Archive for June, 2010

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Just a Minute (June 2010)

June 30th, 2010 by Manda | 5 Comments | Filed in Life

On the last day of every month, I take Just a Minute to reflect on what I’m currently up to.

Finding… a happy medium with my “to tell or not to tell?” dilemma regarding introducing my offline friends to this blog. There are still some kinks with my decision that need to be ironed out but aren’t there always kinks in a decision like this?

Listening… to Savage Garden’s discography. I knew I loved you before I met you… ♪♫

Finishing… my two summer courses. I am scheduled to make a presentation today (on Wimba, no less) and submit my final report, and then I am D-O-N-E with class until my fall semester!

Re-exploring… Tumblr. I go through phases with Tumblr; I’ll be very addicted for a month and then I won’t even log in the next. But hey, feel free to add me!

Packing… for my upcoming trip to Minnesota and South Dakota, where I will be spending my Fourth of July weekend. Mt. Rushmore, ahoy!

Baking… dozens and dozens of chocolate chip cookies to eat while on the road this upcoming weekend. Seriously, there are so many cookies that I’m practically up to my ears in them.

Annoyed… that after I upgraded my iPhone 3G to the iOS 4, it’s been really slow and/or lags a lot. Not impressed, Apple. (Or is it AT&T’s fault? Cause I haven’t been impressed with them lately either.)

Anxiously… awaiting to see “Toy Story 3.” I’m so upset that I haven’t been able to see it yet! Luckily, I’m hoping to remedy this within the next week.

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Books That Changed My World

June 29th, 2010 by Manda | 12 Comments | Filed in Entertainment

Inspired by Krissy, I’ve decided to compile a list of books that have changed my world. I don’t read life-changing books at a regular rate by any means; my book of choice is usually one in the chick lit category. But that’s not to say that I haven’t come across a life-changing book or two (or that chick lits aren’t capable of falling in that category!).

  • “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
    I can’t put into words just how monumental an impact this book hand on me. It’s wonderfully written, with some of the most vivid characters I’ve read. The premise is very unique (have you ever read a book narrated by Death?) and Zusak is a gifted storyteller.
  • “Atonement” by Ian McEwan
    I’m a sucker for romantic novels and the love story in “Atonement” just blows the rest out of the park. A sweeping love story set at the dawn of World War II, it explores how one girl’s serious mistake has irreversible implications for the lives of those around her. The balance of all the characters and intertwining plotlines is remarkably well done; it’s just a really amazing book.
  • “Someone Like You” by Sarah Dessen
    This is not the first Dessen book I read, but it will always remain my favorite. The strength of the bond between Halley and Scarlett has always been a benchmark for me when it comes to the strength of my own friendships. It’s such a pivotal story of growing up, becoming your own person and falling in love for the first time and all the trials and tribulations that come with it.
  • “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
    A standard required reading for all juniors in high school in the US, this is the best required reading I was ever assigned. The characters are so distinctly unique and I love how they embody the characteristics of the roaring 20′s.
  • “The Golden Compass” by Philip Pullman
    I’ve read the entire “His Dark Materials” series and “The Golden Compass” is my favorite (with “The Subtle Knife” a very close second). I love how the story completely takes you into this world filled with daemons and there’s always a sense of the world being a much bigger and scarier place than we realize, with so much that is unknown. It’s another book that stays with you, which I think is the best quality a book can have.

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Mamihlapinatapai

June 28th, 2010 by Manda | 5 Comments | Filed in Relationships

Mamihlapinatapai: A look shared by two people with each wishing that the other will initiate something that both desire but which neither one wants to start.

This is about a boy; it’s always about a boy.

I wonder which one of us dares make the first move; I wonder if doing anything would be for the better or the worse. I wonder if nothing will ever happen; I wonder if we will both be left wondering what could have been.

I wonder how large the disparities are between what could be, what should be and what will be.

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