Final Blog

This year I have read 2131 pages (more if you count the books I read in English)

Before this class, I read all the time. I would usually read before I went to bed at night, which sometimes was a bad idea because I wouldn't be able to put the book down. However, for some reason when I was in this class, I never wanted to read. I think it was because reading became my homework, and not just something fun to do. I also really didn't like to blog about it. It was hard to blog 4 times a week because a lot of the times I would read too much of the book, so I would have to try to remember what happened in certain pages to make this. Once you changed the number of blog post, it did become easier.

Like I said before, I tend to find myself reading in my bed right before I fall asleep. Sometimes when I read my mind wonders, and I read really slow. That depends on if the book is at an interesting part, or if I am drawn in to the drama, or mystery. I love to talk about books with my family and friends. Me and my mom talk about the books I read all the time, and I can always get her to check them out too. I enjoy reading the same books as my friends because I find it more fun to read when you have someone to talk to about it.

At the beginning of the semester, I was signing and angry that we would be doing lots of poems, however I have to admit that they aren't that bad. Their still not my favorite things, but I do enjoy some of them. :)

Over all I enjoyed this class, and I will keep reading, and maybe even reading some poems ;)

6 Poems!!!

Poems:

1. What Do Animals Dream? - Yahia Lababidi

2. Thoughts in a Zoo - Countee Cullen

3. The Animal Store - Rachel Field

4. Turtle - Kay Ryan

5. Rain at the Zoo - Kristen Tracy

6. Golden Retrievals - Mark Doty

Theme: Animals

Flawless (pg. 1 - 52)

The next book in the Pretty Little Liars series (I plan to read them all)

How it began: So the book begins with a "How it really began" part before going into chapter 1. It explains how the girls were having a sleepover, just goofing off doing girly things that you do in middle school. Everything is fine, their having fun, when Ali sees someone outside watching them. Toby. Toby is the neighborhood creeper. All the kids steer clear of him. They say the only person who talks to him is his step-sister, Jenna!! So as revenge for scaring them, Ali comes up with a plan to scare him in his tree house. They get his fireworks, and were just going to light it out, but Ali messed up, and it went in through the window, and hurt Jenna....not Toby. Anyway, Toby took the fall. :O

Spencer: Spencer thinks back and remembers the day that Jenna got hurt. She knows something that none of her other friends, except for Ali, know. Spencer was talking to Ali when Toby marched up and said he saw everything and was going to tell. However, Ali said she saw something and would tell if he didn't say it was all his fault. He agrees. (we don't know what Toby did that was so bad yet in the book, but if you watch the show then you do ;)). Anyway, Spencer wants to tell her friends this now, but is afraid that they would be mad for not speaking up sooner. Because Toby had said he would get back at Ali, and now she is dead...

Hannah: Mona is now upset with Hannah because she is talking to her old friends, who use to pick on her. But that is not the core reason for Hannah's pain. Her mom called her dad about the car and the shoplifting. Hannah hasn't gotten so much as a phone call from her dad in a long time, but now he is sitting in he kitchen trying to lecture her. She talks about his family some more, and how that's the reason she did the whole "toothbrush" thing way back when. She says that was the old Hannah, and she is never going back. We also learn that instead of going to court or anything like that, Hannah will be going to Sean's dad's work a few times a week.

Emily: Emily, Emily...she is still confused about her feelings. So goes and sees Maya, who is staying in a hotel until the cops say they can go back home, and invites Emily up to her room. They start kissing, and almost goes to something more, but Emily kinda freaks out. Scared someone at school might find out about this, scared of what her parents might think. She runs out pretty fast.

Aria: Aria goes to a bar with her brother. They are goofing off, having fun with their fake ID's and stuff. He talks some about Ali, and says "I didn't even think you liked her much." Aria thinks about that and knows on some level it is kind of true, but she would never admit it out loud. Anyway, while their there, Aria spots her dad, with another women! She tries to get her and her brother out of their fast, but her brother spots them too. He gets upsets, and storms out, disappearing before Aria can do anything about it. :(

The Voice!

By Now I am pretty sure must everyone has heard of the newest singing show, The Voice. For those of you who haven't, their are four "coaches" (all singers themselves). These people sit in their chairs facing away from the singer, so they don't know what they look like, or what they do on stage. Each of the coaches need a team of 8, and based just on their voices, they make make up their teams. If more then once coach wants a singer, the singer gets to choose! What I like most about this show is that it based on just their voice. Where on American Idol they want this perfect looking person who would have a good image. Also, from what I heard last night, the people can actually sing! You can be any age, sing any song, and you can even be a dual. It's pretty cool. I sure like it more then American Idol. I think that it could be the next big singing competition. They do want to outshine American Idol, since it comes on at the same time...and I think it just might. But you never know. Either way, I'll be watching it, so they have one viewer! ;) haha

I thought that this guy was incredible! And he impressed all of them...which is awesome!! haha :)

Pretty Little Liars (pg. 256 - 286)

Aria: Her and her family sit around the table at 2 a.m. talking about Alison and how she was found. Aria is pretty upset, of course, and finds herself wanting to be comforted by Ezra. So she hops in the cars a drives to his place. Things did not go the way she thought they would. When she got their, he was so angry. She had left her phone their, and it kept beeping because of text messages, so he opened it to shut it up, and saw the texts from A! She tries to explain, but he won't hear it. She bits him by mistake when he places his hand over her mouth, and he throws a book at her :(

Spencer: Spencer could see out her window as they took care of Alison. Her parents are still angry with her, and wouldn't even see if she's okay. She had a semi panic attack, and Andrew helped her and gave her a blanket. She didn't know this until she saw him put a letter in the mailbox asking if it helped. This upsets her. Wren comes, and they have another little moment. I really hope they don't do anything together...that would be so wrong! haha

Hannah: There was a really small chapter on Hannah. She was sitting on the couch watching the news about Alison. She wants someone to talk to, but realises there is no one. No Sean anymore, Mona is out of the question, and her mom is on a date. So she sits and thinks if A is Alison. But knows that can't be. She also wonders why her mom would say "I'll take care of it" about her drunk driving and theft, instead of yelling and being mad.

Emily: Well it's the funeral. Alison's mom wants all the girls to sit together in the front, so after not have spoken in a long time, the feel a little awkward. But soon old memories bring smiles to their faces, and they feel better. Aria is wearing a knitted bra she made for them all, and Hannah brought some alcohol to help them get by. It's a sad day, but Emily realises that they can be their for each other, and that being with her old friends...made her feel good.

Spencer (again): Well they see Jenna and Toby at the funeral. A big shocker for the girls. A cop pulls Spencer to the side and asks if he can come y to ask her questions about Alison and stuff. The girls are a little nerves, because of the Jenna thing, but don't think much of it. They walk away from the funeral, and are about to say their goodbyes, and Spencer wants to say how much she has missed them in the last three years, when they all get a creepy text from A.

This was the end of the book...with just a long text from A, that is kinda creepy. haha.

Oh technology...

I think just about everyone knows what it is like when your whole family is all doing something with electronic devices. In my family, it is my mom watching TV, my dad on his Ipad, my sister on the laptop, and me on my computer. I remember the good ol' days when we would have family game night. This would either be on Saturdays or Fridays, depending what we were doing, and it was just tons of fun. Now instead of sitting on the floor laughing over silly games, we sit on the couch watching Netflix together. Do I think this is a bad thing? No. We still do play board games everyone once and awhile, and we go on walks and bike rides together, but most of the time we are on our electronic items. It is perfectly fine to spend time on your own separate gadget, but the key is knowing boundaries. If the family only does this, and never really talks, then that's not right. I remember once when my family went out to eat, and I noticed this family at another table...all on their phones texting. Were they texting each other? I sure hope not. That is just sad. That is when technology gets in the way of family and you are over using it. If you can't put your phone, or you laptop down for a nice family dinner, then that is when you need to SEEK HELP!! :)

Pretty Little Liars (pg. 230 - 256)

Aria: It starts with her dreaming about Alison, being alive. It's just a little creepy, I can imagine it was for her. Anyway, when she wakes up she talks to her dad about if ghosts can send text messages. He asked her what a text message was. This is funny, but a little cheesy. I mean, I know it's fun to make fun of older people for not being as "smart" in technology, but really? lol. Anyway, Emily shows up at her house, and she wants to know if Ally ever said anything about her to any of their friends. Aria wonders why, but then she gets to thinking and wonders if Ally told her secret to any of her friends behind her back. We find out that Alison was nice and comforting the first day she found out about Aria's dad, but then was demanding and asking a lot of questions...not a very good friend.

Hannah: Hannah wakes up with a hangover after her big night of drinking. She has very little to no memory what happened last night. Someone knocks on her door, so she kind of straitens herself out, puts on sunglasses, and answers the door. It is the same police man as before. He tells her she stole a car, crashed it, and walked away. She says no way, but kinda confesses by saying she didn't steal it, Sean let her borrow it. Since their was an empty bottle of alcohol, she has to go to the station. She wonders if Mona will get in trouble too, since she was also in the car. She calls her mom, and once again, her mother says she will handle it. Hannah sure has been messing up a lot lately. We learn more about her secret, and the story of a toothbrush that only Alison would know, but now someone else does.

Spencer: Oh my goodness Spencer's parents are horrible!! I mean, what Spencer did to her sister was horrible, but the way her parents handled it...its no wonder she does things like she did. Her dad told her he wished she wasn't his daughter, her mother said she is a horrible person, and Melissa (who has a right to be angry) said she is a b**** and a whore. :( I feel bad for her, yet in a way, she deserved it from Melissa, but not her parents! They should hug her and tell her it will be alright, but what she did was the worst thing one sister could do to another. And blah blah blah. I hope everyone forgives and forgets soon...however something tells me Melissa is not the forgiving type.

Emily: So After her talk with Aria, she decides she needs to go see Maya, and that maybe Maya was the one who wrote her the note. She decides she wants to go back with Ben, if he'll have her, and that she just wants to be friends with Maya. On her way their, she see police cars and ambulances speeding down the street to Maya's house. She remembers that she told her sometimes she cuts herself, so she freaks out a peddles faster to her house. When she gets their, she finds out Maya is just fine, but they found somebody. They found Alison's body!!

Sandcastles!!

It's a dragon eating someone. haha.

Something every little kid does at the beach, something teens and young adults do with friends at the beach, and something artists do...MAKE SANDCASTLES! I know when I was younger I would play in the sand and make sandcastles. Of course those were usually just buckets of sand piled on each other. Every now and again when you go to the beach, you see an amazing sandcastle that must have taken someone days to make! And you stare at in amazement wondering how anyone could make something so cool, using sand as their building material! When little kids make sandcastles, they don't think their making art, neither does anyone else, until you see it, and it really is incredible. I sure don't have the patients or artistic ability to make anything like these, but it's fun to look at. So here are some pictures of some pretty awesome sandcastles :)

Look at the detail...so cool.

this one is so creative and would of taken forever!!

I thought this one was neat :)

I think this one is my favorite

Pretty Little Liars (pg. 213 - 230)

Spencer: Oh Spencer...still making those bad choices. haha. Let's she...she kisses Wren, her sisters boyfriend. As far as I know...that's a big no-no. We also find out that it is not the first time this has happened! :O It turns out that when Spencer was in 7th grade, she kissed her sister boyfriend, Ian. Ian is now her lacrosse coach (awkward). Anyway, Spencer had told Ally all about it at the time, and she threatened that if Spencer didn't tell Melisa, then she would. Spencer threaten to tell about the Jenna thing if that happened. From what it sounds like, those two had a great friendship (...she says sarcastically). Anyway, I was a little confused at this part, but I do believe Melissa saw them kissing and Spencer knows that. But I'm not sure...I think I'll have to go back a re-read that to make sure. haha.

Hannah: Poor Hannah. She has just been rejected by her boyfriend when she tried to sleep with him. He says he wants his first time to be special, and that special girl would not be her. Ouch. I know Hannah has been a little...lets just say behaving poorly...but nobody deserves being told that by their boyfriend  
:( . So she finds Mona, who is stoned, and they drive off to let off some steam...in Sean's car. At a red light, a car pulls up next to them and wants to race. So when the light turns green, they take off...going 80, 90, 100...then a deer runs into the road in front of Hannah's...er Sean's car!! She slams on the breaks and swerves to miss it, but crashes into a pole. Their okay, but they do something terrible....they just walk away, leaving his car and for him to take the blame. :(

Emily: Well Emily sure has been thinking about what went down with Ben and Maya a lot. She bolted the party after it happened, without saying goodbye to Maya, and called another friend to come get her. Let's just say when she woke up the next day, she still felt terrible about it all. She hates thinking that she might be gay. And something creepy happens!! The letter she gave Alison after they kisses saying she loved her and stuff, was sent to her, with a note from A!! How the heck did A get it?? Well that's what Emily thinks. Emily needs to get away, so she gets on her bike, and peddles away, even after her parents yell that she's grounded and to come back.

Aria: I didn't read anything about her in these pages :(

African Safari

One of my biggest dreams and one of my top items on my bucket list (yes...I already have one. haha.) is to go on an AFRICAN SAFARI!!! I plan on being a zoologist, and if I could go to Africa to research the animals in their in their environment...it would just be a dream come true. I'm really into photography too, so I would take professional photos and maybe get them put in a magazine, possibly write a book about the experience. Yeah yeah...probably won't ever happen, but a girl can dream, right? :) My favorite animal in Africa is a Giraffe. They are so cute!! Although I'm pretty sure everyone loves Giraffe's, and why wouldn't they??

Now THIS would be cool...you know...as long as it steps around you ;)

I want to do this so much!

Another scary one, but the guys like "this will make a good picture"

I also think this is super amazing! but still kind of scary.

Two Way Street (pg. 250 - 288)

I loved the ending of this book!! I was a little worried that they wouldn't get their happy ending, but don't worry, Courtney and Jordan do get that certain ending. But not before drama happens. After all the things they went through on their jouney to get to the college (food posing, hotel nights, visiting creepy boyfriend ;)) they make it to the college! When they get their, they are greeted by the way to friendly orintation student person, haha, and let's just say they are not in the mood for a perky excited person. I mean, they did just spend over 48 hours non-stop with each other, Courtney broke off whatever she had with her "best" guy friend that was becoming more then that (because he's a major jerk!!!) Anyway...to get their happy ending, Courtney's dad comes. He and his daughter have a little talk, and she knows the big secret! SHe is super mad at Jordan for keeping it from her, and wants nothing to do with him. He explains, she comes to her senses, and they forgive and forget. (it is a little more then just that, FYI).

My favorite things about this book!

1. The characters

2. Showing both sides of the story (different points of view)

3. The plot in general

4. The drama that happens on the trip, and the cuteness that happened before.

5. The flashbacks of course!!

Those were some highlights of this book in my opinion. It is a good book, and a pretty quick read if anyone is looking for that type of thing ;)

A Pretty Cool Blog

I really enjoy Te Amo's blog!! I love the fun pictures and bright colors!! She also has nice reading post's and a great personality to it! She makes it her own, and it's fun to read :) GOOD JOB!!

Pretty Little Liars (pg.150 - 213)

Emily: This girl. I feel so bad for her boyfriend. But before I get there, let's talk about Emily's mother. She does not want her daughter to hang out with Maya. Not because of reasons you might think, but because she is black. :O That kinda angered me, and Emily. haha. Anyway, I feel bad for her boyfriend because at Noel's party, her and Maya go into a photo booth, and after they take there pictures, Ben walks in on them...and thy are making out!!

Spence: Spencer is still the same. Falling for her sisters boyfriend. She got the barn back. She got it because her her good tests grade!! And now she wants the man. She still is getting massages, and when she gave him a tour of the barn (her room) he basically told her he wants to see her naked. Kinda gross, but she liked that. haha. I do like Spencer, but at the moment, I'll like jeez girl! haha

Aria: All I can really say about her is that she wants Ezra! But who wouldn't, he's hot! She is using Noel to make him jealous, by flirting in front of him and stuff. She goes to his party with him, but ends up getting a phone call from Ezra, who now wants her. She goes to his place, and they kiss and make out, but nothing more then that happens. She gets a text from A, who knows where she is and what she did, so she freaks and leaves.

Hannah: Not much about Hannah this time. :(

Survivor Impressions

I'm a Survivor fan!! haha...and I don't know if any of you remember this Rob, it was awhile ago since he was on. But I found this video of him doing impressions of other players during the Survivor All Stars (season 5 I think). It made me laugh, but I guess if you don't know who he is, or the people he is impersonating, then you wouldn't find this that funny. haha.

Sea Change (pg. 1 - 40)

Miranda is stuck for the summer going with her mom to where she grew up to sell the house after her grandparents die. She doesn't really want to go. She finds the idea of the beach fun, but the type of people who live on this small tiny Island all are those rich snobby people. Except for the locals. On the fairy ride over, she talks to this strange man who tells her to beware of the sea creature. She thinks he is nuts and that there could be no such thing. However, she sees something in the water making her think it may be true. She gets to the island and greets her mother. They go to the house and talk and unpack. Miranda then goes out to explore and sees someone out in the water. He is just floating there, loving the feel of the water. She meets some people at a party that her mom drags her to. There is a cute boy, that she may like. But she keeps thinking about the guy in the water. She becomes "friends" with the teens she meets at the party, and they are all very hyper and happy people. haha.


Review: I loved the feel of the first little bit of the book. It had a sense of mystery to it, which I really enjoy. Miranda seems like a fun character that I could enjoy. I'm excited to read more of the book.

Two Way Street (pg. 180 - 250)

The road trip continues as we see these two ex's start to grow closer together. I don't want to give much away (since I enjoyed this book so much) but here is some things that happen. It flashes back to this trip they took at the beach that is mentioned a lot in the book. All of them went, and while Jordan and Courtney's two friends fought, they went down to the beach. They got in a heated make out session that almost went to something more. However, feeling guilty about a certain piece of information that he knows, Jordan stops it. They break up shortly after. :( this makes me so sad!! Haha. They then flash back to the trip and they find out that they are both staying in the same hotel (because they split up to visit different people at a college they stopped at).

Review: I want these two back together. It is not fair that it keeps flashing to them all happy and cute, and then takes us to see how they are fighting and apart. :(  I do love how we get to see both sides of the story. It makes it harder to choose sides (or maybe easier) haha.

Pretty Little Liars (pg. 71 - 150)

Emily: Emily is still hanging out with her new friend Maya. We find out that Maya has a secret to why she and her boyfriend broke up...she likes girls. Emily doesn't feel uncomfortable around her because of this, it's more because maybe she is the same way. So she decides she needs to focus her free time on swimming and and with her boyfriend, Ben.

Spencer: Spencer, Spencer, Spencer. She is starting to fall for her boyfriend, which is a big no-no. haha. She is letting him give her massages after her hard and tiring lacrosse practices. He is a doctor, so on some level Spencer thinks what they are doing is okay. However she keeps getting these creepy texts from A, who knows just what she is doing.

Aria: Oh no, that oh-so-cute boy she met and totally fell head-over-heels for, is her....ENGLISH TEACHER!! Let's just say drama. She believes they are meant for each other. They had a ton in common, and had that spark. But he is her teacher, so she is going to have to make him want her again, and she'll do this with another cute boy who likes her, Noel.

Hannah: Trouble appears for Hannah when a cop shows up at her house. She was caught on tape shoplifting. At the police station, her mother covers for her. She doesn't really seem that made, but their is a hint of disappointment...but more in herself then her daughter. We learn more about her secret on how to stay skinny...and that creepy person A knows too.

Review: This book is really good. I want Emily to come to her senses and stop doing what she does to please her parents, and do stuff to please herself. I want Hannah to grow up and act more like herself, I want Spencer to step away from her sisters man, and I want Aria and Ezra to be together. haha.

The Home of a Star

Pharrell Williams home's bright white walls, giant photographs of the cartoon show Family Guy, and an ocean side view emphasize his want to buy expensive things, a cold feeling of emptiness, and a feel that is more like a vacation home than a real home. He has items like a dark red chair with feet that seems as if it's only for show. He has a pool to relax and swim in. The openness to to rooms makes it seem lonely and empty. Williams home is big with neat accessories that most people dream of having if they could afford it, but his home lacks the feel of warmth and company.

Beastly (pg. 149 - 300)

Okay...so I realised I didn't blog at all while reading the rest of this book. So bare with me, this review is gonna be pretty general because I really don't want to make a super long post that no one will read.

So, Kyle...or Adrian, now has a blind tutor named Will. He is a pretty cool guy, I would want him as my teacher. haha. Anyway, Kyle actually missed school, so he made his dad get him a tutor. He also becomes pretty close with the maid he once was horrible too. Now on to the girl. Well there is two girls, Kendra, and Lindy. Kendra is a witch who put a curse on Kyle, er, Adrian. She made him look the way he acts on the inside, an ugly beast. Lindy is this sweet girl who lives with her alcoholic drug using father. :(  pretty sad deal she has there. What is even sadder is that her dad trades her to live with Kyle if he doesn't call the cops for breaking into his house. Of course Lindy is mad about this, and thinks Kyle is a creep without meeting him. However they become friends, and then more then that. It's your classic fairy tale love story!!

Review: Great book. I recommend everyone should read the book, and then watch the movie. Or if you already saw the movie, read the book. They are pretty different from each other. I think the book did and had some better things, but then I think the movie turned some things for the better.

In 10 Years...

High School Students Predict Their Future!! This website is pretty cool because it really makes you think about what you plan to do in your future. Their is one guy that hasn't decided what he plans to do yet. I have a pretty good idea about what I want to do, but sometimes I just don't know, so it was nice seeing that I am not alone in that. I also can relate to the students that are going into a job because it is something they want to do, not because of money. I also could relate to those who want to help others, but their was also one who loves animals, and so do I, and that's where I plan to be...

...In ten years, I plan to be a zookeeper at a zoo. I have always loved and enjoyed animals, but it wasn't until I started volunteering at the zoo as a zookeeper aid did I realize that that's what I wanted to do. I'm not 100% percent sure I want to be a zookeeper, but I am 100% sure I am going to get a college degree in zoology. I know that this job doesn't pay a whole lot, but it is something I know I will enjoy, as well as be good at. I am excited and scared of the future, but thinking ahead and making some plans, is what makes it easier, even if it is a little scary.

Two Way Street (pg. 120 - 180)

Its before the trip, and we see that Jordan and Courtney are in the kissing stage in their relationship. She doesn't want to go to far, because once that line is crossed, there is no going back. Plus,Jordan has never stay friends with a girl he's hooked up with before. We also get to see Jordan in his mom after he walked in on her and some guy. His mom of course doesn't want him to tell his father. This causes drama. I don't want to go into all the details and ruin anything in case anyone wants to read this book, but their is this big secret that he discovers...that ruins his relationship with Courtney!! :( The secret is quite good, however...I don't get why...oh never mind. I don't want to ruin it. haha. Anyway, back to the trio, Jordan takes care of his girl, of course. They end up getting wrapped in each others arms (so cute)

Review: Nothing much to say other then I loved it so much!! haha I kinda suck at these reviews I do. Lets see, the secret is BIG which I enjoyed. I didn't guess it.

The Little Things That Make Me Smile

Off of this really cool website that has 1000 awesome things,  choose some of the stuff on the list that would be on mine if I made one:

1. Finding Money you didn't know you lost

2. Living with someone who doesn't mind killing spiders -- I hate spiders!!

3. Using Rock, Paper, Scissors to settle anything

4. Eating Cookies like a cookie monster

5. Roasting the perfect marshmallow -- the best thing ever

6. Getting in a line just before it gets really long

7. When the dog's really excited when your back home -- this makes my day, everyday!

8. Sitting on your freshly made bed and admiring your work after cleaning your room

9. The one person that laughs after telling a bad joke

10. When you open a book to the exact page you were looking for -- so cool, especially in school

Reading through some of the stuff on the list, and picking some for my blog, inspired me to make my own list. So when that one rainy spring day comes, I plan on sitting down and making a list of awesome things!! And I think you all should too. Because if your in a bad mood ever, reading the list will make you smile, like it did me.

Oh the memories...

Children books!! Something each and every child enjoys. Either they love the illustrations (something I always enjoyed) or the story in general. There is website that is a time line of a bunch of children books from a really long time ago. This will be a walk down memory lane for me! Here are my favorite childhood picture books.

Peter Rabbit

Through the Looking Glass

Madeline A favorite :)

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Goodnight Moon

The Velveteen Rabbit

Curious George

Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type I loved this one!!

The Cat in the Hat

Little Bear

The Snowy Day

Brown Bear Brown Bear What do you See?

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Frog and Toad I use to read this one all the time

All these books are so special too me because they were what I learned to read from. Some of them taught me morals, while others just made me smile and look at the pictures. I remember teachers reading these to us, and having special times with each of my parents before bed reading them. The list of books I love and enjoy from my childhood is much longer, but these were the ones on the list that I loved so much!! I still have these books and I look forward to the day I can share them with my children.

Chicago

I recently went to Chicago with my family. I've been before, but I defiantly forgot how hard it is to drive in such a big city. First of all, the people down there love to honk their horns! Second, the people down there really need to look where their walking. But beside the driving problems, its really a fun city. There is just so much to do! Its really pretty downtown in the city at night. All the buildings just light up and its really a nice sight to see. When I was down there all we really did was go to a museum (no my first choice). It was fun, but by the end f the day my feet were about to fall off! I really like visiting that city, I just know I could never live their.

It's Soooo Pretty and Cool!!!!

Pretty Little Liars (pg. 20 - 71)

Emily. The sweet girl-next-door swimmer who is a child every parent dreams of having. She doesn't do bad things, she gets good grades, and she is one of the best swimmers. However, there is something about her that she knows she doesn't want anyone to know about her. She meets Maya, a more out-there-kinda-girl. Her and Emily become fast friends after she moves into Alison's old house, but Maya seems like she has a bad influence on Emily.

Aria. The girl with the individual fashion sense. She loves doing her own thing and has a unique style that shows her independent self. She has just gotten back to town after spending the last 3 years in Iceland. She goes to a bar to escape from her family, where she meets the young and attractive Ezra. He believes she is in college, and she has no problem letting him think that. It doesn't seem to be a problem until she walks in her English class and sees that he is her teacher.

Hannah. The popular girl everyone wants to be like. Her best friend is Mona. Both of them use to be un-popular and chubby. Things change because now they are popular, Hannah is dating the boy shes loved since forever, and they enjoy shoplifting. Hannah has a little secret about how she lost weight so fast, one she doesn't want anyone to know about.

Spencer. She is the girl that is almost perfect. She is in all the extra school activities, she gets fantastic grades, she gets into college summer programs, and she is athletic. She has it all. She even has one of those older sisters who is better then you know matter how hard you try. And unfortunately for Spencer, she is home from college and is going to be staying in the guest house with her new boyfriend. This is not a good thing in Spencer's eyes.

Review: So, the characters are pretty much like they are in the show, only their looks are different. However, Hannah seems different then on the show. That might just be because its really early in the book, but she doesn't seem like the girl in the show. haha. I know I know, books and movies are never the same, but you all have to realise for me, the show came first ;)

Word Count: 71/286

Beastly (pg. 20 - 149)

Kyle did a horrible, mean thing to the un-pretty, un-popular girl. He asked her to the dance, then went with someone else. Well this was a mistake, because that girl just happened to be a witch. A witch who now wants to show Kyle what her truly is...a beast. So he gets turned into one. He has fur, claws, fangs...all that stuff. He freaks out, of course. So the curse is that he has two years to find someone to love him despite his looks, and he must love to. They will prove the love with a kiss. After two years, if he hasn't found his true love, then he must stay a beast forever. Well his dad, who is all into beauty, fears his own son, or is just ashamed. He takes him to a bunch of doctors, with them all saying the same thing, the can do nothing to help. So his dad takes him and they move into this big castle thing (whats a fairy tale without its castle). However, his dad doesn't move in. Hi guardian, well shorta, is the maid. He also makes his dad get him a tutor. His dad finds him a blind one, named Will, and they are good friends now. But then theres this girl. He met her once at the same dance with the witch, and because he showed her kindness, that's why he gets a chance. Anyway, he uses his magic mirror to watch her. He watches her read, but he also watches he take care of her drunken father. Later on he discovers that he can go out at night, all he has to do is look like a homeless person and everyone acts like your invisible!! He is really into Will's garden, and enjoys the roses because it is perfect beauty, and everyone needs some beauty in their lives, no matter how ugly.

Review: Aww, at the beginning of this book, you would cheer that the witch put him in his place. But once you really get to see the character, you fall in love, and feel bad for him. A part of me wants to yell at him to get off his butt and at least try to find someone, but another part of me just wants him to stay put so he can't face those nasty people of the world. I can't wait until he falls for the girl, cause those parts are always my fave!! :)

Word Count: 149/300

Pretty Little Liars (pg. 1 - 20)

Allison is the girl everybody wants to be like. There is just something about her that makes people love her. In 7th grade, she decides she wants three girls to be her friend. Aria, Hannah, Emily, and Spencer. Of course they want to be friends with her! So they become the best of friends. One night, the girls have a slumber party. Nothing abnormal about that. Allison says something that upsets Aria, which happens often lately. You see, Allison may seem like a really good friend, but she tends to tear her friends down. She also is the knower of all their secrets. So during the sleepover, Alison makes her friends let her try hypnotizing them. They don't want to, but listen to her anyway. Spencer back outs last minute, I think she got scared, and has a fight with Ally. Ally storms out, and Spencer feels bad so goes to find her. The others girls snap out of whatever trance they were in, and are scared. They each had a dream about Allison. It is then three years later, with still no sign of what happened to Ally. The girls all miss her, of course, but deep down they think it might be a good thing, because now the secrets are all safe.

Review: What made me want to read this book is the TV show, Pretty Little Liars. I heard the books are really good, and since I watch and like the show, I thought "why not?" The way this book started out was a before it all happened. It showed us how the girls were friends, and what their friendship was like. Ally, we see right away, isn't a good friend. She says mean things to her friends, and makes them do stuff.

Word Count: 20/286

Sucba Diving

Everyone has that one thing they really want to do at least once in their life. That one thing for me, is swimming in the ocean under water will all the life of the sea (just hopefully no sharks or sting ray). I think I would be amazing to scuba dive off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia!! I will say that this is something that would also be pretty scary for me. I'm not scared of water, or swimming or anything...but the ocean does kind of freak me out a little. Don't get me wrong, I think it is obvious by my blog that I

love the ocean, but some of the life that lives in the sea, scare me. Plus, you don't know completely whats out there....

To solve my little problem, but still do what I want, I came up with a little solution. A few episodes back on the Amazing Race, contestants had to go scuba diving in this huge tank full of real ocean creatures. Fish, the worlds largest sting rays, and sharks (not even the friendly ones). So, it was like scuba diving in the ocean, only...not in the ocean. See, it would feel the same, and I would be with all those creepy animals doing what I want, only, as long as the zoo keepers feed the sharks, it would be safe, and I wouldn't be scared. I doubt I would ever be able to do that, however, I do want to be a zoo keeper in the future, so you never know. ;)

Doesn't It Look Awesome?!

Beastly (pg. 1 - 20)

Kyle is on of those guys that thinks he is the best. He has the good looks and the body, so of course all the girls want him and the guys want to be like him. He is on the ballad to be king of the school dance. Basically, Kyle believes only the good looking people will go far in life, and looks are important. These thoughts aren't only because he is full of him self and shallow, it's also because his dad is too. He keeps telling us about the things his dad tells him about how looks are so important. I think the Kyle try's hard to be popular is because he just wants his dad to love him. Anyway, even with all the people that love him and envy him, there is one person that doesn't, Kendra. Kendra is the witch in his English class, who get this, isn't attractive. She is described as chubby and like a goth because she wears all black. She is basically the only person to stand up to Kyle, and for that, she creeps him out. She really creeps him out because she tells him that he is ugly inside, where it really matters, and he would be nothing without his good looks. For some reason, the way she said this just really freaked him out.

Review: This book is great. It's kinda of like a classic fairy tale. There's a witch, and hot guy that turns into a beats, and then later we know there is a girl to possibly save him? I haven't gotten that far, but that's my guess. I can't wait to see the movie they made to the book, but I think I am going to finish the book first. I also can see the good looks of Kyle...blond hair, blue eyes...so cute. hehe. Except the witch is right, he is ugly on the inside, and this kinda takes away from his good looks. So bottom line is, I'm not very far into the book, but I am already in love with it!

Word Count: 20/300

Spellbound

In the film Spellbound, it shows different students competing in the national spelling bee. It shows the hard work they put into studying, and their family life. Two characters that stood out to me was Neil and Emily. Both students spent a great amount of time preparing and studying for the bee. It seemed to me Neil worked non-stop, and was drilled by his father to learn everything. He had a long 10 step process to spell words, and was all around motivated and good at spelling. However, it seemed to me he didn't enjoy studying or the pressure his father put on him. He did want to win though. Emily on the other hand works hard too. She works with her parents and makes flash cards. Emily also knows that spelling and studying isn't the only thing to do in life, and can't wait for when she can stop studying. She also doesn't believe she will win, and is just going out there to do her best. Her parents don't pressure her as much as Neil either. Both students work hard for the same reason, and they both did well in the bee.

Two Way Street (pg. 105 - 120)

We are still on Day one of the trip, at that rest stop. Courtney is in the bathroom, not feeling very well, so Jordan comes in the check on her. She throws up in the sink, and he holds her hair for her. The women in the bathroom are giving him nasty looks, but come on, hes helping his sick friend. I think this is a pass for going into the girls bathroom. haha. Anyway, so 10 minuets later they are outside at his truck, and they both hop on their cell phones. Courtney talks to Jocelyn, while Jordan phone rings, and he has to talk to Courtney's Dad. We find out that something is up with Jordan and her dad. We find out that there is some secret Jordan knows that Mr. Brewster doesn't want Courtney to know.

So they are back on the highway, and Courtney still doesn't feel good. She throws up a couple times, luckily Jordan pulls over in time so she doesn't do it in the car. So since she is sick, they check into a Days Inn. Awkward is the word Courtney describes the situation, and I couldn't agree any more. They argue whether to have two rooms, or just one. Jordan wins so they get one room, but Courtney makes sure it has two beds. While in the room, we see one of the funny sides to Jocelyn. She is following B.J. because I guess he is keeping something from her, and she thinks he might be cheating. It's pretty funny the conversation her and Courtney have. After the phone call, Courtney falls asleep. When she wakes up, fifteen hours later...Jordan is lying next to her, and they are in each others arms.

Review: Yuck. If there is one thing I hate, it's throwing up. So I could totally relate to Courtney here. She says she pretty much has a fear of throwing up, and I do too. haha. So gross. I also loved how sweet it was of Jordan to take care of her. I love this book so much. I will say one thing that bugs me is they cuss a lot in this book. Not so much in the dialog, but in their little thoughts and narration.

Word Count: 120/288

3.1 Diction Exercise

Invitation to Love By: Paul Laurence Dunbar

Representative Words: mellow, golden, hay-field, twilight, nesting, blossom, gleams, glows

Elevation: Medium - colorful, elaborate

Connotation: Poetic - beautiful, pleasing

Claim:
Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem Invitation to Love's peaceful, empathetic, and dreamy colors enhances the romantic and sentimental feeling of welcoming love in one's heart.

2.23 Diction Exercise

A Farewell to Arms By: Ernest Hemingway


Representative Words: bed, swiftly, powdered, marching, stirred, rich, fighting, flashes


Elevation: Low - casual, mediocre

Sound: Harsh - natural, mono-toned

Concreteness: Concrete - soothing, sleek, mellow

Claim: Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms soothing and mediocre description of the troops portrays mellow battle beginning to erupt.

Survivor Reveiw

My favorite reality show is Survivor. I don't know why, I just have always really enjoyed it. I think it's one of those loves where you completely love it, but you can't explain why. Anyway, with that last episode (last Wednesday) I felt the need to talk about it.

So first I need to discuss to newest weirdo, Phillip. If you have watched the last two episodes, then you know what I am talking about when I say weirdo. The first thing that stood out to me about this former Federal agent, was the pink briefs he proudly marched around in. Really? On the first day? Wow. Anyway, he also made that tribal council the best one in the world (I don't want to go into detail about it, but it was funny). Anyway, this week at tribal council, he made his speech about the lion and the gorilla. The Lion is the King, who no one messes with. The Gorilla is another strong one, but knows when they mess up, they must pay the price.

Secondly, Rob and the little romance. So Matt, and Andria, had started this little lovey duvey flit fest. And who sees it, none other the Rob, the most famous person known for falling in love on Survivor. Anyway, Rob knows the power it brings to have an alliance (cough relationship) like that in this game (hello Amber). So when they lost, and he saw Matt do a kind thing to the winning team, he got him voted out. This kind of disappointed me. Matt was just being nice, but his teammates saw it as betraying his team. What really made me sad was right before Tribal, he pretty much said how Boston Rob is the coolest person ever. Broke my heart. haha.

And third, Russel being a know-it-all. Well we all knew it was coming, his famous line "Your either with me, or against me." Well it finally came out with new country guy Rlaph. Russel went out calling Ralph inexperienced, and dumb. Well Russel, Ralph seems to have something you don't....the hidden immunity idol. Now if Ralph does it right, he may be able to use that to blind side Russel...and you know you all want to see it.

I am excited for this weeks new episode! :)

Two Way Street (pg 80 - 105)

So Courtney's best friend, Jocelyn, does not like the idea of her and Jordan as a thing. She warns her not to go there, and not even to think of going there. Courtney agrees, even though she is already infatuated over him. She then tells Courtney that she was hooked up with someone, the very someone who goes by the name B.J.. Courtney finds this gross (so do I) and never wants to here about it. They also discuss that the only way Courtney can talk to Jordan is if he says hi first, and then all she is allowed to say back is hi.

So Jordan is totally annoyed that Courtney is ignoring him. He doesn't understand. He confronts her about by saying "so is that how you treat a guy who just bought you a meal" and Courtney tells him she "was busy texting." Cute, cute, cute!! He then asks her out to get something to eat, she says no, but that doesn't do for him, so he asks her why. She kind of blows up at him, but when she realises he really wanted to go, she agreed, but made it clear she doesn't want to. So they go out and eat in his car, and talk about family. He also gives her a pet name, Court. Hehe, I found this cute too. This chapter ended with him talking to B.J. about the girls.

Review: I thought it was really adorable how Jordan got all upset when Courtney ignored him. I wanted to go over and give him a hug or something. hehe. Both these chapters was of before the trip, and they were so cute.

Word Count: 105/288

Two Way Street (pg. 50 - 80)

Good, good, good!! That is mostly what I have to say over these pages. Picking off what what happened, Jordan asks for Courtney's number, he gets it, and we find out that Courtney is not dating her best friend Lloyd, even though she has been in love with him since forever (yuck!). Jordan did this to make a girl jealous, and it works, only not to his advantage. He has to go help his drunk friend, and the girl gets bored of waiting around for him, so she leaves with someone else. Then, a big shocker...when Jordan goes home, his mom is making out with someone! Well obviously Jordan freaks out, so he leaves in his car, and calls Courtney to hang out. They do, but its not a date (mhmm, whatever they say). One funny thing is Courtney is facebook...erm, myspace...stalking Jordan before he calls. So when she sees its him that called, she feels like she could see her.

So then we flash back to the trip. Courtney's stomach growls...and this is like very amusing for Jordan, because she wouldn't let them stop for food, so they do, and when they get food at some rest stop his phone rings. Courtney acts all bratty and is like "don't not answer your girlfriend on account of me" and stuff (it's not even his "new" girlfriend). Well Courtney eats her food really fast, because the faster she eats, the sooner this awkwardness can end. Anyway, that was a bad idea, because the food was bad. We find this out when she throws up.

Review: I love this book! hehe. I don't know why, but I was very entertained with these pages. I just adore reading the "before the trip" because we get to see how they met, and later, how they were as a couple. It's just great. Sometimes Courtney gets on my nerves, cause she can be really mean, but hey, she is stuck on a road trip with the person who dumped her, she has a right. hehe.

Word Count: 80/288

Spring!!

I don't know about you, but I am ready for spring! Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the winter, but when all that snow melted, and we had those two days of warmth, I never wanted to go back to the cold. Now I look out my window, and see snow again. It's a little upsetting. So, here are a few spring pictures to put everyone in a happy mood, or a sad mood since it's not spring yet. haha.

Two Way Street (pg. 1 - 50)

This is one of my favorite books to read. Yes I have read it before...about 4 times. haha. But I enjoy it, and I was bored, so that is why I am reading it again. Or at least read some of it.

Anyway, this book starts out with Courtney thinking about how this road trip with her ex is going to suck. You see, she and her ex-boyfriend are going to the same college, and before they broke up, they made this plan to go on a road trip to college together. However, they broke up, but it's to late to get plane tickets, and there parents are still making them go. We here Courtney say how much Jordan is lazy and never on time. We also learn how she just has to follow her schedule, because she won't let Jordan take them out for breakfast because it will put them behind schedule. It then tells us how they met at this party. It's really funny, because they are both friends with these immature people.

Review: The one thing I love about this book is that is shows Jordan and Courtney's different point of views. Also, It doesn't just show the present, as in them on the trip, but flashes back to when they were dating, which is nice, because you get a feel for the characters before now.

Word Count: 50/288

Before I Fall (pg. 430 - 470)

So, Sam has her friends drop her off and leave her at Lindsey's house. They don't understand why, but it is all part of her plan to see Kent and let him be her hero, so that the promise he made to himself is fulfilled. He picks her up, and they have a really heated kiss. She tells him some sweet things, but then runs into the party, leaving him pretty confused. She goes and sees her friends, and spends some time with them. They have some laughs, but then when she checks the time, she knows its time to say goodbye. She does a simple "See you Later" and even tears up some. It was kind of sad, because we knew this was her last time with them. She then goes to find Juliet She finds her, and talks to her. Saying she is sorry and knows what she has planned, and can't let her do it. Kent comes and distracts Sam, and Juliet gets away. She tells Kent he has to trust her, and that she needs to help someone. Then she runs off and gets to Juliet by the road. In the distance, she hears Kent, Lindsey, and her other friends calling her name. When a truck comes rolling by, and Juliet jumps in front of it, Sam pushes her out of the way, getting hit herself. And this time, she stays dead.

Review: Well thats the end, and I thought it was a good ending. I mean, she saved the person who she tortured all this time. She got to spend one last day with the guy she should have been with from the start, and she got to make things good with her family, and just have fun with her friends. Over all, this book was a good read. Would I read it again? No. Do I wish I didn't buy is? Sorta. But over all, it was worth it, and if you want and easy, semi-moral book, then you should read this one :)

Word Count: 470/470

Before I Fall (pg. 407 - 430)

Day 7, the last day Sam will live again. So she wakes up, goes to the rose room like the last time. This time, she buys Juliet a single rose, and writes "it's never to late" and throughout the day she gets roses, but when she gets the one from Kent. She tells the girl who gave it to her it's her favorite, and gives all her other roses to her. The only one she keeps is the one from Kent. After that class, she thanks him, says its her favorite, and tells him he will need to be her hero. It was actually pretty sweet. She also is really into spending one last time with her friends, and thinking about how to save Juliet. Pretty much the same stuff in the last chapter, only she is has learned from all her mistakes.

Review: I enjoyed this, like always. I guess my favorite part was when she was talking to Kent in the hallway. It was so cute. hehe. I wish that he could remember all there other moments that Sam had with him on the other days.

Word Count: 430/470

Before I Fall (pg. 344 - 407)

When Sam wakes up, she is so happy that she gets to have another chance at making things right. Not only for Juliet (though that is her biggest mission) but with all those better in her school suffering. When she gets to school, she spends $40 dollars on roses, all for Juliet. She writes on the card "from your secret admirer." She also takes away the single rose her and her friends bought for Juliet that said "maybe next year, but probably not." She ignores Rob during lunch, until he marches up to her demanding what her problem is. They get in a fight, nothing new there.

After lunch, Sam goes out to find Kent, who she really likes. She feels some sort of connection with him, and feels bad for the way she thought about him and they way she treated him before. She finds him out in the court yard, and she is about to tell him something. I think she was going to tell him her feelings for him, or the weirdness that has happened to her, but she gets dragged away by Lindsey. Kent makes her promise to come to his party, and Sam does. Even while out skipping classes with Lindsey, Sam's mind is somewhere else. She thinks about death. She thinks about how she died, and how Juliet died. If I was Sam, I would be so mad at her, because she is the reason Sam died. But instead of hating her, she wants to save her.

At the party, Sam tricks Rob into an embarrassing situation, and then she dumps him (about time!) Once she loses track of her friends, she runs into Kent. They get talking, and then she hears some laughing and thinks "oh no, not again" She runs off to the bathroom where Juliet is. This part was a little hart wrenching. Sam apologises, and explains why she did the things she did, and so on. It really was a nice speech, but Juliet doesn't seem to hear the words Sam says to her. She calls Sam out on all the things her and her friends have done to her, and she then says that Lindsey and her use to be best friends. She tells about all the things they use to do together, and then how in 5th grade, her parents always fought, and it was really hard on Lindsey. She use to have bad nightmares, and wet the bed. And on that 5th grade camping trip, she wet the bed then, and blamed it all on Juliet. And thats how it all got started. Juliet then runs out of the bathroom, and we find out that her committing suicide has nothing to do with Lindsey.

Review: This was pretty intense. Mostly the bathroom scene, where Sam is talking to Juliet, and we find out about her and Lindsey's past together. It was pretty touching and emotional. I also enjoyed the fact that we can really see that Sam has changed, or maybe finally being herself, and not being afraid. Bottom line, loved it.

Word Count: 407/470

A Little Valentine Sweetness

Yum...chocolate...icing...cupcakes...!!! Yep, you guessed it, I made chocolate cupcakes to celebrate this day of love. Well, my mom made them, but I decorated them. Here is a few pictures of my masterpiece:

Disney Classics

So the other day, I spent 3 hours of my life on youtube, listening to all the old classic Disney songs. I love them all! So I made a list of a few of my favorites, I decided to only do ten, so my list was super long, just note that I wanted to choose a song from all different movies, so not all of these are my favorite, but the favorite of that movie. And I picked the movie based on what song got stuck in my head. haha. So here is my list, hope you enjoy.

1. Why Should I Worry - Oliver and Company

2. I'll Make A Man Out Of You - Mulan

3. Just Around The River Bend - Pocahontas

4. Hakuna Matata - The Lion King

5. Part Of Your World - The Little Mermaid (my favorite Disney princess growing up)

6. Something There - Beauty and the Beast

7. A Whole New World - Aladdin

8. I Won't Say I'm In Love - Hercules

9. Two Worlds - Tarzan

10. Cinderelly (Mouse Song) - Cinderella



I recommend you all listening to some old Disney songs, and making your own list. It sure is fun remembering the good old days :)



Before I Fall (pg. 311 - 344)

So after leaving myself at that terrible cliffhanger, here is what happened next. Sam goes around asking the people at the party if they know where Juliet is. No one seems to know who she is talking about, until in her long list of describing her, she says "might be wet" (you know, because of the drink that would have been thrown on her) and so someone says she is in the bathroom. Sam runs to the bathroom, the door is locked, of course, and no matter how much she bangs on the door, she doesn't get an answer. This makes Sam panic quit a bit. She yells at someone to go get Kent. Kent ends up having to pick the lock, and when they open the door, no one is in there, and the window is opened.


Sam, still freaking out, runs out to find her. She runs through the woods, thinking that is where Juliet ran off to. All she can see in her head is Juliet shooting herself, and all the blood that would pool around her head. Once she realises she is lost, she tries to find the road. Once she is close enough to see it, she sees Juliet sitting on the ground. She starts to talk to Juliet, and Juliet doesn't understand why she is being nice all of a sudden, and she she yells as Sam "why are you talking to me, you hate me!" Sam tells her that she just doesn't know her, but she thinks they have something in common. No matter what she says, Juliet runs out into that street, to be hit by a car.


The Car, is Lindsey's. Lindsey and Ally are both fine, but Elody, who was in the passenger side (the seat Sam was in the night she dies) was the only one of them that died. Sam has a major freak out, hello, she just watched someone commit suicide and her best friend dying! So Kent takes her back to his place, and she doesn't want him to leave her side. She asks why he is so nice to her, and he tells her because in elementary school, she stood up to a bully for him, and he called her his hero, so he promised himself he would be hers no matter how long it would take (aww!).


Review: So here is what I learned. Juliet was the reason Sam died, without Sam, Elody would be the one who died in the car, Juliet shot herself when the girls didn't go to the party, because she wouldn't have been in the woods, and so on. Wow, who know changing such small actions, would change such big things!!


Word Count: 344/470

Is that from One Tree Hill?!

Okay, so I guess it is pretty clear I am obsessed with One Tree Hill. My family knows this best, because last year during spring break, we went close to the town where they film the show, and I made my family drive an extra hour to go see the spots on the show. So here are a few of those pictures I took.

This is Brook's store, clothes over bros. That had the sign over the door so you couldn't really see inside, but this was probably my favorite sight to see!! Brook is my favorite, so I don't know, it was just special for me. haha.

                                                   

Brooks house in the first and second season! This was kind of awkward to take a picture of, because people really live there. But hey, I couldn't call myself a crazy fan if I wasn't brave enough to take a picture of a random person house. I wonder if they are use to that every now and then, hmm...

The river walk way!! I don't know if that is what this is really called, but it's what I call it. Anyway, the cast is often on this, just walking and chilling. It's also where Nathan and Hailey had their first date (well, tutor session) and I sat at the same table they did!! :D :D

The River Court!!! Now I know you all know what this is. I was a little disappointed because I they didn't have the hoops up (weird) or the bleachers. But It was really cool to see it and stand on it.

And here was the sign for the show at the studio. Unfortunately they only give the tours on the weekend, and we had missed it already. I wish I could have seen one of the stars, but it must of been their spring break too. haha. One thing is for sure...BEST DAY EVER!!!