55. Cirque du Freak - Tunnels of Blood

Book 55: Cirque du Freak - Tunnels of Blood by Darren Shan (B-)

Sadly, this novel wasn't anywhere near as good as the first two. Darren, Mr. Crepsley, and Evra leave the Cirque after an old friend from Mr. Crepsley's past shows up. The trio arrive in a small town and stay at a hotel where the boys joke around and enjoy the wonder of television while Mr. Crepsley goes out at night and says nothing to no one. His secrets become scary when six murdered bodies are discovered in a warehouse near the outskirts of town. Evra and Darren think Mr. Crepsley has gone on a bloodlust killing spree and needs to be staked! They follow him one night and discover a whole new kind of freak!

Mr. Crepsley

While this may sound exciting, I found the novel dragged. I really enjoyed the Cirque life and wanted to explore more of it. There was a significant lack in the number of supporting characters, and it seemed that Shan grew bored writing only of the three. He set himself up for dragging moments with only Darren and Evra around to entertain themselves throughout the day and the night. While Darren scores a girlfriend, the introduction of Debbie only complicates matters because it causes paragraph after paragraph of Darren's inner monologue of worrying Debbie will find out the truth about Mr. Crepsley. And who has no reaction whatsoever to a boy with green scales for skin?? Who does that? Apparently, Debbie does.
Evra's character development was wonderful. Reading about the growing bond between the two boys was enjoyable and sweet. I hope Evra takes on a larger role in the later novels.
Overall, I was just not pleased with this third book. There was some suspense in the end, but it was easy to predict the outcome. I still believe number 2 was the best yet!

Two More Hours of 2011

New Year's Eve is never as exciting or awesome as you want it to be. Every year, I sit in front of the TV and watch the ball drop. Once, I tried champagne. That was gross! Every year, New Year's Eve just sucks.
It didn't suck last year. I was with Stuart. We were in Chester, South Carolina listening to a loud group of people drink and shout in the upstairs room at a Motel 6. We didn't care. We had Cheerwine in glass bottles, popcorn, and cable television. It was an awesome night! But not because it was New Year's Eve, but because it was the last night Stuart and I had to ourselves before the start of our long distance relationship.
This year, I'm sitting in Stuart's apartment alone watching the ball drop on a live web cast online while Stuart has been at work since 2 this afternoon and won't be home until after 1:30 a.m... if we're lucky.

I'm going to rain on someone's parade by saying this, but... New Year's Eve will never be as awesome as you want it to be!!! UNLESS... you're that dude that drops the cash on a hotel that you booked on January 3 the year of to be in Times Square on New Year's Eve to propose to your girlfriend on live TV and you absolutely know without a doubt that she's going to say yes, and you get to kiss your then fiance when the ball drops and the confetti flies. Yeah, that's as awesome as it's going to get. Those of us who have to move to Cullowhee tomorrow or can't afford to go to New York City sit in our living rooms drinking alcohol and hoping the new year doesn't suck as much as the last one.
Yeah, that's my take on New Year's Eve. It's another letdown. Like birthdays.
There's no alcohol here, none that I'm drinking anyway. Yet I feel drunk watching this Bret Easton Ellis adaptation starring a bunch of actors on the brink of being famous like Jessica Biel and Ian Somerhalder. You know Bret Easton Ellis. He's the guy who wrote American Psycho! Yeah, this movie is BIZARRE!!! I'm scared to keep watching. I've learned more about college and the perverse mind of college-aged people in the last hour than the two and a half years in actual college. It's gotten so weird that I've zoned out on the Internet and have no idea what's going on anymore.

Ryan Seacrest has taken to his Twitter. He's tweeting answers to fans about Rocking New Year's Eve. The Times Square 2012 Live web cast just announced this year's triangle theme on the ball. Apparently, it's Friendships, and the color scheme of 2012 is blue!!! Facebook is pretty calm though and the latest story on Just Jared.com is Nicole Kidman is spending New Year's Eve with her daughter. WOHOO!! Just found a much better web cast of the ball dropping! CBS is on UStream! Five years ago, I'd have been screwed! 
Now, I have two more hours to stay awake, according to the Toshiba countdown. I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. Eventually, I'm going to have put my laptop to sleep so it won't overheat and then I'm stuck with this Ellis film again.
No matter what you're doing, New Year's Eve is just another night. It's as over as soon as the clock strikes 12:01. For one minute, you get to feel awesome. Then, it's over. But, it's a night meant for reflection and promises of betterment. My 2012 resolution is to NOT MOVE!!! I shall move once this year, and that is all! Once I get to Cullowhee, my bags are staying unpacked.

54. Stephan's Diaries - Origins

Book 54: The Vampire Diaries - Stephan's Diaries Vol 1. Origins based on the novels by L. J. Smith and the TV series developed by Kevin William and Julie Plec (A-)

We return once again to Stephan and Damon Salvatore in their very first adventures as told in this novel Origins. The tale starts when vampire Katherine Pierce arrives to Mystic Falls. Her beauty and allure send the Salvatores head-over-heels for her, and the brotherly feud begins.
Once before, I read the story of the brothers' feud in the first original Vampire Diaries novel. It is nothing like this story, which was changed and completely flipped upside down for this novel. Stephan's Diaries was written after the television show premiered, the show which had a very interesting and darker twist on why Damon and Stephan are such at odds. Origins bounces off the show's ideas and changes Smith's original intentions until they are unrecognizable but thankfully much, much better!!
I still wish there was an inside look to Katherine or Damon's thoughts. Once again, the reader is subjected to Stephan's story, which isn't nearly as interesting as Katherine's or Damon's. Stephan merely walks around and thinks about Katherine and how much he loves her. It isn't until the final chapters in the book that Stephan gets into the action and makes the fatal mistake that begins the Salvatore brothers' battle against each other. Damon is the one whose actions are mysterious and make the reader long to know more about him. His characteristics are far more enticing, exciting, and interesting than Stephan, whose loyalty to his father makes him bland and boring. Stephan is more of a storyteller than a heroic character. Stuff seems to happen to Stephan, but Stephan doesn't do anything about it.

Movie Minute: McAdenville Christmas Lights

After driving to Mount Holly from Raleigh then later driving to Spartanburg, South Carolina and back, Stuart, Kate and I stopped in McAdenville for some Christmas light fun!! First we got lost. And, the wait took FOREVER!! While we were waiting, I received this text message from Ma:
"Sparta won't stop meowing in Anne's room and when I tried to let him out to roam for a bit, he bit me! When are you gonna be back?"

Movie Minute: Last Kitten Pounce

Last Thanksgiving, I filmed this video of Remington when he was just a kitten pouncing around Anne's bedroom! Look how FLUFFY!!!!

Movie Minute: Kitten Tightrope Walks on Car

My neighbor's cat in Greensboro had the cutest bunch of kittens this fall!! The only one left is Loki who loves playing on my Honda and Joe's truck! Here he is walking across an impossible ledge! Only a cat could do this.

53. Lisa, Bright and Dark

Book 53: Lisa, Bright and Dark by John Neufeld (C+)

This novel was difficult to digest. First, it was shrouded in mystery until the very end. You have no idea what is going on with title character Lisa. The narrator Betsy is the only character that establishes a strong imprint on the reader of who she is, why you should read the story, and what type of person she might be in real life. The rest of the characters are brushed over, uninteresting, and simple. Second, the end is anti-climax and dull. In fact, the narrator isn't even there for the real end and brushes over it in a few paragraphs. All this time, the reader has been waiting for Lisa's parents to recognize how sick she is. And, the author does the end no justice in his quick overview through what's been told to Betsy. Finally, the novel was slow and nothing ever really happened but once so that even though it was only 143 pages, I took forever to finish it because I never wanted to read it.
Three girls, Betsey, Mary Nell, and Elizabeth, are worried about their friend Lisa. Every day, she has a contrasting personality type to the day before. In fact, Lisa is scarily maniac-depressive. One day, she's bubbly and too loud in her speech; the next, she refuses to talk, sleeps with her eyes open all through class, and barely recognizes friends, food, or favorite activities. Quite a few times, she cries out for help to her parents. But, they refuse to listen even when she is found under a teacher's desk poking a safety pin into her skin The girls decide they'll help Lisa in any way they can until her parents realize something is very wrong. Mary Nell takes the initiative to begin a group therapy for Lisa. While the girls know nothing about psychiatry or what's wrong with their friend, they ban together to provide the best support they know: just being there.
With "Over 2 million copies sold" blasted across the front cover, I expected more from this novella. What I got was bland, slow-moving story whose ending was as disappointing as the end result of paint drying.

Photo of the Day December 20

Because I am spending the majority of my Christmas holiday with Stuart, I demanded that we decorate for Christmas. This involved getting a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, making our own stockings, and buying a 2011 ornament for the tree. Stuart had to go along with it or deal with a very unhappy girlfriend. One of my favorite things about Christmas is the decorations and the time spent decorating with family. Last night, Stuart and I decorated our tree at 12:30 a.m. when he came home from work.
Originally, I had planned to pick out a mass-produced ornament at JC Penney or the like with Stuart. Instead as I wandered through the mall yesterday, I found a small cart selling ornaments that you could personalize. Stuart and I picked out this one, which now hangs as the centerpiece of our tree!!! I LOVE IT!!

Photo of the Day December 19

Yesterday, Stuart and I visited Jude's family at their alpaca farm. Mr. and Mrs. Alpaca are like second parents to me!! They are warm and welcoming and treat me like family. We spent the afternoon at their house, walking alpacas and having good conversation around a plate of delicious pumpkin bread!! It was a wonderful start to Christmas!

Kodak Moment: Fall Semester 2011

Maybe I've posted some of these before on Photo of the Day, but here are some great photographic memories from this semester.

I moved to Greensboro ( I love Sparta in this photo)

Us sisters and our boyfriends had a great time at Scarowinds

I got some awesome-looking scars from Sparta

I don't like Labs but Fleetwood was just the best dog!

My pet sitting business really took off!

Best Thanksgiving ever!

DISNEY ON ICE!!!!! <3

52. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

Book 52: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: an Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer (A-)

Seriously, I'm not planning all this vampire fiction reading. It's just happening this way.

Honestly, after the disappointment of Breaking Dawn, the Twilight Saga's ending novel, I was worried about Meyer's attempt to write a spin-off for a character from Eclipse. Bree battled against the Cullen clan as a distraction for vamp Victoria to carry out her revenge against Edward and Bella. Bree makes only a brief appearance in the large novel that focuses and is told from Bella's point of view. According to Meyer, she felt a special connection to the character when editing the novel. From it, The Short Second Life... was born.
Bree's story begins in her third month as a vampire. She keeps to herself and tries not to die by the hands of her fellow newborn vampire brethren. Their tempers are deadly, literally. One night, Bree is sent out to hunt and becomes friends with Diego, the favored right hand vamp of their leader, Riley. They travel around the city of Seattle together and discuss the holes in Riley's regular speeches. Then, they discover Riley's first lie: they don't burn up in the sun! Instead, they glitter! Diego and Bree decide to team up together and discover the truth about Riley and their creator Victoria. What is really going on? Why are they being made? What other vampire myths aren't true?
This short story was a wonderful, descriptive inside look at what was going on in Seattle while Eclipse focused on Forks. I was quite impressed by how well Meyer was able to separate herself from Bella and write a completely new voice in the same story.
The beginning was a bit shaky. I thought the cave scene where Diego and Bree discover how they sparkle in the sun was a bit quick and understated. Instead, Meyer focused on Bree's thought process. Because Bree was so in the dark about everything, however, it couldn't be nearly as in depth as a character like Bella. So, the passages of Bree's thoughts and feelings are extremely repetitive until the final scene. Still, Meyer did a commendable job exploring this new side of vampires and breathing additional 'undead' life into a new character. I would love to see a short film based on this piece.

Photo of the Day December 15

Yesterday, I packed up a good chunk of my personal belongings and made the drive to Raleigh. My Christmas Break has officially begun, and I'm spending it with (yes, I'm going to be very cliche) the love of my life... and my cat!! I'm so excited to be with Sparta again! And, he seems happy to be with me, too! All day yesterday and this morning he's been clinging to my side and meowing for affection!
I've missed this crazy cat!

Trending Topic

I'm the kind of person who doesn't obsess with the most popular media craze at the time, waits a few years, then falls in love with it. And it's completely unintentional.

When I was a kid and the first Harry Potter movie was out, Voldemort drinking from the unicorn gave me nightmares, and I swore never to watch. It wasn't until the 4th movie came out that I fell in love with the series. And, I never read the books.
I swore to myself that I would never get into The Lord of the Rings. It just seemed so nerdy. But as my actor-face-recognizing horizon broadened, I realized that all these great names I loved were in these movies!!! Viggo Mortensen! Orlando Bloom! Elijah Wood! Sir Ian McKellen! Cate Blanchett! DANG IT! Now, I have to watch them! And, I loved them (like two years after the final film was released into theaters)... once I figured out that they were one continuous film in three parts. That was a surprise. I got to the end of The Fellowship of the Ring, and said, WTF?? What was that?
With Twilight, I was actually ahead of the times. I started reading the books right before the third one hit the shelves. By the time everyone had become obsessed and starting creating teams, I was over them.
The only crazy I haven't caught on is Star Trek... please, MAKE IT STOP!

But, now I've discovered another popular, cult-like television show that I swore I'd never watch. Lost! My latest actor obsession is Ian Somerhalder (as if you haven't noticed). And, he plays one of the main characters of the show... for now. I also have been curious about the show since I learned that Dominic Monaghan, an actor I love from The Lord of the Rings ironically enough, also has a prominent character.
I knew I wasn't going to like it. It was going to be too confusing; what would be the point? I'd just be lost, pun absolutely intended! But, it's completely different from what I'd expected! I feel bad now for the teasing I made against my fellow journalist Chase in high school. Now, that man was a true fan!! It was his favorite all-time show! I remember laughing when he said that it was good thing Lost was ending because he was going to college that fall. That cracked me up to no end!
So, here's why Lost is awesome (please forgive me for making general references to characters, I haven't learned all their names yet):

1. Intelligence: Lost is incredibly intelligent! Each character brings something different to the table: a different characteristic, a different skill. There's no way these people can't survive on the island with all they have to offer.
2. Being confused isn't as horrible as I thought it would be. I'm actually intensely curious about what's going to happen and what's causing trees to collapse like straws. 
3. Ian Somerhalder and Dominic Monaghan! Amen!
4. The Australian girl's accent is so cute! And, I'm interested to see what's going to happen when she has her baby.
5. WHY IS THERE A POLAR BEAR ON THE ISLAND?
6. WHO IS THIS FRENCH CHICK ON THE RADIO? I MUST FIND OUT!
7. Convenience: all the episodes are on NetFlix
8. More reasons to come... I'm only on episode 8 of season 1. I'm sure they'll be more reasons as the show progresses, and all the characters have been established. 

Photo of the Day December 9

Over the summer, there was a mini horse show in Raleigh! If Kate had been there, she would have screamed so loud all the ponies would have gone deaf!

 

51. Stephan's Diaries - Bloodlust

Stephan and Damon Salvatore

Book 51: The Vampire Diaries - Stephan's Diaries, Vol. 2 Bloodlust based on the novels by L. J. Smith and the TV series developed by Kevin Williamson and Julia Plec (B+)

Yes, that's the actual title!
So before I realized The Vampire Diaries is a horrible book series as compared to the television series, I bought one of the Stephan Diaries spin-off books. And, it's surprisingly better! It's like Smith didn't write it at all. Finally, there's more action in the book than in a single episode of the TV show! ...Well, that might be stretching it a little bit.
Volume 2 of Stephan's Diaries picks up right after Stephan and Damon Salvatore have been turned into vampires. They barely make it out of Mystic Falls alive and catch a train to New Orleans in the thick of the Civil War. Immediately, Stephan, who is the darker brother in this series, begins feeding on innocent victims while Damon refuses to drink any blood at all. He is tormented by Katherine's death and Stephan's betrayal by turning him into a vampire. The brothers have a falling out and separate. On his own, Stephan finds a coven of vampires who take him in and begin teaching the values of keeping a low profile. However, Damon's in trouble and it's up to Stephan, differences aside, to save his brother and bring out the inner monster in Damon.
Really, did Smith write this book? Because it's written like the TV show's writers wrote the novel! It's interesting, the dialogue is complex, and the characters are fantastic. We are introduced to Stephan's future best friend, Lexi, a saucy female vamp whose personality no one can dislike. I was quite impressed by the staggering difference in the two series.
The story is still lacking in a way. It is told from the first person of Stephan, and I think that takes away from how dynamic the story could have been. I would have liked to get Damon's and Lexi's opinions, too! Or even the human love interest Callie.
Hey, where's the series for Katherine? That'd be very, very interesting... depending on who wrote it!
If you need more Vampire Diaries, read Stephan's Diaries. Just ignore the original series! Seriously!

Movie Minute: Giant Slide

At the Belmont Summer Carnival, my camera goes on a wild ride thanks to Father down the gigantic slide! Yes, that's me cackling at the bottom.

You'll Never Know Dear

Continued from My Only Sunshine...

Stuart did come over that night. He was tired and no longer in his beautiful tuxedo. I shook from nerves. We sat for a long while at the dining table in the kitchen. Eventually, Ma would arrive after deciding it would be best if I wasn't alone that night.
Stuart and I hashed out our issues, discussed solutions, and I made promises. I knew the hardships of our relationship laid heavily with me. My lacking ability of communication was a major downfall. For so long, I haven't needed this level of communication. I'd never had a relationship last more than a month. I learned from my father that it was ok to walk away in the middle of the conversation. I learned from my mom that it was ok to sweep conflicts under a rug and walk around them. It's what my family did. Is that the right way to do things? No, not really, but it's how we functioned. Now, I'm learned to speak my mind, make my wants and needs known, and not to clam up when there's a disagreement. It's a slow process, but I'm doing better at it than my other adjustment.

My diet must change. I'm killing myself the way I eat. Now, I'm feasting on apples, potatoes, rice, whole grain bread, organic cereals, organic crackers, and other fresh produce on a regular basis. Thanksgiving and the end of the semester has caused me to take a step back from my progress, but I still drink as much water and any fluid really as possible. I find it ironic that it was after my major diet change that I became legitimately sick for the first time since last winter. I may have bronchitis... but I've stopped having so many headaches, I've stopped feeling lethargic all day. I'm feeling better about myself and the choices I'm making. It's a major improvement, but I slip up on a regular basis. I will never give up my candy!!! NEVER!
Stuart and I are back together. We were apart for 24 horrible hours. And, it's not bad. It's not we-broke-up-and-it's-all-awkward-now. No, in fact, I'd say it's better than it was in the last few months before the break-up. We're getting through it like any other young adult couple who is in a long distance relationship, one with a full-time job and the other a full-time student about to take on a part-time job.
Yeah, it's like that!

50. Cirque du Freak - The Vampire's Assistant

We're halfway there!!

WARNING: The following review has spoilers for the previous novel in the series. If you care about surprise endings, don't read this post!

Book 50: Cirque du Freak - The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan (A)

Evra

Yes, an amazing sequel to the first Cirque book!! More twists and turns, more great character development, and Darren, now a half-vampire and assistant to Mr. Crepsley, has joined the Cirque du Freak as a stage hand and worker. He finds a friend in Evra Von, the snake boy whose skin is tough green scales. Darren falls in love with cirque life and while he still misses his family, he's excited about making friends and being a part of something bigger than just him and Mr. Crepsley hunting people. However, Darren still refuses to drink human blood, and every day he becomes weaker and weaker. If he continues to refuse, he will soon die. Then Sam and R.V. come along, and Darren believes he's found more friends, but one is going to cause trouble that could destroy the whole cirque.
I've learned that Shan isn't good at foreshadowing. In fact, he's blatantly obvious about it. Nearly every chapter ending ends with something like this:
"When all was said and done, he was only a hairy harmless human, while those of us in the Cirque du Freak were strange, powerful beings. What could he possibly do to hurt us" (409)?
Or...
"None of us had any idea of the trouble the nice ecowarrior would soon create... or the tragedy he would unintentionally cause" (364).
Moments like these took away from the text because it was so obvious. In the first novel, there were many twists that the reader couldn't have predicted. Here, it is obvious which character is going to slip up, and simply putting the pieces together will help the reader quickly predict the end. Certainly, there are more subtle ways of foreshadowing the bloody end.
Once again, Shan uses amazing detail and description to bring these freaks alive. The story continues as a dark tale of friendship and loss. Darren makes the ultimate choice and continues exploring the Cirque in the next novel Tunnels of Blood.

Works Cited:

Shan, Darren. Cirque du Freak - The Vampire's Assistant. New York: 

Little, Brown and Company, 2009. Print.

Movie Minute: Hamster on a Road Trip

On one of our many road trips, Nutmeg pops out of her cage to do some exercise before seeing Stuart again. She's done this several times! Thankfully, she's never been on her wheel when I take a turn too sharply and the wheel goes flying on its side!

Photo of the Day December 5

I've been sick since Wednesday, and I'm miserable!! There's a very good chance this could turn into bronchitis or pneumonia if it keeps going! So while I'm in class this morning and standing in the cold at the bus stop, I will be thinking of my beautiful, snuggly warm bed with my three favorite stuffed animals and pillows!! And once returning from class, that's where you can find me!

Movie Minute: Cinderella and the Prince

Another Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream clip: Here, Cinderella gets her first dance with her prince!!

Photo of the Day December 4

Here is a moment from Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream! Cinderella is taken to the ball across the ice by four white horses and a pumpkin carriage!

Movie Minute: Disney on Ice Rapunzel

Today, we celebrated Anne's 6th birthday by going to Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. We watched shortened versions of The Princess and the Frog, Cinderella, and my favorite Tangled!! Here, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider descend from the tower on Rapunzel's hair in a very high, very amazing way over the ice!

49. Cirque du Freak - A Living Nightmare

Book 49: Cirque du Freak - A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan (A)

This is book one of the Darren Shan Saga/Cirque du Freak novels! I have always wanted to read the novels, but after hearing such negative comments about the movie adaptation, I put off reading them. However, the novel was quite exciting. There was many twists, and I had no idea how the ending was going to go!

Good or bad movie?

Darren is a high school boy, and when his friends find a flyer for a freak show, the boys try to get tickets. Steve, the adventurous, slightly crazy friend, manages to only get two. Thanks to a pure luck, Darren is picked to go along with Steve. They check out the freak show full of haunting descriptions of the snake boy, werewolf, and contortionists. The main attraction is Mr. Crepsley and his gigantic poisonous tarantula Madam Octa. During that portion of the show, Steve begins to act bizarre and ignores the rest of the show. Afterwards, he tells Darren to run home and he'll see him soon. Instead, Darren stays behind to watch Steve approach and confront Mr. Crepsley for who he really is - a vampire!! Steve demands he be changed into a vampire or he'll grow up to be a vampire hunter to kill Mr. Crepsley in the future.
Now, I was unaware that I'd be reading yet another vampire novel. I knew the second book was called The Vampire's Assistant, but I honestly thought the series of books would be close-up looks at different freaks within the show. Apparently, it's an ongoing story of Darren's adventures with Mr. Crepsley. The Cirque du Freak itself makes only a small appearance in A Living Nightmare. Darren and Madam Octa are the main features in this wild tale.
Shan, a British author inspired by old horror films, does an amazing job of keeping the book young adult level but still chilling. The descriptions of the freaks are fantastically horrifying, and the story is consistently wonderful to read. I have immediately begun reading the second novel, which is starting slow but should be picking up quite soon as Darren meets back up with the Cirque du Freak.
The vampire lore in this novel is unlike any I've ever seen. No, the vampires don't sparkle. Neither are they immortal!! They can be killed by more than a wooden stake or fire and can dine on human food as well as human or animal blood. Compared to the many vampire cults I've been fans of (CBS's Moonlight, Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, Anne Rice novels), these are the strangest vampires I've ever read!!! They even have their own gods, like the Egyptians!
If you're having Twilight withdrawal or The Vampire Diaries isn't what you had hoped for, I suggest the Cirque du Freak novels!! They'll boggle your mind and keep you reading for hours!

Photo of the Day December 2

Joe's steak was so awesome tonight that the fork broke at the handle because it was unworthy of handling such incredible meat!!!!

Movie Minute: Goat People

It's just your normal day in the household of ridiculousness!!! A moment of being goats!! And apparently... looking at Sparta!