such a fun read!
On that note, I'll talk to you soon!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Week 41: Online Degree, The Future
I'm not really sure how it is that I managed to really start looking into finishing my degree online. I mean, I've considered it, but I haven't really taken the opportunity to sit down and investigate the options that are out there. It's definitely something that I need to continue considering and investigating.
It's just, I'm not really sure what it is that I want to do. There is an extent to which I'd like to finish what I've started as far as my degree in Journalism, and yet there's another part of me that wonders if that's wise when I'm not 100% sure that's even the direction that I want to pursue anymore. I mean, yes I really enjoy writing, but as I found during my year at MSU being a Journalist is about SO much more than writing. Anyone can write, and being a Journalist isn't about being a stellar writer anyway (although it certainly helps).
Do I even have what it takes? I know I do, that's a challenge that I can rise to. But... It's just such an investment of time and money, and the future is so uncertain no matter what choice I ultimately make. This isn't anything I'm going to be making a definitive decision on right now.
I guess the point that I'm coming to, or at least my original point before I became mired in all this inner dialogue, it that if I can find a legit online program then it would serve my interests at the moment, because I don't really have the time or the flexibility to take 'traditional' classes. Working full time doesn't allow me the flexibility that working part time did, but I can't afford not to be full time. It's the catch 22 of life really.
For now I'll continue to look into the whole online degree thing. Do you know anyone that's ever completed a degree online? What did they have to say about it?
I'll talk to you soon.
It's just, I'm not really sure what it is that I want to do. There is an extent to which I'd like to finish what I've started as far as my degree in Journalism, and yet there's another part of me that wonders if that's wise when I'm not 100% sure that's even the direction that I want to pursue anymore. I mean, yes I really enjoy writing, but as I found during my year at MSU being a Journalist is about SO much more than writing. Anyone can write, and being a Journalist isn't about being a stellar writer anyway (although it certainly helps).
Do I even have what it takes? I know I do, that's a challenge that I can rise to. But... It's just such an investment of time and money, and the future is so uncertain no matter what choice I ultimately make. This isn't anything I'm going to be making a definitive decision on right now.
I guess the point that I'm coming to, or at least my original point before I became mired in all this inner dialogue, it that if I can find a legit online program then it would serve my interests at the moment, because I don't really have the time or the flexibility to take 'traditional' classes. Working full time doesn't allow me the flexibility that working part time did, but I can't afford not to be full time. It's the catch 22 of life really.
For now I'll continue to look into the whole online degree thing. Do you know anyone that's ever completed a degree online? What did they have to say about it?
I'll talk to you soon.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Week 40: Lost For Words, Just Trust Me
Last night I finished reading Maureen Johnson's latest book, "The Name of the Star" which is the first book in her new series "Shades of London". It's such a good book, and I'm SO excited for future books in the series.
I have just spent a solid ten minutes trying to find the proper words to explain just how good this book is, and quite frankly I've found that in that department I am a little lost for words, so until I figure out how to effectively sell you on the series you'll just have to trust me, the books awesome and you need to check it out!
Aside from that I'm on disc 2 of the fourth season of 'How I Met Your Mother' and LOVIN' it. I wish I had gotten into this show when it originally aired because it is hilarious.
At any rate my day has been uneventful but productive and relaxing, and that's ok because you need those kind of days every once and a while.
I'll talk to you soon.
I have just spent a solid ten minutes trying to find the proper words to explain just how good this book is, and quite frankly I've found that in that department I am a little lost for words, so until I figure out how to effectively sell you on the series you'll just have to trust me, the books awesome and you need to check it out!
Aside from that I'm on disc 2 of the fourth season of 'How I Met Your Mother' and LOVIN' it. I wish I had gotten into this show when it originally aired because it is hilarious.
At any rate my day has been uneventful but productive and relaxing, and that's ok because you need those kind of days every once and a while.
I'll talk to you soon.
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