A Story in Three Parts

"Dear John, There's so much I want to say to you, but I'm not sure where I should begin. Should I start by telling you that I love you?"... since I'm sure you have been to the movies in the past few weeks, I know you have probably seen the trailer for the new film "Dear John" coming out sometime this next year. Over the break, I decided to read the book that this future film was based on while in the mountains. Having now finished the book, I have mixed feelings about the movie that is coming out. I honestly don't know if it will be able to capture the tale that Nicholas Sparks penned. All in all, the novel is a typical Sparks- good and emotional, like all of his other novels. But with "Dear John" it was all to real for me. Although on a deeper level, "Dear John" presented a relationship that I had seen before at times in my life and the lives of my friends/family. There was one point where I had to put the book down and walk away I was so angry with the situation being presented. I could relate to both John and Savannah in the story at different points, which, in many ways, made it hard to read. The story follows a relationship in three parts: The beginning, middle, and end. The reader is made aware of this on the first pages of the prologue- so you've been warned! Anyway, the story in its entirety was heartbreakingly beautiful, although not at all the way you imagined it to be... Not gonna lie, the end got a tad bit soap-opera-ish for me. So now, as I sit here thinking about it, I really wish that fictional characters could talk. Because if they could, I would ask John one question. "Knowing what you do now, about how this would all pan out, would you do it again?"...as you can see, this book struck a chord with me. You should read it and see what I'm talking about.

My Crazy Family

I cannot think of a more peaceful place to be than the mountains. Polly, my mom and I got a chance to sneak up here for the last few days of break, and as always, its like heaven! A very chilly, windy heaven! But anyway, since I neglected to update earlier- Happy Belated Thanksgiving. I hope all of you ate so much delicious turkey that you went up a pant size. I'm sure I'll see you all in the gym soon...But anyway, I love Thanksgiving, and this year was up there with the awesome ones. The food was great, the company was awesome (I love me some Cousin movie outings!) and the Macy's Parade was pretty good as well. But, being the party animals that we are, we're STILL celebrating up here in the mountains. We've been visiting with some of my mom's extended family, and having a wonderful time. And I just gotta say- I have got some of the coolest family members ever. One particular cousin ( who is up here with his wife and kids) that I haven't seen in forever was just telling me of some of his crazy exploits including starting MTV europe, meeting Madonna, living in an apartment across from Janet Jackson, being held hostage at gunpoint in another country, and his former escapades as a model. He also mentioned his decorating stint in Barbara Strisand's house, and his many trips to Italy...I know by now your eyes are bulging out of your head and you think I've made all of this up. But no. I'm not kidding. He has proof...I mean I knew he was a world traveler, but really? Madonna? But thats not the only crazy one- I also learned of another cousin at Thanksgiving that is a professional ballerina. I mean, wow! On one hand, I'm amazed, but on the other hand, astonished that I knew so little about my extended family. Long story short, if your around any of your family this week, don't pass up the chance to have a conversation. You never know what you'll find out. But anyway, its been great up here in the mountains- been writing, reading (more on THAT tomorrow), and relaxing. All and all, it seems to be exactly what I needed.

For Your Consideration: Number 3!

Recent Findings-

Currently: sitting on the couch anticipating movie night.

Favorite new snack food: Dibs ( but only the plain chocolate covered ones. No crunch please)

Favorite upscale snack food: A "turtle' desert bar from Dean & Deluca. So good!!!

Current musical muse: "Songs for A New World" Cd, and Regina Spektor music.

America's unhealthy obsession: Twilight: New Moon, and Taylor Lautners abs!

Good Film: Twilight: New Moon... and NOT because of the abs.

Annoying fact: That I have a math project over Thanksgiving break. I mean, REALLY?

Shocking Fact: There is a shortage of Eggo Waffles. What?

Thanksgiving anticipation: Macys. Day. Parade.

Unusual yet true occurrence: Crying in public.

Thing I refuse to do: sing while playing rock band.

Christmas Wish: ipod, please.

Exciting happenings: Rehearsals, 10 days of school till Christmas Break, and mountain trip.

Thankful For: Friends, Family, and Food.

Quote:"Have you ever heard a joke so many times you've forgotten why it's funny? And you heard it again and suddenly it's new. You remember why do you love it in the first place." - Big Fish

Birthday Brother

Today was Jack's 8th birthday- GASP! He's getting so big! Needless to say, the house was abuzz all day with festivities celebrating my little brother-from birthday foods, to a pirate party, staying up late. It was a blast watching Jack's little friends have an all-out battle with nurf swords, not gonna lie. But anyway, there are definitely some changes in Jack's attitude with the whole "growing a year older" thing going on. He's starting to get, well... mischievous when it comes to Polly and myself. Now that he's getting older, he's filling the shoes of the sneaky little brother a little better. And as long as he doesn't turn into the "annoying little brother" that so many of my friends complain about having, I don't mind this shift one bit. But, personally I don't think the whole annoying stage is gonna happen for two reasons- 1) there's practically a 10 year age gap. Thats enough of a difference for him to think of us as the "cool sisters". And hey, we ARE cool! :) and 2) He's just far to cute to be annoying! His current cute scenario: Mom's driving Jack home from church, and they are chatting all about Thanksgiving. Jack's talking all about his favorite foods, and mentions "yams" to be his very favorite. Then he tells my mom "There are two kinds of yams Mom, did you know that?" And when my mom asked him to elaborate, he replied in all ernest-ness "There are the ones we eat, at Thanksgiving and stuff. And then there are the ones we sing about in church." My mom must have looked blank, because then Jack broke into song- "Here I yam to worship, Here I yam to bow down..." We got quite the chuckle. And I still don't think he knows that we're not singing about yams in church...aww gotta love that kid. And since he reads this every once in a while, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER JACK!

Twilight Truths

Dear Girls of America,

Edward and Jacob are not real. As much as we all wish they were, they are not. So no- Edward is not going to come knock on your door and whisk you off your feet, and no he's not going "bite you" either. And Jacob? Nope. A werwolf isn't gonna be running around your house anytime soon. So, please. Don't get out of hand. The characters in the movie? Yeah, totally actors. The characters they portray don't even reflect their behavior in real life. Think about that before you swoon. "Twilight" is JUST A STORY- a good one, true, but still...not real. Please try and realize this and control your obsession. Because although its fun to get excited about a movie, FREAKING OUT about it is a tad bit over the top...Ok. Thanks for remembering this through the rest of this whole "vampire craze".

Love,

The Realistic Fan :)

Finding the Fierce

"Fierce- An indefinable state of being that depicts the high point of being fabulous." Any Project Runway fans out there? I thought in light of the Project Runway season finale being tonight, it would be fitting to let my readers in on a little experiment I've been conducting. Its all about the "Fierce". Ok- A week or so ago, I bought this book by Project Runway champion Christian Sirano (Remember him? Cowboy boots, black glasses, spiked and straightened hair, and killer design sense?) called "Fierce Style". I can't really tell you why...I guess it was just because it looked entertaining and since he is, like, my favorite winner of all time...and there was the fact that it was on sale...But anyway, I bought the book and started to read. And lo and behold- I learned some stuff! Believe it or not, this fashion self-help book had some awesome points. So I decided to try some of the things Christian was talking about- like always accessorizing, and ways to change up what you have in your closet. I just wanted to see if the 5 minutes of extra effort required to follow "Fierce Style" while getting dressed in the morning was really worth it...turns out, it was! Not only did I get compliments on all my outfits, but I also found that I can do a lot more with the clothes I have in my closet. Not to mention, that in one situation, people took me more seriously- I mean, the usual sweatshirt and jeans don't scream "serious" to me. All in all, it gave me some new perspectives on dressing. So anyway, the experiment was a fun and smashing success. I think I'll continue reading me some "Fierce Style"...wow. I am such a nerd. But a fashionable nerd, none the less.

"Hit Him!" With an Argument

So, new found fact about Claire Hilton- I can really debate. I know, shocking. "How did you make this astounding revelation?" you may ask. Well, let me inform you! This week in Bible class, we are doing a debate project in regards to Calvinism v. Arminianism. Now right off the bat I'll just tell you that I'm not totally sold on either belief in its entirety. But then again, we're not done learning about it yet. But anyway, I was assigned to debate the "free will" side of Arminianism. And to be honest, I was freaking out about the whole debate prospect. This was a first time experience (debating until a winner is decided), so I honestly had no clue how I would do. I was so very scared of freezing on the spot. But thankfully that did NOT happen. Actually, it was quite the opposite. I guess you could say, I got passionate about the argument. It was really funny- I shot down a TON of points, and basically ended the debate by making the other side admit to free will in regards to choice. I think half the kids in my class that are on the opposite side hate me now. After we finished, my teacher laughed, since at school I'm perceived as the more "chill" twin. I don't think anyone was expecting the quick, pointed attitude out of me. I certainly wasn't. So, long story short, I found a new talent! Now, how much good it'll do me- I don't know. But all my mom's been saying since I told her is "Destination: Law School!" Ha. Yeah Right. Like that'll ever happen.