Archive for March 2014

We are like Young Volcanoes ~

Friday, March 28, 2014 by Andrea 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

Hey guys! To those who are living in the Philippines, let’s cheers for summer has started! =D

Last night, while I was doing my daily(ish) journal logging, I found a little list I created a few months ago amongst the things (mostly junk) on my desk drawer. It was my 2014 Summer Bucketlist.

I found it funny how I had planned to do so much, but haven’t done anything now that summer is here. For one, ever since school ended, my life has been revolving around watching movies, eating, reading, and sleeping. And I’m pretty sure I only leave my bed to pee. Thankfully, I’m still in shape. “A shape of a marshmallow, maybe.” My mom always adds.

My laziness is basically the reason of my huge blogging break and the disappointment of my readers over at Wattpad. I have an ongoing story at the moment and I stopped updating it, not because I lost hope on it, but because I couldn’t seem to push myself to write again. I’m convinced it isn’t writer’s block. It’s just me being lazy.

Fortunately, we’re heading to our grandparents’ home in Nueva Ecija next week and there, hopefully, I’d be able to work on my bucketlist and do more productive things. Well, atleast much more productive than watching movies and tv shows all day.

Well, that’s pretty much it. I just wanted to share my disappointment to all of you. Hahaha. Hopefully I’d be able to post travelogues soon since my mom’s planning a lot of trips for our family.

Have a happy summer, my friends! =D

P.S.

Any of you awesome guys watched Captain America yet? =D
How was it? Please tell me I’m not the only one extremely
amazed by it! =))

P.P.S.

Oh yeah, and about the post title! It’s from an awesome song
by Fall Out Boy called Young Volcanoes and it’s a really summer-y
teenage-ry and fun song. =D

The Sempiternal Reader,

Andrea

2014 Summer Reading List!

Sunday, March 23, 2014 by Andrea 2 Comments A⁺ a^-

It's only a few days before summer starts (and school ends), so I finally got myself to create my 2014 Reading List! =D My goal this year is to finish 105 books, and I'm making good progress. So a list might help (or not).

For now I'll give 10 possible books/series that I'm planning to read, but of course a lot will be added soon enough. And if you guys have any suggestions on some good books I'm missing on, please tell me in the comments below! =D

Artemis Fowl Series (I've been told it's an amazing read for the summer since it's a long series)
Ender's Game (Ever since I've watched the movie I'd been wanting to read the book & comic)
The Hobbit (Desolation of Smaug baffled me. Talk about cliffhangers! Currently reading this book)
Lexicon (A lot of my internet friends from other blogs keep posting reviews on this, and it seems wonderful)
Vampire Academy Series (I decided to give Vampire novels a try for a change)
Sherlock Holmes (Not sure which one, but the TV Series made me extremely happy. Hahahaha)
Let it Snow (A compilation of Christmas love stories interconnected. I was going to read this for Christmas, but never got the time)
An Abundance of Katherines (The only John Green novel I haven't read yet)
Marvel Comics (I've never really been a big fan of comics, but I love Marvel movies! So, I guess it's definitely worth the try)
Lord of The Rings Trilogy (After The Hobbit, this will definitely come next)

I still need a lot of books, so please let me know if I'm missing out on amazing stories out there! =D

The Sempiternal Reader,

Andrea

Shall I Falter or Shall I Finish?

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 by Andrea 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

I have been missing weeks of blogging. Final exams are finally over and now we're just working our clearance sheets, so my reason for not writing can't be because of school. My absence is plainly because I've been in deep thought. Somehow like an existential crisis. I've done so many mistakes that I feel so unworthy of anything from anyone. Which is why I went for a little bit of solitary confinement and writing abandonment.

But now I'm back! I haven't figured out how exactly I'm going to make my wrongdoings become right, but I just know that I will. I prayed and repented to my Heavenly Father, and soon will confront the people I've hurt. The mistakes I've made are pretty private and not something I'm very proud of, so I won't exactly share them. But, I would like to share that to those experiencing the same thing I was, it is never too late to change.

I guess that was my first mistake, I thought I could never be forgiven. Through church magazines, scriptures, and prayer, I now understand that it is never too late. In fact, by thinking that you can no longer change, you put yourself deeper into the sin.

This definitely came as a very hard trial for me, but I was able to find strength to ask Heavenly Father for forgiveness no matter how dirty I thought I was. Although I haven't been completely cleansed yet since I have yet some things I need to correct, I feel better now.

A song I'd really love to share is Russ Dixon's "You Can Change" that can be downloaded at youth.lds.org

It helps me understand repentance so much and I hope it would help you, too. This is unusual since most of my posts are all happy and less melodramatic and life-related, but I don't regret posting this. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father above.

Trials may come, but I will overcome them. I shall finish, not falter.

The Sempiternal Reader,

Andrea

Book Hauls, Cupcakes, and Ice Cream!

Saturday, March 08, 2014 by Andrea 1 Comments A⁺ a^-

I know the day hasn’t ended yet, but I wanted to blog about all the fun me, my mom, and my sister had as soon as I got home! We had yet another long-awaited mother-daughter(s) date!

First, me and my sister went off to another book haul while mom had a doctor’s appointment, the list of books I got all in all will be in a separate post (when it’ll be posted depends entirely on my messed up schedules). But I couldn’t resist and now I’m spilling two awesome babies I got from today’s book haul: It’s both related to two of my favorite things; the Simpsons and David Archuleta! Reviews and such will be up soon! :D

Then, after buying the medicine the doctor prescribed to my mom (no worries, she isn’t sick) and stuffing ourselves with Burger King’s Junior Whoppers, we went for a drive to U.P. Town Center and walked around the place since none of us have ever been there before considering it’s quite new.

After contemplating with one another, we decided to eat at this really cute place called Vanilla Cupcake Bakery. It reminded me of one of my closest friends, Sophia, since she was a total tumblr girl and I knew she would just love this cute little place. I took this photo from http://tetadventurer.blogspot.com (I hope she doesn’t mind :<) since I didn’t want to go around taking photos a while ago (I’m just really lazy).

My mom treated me and Ella (my sis) a cupcake each. I got a Salted Caramel Cheesecake, Ella got Red Velvet Cheesecake, and my mom got herself a New York Cheesecake. If you’re wondering why we all bought cheesecakes, it’s because mom isn’t allowed to eat chocolate for a while. She says we’ll definitely go back there when she’s all good. There were loads of cupcakes to choose from, mind you!

After that delicious dessert, my mom suggested we head to FamilyMart for this must-have twirl-all-you-can ice cream. I was really stuffed, so Ella tried it, and deliberately failed with twirling her ice cream. Hahaha! Here’s a photo we took before leaving the place. It’s Ella’s failed ice cream attempt and my take home cupcake (how can you not take it home?). The photo was taken at the parking lot and the quality is terrible, I'm so sorry.

This day was amazing and definitely what I really needed to get my head cleared for our final exams next week! Hope you guys had a great weekend too! :D

“I’ve never met a problem a cupcake couldn’t fix!” ~

The Sempiternal Reader,

Andrea

Movie Marathon: Hayao Miyazaki Films

Wednesday, March 05, 2014 by Andrea 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

For those who are wondering why I'm at home on a Wednesday, it's because the Seniors are taking their National Achievement Tests today and all the undergrads are given the day off. Anyway, I wanted to share one of my favorite things in this world to you guys: Hayao Miyazaki films.

Hayao Miyazaki is a well-known Japanese animator, illustrator, film director, and manga artist. He is the director of the Film company Studio Ghibli. Best known for their animated film creations such as My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, Arietty, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke. These of which are also a few of my favorites.

I'm sure that everyone who is a lover of his works also knows that they are somewhat very lengthy movies, but worth the watch. What I love most about his works is that he shows everyone that he recognizes no boundary for his creations. His movies are set in completely different worlds, each brimming with their own magical elements. He's an amazing illustrator and in my opinion Princess Mononoke and Howl's Moving Castle showcase his talent in illustrating more than the rest.

My first ever Miyazaki film was My Neighbor Totoro. My dad worked abroad for a really long time and he said that watching this film reminded him of me and my sister. Thanks to my dad, I have a lot of Hayao's works and I appreciate them very much. I enjoy watching them again and again (and again). These films continually inspire me to keep creating and keep making worlds of my own as well.

Book Review: Imaginary Enemy

Wednesday, March 05, 2014 by Andrea 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

Okay, I am going to be honest and say that this isn't from my book haul last month, but I'd like to be the first book review I'll put up here because it's one of my very first favorites. So, basically, one of my first ever babies (I call my books 'babies'. It's.. uhh.. totally normal).

But the cover was tattered and I admit to having been a horrible parent. But, I am extremely happy because this book went around my long list of cousins for a long time and they told me the story was amazing! And although the book was returned to me not in the best condition, I was still really glad I had shred it to a few people and they loved it. Anyway, here is a before and after (without an AFTER look because I lost my AFTER photo. I'm sorry) look of my copy of "Imaginary Enemy" by Julie Gonzales.

Being the lazy person that I am, I won't include a complete background on the author, but you can be redirected to her website, just by clicking on her name up above.

Anyways, to begin, I bought this book when I was 12, my mom took me to a huge Christmas book sale and I came across the Imaginary Enemy while looking through the pile of teen fiction books. It wasn't exactly the most inviting cover, since there was a punk-ified toy dino and it was so simple. But, the summary at the back was interesting.

The story revolves around Jane White and her years of growing up through her teenage years. I definitely loved how Julie Gonzales was able to show the readers that growing up isn't always easy, and it isn't always full of rainbows and unicorns. I also enjoyed reading this because I almost felt like Jane was me. We had a lot of things in common and whenever she came across situations, I would stop and think; "Was that what I would've done if I was Jane?" I had always been reading Sci-Fi, much like Harry Potter, The Hobbit, and the like. Being 12 when I first read this, my mind was opened to the wonderful genre of Teen Fiction.

"Imaginary Enemy" is definitely one of the pure examples that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.

I know, I know, I suck at reviews. I've been told. Hahaha. Just thought anyone might be interested on what I thought about the book. It really is amazing. :)

The Sempiternal Reader,

Andrea

Not-so-Exciting News!

Monday, March 03, 2014 by Andrea 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

Greetings my lovely (most probably non-existent) internet fronds! To those who know 5SOS and Michael Clifford, that word would be quite familiar, but to those who don't, well let's just say I prefer that instead of saying 'friends'. Anyways, I am here today to announce cool (not really) stuff! :D

I have finished my whole book haul from the last month and I will be posting my reactions and reviews next week, probably since it needs major proofreading.

Also, I have created a new Instagram account (I hesitantly deleted my old one a few months ago because I have multiple photos of me and my.. uh.. weird face). I promise there will be less photos with my face on it and more on blog stuff (you can find my Mayday Parade doodle there!). So, yeah, check it out if you have the time.

I'm kind of supposed to be writing a script for our musical play right now, so that's pretty much all of it. I'm sorry for wasting your time. I am ashamed, yet grateful. :) I shall be back soon(er)!

Sempiternal Reader,

Andrea

The No Cussing Club

Sunday, March 02, 2014 by Andrea 2 Comments A⁺ a^-

I’ve noticed that whenever the weekends come to an end and weekdays once again begin, I find myself doing the things that I’ve already repented for. Like, for example, a major problem I’m facing these days is cussing. In the world we live now, cussing seems as normal as breathing. Especially to teens the same age as me. The last few months of 2013, I’ve become better at trying to stop myself from cussing, but when 2014 rolled in, I seemed to have forgotten my promise to Heavenly Father again.

I wanted to take action. It felt horrible to repent for a sin I know I’ll end up doing again. So, I decided to fill my phone with inspirational songs to start up my mornings, like for example, when I’m waiting for the School Bus, I can listen to the songs to remind me of my promise.

I even came up with the idea of creating posters and posting them onto the wall facing my bed, so every morning, when I wake up, I am reminded to choose the right words, to be spiritually ready. I'll post a photo of them once I'm done since I'm still working on it. :)

Also, I came across a video called “No Cussing Club” from the LDS Youth website and I decided to join the No Cussing Club started by 14 year old, McKay Hatch who had the courage to stand firm to his standards and challenge his friends to stop cussing. I want take the challenge once again too. I’ve done it before, and I know I can do it again. But, this time I won’t return to my old habits. I want to stamp out cussing completely.

But, this isn’t the last of it. I encourage you to join the No Cussing Club too. Take the No Cussing Challenge! Heavenly Father delights in seeing his children speak kind words to each other. :)

The Sempiternal Reader,

Andrea

Band Explosion Friday 022814

Saturday, March 01, 2014 by Andrea 0 Comments A⁺ a^-

The time has come again for Band Explosion Friday! What better way is it to start the month of March with new music to listen to?

This time, I chose one of my absolute favorite bands. I have all of their albums and EPs on my phone, laptop, and every other gadget. And, I’m also going to their upcoming concert 8 days from now. Yupp, it’s the one and only, Mayday Parade!

This time I put in much effort and created this;

Thanks again to Wikipedia who will provide us with some knowledge about the band. I don’t use my own because I fear I might give in the wrong information and I really don’t want that to happen.

Mayday Parade is an American rock band from Tallahassee, Florida. Their debut EPTales Told by Dead Friends was released in 2006, and sold over 50,000 copies without any label support. In July 2007, Mayday Parade released their debut album A Lesson in Romantics. After signing to Fearless in 2006, the band also signed onto a major label withAtlantic in 2009. Their second studio album, Anywhere but Here was released in October 2009 and their third album, entitled Mayday Parade, was released in October 2011. Mayday Parade's fourth album, titled Monsters in the Closet, was released in October 2013.

And for my Top 5 favorite songs:

1. You Be the Anchor That Keeps My Feet on the Ground, I’ll Be the Wings That Keep Your Heart in the Clouds
(That is one heck of a long title, but I love this song sooo much!)

2. Without the Bitter, the Sweet Isn’t as Sweet
(This is my personal lullaby whenever I feel kinda moody. It’s an amazing song)

3. Sorry, Not Sorry
(A song for all those crushing on someone impossible to reach and to fangirls. Hahahaha)

4. Hold onto Me
(One of the best love songs I’ve ever heard by Mayday. Or by any other band. It’s an absolute favorite for those who think they have too much flaws to deserve who they have in their lives.)

5. Oh Well, Oh Well
(I have no words to describe my love for this song. It’s just that amazing. Haha)

Mayday Parade is definitely one of the bands that saved my life (cliché, I know). Their songs are very inspiring and very much unlike some bands I listen to. My mom filters my music now since of some incidents last year, and Mayday is probably the only band she truly approves of.

Last year I had grown fond of Heavy Metal and Metalcore music, which I admit drove away the spirit and changed me drastically in terms of personality. So, my mom started to filter the music I listen to and I obeyed since I knew it was good for me. So, no more heavy music. Pierce the Veil, Sleeping with Sirens, Mayday, and a few others were allowed, but I’m trying my best to keep myself from listening to clean music only.

I’m really excited to go to their concert this March and finally be able to see Derek sing live. Until then, I highly suggest you listen to their songs! :)

And click here to find out if they’ll be heading to your town or city! And I’ll see you next month for BEF!

The Sempiternal Reader,

Andrea