Tuesday, August 27, 2013

30 Day Clothing Challenge~ Day 28: An Outfit You Are Ashamed To Say You Wore

 We were so busy these past weeks that packing for the move was put off, and as a result I've been packing the house, which should have taken a month... in three days. Not to mention, since we're driving up to Canada I'm only allowed to bring one box with me on the initial trip. One box! It's atrocious. (It's mostly books to be honest. That and my records.) Dad is planning on coming back for the rest of our things, but I'm going to have to wait a couple of months. Also, while I tried to fit as much of my wardrobe into my suitcase as possible, I'm not actually capable of breaking the laws of physics, so I'm leaving a fair amount of clothes behind as well. This is the first time I've actually gotten to sit down at my computer, and feeling a bit guilty about the one(!) post this month I figured I could throw out a challenge post before we leave at the very least.

I don't actually have pictures of the outfits I'm "ashamed" of. I'm sure they exist, there just isn't any photographic evidence and I can't remember any specific details. I do however, have some old pictures of me, which date anywhere from 6th to 7th grade I think? They've caught me in my pre-goth phase.




And that's all of the old pictures you'll get from me! Ever. On an entirely different note, I picked up my new glasses. I never wore my old ones because I hated the frames and my eyesight is still pretty good. I really only need them if I'm at the back of class or driving, just in case. I like these a lot though, so I'll probably incorporate them into my outfits on occasion, like I did here. They paired really well with my new Spin Doctor jeans.

Bad lighting, but the jeans are tan and black and they're fabulous

It's funny how different something like a new haircut or a pair of glasses can make someone look. I love it. On a final note, (since I have to get back to my wretched packing) I've downloaded all of the Night Vale podcasts and plan to listen to them on the trip. Anyone else out there enjoy Welcome to Night Vale? From what I've seen on Tumblr it looks right up my alley and I'm really excited to hear it.

Friday, August 16, 2013

I'm Not Dead! + Book Reviews

I meant to publish this weeks ago, but time is just flying by, what with all the moving preparations. And somehow I've managed to gain followers?? You guys are amazing. My parents sold their business so now we should be ready to go in about a week. I can't wait! Also, thanks to      akumaxkami  for tagging me in the 5 things post~ I already did said post here, but I appreciate the tag ^^ Anyway, today I've got a few quick book reviews for you all.


Runemarks by Joanne Harris

Now I love Norse mythology. This is an undisputed fact. I received a book of Norse myths for Christmas which I reread whenever I'm bored. That being said, any books that are influenced by Norse mythology are quickly snatched up and read. So when Runemarks was suggested to me online I went running to my library. Now this book's plot is convoluted to say the least. BUT in a very good way. You'll start reading it and immediately roll your eyes, thinking that you've already got a good idea of where the characters stand (Heck, even who they really are) only to be completely thrown for a loop. Again and again and again. Another plus is the strong protagonist. The strong girl protagonist. I'm very sick of the weepy pining-after-my-supernatural-love-interest trope that so many books fall into nowadays. Maddy is headstrong, sensible and she feels like a real character. Then there's Loki. Loki. I've rooted for him since I was a kid who thought he just needed a big hug. After that I discovered Marvel comics where I could appreciate him as a good villain, and THEN those darn movies came out where he really needs a hug and should stop looking so damn gorgeous. I never wanted to jump the God of Mischief till Tom Hiddleston came around. Where I'm going with this, is that Loki is actually written as a sympathetic character and he's written really well. You don't trust him, but you can emphasize with him. All in all it's a great book with a unique take on Norse mythology. And it throws in plenty of goblins and magic to boot.



The Alienist by Caleb Carr

We could call this book historical crime fiction I suppose, considering it bases a lot of the premise around real people and places. The book primarily follows psychologist (Or "alienist" as he's known back then) Dr. Lazslo Kriezler and reporter John Moore with their investigative team as they attempt to solve a string of gruesome murders in New York. They're somewhat of an experiment, considering the group attempts to stay disconnected from the city's corrupt police force and use new, unproven methods such as psychology and fingerprinting to catch their killer. Said killer has been targeting immigrants, young boys who have turned to prostitution in order to support themselves, and he's leaving quite a mark on the city. This is another book that will keep you guessing until the end, as its easy to jump to conclusions pertaining the evidence they have until they uncover more. As far as characters go, they're all very life-like, from the eccentric and seemingly detached Kriezler, to the gritty down to earth Moore, and best of all, determined, independent Sarah who is the first woman hired by the police force. The book explores some of the more violent aspects of humanity and delves into the nature of insanity so I feel obliged to warn you that it's very graphic at times. Still, it's one of the most gripping stories I've encountered as of late.



The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

It seems I just wanted to bring you gruesome books today. Because the last book might be psychologically unnerving, but it doesn't even come close to the level of gore in this one. Not to mention, this book isn't exactly lacking in the 'psychologically terrifying' aspect either. Mr. Yancey certainly knows how to evoke horror. However, this book is more than just blood and guts and the blend of good characters, plot, and stomach churning descriptions makes for an exciting read. Will Henry's parents worked for Dr. Warthrop before they died and now he has been left under the Doctor's care. 'Care' being the subjective term here as the Doctor might be brilliant, but he's cold and severely lacking when it comes to taking care of himself, let alone others. In fact, it's hard to see why Will Henry maintains such dedication to the Doctor when he drags him into his dangerous research and yet barely spares him a passing glance. It's only when you see those brief flashes of humanity in the Doctor that you even find him a character worth liking. The Doctor is a 'Monstrumologist' who devotes himself to researching horrifying creatures that people assume only exist in their imaginations. Now a group of Anthropophagi is terrorizing the town (And just you wait till you find out what an Antropophagi is) and the Doctor has taken it upon himself to rid the town of the nasty creatures. Which isn't as easy as it sounds. Not to mention, he has to figure out how in the world they reached New England in the first place. With Will Henry bravely trailing along behind him they resolve to reach the bottom of this mystery.

In other news, how about that 12th doctor? I for one, am ridiculously happy with the choice. I don't know much about Peter Capaldi, but from what I've seen he seems perfect for the role. I'm also glad that we've got an older doctor again, because maybe we can finally escape the whole female-companion-who-serves-as-the-damsel-in-distress trope. Probably not though, considering that's mostly Moffat. He can't write strong women to save his life. I never minded people falling in love with the doctor before he came along (in fact, I enjoyed it) because at least they were strong characters in their own right who had their own motivations and didn't just exist to stroke the doctor's ego. Honestly though, I'm not surprised that Moffat can't write good female characters considering all of the misogynistic tthings he says aout women on a daily basis...*takes a deep breath*

Anyway, I've made much progress on my mask! It's finished, though I have to find a good material to black out the eyes that still enables me to see well, which could be a problem but I'll figure it out.

And I've got to dirty it up of course.