Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.

I know it is starting to get cold and dreary. Getting past the October hump is difficult, to say the least. But take a moment to enjoy the beauty of Fall. Take a deep breath and enjoy the cool crisp air of the morning. Look at the change and colour around you and smile at the beauty of our world.

The big old tree in my front yard.

Have a great week!

Done Doctor Who!

So I finally caught up on my Doctor Who! And all I can say is, what a clever man! Also, boy do I ever miss him. The last few episodes are so intense while you are waiting to find out what happens to the Doctor. Does he die or does someone save him? I won't say on here because, as River Song says:

However, let me just say that the writers are very good at keeping you hanging. As the title says, there is the wedding of River Song but that is the least of the craziness in the episode.

Also, I am new with this whole Doctor Who thing. I know every year they have a Christmas Special. Anyone know the date for this yet? And any idea what it will be relating to this year?

Juliet

This past week, I finished a wonderful book and I wish I hadn't. It's one of those books that makes you wish the story would go on forever. "Juliet" is author Anne Fortier's debut novel. Believe me when I say that she definitely didn't waste her first impression as a writer - the book is fabulous. I think the best description I've heard of it was from my friend Dawn who called it "The Woman's Da Vinci Code".

You can't help but become attached to the characters and the way Alessandro and Giulietta's stories intertwine is fabulous. It gives a very interesting historical overview on some of the theories behind the famous story of Romeo and Juliet (PS Great movie adaptation I watched in high school). You'll end up rooting, flinching, hoping, cheering and at times, even crying.

Sound interesting to you? Still unsure? Check out the book trailer (great concept right?!) that they made for it.

Check it out! Also, I am in need of other books to read. Any suggestions?

On Bullying.

Today, in my Classroom Management class, we covered the topic of bullying. I think this is a very important issue. Bullying changes the courses of people's lives and we are missing out on so many people's wonderful spirits and ideas because of it. It needs to be dealt with properly and I can only hope that some day, it will no longer be an issue.

I know that after a string of bully-induced suicides, awareness always peaks and every famous person in the world hops on the "stay strong" and "it gets better" boats. You see things like The Trevor Project for homosexual students who are being bullied. The adds for these are is great and show support but I think we need to hear from every day people as well. You need to hear your neighbour's or your friend's or the girl in your math class' story. Personal connections are what will make a difference.

The great thing about some of the projects is that they get the word out. For example, the GoogleChrome "It Gets Better" video urged people to tell their stories. And that is just what happened. Just YouTube search "It gets better, I promise."  In class today, we watched a preview for a movie coming out and I think it will have a great impact.

"The Bully Project" is a documentary that follows everyday children in the US who get bullied. These are people like you and I, and they suffer through bullying every day. They are made to feel worthless, or stupid, or ashamed of who they are. This should never happen. To anyone. Hopefully this documentary will be another step towards eliminating bullying.

I cannot wait for this movie to become available to everyone. Bullying must be stopped. Be brave. Stand up. Spread the word, spread awareness, spread empathy and caring. Spread love.

Feist has a new album! Celebrate!

Yay! Feist finally has a new album out, Metals. I was so excited!

As people who have read my past blog entries might know, I really love music. So when my favourite artists release new albums, I pretty much freak out. I have been listening to "Metals" almost constantly. Unfortunately, I don't really have time to listen to it "sans studying"but I have still been enjoying it. I think I've already pinpointed my two favourite songs for now though (other than the single "The Bad in Each Other"). But goodness knows my favourites will probably change as I keep listening.The songs are catchy and they have cool bridges or bits that you can't help but hum along to.

The first one would be "Graveyard" which, at times, kind of reminds me of something "Florence and the Machine"-y. Here is a live version of it:

The second one would be "Undiscovered First". Slow at first but then you can't help but start bobbing along. Here is an album version of it:

If you've never listened to Feist before, check out her past albums (and her new one). She has a very unique history, voice, and style. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for the wonderful Thanksgiving Day; wonderful weather, food, and family.

I am thankful for my Mommy who always supports me and often spoils me (no matter how guilty I tell her it makes me feel). I am also thankful for her husband who has sacrificed so much for all of us.

I am thankful for new programs, new friends, and new opportunities - including that of living with my Dad for a few months.

I am thankful for delicious food and fabulous friends who are always there for you, not matter the time or day.

I am thankful for Half App Wednesdays and Grey Thursdays and Doctor Who.

I am thankful for all kinds of books: interesting, funny, intelligent, serious, positive, and historically accurate.

I am thankful for the outdoors, with its sunshine, rain, snow, and multicoloured leaves.

I am thankful for pets who cuddle you when you are feeling down.

I am thankful for having a roof over my head and living in a safe and friendly environment.

What's your number?

Today, I had my first movie date in a long time (don't get TOO excited, it was with my sister) and I opted for the new rom-com "What's Your Number?"

Turns out, I was pleasantly surprised. Anna Faris was funny but not as ridiculously dumb as she tends to be in many of the roles I have seen her play. And Chris Evans. I mean, come on! Smokin' AND funny AND nice? There are bits of the movie that are predictable but I still loved it. It makes you wish you'd reached your number if it just meant you would meet your perfect match.

If you want a light-hearted, funny, feel-good movie to watch during your long weekend, check it out!