To My Grandma, I miss you!

{For you}

You've always stood out.
You've always been a lone bird.
You've finally taken flight.
You're finally in your own world.

You'll always be missed.
No one can replace.
You're kind of the perfect person.
No smile on any face.

A secret tear.
A real dream.
A final breath.
A flowing stream.

There's never been a single moment.
Not a single word.
No one can deny you're gone.
No one can deny you're here.

Forever is a long time.
Forever wasn't long enough.
A beautiful memory.
A beautiful love.

A life taken so long ago.
Still feels like yesterday.
You're finally in your own world.
You've all but flown away.



{This is a poem I wrote in remembrance to my grandmother who passed away from brain cancer in 2005. Today, October 24th, is her birthday. If I could, I'd tell her how much I love and miss her. Appreciate the amazing love she had for me and every one else. The woman who loved her birds, Elvis Presley and old western movies. Played basketball with her grandsons and always made me smile. The woman who will always be in my heart. Forever. And always. I love you, Grandma. I love you dearly.}

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANDMA!! I love you!! ♥

Halloween Movies! [Part 5]

1. Jumanji [1995] - "When two kids play an old magic board-game they found, they release a man trapped for decades in it and a host of dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game."
I'd be lying if I said this movie didn't freak me out as a kid. Hey, I was very young and those were some exquisite special effects!

2. Zathura: : A Space Adventure [2005] - "Two young brothers are drawn into an intergalactic adventure when their house is magically hurtled through space because of the board game they are playing."
I know this movie wasn't as loved as it's original, Jumanji, but my brother & I found it adorable. I've loved Josh Hutcherson since "Little Manhattan", and he's just as fun in this. My favourite line? "Get me a juice box, biotch." Classic.

REVIEW: While He Was Away by Karen Schreck

While He Was Away by Karen Schreck
Published: May 1st, 2012
Acquired: For Review
Format: ARC Paperback
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Rating:  ½
goodreads |  amazon | website

One year--he'll be gone for one year and then we'll be together again and everything will be back to the way it should be.

The day David left, I felt like my heart was breaking. Sure, any long-distance relationship is tough, but David was going to war--to fight, to protect, to put his life in danger. We can get through this, though. We'll talk, we'll email, we won't let anything come between us.

I can be on army girlfriend for one year. But will my sweet, soulful, funny David be the same person when he comes home? Will I? And what if he doesn't come home at all...?

My thoughts:
I love a good contemporary and this book was no different.
When we first enter the book Penelope--Penna for short--is riding around Killdeer with her boyfriend David the night before he leaves for Iraq the next day.
Right away you get a feel for their love and how much they actually care about each other and just how difficult his departure will be--for both of them. Before he leaves, Penna insists on getting matching tattoos on their right ring finger, a simple braid. To signify their lives being forever intertwined.
With David being gone (for at least a year) and still a few months ahead before school resumes, Penna is left with nothing but plenty of time to wallow, worry and just be a girlfriend of a soldier. Until her mother, Linda, decides that she won't sit and watch her daughter's state of depression; she tells her she's coming to work at the restaurant, Red Earth to save money for college and keep her mind busy.
Penna's first day is horrible and she can barely keep up. But as time passes (weeks) she begins to get the hang of it. Along the way she becomes friends with Caitlyn and her friend Jules and with the help of David's mother, Penna begins to talk to Ravi--one of David's old best friends. It seems like this may be enough. With the little contact she has with David she pushes through.
But she just can't seem to stay busy enough. So she decides to find her grandmother who Linda has kept hush-hush about for too long.
Though this book is short, at times it did drag a tiny bit, I felt like she was forgetting David and that she may be lost in what she wants. But then she'd mentioned how much she loves him, misses him, etc. and how much seeing his parents affected her and then I'd remember she wasn't actually forgetting, she was just trying hard not to remember.
Though the beginning did seem a bit dramatic, I understood her pain. Someone you love desperately, really love for the first time isn't just leaving, they're going into a war. She remained strong most of the time, keeping herself very busy (and honestly I don't think she or her mother, Linda slept enough, I was quite concerned about this, lol). Her relationships with her mother and Ravi were inspiring in a way that made me want to hug my mom and go find someone who just needed a shoulder or a friend. I wanted to be there for Penna but above all, I wanted to be there for David.

I was not surprised by the very open-ended ending, but it left enough for the imagination. There was just enough to let you know that Penna was okay, but not enough to tell you if she was really okay. (ya know what I mean?) There will be a sequel to this book though! I would love whatever to happen. I just want more! I'll definitely be reading more from Schreck.
And if you want, you can read the 1st chapter of While He Was Away HERE!

Halloween Movies! [Part 4]

1. War of The Worlds [2005] - "As Earth is invaded by alien tripod fighting machines, one family fights for survival."
Now, obviously this movie isn't scary. But it has aliens. And aliens are cool. So, get over it. Plus, this is one of my favourite movies. Ever. Top 5.

2. Casper [1995] - "A paranormal expert and his daughter bunk in an abandoned house populated by 3 mischievous ghosts and one friendly one."
Ghosts. Ooooooh, boo! If you've never seen this movie, or you don't like it... something is wrong with you. Seriously though. How could you not like this movie!? It's perfect! And the three ghosts, especially Fatso...♥ You must add this to your Halloween movie list now!

Halloween Movies! [Part 3]

1. Matilda [1996] - "Story of a wonderful little girl, who happens to be a genius, and her wonderful teacher vs. the worst parents ever and the worst school principal imaginable."
You're lying to yourself if you don't like this movie. It's so damn adorable and one of my all time favourites!! Nothing scary about it, just plain old fun witchery!

2. District 9 [2009] - "An extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth suddenly finds a kindred spirit in a government agent who is exposed to their biotechnology."
Sci-fi, a bit of independent style camera work and a litttttle romance. Absolutely love this movie. I do wish they kind of they kept the more independent/documentary feel throughout the entire movie though. Sad ending, but realistic. At least for this style of movie.

Tell me your favourite Halloween movie(s). They don't even have to be scary! ^-^"

Halloween Movies! [Part 2]

1. Hansel & Gretel [2007 - Korean] - "After meeting an mysterious girl on an dark stretch of road, a young salesman is invited to a beautiful house with bizarre secrets and no way to escape."
Probably one of the first Korean movies I ever watched. I mainly watched for Chun Jung Myung (the lead actor); but I ended up genuinely loving it. The children are amazing actors and creepy!

2. Ghost Ship [2002] - "A salvage crew that discovers a long-lost 1962 passenger ship floating lifeless in a remote region of the Bering Sea soon notices, as they try to tow it back to land, that "strange things" happen..."
This is one of my favourite movies of ever. It's really not that great of a movie, but there's something about it that makes me want to watch over and over!

Tell me your favourite Halloween movie(s). They don't even have to be scary! ^-^"

Halloween Movies! [Part 1]

1. The Chumscrubber [2005] - "A darkly satiric story about life crumbling in the midst of a seemingly idyllic suburbia."
This is one of the weirdest & stupidest movies I have ever seen in my life... Yet, I love it. I watch it a few times a year. It's just overall... weird. And I like weird.

2. Shutter [2008] - "A newly married couple discovers disturbing, ghostly images in photographs they develop after a tragic accident. Fearing the manifestations may be connected, they investigate and learn that some mysteries are better left unsolved."
I have a serious love for Joshua Jackson and Rachael Taylor [who, btw is in my fave new fall drama 666 Park Avenue]. I love that they're visiting a Japan. There's photography. Beautiful scenery. And overall creepiness. The ending for me was perfect. I love that it's not wrapped up with a pretty bow. (This movie is based off of the original Thai movie by the same name.)

Tell me your favourite Halloween movie(s). They don't even have to be scary! ^-^"

REVIEW: Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls by Tellulah Darling

Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls by Tellulah Darling
Expected Publication: October 17th, 2012 by Te Da Media
Acquired: For review
Format: ARC Kindle
Genre:  Young Adult, Contemporary

Rating: ½

goodreads | amazon | website

Why the hell can’t chicks be more like guys?
That question plagues high school senior Sam Cruz. Sam is perfectly happy being a player. He just wishes girls wouldn’t change the game from sex to relationships. It makes him look like an asshole. But when Sam’s best friend, Ally Klinger, gets dumped, she begs him to transform her into someone who can screw around then screw off. No risk of heartbreak that way. It’s Sam’s chance to create the perfect female AND cheer up his best friend. Armed with Sam’s Three Step Guide to Backseat Success, Ally gets the game better than Sam thought she would and before long, Sam has his wish: the female version of himself. Too bad it’s driving him nuts. Told from Sam’s and Ally's alternating POVs, Sam Cruz’s Infallible Guide to Getting Girls is a fast-paced romantic comedy that follows these teens as they navigate the minefield of sex, love, and friendship.
This book contains strong language, drinking, euphemisms, and lots of “bow chicka wow wow.”

My thoughts:
I am always a bit nervous accepting "self-pub" books, but I'm glad I did with this one. From page one this book was fun and fluffy. Which, a lot of the time I just need. Just a good fun book that keeps my interest and doesn't make me figure out equivalents of math problems in their relationship. Just say what you feel, shit!

This. Was. Fun.

Okay, I'll stop using that work.

Sam Cruz is the kind of guy a lot of guys are lately. He likes to have fun, have sex, and no commitment. He's got his friends and doesn't need much else. Like his best friend Ally. She's the exact opposite of Sam. And when she gets dumped by her boyfriend, she decides to take Sam's initiative and just have fun... lots and lots of fun.

The comedy in this book was quick witted and if you weren't paying attention it would could very well go over your head. I loved that. I love quick wit sarcasm. But I really loved their relationship with each other. They managed to stay friends and have each others backs for as long as they could remember. Sam even considering Ally's mom--in a way--his own mom.

While Sam begins to help Ally in her new mission and lifestyle, it's obvious feelings are going to change a long the way somewhere. And honestly I didn't expect what happened to be what changed those feelings.

There really wasn't a single moment I was bored. The comedy, the romance, the sexy times. Everything kept my interest. I wouldn't mind if there was a bit more sexy times.

This book is short, sweet and fun.

Read it!

I'll definitely be checking out her other work. And you should too. But first, watch this adorable trailer for the book and then read it when it comes out October 17th!

REVIEW: Easy by Tammara Webber

Easy by Tammara Webber

Published: May 25th, 2012
Format: Kindle
Genre:New Adult, Contemporary

Rating:

goodreads | amazon | website

A girl who believes trust can be misplaced, promises are made to be broken, and loyalty is an illusion. A boy who believes truth is relative, lies can mask unbearable pain, and guilt is eternal. Will what they find in each other validate their conclusions, or disprove them all?
When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she's single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life.
Leaving a party alone, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex's frat brother. Rescued by a stranger who seems to be in the right place at the right time, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night--but her savior, Lucas, sits on the back row of her econ class, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. Her friends nominate him to be the perfect rebound.
When her attacker turns stalker, Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Lucas remains protective, but he's hiding secrets of his own. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.

My thoughts:
I wasn't completely aware of the genre New Adult or it's premise, but I'm completely hooked now!

Jacqueline follows her boyfriend to his college choice and soon after he decides he wants to end their three year relationship. She goes to a frat party and when she leaves early, she's approached by one of her ex's friends and he does the unthinkable--he tries to rape her. That's when a mysterious and very cute guy saves her and she soon begins to see him everywhere.

At the beginning of this book, I was instantly hooked and loved Jacqueline's voice. She was a normal girl yet still had a  bad ass side and the vulnerable side. Even after her idiot boyfriend dumps her, she took her wallowing period and then pushed forward, showing that going to a school that wasn't her choice at all wasn't a completely bad decision.

Jacqueline's roommate initiates OBBP--aka Operation Bad Boy Phase--and suggests she go after Lucas (mystery boy who saved her) to let go of her creep ex. But she isn't sure it can just be a phase once she meets and gets to know Lucas. However guarded he may be, there's still something about him that pulls her in.
And pulls me in.

I liked Lucas a lot. But yet, there was something about him that I just didn't completely connect with. I felt like there was something in his character that still left me wanting more. That I wasn't 100% with him, maybe he slightly creeped me out or I just loved him. I'm just not sure. However I loved how protective he was of Jacqueline and how much he genuinely cared about him. But again, at the same time, it made me nervous for some reason. Then again he had this whole sexy vibe thing going that made me a little hot for him.

Jacqueline is the kind of protagonist I would call a heroine. Someone whose words spoke to me. Whose fight made me feel lucky to be a woman. I kind of want to take self-defense classes myself.
This book with it's very thick thread of rape has made me very aware of those around me. It's just something that happens too often and sadly the person(s) responsible just aren't held accountable like they should be.

I'm glad the girls in this book are able to speak up and fight.

Though I didn't fall in love with this book, I did like it a lot. There were sexy parts, sweet moments, a little mystery, strong female voices and cute guys. All high points for me in a contemporary novel!
I may just have to try out her other books.
Go ahead and give this book a try! ^_^"

MUSIC REVIEW: "I'll Be There" by SPICA

SPICA - "I'll Be There" [single]
Rating:
Genre: K-Pop/Dance/R&B
Language:  Korean
Members(left to right): Boa, Juhyun, Jiwon, Narae, and Bohyung
Purchase: iTunes

SPICA is a five member girl group that debuted earlier this year with a beautiful and sad song called "독하게" or Potently. Following with the release of their official debut tracks "Russian Roulette" and "Painkiller" along with the music video. These girls proved that they're not only pretty but have wicked beautiful voices and the moves.

They quickly became one of my favourite K-Pop girl groups I've ever heard with the release of their first mini album. Every song shows how talented the girls are and I fell in love with each of their voices. Finding it hard to choose and stick with a bias.

Finally, they've had their long awaited comeback with the song "I'll Be There", a completely different tune and feel than their previous releases. The song is reminscent of the mid to late 90's pop and R&B funky rhythm sound. The style in the music video fits that era as well.
Though I didn't immediately love the song like I did their previous releases, I still loved it. It's fun, a little edge and the style of music that brings up nostalgia from when I first fell in love with music.
This music video is the first time I've actually seen them smile, as their previous videos have all been sad and with one member, I actually couldn't tell that it was the same girl. She looked at least 10 years younger!

Their harmonies, vocal and dance talent shows that even though they're fairly older {age wise} in the K-Pop world, they're still very much in the prime of their lives.

These girls are going to remain in my "Top 5 Girl Groups" for a very very long time and I can't wait to see what they release next.

Bonus Video:
SPICA's latest music video for their fun song, "I'll Be There".

REVIEW: Any Love But Mine by Debbie Davies

Any Love But Mine by Debbie Davies
Published: March 3rd, 2012 by Night Publishing
Acquired: For Review
Format: Kindle Copy
Genre: Young Adult, Mythology

Rating:½

goodreads | amazon

Look but don't touch has never been more true...
The gods forbade her to love, but love is a powerful force. Acacia has been created purely for Eros' pleasure but discovers within moments of being summoned into his presence that he has no interest in her whatsoever. Rejected, she is banished to Earth to serve as Eros' minion with the task of promoting the blissful state of love among all those around her, a state she must never indulge in with a human being herself on pain of immediate destruction. And then comes Josh, someone whose power of attraction over Acacia is so intense she will find it utterly impossible to resist him. But is he human? Is he a god? Or is he a trick of the gods? And what would happen should they kiss?

My thoughts:
Acacia was created for the god, Eros but was tossed aside because she wasn't good enough. Sent to Earth to help humans find each other in love & happiness based on their auras. Even though it tears her apart inside because she doesn't get to experience it herself.

Until she meets Josh and she's unsure why he has no aura and why she feels so strongly towards him. Even though her 'sisters' tell her to stay away. She just can't.

Though this story moves along quickly, it seems a bit slow paced. The writing, though good doesn't completely captivate me. I DD keep reading because I wanted to know more about Acacia and what Josh was, if he were anything at all.

I wished that Acacia had more friends to talk to, to shake up the story some. I liked how dark some of the story got, it pulled me back in.

Overall this book interested me with a bit of romance, mystery and mythology.

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: Nobody But Us

Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook
YA Contemporary | HarperTeen
Expected Publication: January 29th, 2013

goodreads |  author's website | {enter giveaway}

Bonnie and Clyde meets IF I STAY in this addictively heart-wrenching story of two desperate teenagers on the run from their pasts.

They’re young. They’re in love. They’re on the run.

Zoe wants to save Will as much as Will wants to save Zoe. When Will turns eighteen, they decide to run away together. But they never expected their escape to be so fraught with danger....

When the whole world is after you, sometimes it seems like you can’t run fast enough.

Nobody But Us, told in alternating perspectives from Will and Zoe, is an unflinching novel, in turns heartbreaking and hopeful, about survival, choices, and love...and how having love doesn’t always mean that you get a happy ending.

The lucky ducks who have already had the opportunity to read this book have all said how sad and beautiful this story is. Some saying how much they cried. I love a good fluffy contemporary as much as the next girl, but there are times when I want a serious story that takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
I can't wait to get  my hands on this book and see exactly why people felt so strongly towards it!

REVIEW: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Published:  January 3rd, 2012 by Feiwel & Friends
Acquired:  For Review.
Format: ARC Paperback.
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian

Rating:
goodreads | amazon | website

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

My thoughts:
When I first learned about Cinder, I can say that it did not even register... I just didn't care. But when I came back to it, something changed and it seemed interesting.

Interesting is an understatement.
I loved this book!
It has been a long time since I've read a book in two days, especially considering how hectic my past weekend has been. I did not want to stop reading this book. Every chance I had I picked it up and verbally cursed myself if I forgot to bring it with me.

Cinder is a girl who puts all of her drive into helping others, seldom thinking about herself which reminded me of another girl like that... Cinderella. And upon realizing this I completely understood the whole premise of the book. With the evil step-mother, father who died and two step-sisters. The fact that it is set in the distant future in New Beijing and that she's half cyborg, I was able to differentiate the two and fall in love with a whole new story.

When Cinder first meets Kai, I was a little worried, expecting him to be a jerk and the chemistry wouldn't be there... like every other book... but it was there and it was beautiful. They seemed to genuinely care for each other before they even knew one another. And with that, there was no where near enough Kai! The twists in the book were somewhat unexpected though I wasn't completely shocked with what happened, I loved how Meyer threw them in there.

There was a lot left open, but yet it felt complete so you are yearning for more, yet you're not dying to know what's going to happen next. Which I love. I cannot wait to read the next three books in the Lunar Chronicles. This is definitely a series I will be purchasing. I may wait for paperback however because I love the feel of the book. But it is hardback worthy.

There are a lot of different ratings and reviews, but this one is for you to judge. So when this one hits shelves, run to your book store or library and pick it up!!

(Aliens [I couldn't talk about without spoiling], cyborgs, Asians, a cute prince, strong protagonist... Can't go wrong!!)