Well.
Yesterday I went to something at the high school I'll be at starting Tuesday. They called it an ice cream social.
Just ponder that for a minute. What?
STOP TACKING FANCY NAMES ONTO THINGS.
Okay, sorry. I'll continue now.
The only reason I went was that we were getting our schedules.
So.
I went to the "student center" (aka cafeteria for normal folk like you and me) and stood in line for like ten minutes to get the schedule. I got it, and it looked like this:
A block: Directed Study
B block: Directed Study
C block: Directed Study
ETC.
I looked at it for about a minute and finally thought, "That can't be right..."
And then I had to go to the office and get it sorted out and I missed the looking around the school and getting a tour and whatever. Take a moment to pity me.
...
Thank you.
So after that I went back to the cafeteria for a Schedule Comparison Fest and various processed sweet frozen stuff. Processed sweet frozen stuff happens to be delicious, which made it a little less irritating that almost none of my friends are in my classes.
After looking at my schedule just now I've decided that the schedule times make absolutely no sense. I may be vastly confused for the first month or so, hmm...
Friday, August 31, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
"Reunion"
There was this thing. At the art center.
They called it a reunion but it wasn't really, it was just an invitation to come and make art with other people. And eat pizza. And ice cream. And it was brilliant.
I was the first one there and then this other girl came and we were talking and laughing with the teachers. We made a plan for what we were going to do on the giant canvas that was provided. Then we started to paint and some other kids arrived. I went downstairs to see my friends from ceramics since I wasn't attending this week. We ate pizza and ice cream and went on painting.
I did not feel at all emotionally attached to the painting that I was doing with the second girl who arrived. The other people were also doing a giant one. It was amazing not to give a damn at all and just go wild with color. Ours ended up as a real explosion of hues, and quite abstract too. The canvas was absolutely enormous. I've never done something so large-scale.
So. Much. Fun.
I talked with the girl about middle school and high school and social things and it was kind of fun because we had the same opinions on a lot of things even though she's a "popular kid" and I'm a "book/YouTube nerd." It's amazing how fundamentally similar humans are.
When I signed my name at the end of the evening, I looked at our work and kind of liked it. It definitely wasn't my favorite thing I ever made but it wasn't bad. Creating it was almost like letting go, just letting everything out, with vast brush strokes across the enormous space.
It feels good not to be attached, almost like floating, like being on a ship in the open sea. You choose what ports to enter, which ones you want to explore, and where you want to stay. "I can see...perfectly in this cracked darkness." ~ Paper Towns by John Green
They called it a reunion but it wasn't really, it was just an invitation to come and make art with other people. And eat pizza. And ice cream. And it was brilliant.
I was the first one there and then this other girl came and we were talking and laughing with the teachers. We made a plan for what we were going to do on the giant canvas that was provided. Then we started to paint and some other kids arrived. I went downstairs to see my friends from ceramics since I wasn't attending this week. We ate pizza and ice cream and went on painting.
I did not feel at all emotionally attached to the painting that I was doing with the second girl who arrived. The other people were also doing a giant one. It was amazing not to give a damn at all and just go wild with color. Ours ended up as a real explosion of hues, and quite abstract too. The canvas was absolutely enormous. I've never done something so large-scale.
So. Much. Fun.
I talked with the girl about middle school and high school and social things and it was kind of fun because we had the same opinions on a lot of things even though she's a "popular kid" and I'm a "book/YouTube nerd." It's amazing how fundamentally similar humans are.
When I signed my name at the end of the evening, I looked at our work and kind of liked it. It definitely wasn't my favorite thing I ever made but it wasn't bad. Creating it was almost like letting go, just letting everything out, with vast brush strokes across the enormous space.
It feels good not to be attached, almost like floating, like being on a ship in the open sea. You choose what ports to enter, which ones you want to explore, and where you want to stay. "I can see...perfectly in this cracked darkness." ~ Paper Towns by John Green
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Impossible Life
We went out for dinner (our excuse was that I have finally done my placement test and have most of my schedule for the coming year sorted out) - it was an Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurant. The food was delicious; we ate it by picking it up with pieces of pancake-like bread. It's fun to eat with your hands and have it be proper.
The restaurant is in Cambridge, around the area where we lived until I was about five or six. It's a little strange being around there because I feel a strange familiarity, yet also a disconnect - it's the first place I knew, but I don't really know it as well anymore. Almost like déjà-vu. I know the way the streets connect but I no longer know the contents. I know the skeleton, but not the sinew.
And as we stepped out of the little, low-lit restaurant, my world was full of impossibles: the air was impossibly muggy; the lights of Mass Ave impossibly bright; the crescent-but-fading-to-gibbous moon looking impossibly close; the sky impossibly, deeply blue, as it is when twilight begins fading to night; parts of the place, like the grass in front of City Hall and the Post Office, impossibly familiar, so familiar that it's like I never left, and yet so many places so impossibly different and strange.
Suddenly I was struck by the impossibility of my world; the infinite paths that could have been taken. The precariousness of everything. It is all impossible. As the Doctor says, we're all stories. "We're all stories in the end." That's how impossible we are.
The restaurant is in Cambridge, around the area where we lived until I was about five or six. It's a little strange being around there because I feel a strange familiarity, yet also a disconnect - it's the first place I knew, but I don't really know it as well anymore. Almost like déjà-vu. I know the way the streets connect but I no longer know the contents. I know the skeleton, but not the sinew.
And as we stepped out of the little, low-lit restaurant, my world was full of impossibles: the air was impossibly muggy; the lights of Mass Ave impossibly bright; the crescent-but-fading-to-gibbous moon looking impossibly close; the sky impossibly, deeply blue, as it is when twilight begins fading to night; parts of the place, like the grass in front of City Hall and the Post Office, impossibly familiar, so familiar that it's like I never left, and yet so many places so impossibly different and strange.
Suddenly I was struck by the impossibility of my world; the infinite paths that could have been taken. The precariousness of everything. It is all impossible. As the Doctor says, we're all stories. "We're all stories in the end." That's how impossible we are.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Strange Favorite
My favorite knife needs to be sharpened.
See, we have these three big knives. Two are long; one has a rounder blade. Two have thicker blades, while the last one has a thinner one.
My favorite one is the one with the round, thicker blade.
I'm classy. I have knife favorites.
(Or, you know, I could be a serial killer. Whatever.)
Thursday, August 16, 2012
I am a bad girl, me
So I went to ceramics, which was awesome. I painted a teacup I made with white and copper-green slip and I'm going to glaze it tomorrow.
Of course, since I wasn't throwing today (only trimming and painting and sitting around because I didn't make enough stuff this week to keep myself occupied), I, as well as my wheel, was much less dirty. So I cleaned up my stuff and then my friends and I basically ditched the class. (Oh well...the classroom was pretty clean anyways...)
We were upstairs and my friend and I were unlocking my bike from the railing by the door and another one was sitting on the railing and then my friend asked me to come get ice cream with her. At first I said no, I shouldn't, I should get home, because my grandparents will be expecting me (my parents are in the Berkshires). But then we started riding and I thought, what the hell, why not, ice cream is amazing.
So we went to Cabot's and each got an American small-size (which of course is medium to large size everywhere else) and stood around finishing them off. By then it was around six, and class had ended at 5:30.
Of course, I was expected to be a little late because I had to pick up a book at the library, but not as late as I was going to be now.
But anyway, she agreed to stop by the library with me. As we leaned our bikes on the bike-tying things (but didn't lock them because it's tedious) I called my grandparents and said that I'd had to stick around and help clean. Which was basically the opposite of what had happened. But whatever.
I checked out my request (The Night Circus, for anyone who cares) and another book that I saw that looked cool and I decided to check out (and I still have no idea what it is) and then we kept riding towards home. We take the back streets, since I hate one of the intersections on the way. Suddenly I noticed that in front of one house, the part between the sidewalk (or "pavement" if you're British) and the road, where usually there's water-wasting grass that the city maintains, someone had planted tomatoes.
Of course, we stopped and stole some. (To be fair, I think it's city property anyway, so whatever.) They were good. Literally just-picked. Nothing like it.
Soon we got to my driveway and we went our separate ways.
And this is why I relish my freedom.
Of course, since I wasn't throwing today (only trimming and painting and sitting around because I didn't make enough stuff this week to keep myself occupied), I, as well as my wheel, was much less dirty. So I cleaned up my stuff and then my friends and I basically ditched the class. (Oh well...the classroom was pretty clean anyways...)
We were upstairs and my friend and I were unlocking my bike from the railing by the door and another one was sitting on the railing and then my friend asked me to come get ice cream with her. At first I said no, I shouldn't, I should get home, because my grandparents will be expecting me (my parents are in the Berkshires). But then we started riding and I thought, what the hell, why not, ice cream is amazing.
So we went to Cabot's and each got an American small-size (which of course is medium to large size everywhere else) and stood around finishing them off. By then it was around six, and class had ended at 5:30.
Of course, I was expected to be a little late because I had to pick up a book at the library, but not as late as I was going to be now.
But anyway, she agreed to stop by the library with me. As we leaned our bikes on the bike-tying things (but didn't lock them because it's tedious) I called my grandparents and said that I'd had to stick around and help clean. Which was basically the opposite of what had happened. But whatever.
I checked out my request (The Night Circus, for anyone who cares) and another book that I saw that looked cool and I decided to check out (and I still have no idea what it is) and then we kept riding towards home. We take the back streets, since I hate one of the intersections on the way. Suddenly I noticed that in front of one house, the part between the sidewalk (or "pavement" if you're British) and the road, where usually there's water-wasting grass that the city maintains, someone had planted tomatoes.
Of course, we stopped and stole some. (To be fair, I think it's city property anyway, so whatever.) They were good. Literally just-picked. Nothing like it.
Soon we got to my driveway and we went our separate ways.
And this is why I relish my freedom.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Another Survey
1. What time did you get up this morning?
9:30 am.
2. How do you like your steak?
Medium.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
The Dark Knight Rises. Good movie. Very good movie.
4. What is your favorite TV show?
DOCTOR WHO.
5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Excluding Tel Aviv, where I already lived, London. Or New York (City). Or Paris.
6. What did you have for breakfast?
A fresh sesame bagel and various types of cream cheese.
7. What is your favorite cuisine?
I don't play food favorites.
8. What foods do you dislike?
I don't love bitter-tasting things. And I don't eat innards, other than tongue. Or duck, because I love ducks as animals.
9. Favorite Place to Eat?
At old friends' houses, because everything tastes good and the people are friendly.
10. Favorite dressing?
I don't think dressings are separate from the salad. So just give me a tasty salad and I'll be happy.
11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?
At thirteen, do you want me to be driving?
12. What are your favorite clothes?
In winter, jeans, a shirt, and a sweatshirt. In summer, anything summery.
13. Where would you visit, this weekend, if you had the chance?
London or New York.
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
It's half air and half something else. Deal?
15. Where would you want to retire?
I don't think that far ahead. Damn it, I haven't even started working!
16. Favorite time of day?
First thing in the morning or early evening.
17. Where were you born?
Boston, MA.
18. What is your favorite sport to watch?
Gymnastics or swimming.
19. How many siblings?
One younger brother.
20. Favorite pastime/hobby?
YouTube/creating videos, bothering people, ukulele, writing, reading, crafts, and plastic arts.
21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?
I'm not.
22. Bird watcher?
I would call myself a world-watcher.
23. Are you a morning person or a night person?
I go either way, as long as I get enough sleep, but I lean towards morning.
24. Do you have any pets?
No.
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?
None that I'd like to share. Or, wait - my grandparents are here. And also I'm going to ceramics again this week. And my friend is coming back from camp sometime in the next few weeks.
26. What did you want to be when you were little?
A drummer.
27. What is your best childhood memory?
I don't play memory favorites, either. And I like to think that my childhood is still going, maybe? I'll share some in other blog posts, I guess. They're too long for a survey.
28. Are you a cat or dog person?
Either.
29. Are you married?
I'm thirteen, okay?
...
(In case you're still wondering, NO.)
30. Always wear your seat belt?
I do. Except for that one time in New York where the car wasn't big enough for everyone and I sat on someone's lap until a police car went by and then I would lie down. It was very hard to get up again.
31. Been in a car accident?
Yeah, I guess.
32. Any pet peeves?
People smacking their lips.
33. Favorite Pizza Toppings?
I still don't play food favorites.
34. Favorite Flower?
Tulip? Lily? I don't know! (I also don't know what some of my favorites are called...)
35. Favorite ice cream?
Strawberry, peach, mint...I guess anything without peanuts.
36. Favorite fast food restaurant?
I don't really eat fast food.
37. How many times did you fail your driver's test?
Like I said. Thirteen years old. No driving.
38. From whom did you get your last email?
Facebook. Of course.
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Strand Bookstore or Anthropologie or a store with clothing/bags that I really like.
40. Do anything spontaneous lately?
I ran into a sprinkler. Best choice ever.
41. Like your job?
As a soon-to-be ninth grader? Yeah, I guess. I don't really have a choice.
42. Broccoli?
Yeah. It tastes good.
43. What was your favorite vacation?
Cape Cod? Italy? San Francisco and Yosemite? Israel?
I guess I don't play vacation favorites either...
44. Last person you went out to dinner with?
My family. It was my mom's birthday.
45. What are you listening to right now?
The air conditioner.
46. What is your favorite color?
Red or blue. My favorite combo is blue and yellow.
47. How many tattoos do you have?
None.
48. How many people will fill this out?
I don't know...I stole it from someone...
49. What time did you finish this quiz?
I'm not done yet! But it's 5:46 pm.
50. Coffee Drinker?
Half teaspoon of coffee with TONS of milk and TONS of sugar. If I were to have any more caffeine I would explode of hyper. I can drink tea, though.
9:30 am.
2. How do you like your steak?
Medium.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
The Dark Knight Rises. Good movie. Very good movie.
4. What is your favorite TV show?
DOCTOR WHO.
5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Excluding Tel Aviv, where I already lived, London. Or New York (City). Or Paris.
6. What did you have for breakfast?
A fresh sesame bagel and various types of cream cheese.
7. What is your favorite cuisine?
I don't play food favorites.
8. What foods do you dislike?
I don't love bitter-tasting things. And I don't eat innards, other than tongue. Or duck, because I love ducks as animals.
9. Favorite Place to Eat?
At old friends' houses, because everything tastes good and the people are friendly.
10. Favorite dressing?
I don't think dressings are separate from the salad. So just give me a tasty salad and I'll be happy.
11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?
At thirteen, do you want me to be driving?
12. What are your favorite clothes?
In winter, jeans, a shirt, and a sweatshirt. In summer, anything summery.
13. Where would you visit, this weekend, if you had the chance?
London or New York.
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
It's half air and half something else. Deal?
15. Where would you want to retire?
I don't think that far ahead. Damn it, I haven't even started working!
16. Favorite time of day?
First thing in the morning or early evening.
17. Where were you born?
Boston, MA.
18. What is your favorite sport to watch?
Gymnastics or swimming.
19. How many siblings?
One younger brother.
20. Favorite pastime/hobby?
YouTube/creating videos, bothering people, ukulele, writing, reading, crafts, and plastic arts.
21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?
I'm not.
22. Bird watcher?
I would call myself a world-watcher.
23. Are you a morning person or a night person?
I go either way, as long as I get enough sleep, but I lean towards morning.
24. Do you have any pets?
No.
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?
None that I'd like to share. Or, wait - my grandparents are here. And also I'm going to ceramics again this week. And my friend is coming back from camp sometime in the next few weeks.
26. What did you want to be when you were little?
A drummer.
27. What is your best childhood memory?
I don't play memory favorites, either. And I like to think that my childhood is still going, maybe? I'll share some in other blog posts, I guess. They're too long for a survey.
28. Are you a cat or dog person?
Either.
29. Are you married?
I'm thirteen, okay?
...
(In case you're still wondering, NO.)
30. Always wear your seat belt?
I do. Except for that one time in New York where the car wasn't big enough for everyone and I sat on someone's lap until a police car went by and then I would lie down. It was very hard to get up again.
31. Been in a car accident?
Yeah, I guess.
32. Any pet peeves?
People smacking their lips.
33. Favorite Pizza Toppings?
I still don't play food favorites.
34. Favorite Flower?
Tulip? Lily? I don't know! (I also don't know what some of my favorites are called...)
35. Favorite ice cream?
Strawberry, peach, mint...I guess anything without peanuts.
36. Favorite fast food restaurant?
I don't really eat fast food.
37. How many times did you fail your driver's test?
Like I said. Thirteen years old. No driving.
38. From whom did you get your last email?
Facebook. Of course.
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Strand Bookstore or Anthropologie or a store with clothing/bags that I really like.
40. Do anything spontaneous lately?
I ran into a sprinkler. Best choice ever.
41. Like your job?
As a soon-to-be ninth grader? Yeah, I guess. I don't really have a choice.
42. Broccoli?
Yeah. It tastes good.
43. What was your favorite vacation?
Cape Cod? Italy? San Francisco and Yosemite? Israel?
I guess I don't play vacation favorites either...
44. Last person you went out to dinner with?
My family. It was my mom's birthday.
45. What are you listening to right now?
The air conditioner.
46. What is your favorite color?
Red or blue. My favorite combo is blue and yellow.
47. How many tattoos do you have?
None.
48. How many people will fill this out?
I don't know...I stole it from someone...
49. What time did you finish this quiz?
I'm not done yet! But it's 5:46 pm.
50. Coffee Drinker?
Half teaspoon of coffee with TONS of milk and TONS of sugar. If I were to have any more caffeine I would explode of hyper. I can drink tea, though.
Metaphors
When I read The Fault in Our Stars, I thought at first that Augustus was a bit crazy, doing things for their metaphorical resonances.
But lately I've found that I think of almost everything as a metaphor. Rain. Flowers. Light. Wind. Even a fly that was buzzing relentlessly about the room.
And really, like John Green said, many of the things we do have metaphorical meanings. Sports, for example, or any kind of winning or losing situation that makes someone come out on top. It's a way to justify our views of who's better or worse than anyone else.
Trains and stars are probably my favorite metaphors. Trains are always moving; they never stay in one place, and stars connect us all.
To me, that's beautiful.
But lately I've found that I think of almost everything as a metaphor. Rain. Flowers. Light. Wind. Even a fly that was buzzing relentlessly about the room.
And really, like John Green said, many of the things we do have metaphorical meanings. Sports, for example, or any kind of winning or losing situation that makes someone come out on top. It's a way to justify our views of who's better or worse than anyone else.
Trains and stars are probably my favorite metaphors. Trains are always moving; they never stay in one place, and stars connect us all.
To me, that's beautiful.
Friday, August 10, 2012
In the middle of Crash Course
It was dinnertime.
Me: But I was just in the middle of learning history!
Mom: Ugh. Just because your family wants you to eat dinner with them.
Mom: I suggest you fire them.
Me: But I was just in the middle of learning history!
Mom: Ugh. Just because your family wants you to eat dinner with them.
Mom: I suggest you fire them.
Watching Crash Course
That's what I'm doing. I don't really watch the biology ones as much but I do watch world history (because, you know, world history is the single thing that American education up to grade seven or so does not really teach - yeah, I know about the Native Americans and I've learned the American Revolution about three times, don't wonder why I'm not that interested in class).
This week's video was about the French Revolution. I learned all about it in Israel. It was cool.
Then, a picture of Marie Antoinette came up and the little "did you know" thing said "The cake was a lie."
Me: The cake was a lie?
Me: ...
Me: THE CAKE IS A LIE!
Me: LET THEM EAT CAKE!
Me: OH MY FREAKING GOD I GET IT!
And then it was chair happy dance time.
(If you get only half the things I'm saying in this blog post, go see the awesome that are John and Hank Green on Vlogbrothers and Crash Course. Join the Nerdfighters! We are made of awesome!)
(Marie Antoinette never exactly said "Let them eat cake" so the cake WAS a lie.)
(Also, excuse me for being vaguely disconnected with some aspects of popular culture.)
(And excuse the excessive parentheses.)
(I read once in Writer's Digest that you should not use parentheses. At all.)
(I don't really care.)
This week's video was about the French Revolution. I learned all about it in Israel. It was cool.
Then, a picture of Marie Antoinette came up and the little "did you know" thing said "The cake was a lie."
Me: The cake was a lie?
Me: ...
Me: THE CAKE IS A LIE!
Me: LET THEM EAT CAKE!
Me: OH MY FREAKING GOD I GET IT!
And then it was chair happy dance time.
(If you get only half the things I'm saying in this blog post, go see the awesome that are John and Hank Green on Vlogbrothers and Crash Course. Join the Nerdfighters! We are made of awesome!)
(Marie Antoinette never exactly said "Let them eat cake" so the cake WAS a lie.)
(Also, excuse me for being vaguely disconnected with some aspects of popular culture.)
(And excuse the excessive parentheses.)
(I read once in Writer's Digest that you should not use parentheses. At all.)
(I don't really care.)
Retainersh: the follow-up
If you didn't know, I have retainers, which is why my teeth are still straight.
I haven't been wearing it 24/7 like I should, so I have been absolutely terrified of this appointment.
So we get there. My brother goes first. He's fine. I am getting more and more nervous.
I go and sit in the chair and she comes and looks and says "Oh, looking good! It would have looked better if you could have seen an orthodontist in the past six months, but it's very good."
At which point I sighed with relief. I had been so incredibly scared that she would speak to me in the way that makes you want to cry and scream "I'm sorry! I have failed you! I shall never fail you again!"
So she made some adjustments and now it fits perfectly and I am very happy.
Today was a good day.
I haven't been wearing it 24/7 like I should, so I have been absolutely terrified of this appointment.
So we get there. My brother goes first. He's fine. I am getting more and more nervous.
I go and sit in the chair and she comes and looks and says "Oh, looking good! It would have looked better if you could have seen an orthodontist in the past six months, but it's very good."
At which point I sighed with relief. I had been so incredibly scared that she would speak to me in the way that makes you want to cry and scream "I'm sorry! I have failed you! I shall never fail you again!"
So she made some adjustments and now it fits perfectly and I am very happy.
Today was a good day.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
So we were on Facebook chat
My friend: Hello Ms. Purple!
Me: purple?!
Me: what does purple have to do with anything?
Him: It's a random color, that's all!
Me: uhhh
Me: okay then
Him: You can call me Mr. Black or any other color
Me: so we're color people now?
Him: yes, this is Avatar
Me: lovely
Me: Avatar as in The Last Airbender?
Him: no, the freaking Spielberg movie
Him: they're all blue!
Me: right right right
Me: but we would be from a different planet
Me: because we're not blue
Him: don't get into details
Me: ...
Common peoples of the earth: please address my esteemed self as "Miss Purple" (because as of now I am young and unmarried) and my glorified friend as Sir Orange.
Me: purple?!
Me: what does purple have to do with anything?
Him: It's a random color, that's all!
Me: uhhh
Me: okay then
Him: You can call me Mr. Black or any other color
Me: so we're color people now?
Him: yes, this is Avatar
Me: lovely
Me: Avatar as in The Last Airbender?
Him: no, the freaking Spielberg movie
Him: they're all blue!
Me: right right right
Me: but we would be from a different planet
Me: because we're not blue
Him: don't get into details
Me: ...
Common peoples of the earth: please address my esteemed self as "Miss Purple" (because as of now I am young and unmarried) and my glorified friend as Sir Orange.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Who I am
Lately I've started to slightly question who I am.
Here I was a nerd who always read books and went on the internet.
In Israel, added to that, I was the one who called out all the time in math and English and had screaming conversations with boys which people gathered around to watch. I was the one who hit those same boys with books when they "misbehaved." My best friends were those boys.
Am I that girl?
Or am I the one I was here?
I liked that new start, the chance to create yourself perhaps slightly differently. I think, in my life, I'd like to do it again. But the thing is, I now have slightly different reputations. I wouldn't hang out with boys as much here (that would be vaguely unacceptable); I can't be sort-of-friends with the popular group; I can't hit people with books (that would be entirely unacceptable).
But both those people are part of me.
We'll have to see what high school throws into this mix...
Here I was a nerd who always read books and went on the internet.
In Israel, added to that, I was the one who called out all the time in math and English and had screaming conversations with boys which people gathered around to watch. I was the one who hit those same boys with books when they "misbehaved." My best friends were those boys.
Am I that girl?
Or am I the one I was here?
I liked that new start, the chance to create yourself perhaps slightly differently. I think, in my life, I'd like to do it again. But the thing is, I now have slightly different reputations. I wouldn't hang out with boys as much here (that would be vaguely unacceptable); I can't be sort-of-friends with the popular group; I can't hit people with books (that would be entirely unacceptable).
But both those people are part of me.
We'll have to see what high school throws into this mix...
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Book Survey
1. Favorite childhood book?
Define "childhood." But anyway, when I was younger I really liked Boxcar Children books by Gertrude Chandler Warner (some name, right?). Then I read Harry Potter and I couldn't read anything else for two months. After that I liked pretentious award-winning books. I still do, I guess.
2. What are you reading right now?
Physics for Future Presidents by Richard A. Muller, The King Must Die by Mary Renault, various Batman comics, and rereading books from my library.
3. What books do you have on request at the library?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by I-forget-who, various Batman comics by various authors, etc.
4. Bad book habit?
Insisting that I must keep reading even when I'm exhausted and my mind starts to wander so that I read whole pages and don't register a word.
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
Not including movies: All-Star Batman & Robin, the Boy Wonder, volume 1 written by Frank Miller, Scrawl: a novel by Mark Shulman, Batman: Haunted Knight by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, Batman: The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, Witness for the Prosecution, and other stories by Agatha Christie, Bad Boy: a memoir by Walter Dean Myers, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Now and Forever by Ray Bradbury, Tamar by Mal Peet, Batman and Son by Grant Morrison, Batman: Battle for the Cowl by Tony S. Daniel, Batman: Dark Victory by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, the aforementioned Physics for Future Presidents by Richard A. Muller, Gilgamesh, translated by Stephen Mitchell, The King Must Die by Mary Renault, The Batman Handbook by Scott Beatty, Marvel 1602 by Neil Gaiman, Catwoman: When in Rome by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, and A User's Guide to the Universe by Dave Goldberg and Jeff Blomquist.
That makes me look Batman-obsessed. Batman does not rival the magnitude of my other obsessions.
6. Do you have an e-reader?
Yeah. A nook.
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
It depends on the book. At the moment I am reading several less-engrossing books, but if they're really interesting, I'll figuratively swallow them whole one at a time. (Honestly, my throat can only take so much.)
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
No? I don't think?
9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?)
Uhhh...I don't know...I haven't read bad books, really...
10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?
The complete works of John Green. They're good enough that I bought them. (I read Looking for Alaska in late 2011 but whatever.)
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
Often, I guess, but out of my comfort zone sort of is my comfort zone, if that makes any sense. Like I said, I like award-winning books, so I do read those. And I'd like to be well-read, so earlier this year I read Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing which was great, even though I didn't understand every word. I would like to read the great classics as well.
Also, my friend is going to a pretentious high school next year and I said I would read all the books on her summer reading list. Which admittedly are only four. But damn, they're high-end. Gilgamesh, The King Must Die, Physics for Future Presidents, and Gulliver's Travels. So yeah.
12. What is your reading comfort zone?
Everything except erotica and most sci-fi.
13. Can you read on the bus?
Yeah, usually. Sometimes I get queasy, but not often.
14. Favorite place to read?
On my bed, on the couch, or on the front steps.
15. What is your policy on book lending?
I am horrible at getting books back to people (it once took me five years), so if someone asks I'll lend it to them but I'll be sure to try to get them back.
16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
No. I am big on libraries and not buying books unless I really love them or I just should, so I try to preserve them as they are. That said, I did take a pencil and correct the it's-instead-of-its in Physics for Future Presidents. That is something that the next reader will benefit from, and will let me stop freaking out over it.
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
Not usually. But see the previous question for a special case.
18. Not even with text books?
I wish I could. But most of them belong to the school. It would make it so much easier if I could write in them.
19. What is your favorite language to read in?
English. I ought to read more in Hebrew, especially as I've got some good books that aren't translated. I hate reading translations if I have the opportunity to read the original. I'd like to reach a level in French so that I could read all sorts of French literature.
20. What makes you love a book?
Good writing, believable characters, compelling plot.
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
1. If I really like it or 2. if I would like to discuss it with someone. Why else?
22. Favorite genre?
Middle-grade and YA fiction. No vampires.
23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)
Nonfiction/biographies or maybe more classics.
24. Favorite biography?
I prefer biographies of fictional characters. ;) Not really, I just don't read very many biographies.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
Unless you count The Feelings Book from American Girl, no, I don't think.
26. Favorite cookbook?
I am not in the habit of reading cookbooks. However, The Crêpe-Makers' Pact by Julie Crabtree has some recipes in it. That was an enjoyable book.
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
Paper Towns or The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, or maybe The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
28. Favorite reading snack?
Anything?
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
None that I can think of, but I'll come back to edit this if I do.
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
I try not to read reviews because they influence me. I know it sounds a little crazy, but their opinions will make me vaguely question my own.
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I feel that if I don't like it, I don't have to say I like it.
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?
French, German, or Russian. Just because I love languages.
33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?
Can't think of any right now...
34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. I read a little bit and it creeped me out.
35. Favorite Poet?
I love poetry, but I don't have a favorite.
36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
Around twenty.
37. How often have you returned book to the library unread?
A few times, just because they were 1. on hold or 2. overdue and not renewable.
38. Favorite fictional character?
Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood, Margo Roth Spiegelman, Hazel Grace Lancaster, Pudge Halter, Severus Snape.
39. Favorite fictional villain?
Severus Snape or Draco Malfoy. Amazing characters.
40. Books you’re most likely to bring on vacation?
I bring anything I can on vacation! Probably things I'm reading or am looking forward to reading.
41. The longest you’ve gone without reading.
Perhaps a month. It did not end well.
42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein. But my brother has recently read/listened to it and I can't let him out-read me.
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
My thoughts. They are extremely loud.
44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?
Hugo. We are calling The Invention of Hugo Cabret a novel, right?
45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It did not scare me like it should have.
46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
Over $100, at Strand Bookstore in New York City. That's the only place I allow myself to buy books without having read them yet.
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
Never. Ever.
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
Slow plot. I can't deal with it!
49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
I used to. But since I just decided to give away a lot of my books, I haven't really kept them organized. I don't really have too many because of my commitment to not-buying-until-I-have-really-thought-about-it-long-and-hard, so organization isn't all that important, I just need them to be on the shelves.
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?
Keep and lend.
51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?
Twilight. I REFUSE.
52. Name a book that made you angry.
Mockingjay. Just - so depressing and screwed-up. I felt horrible after reading that and I was already not the sanest of people, so that's definitely not good.
53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?
Harry Potter, funnily enough. I had been avoiding it for a while because people had told me it was "scary" and "hard" so even when it was recommended to me, I didn't read it. Until my fourth-grade teacher read it aloud to us. Then I couldn't stop reading it. Still can't, really.
54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?
Again: Mockingjay. WHY, Suzanne Collins, WHY?
55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?
Rereading books I like. And I don't really read except for pleasure - I mean, I try to enjoy even assigned books. That said, I'm not a great fan of textbooks.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
AAAAGH
Just a moment ago I was doing a bit of research for the story I'm writing and I got sidetracked. I was on a website on which someone was looking for reviews of a public school. You know what I found? And I quote directly:
Do you want your children to be mentally stable or pressured to the point of breaking? Now, maybe I'm exaggerating, but that really bothers me, that people want to push children and teens to their limits. Of course, if the area in which you live does not have good public schools, by all means send them to a private school. If they want to go to a private school, brilliant. But if you're only interested in grades - NO.
And "it's never too early"?! What about preschool? Is that too early?
You wonder why America has low scores on standardized tests. Firstly: do we care about standardized tests? Not particularly. Secondly: ever thought of toning down the pressure? That does wonders for learning. And I speak from experience: in some cases, I got much better scores in Israel just because there was no pressure.
Okay. I'm done now. This just really gets to me.
"Like many in those communities that are concerned about the best school, start looking at the many excellent private schools in the area. Its never to early and you don't want your kids left behind."I hate you, whoever you are. Or - I suppose, I hate your opinions on this. Firstly: "it's," not "its" at the beginning of the second sentence. And, oh yes, I'm going to public school. Behind, am I?
Do you want your children to be mentally stable or pressured to the point of breaking? Now, maybe I'm exaggerating, but that really bothers me, that people want to push children and teens to their limits. Of course, if the area in which you live does not have good public schools, by all means send them to a private school. If they want to go to a private school, brilliant. But if you're only interested in grades - NO.
And "it's never too early"?! What about preschool? Is that too early?
You wonder why America has low scores on standardized tests. Firstly: do we care about standardized tests? Not particularly. Secondly: ever thought of toning down the pressure? That does wonders for learning. And I speak from experience: in some cases, I got much better scores in Israel just because there was no pressure.
Okay. I'm done now. This just really gets to me.
It's raining, it's POURING
It's raining!
I love thunderstorms. They come so quickly and pour and pour and pour and make a lot of noise and suddenly stop. So very capricious. I suppose I'm a fan of capricious.
I love thunderstorms. They come so quickly and pour and pour and pour and make a lot of noise and suddenly stop. So very capricious. I suppose I'm a fan of capricious.
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