So I know I've been sorely lacking in updates, but I really am busy with school. I took 20 credits and I'm involved with seven clubs so most of my time is spent working on schoolwork, participating in clubs, or sleeping. I'll try to do a real update soon, but for now, here's a link to the first 20% of First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost. This is a spin off book that I absolutely cannot wait for!

http://browseinside.harpercollins.com/index.aspx?isbn13=9780061583223

Stay smart people
Bella

Well, the end of December has been really eventful. I turned 19, which still seems ludicrous to me since I everyone who meets me thinks I'm maybe fourteen or fifteen. I really don't feel like I'm 19 yet. Maybe it'll just take a while to soak in. Christmas was great. I got an archery bow from my parents and I love it. I mean, yeah it's a child's bow since I can't really draw anything with a high poundage yet, but I'll get there. I never want to hunt with it or anything, but I'm a fantasy nut so it's cool to have. I'm getting okay with it, although I can't practice much because of the rain. I already sustained an archery injury from the feathered part of the arrow (which I think is made of plastic) hit my hand and leave a small, but painful, wound. I didn't think it was that bad at first but then it started to bleed. And it burned for a good twelve hours or so. But it's healing.

I'm looking forward to getting back to school, but at the same time I want to stay at home. I love the clubs and activities I get to be involved in on campus, but I've missed having my own space. Here, I can sequester myself in my room and be completely alone. It's been a great time of relaxation. I'm going to be doing 20 credits starting on Tuesday (oh lord help me) but it should be fun. I'm glad I get to do Greek again this quarter and I get to do some of the fun classes for my major.  Now I just hope it doesn't snow before Monday since I really want to drive back, not take the train.

As for looking to 2010, I don't really have any resolutions, except maybe to finish the editing of Best Maid Plans so I can try and send it out to agents or publishers. I do know that I'm going to finish at least the rough draft of the first two books in my trilogy. 2009 was crazy. I finished high school, completed my Associate's degree, started at Western, became almost dangerously thin, had an increase in my IBS restrictions, completed NaNoWriMo for the second year in a row, pretty much failed all my resolutions from last year, attended my first Yule ball, attended Prom, and read 115 books. It's been a year of highs and lows, but overall a good year. I hope 2010 will be a good one too.

Stay sharp people
Bella

So I absolutely adore winter break. It's so nice not having to worry about essays or tests or projects. I can just sit and relax, read some new books, sleep in late because I stayed up. I know that unless I do eventually become an author, this sort of leisure will disappear when I leave school and I have to say, I really will miss it. I had my birthday family dinner with my Mom's side of the family (we have dinner once a month to celebrate anniversaries and birthdays. And I used to be the only one in December until my uncle started dating his girlfriend. She had a son whose birthday is the 23rd) and my gifts had a Twilight Saga theme to them. I got Twilight Scene-It, a New Moon board game, and an Edward blanket (which is sooooo coming back to Western with me in January) plus the new Harry Potter movie and a gift card. I know I always complain about having my b-day in December, but I have to say, when December finally comes around it's nice to have both Christmas and my birthday. And I still can't believe I'll be 19 on Saturday. It just blows my mind to think that I'm already 19. And now I really do have to figure out what the hell I'm going to do with the rest of my life (aside from being an author). It's really starting to freak me out.

But on to less stressful topics. I finally saw New Moon with my family. I have to say, overall it was a pretty good movie. And they did a great job of sticking to the book. Although the part with Alice's vision with Aro was just cheesy. I mean, I love cheesy, but seriously, I had to giggle at that part. And I love Charlie. He's such a great dad.

I really can't wait for Christmas to come, but I'm really having fun just being home. On Sunday I'm having my birthday party with about ten of my friends while my mom and dad go to a Christmas party. It's the first time I've been left home alone with a large group of my friends. Should be fun. We're mostly just going to hang out, but I haven't really seen any of them since I went away to Western. I do think they've learned not to play Monopoly with me though. Maybe we'll do that trivia game I have. Mostly I'll just be glad to see my friends.
Stay Sharp People
Bella

I feel so bad about neglecting my Dreamwidth account (although I've neglected my LJ as well). I think when I write constantly in my journal (the bound one with paper) I tend to neglect my blogging sites.

So, I'm winding down my first quarter at the university and it's actually been really great. I spent Thursday afternoon cutting snowflakes and listening to Christmas music while everyone around me freaks out about finals. My only finals are the Greek final, which should be easy because it's the same stuff we've been repeating all quarter, and my Linguistics final, which is open book, open note. I don't think either will be too terribly difficult. Hopefully.

I was also absent recently because I was furiously working on my Nano novel! Which I finished with time to spare. Well, a little time to spare. See, I stayed sort of on track so that by the time Thanksgiving rolled around I was only 18,000 words from the end, rather than 25,000 like last year. So I wrote during my break, and I wrote a lot since I was at my grandmother's house out in the boonies with no internet. (On a side note, I saw X-Men: Wolverine again and I think Gambit needs his own movie!). By Sunday night I had 48,000 words. I was getting ready to go to bed when my roommate, who's known me for four years now, said, "You're not going to stay up and finish? Do you really want me to beat you?" Now, I have a highly competitive nature so of course I wasn't going to let her beat me. I wanted to win first! So even though I had class in the morning and don't get enough sleep anyway, I stayed up and finished my Nano at 12:33 AM on Monday, November 30th. And the whole story actually turned out a lot differently than I thought it was going to. My characters reacted differently than I planned. Oh well, it still ended happily.

I am super excited for Christmas and my nineteenth birthday which is in 14 days. I'm so excited to go home and be home for longer than just an extended weekend. I got my dad Angel for his birthday and we will probably spend a lot of time watching that. Because it is freakin' awesome from what I've seen in the first three episodes! Plus I get to do some baking (okay, I'll probably sit nearby and read while taste-testing, but the sentiment's the same. And I'm not not helping because I'm lazy, but because I really can't cook or bake.) and watch chick flicks with my mom. Mom and I are really close and I know it's really hard on her that I went away to college. She wants me to have this experience, but she misses me a ton.

I know she misses me because she agreed to play Monopoly with me over the break. And my family calls me the Monopoly Nazi. Like I said above, I'm very competitive. And since I'm as uncoordinated as a newborn giraffe, the only way I can express this is when playing board games or trivia games. I'm not a bad loser or winner when I win or lose, but I really, really want to win! Which causes me to be a bit overzealous when playing Monopoly.

Anyway, very excited for break. Even though I'll be the one putting lights on the roof since my dad's knees are really bad. I just hope it doesn't snow, so I can drive home.
Stay sharp people
Bella

Hi everyone, I'm just popping in to say hello. I haven't really updated a lot recently because I've been starting my new life at college. We moved in just two weeks ago and it's been hectic. I've met a ton of new people and joined a few clubs. I've been having fun at all the different events and living in my new room. My classes are actually pretty fun. My Greek teacher is a riot and any classes I want to take that he teaches, I'm so going to try and get him as my teacher. My English classes will be some work, especially the Plot and Narrative Lit course, but I'm thinking that I should be able to make it through. I'm looking forward to Nanowrimo in just a few weeks, but I have no clue what my novel's going to be on. So, good luck with that. This is really just a post to tell a little about what's been going on. So now I'm going to go read some more of Covet by JR Ward. Great book so far
Stay sharp people
Bella

I know haven't posted a lot recently, but that's because not a lot has been going on. My summers just been quietly winding down and I leave for college in just over a week. What I really need to be doing is packing, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. I did manage to finish all the books I'd put on hold at the library though, so those can all go back before I have to leave. I'm a little sad to be leaving, but I'm also excited. I'm going to be on my own, practically, for the first time and it's scary wand awesome all rolled into one. I'm glad I've already made some friends who are going (thank god for the internet) and I'm really looking forward to my classes. Now I just have to get it together and pack so that I have everything I need before I leave.
Stay sharp people
Bella

I had a blast at the zoo today with my friends. It was our last big get-together before we all leave for college this fall. We left at like seven in the morning and stayed until almost noon. We assigned animals to each of us as we walked through the zoo. I was a gerenuk, which is a long necked type of antelope. My other friends were a gazelle, a columbus monkey, duiker (which is an antelope relative who eats stuff close to the ground and loves ants), and some other animals I can't remember. One highlight of the trip was getting attacked by a lorikeet. I was standing there while my friend fed one and then it few off her hand and towards my face. It didn't scratch me or hurt me, but it shocked me a bit. It was also Zoo Camp Day, which is when they have these little groups of kids walk around with a guide and they are party of an animal group. They all have little matching t-shirts in different colors. It's adorable. I wish they had groups like that for adults or kids-at-heart since I was actually learning a bit listening to the group guides. This last bit is about me making a fool of myself for the sake of the Harry Potter Fan in me. So, if you're not a Harry Potter fan, quickly avert your eyes. So when we were in the snakes area, my friend calls to me and tells to come speak to the snake a free it (since I am Harry and she is Ron due to skits in Freshman Drama). So I walked over and spoke a bit of parseltongue to it. I made it up as I went, but the tone is creepy enough. Sadly nothing happened, but it was still fun.
Stay sharp people
Bella

So I'm a fan of True Blood on HBO and since I don't have cable, every Sunday I go over to my friend's house and watch the newest episode. We missed last week because we were in Bellingham for Freshman Orientation, so we got to watch two episodes in a row this week. This is sort of a character spoiler for Episode 6 and 7 of season 2, but not anything major. I just have to say, I love Godric. He is amazingly forward thinking and sweet. I love how he wants to be equal to humans and doesn't see himself as better. I also love that he understands why some people attack vampires and why some human react the way they do. The guy is pretty amazing and he never yells. I just wish he would grow his hair out a bit, but overall, fantastic vampire!

These past two days were the Freshman Orientation for my university. I went and learned more about the campus, financial aid, programs, etc. It was pretty fun actually. I got to eat in the Dining Halls and learned a little about getting involved in the choir as well as other programs. I also registered for my classes for Fall. Since I already earned my Associate's I got to have mar status and get a couple of English classes that I really needed. One of the classes is so important that is if I didn't get it, I wouldn't be able to do anything more to earn my degree except take electives. But then I have one sort of off-the-wall, spur-of-the-moment class. I registered for Greek 101. Now I have never intended to take Greek or had a real drive to do so, but maybe it'll be fun. Can't wait for fall.
Stay sharp people
Bella

So a lot of people want to be bitten by vampires from one of four categories: Vampires from Buffy, vampires from Twilight, vampires from Anne Rice's books, or vampires from True Blood. I agree that many of the vampires there a sexy and awesome, but in favor of being different I have to bring some vampires of my own to the table.

First, I would choose any of the Brothers from the Black Dagger Brotherhood (aside from Phury. Sorry Phury, you're great but something about you rubs me the wrong way). They are super sexy and amazingly loyal. Of course, for the most part I'd have to actually be a vampire myself, but that's beside the point.
Not mine, but Oooo shiny Brothers

I would also love for Jeaniene Frost's Bones to bite me. He's super sexy, loving, amazing, accented vampire. He cares deeply and takes care of those who are his. Bones is high on my list.
Again, not mine. But it is my screensaver

There's also Vayl from Jennifer Rardin's Jaz Parks series. The guy can be dangerous, but he wants to do the right thing always. He usually drinks blood that comes in bags, but still, the guy is awesome.

So who are your favorite vamps? Some of the ones listed above? Or someone else entirely? Spread the love
Stay sharp people
Bella

As you maybe able to tell, I am a Harry Potter nerd. I grew up with the books and they've been there for most of my life. So last night I went to the midnight premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I even dressed up because that's the kind of nerd I am. I had a white t-shirt, black cape, knee-length black skirt, black flats, and a red and gold clip-on tie that used to be black. It was fun taking pictures and hanging out with fellow nerds. The best part about midnight premieres is you don't usually get people talking during the movie or being obnoxious, because they're all fans as well.
So the movie was great. There were some things I didn't like, but overall they did a great job with it. They did a wonderful job of adapting the story for the big screen and putting in the details we needed. There was a lot of humor in the movie, which was great as times get darker. I also loved that it was two and a half hours long. Time zipped by, but it didn't seem too choppy or disjointed. The movie also did a good job of making Dumbledore look older and more fragile. Overall, the movie was amazing and I can't wait for the next one. Hopefully, it'll be done just as well as this one
Stay sharp people
Bella
(I love that I finally get to use my HP in on something HP related!)

So at least a year ago, probably longer, Mom rented this movie from Netflix. It was about this man who puts his girlfriend second in his life and when she dies, he's given the chance to relive his last day with her and show her how he really feels. Up until the end, this was a great movie that had a sweet love story. *******SPOILERS! DO NOT READ IF YOU DON"T WANT TO KNOW THE ENDING!!!*********** Now, at the end, the guy gets into the cab with his girlfriend, the cab she died in the first time. Then the cabbie turns to him and says something about fate. And this time when the car crashes, he protects her. This would be great and cause for a wonderful moment at the hospital except for one fact. He dies! I couldn't believe he still had to die even though he saved her! Shouldn't that have changed fate? Anyway, the point of this post was that I'd forgotten the name of the movie, probably repressed it because of the horribly sad ending. But I went searching and I found it this evening! It's called If Only and has Jennifer Love Hewitt in it. Mostly, this post is so I can remember the name of the movie for future reference.
Stay sharp people
Bella

I feel very proud of myself right now. I finally have my room cleaned. And not just a "Oh I don't want to clean, but Mom's nagging me so I'll move three things" clean. It's clean enough that we can rearrange the room finally. To put this in perspective for you, my room has not really been cleaned since before Christmas. How do I know? I found a Christmas card hidden in the crap and a receipt from back in December. There were clothes piled on my chair in the corner (some clean and some not), old soda bottles, binders of old school work I hadn't bother cleaning out, you get the picture. I even went through all of my clothes and put the stuff I didn't wear in bags. We're going to donate it to this thrift store that gives at least a portion of its proceeds to animal shelters. I also vacuumed! The clean-ness is actually strange, but in a nice way. And it only took be about three weeks to actually get it done.
Oh, and I got a $1500 scholarship from the Navy Wives Clubs of America in the mail recently! Yippee!
Stay sharp people
Bella

I spent today at a graduation party for my friend Annie. It was a lot of fun, playing Life and talking with friends from school. Plus we watched Accepted, which I really enjoy. But one of the best things about today was the food Annie's mom made us. Not only was it fantastic, I ate quite a bit and I don't feel sick right now. I think I ate more today than I have in quite a while. Egg rolls and chicken and strawberries and a bunch of other good stuff. I didn't gorge on it, but I ate quite a bit. I am so glad that I was able to eat food at a friend's house for once. Usually I have to pass on everything, but today I was able to say, "Yes, I would like another egg roll." I had a great time.
Stay smart people
Bella

So last night, my family and I watched Eagle Eye. I absolutely loved this movie! ( More about Eagle Eye (SPOLIERS!!!) ).
( Sister Rant )
Stay smart people
Bella

Under the cut is a rant. It's not really got any purpose other than making me feel better. Feel free to ignore

( Arrrrgggg! )

Stay smart people
Bella

People who have a Facebook may know of the Application called Flair. I am addicted to this app. Every time you send a flair someone you get a flair credit, one person=1 flair credit. Every time you add a flair to your collect you use flair credits. 1 added flair= 1flair credit. I have 883 flairs and 2396 air credits. Under the cut are some flairs for your viewing pleasure.
( Mmmmmmm Flair )Enjoy these. Yes, I do enjoy Math humor
Stay smart people
Bella

I know I haven't posted in such a long time. A lot of stuff has just been happening. I was sick for like a week and then I fell behind in pottery so I had to make up a bunch of time by going in extra hours. Then I didn't have anything to post about. But right now I have a meme. Because I have fun and get bored. Stole this from lezlishae 
I want to know 36 things about you. I don't care if we never talk
or if we already know everything about each other. Short and sweet is fine.
You're on my list, so I want to know you better!

BE HONEST! COPY FROM HERE THEN SEND DIRECTLY TO ME IN A COMMENT THEN, REPOST THE EMPTY QUESTIONS.

1) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
2) What was your dream growing up?
3) What talent do you wish you had?
4) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
5) Favorite vegetable?
6) What was the last book you read?
7) What zodiac sign are you?
8) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
9) Worst Habit?
10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
11) What is your favorite sport?
12) Do you have a Negative or Optimistic attitude?
13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
16) Do you have any pets?
17) What if i showed up at your house unexpectedly?
18) What was your first impression of me?
19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
22) What color eyes do you have?
23) Ever been arrested?
24) Bottle or can soda?
25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
27) What's your favorite place to hang at?
28) Do you believe in ghosts?
29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
30) Do you swear a lot?
31) Biggest pet peeve?
32) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
33) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
35) Do you believe in God?
36) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?

Stay smart people
Bella

So last Saturday was my prom. I actually ended up having a lot of fun. I got my hair done before at the hair salon and it looked awesome. My dress was long and purple satin and I had sliver shoes with low heels. I went with a huge group of people which was a lot more fun than having a date. We all went to Olive Garden to eat before the dance and i ended up just eating some bread sticks (Curse you IBS!). Then we went to the dance. I actually danced a bit and had a lot of fun. Ron took  bunch of pictures. My favorite dance was when we did the Cha Cha Slide. We kept backing up towards the refreshments table. I think the adults manning it were getting a little nervous, considering we got within just a step or two of the table. I also slow danced with one of Joe's friends, Syring (I probably spelled that wrong). We both couldn't stop laughing the whole time. I did get dizzy a couple times and ended up falling at one point. Meg says I fainted, but since I didn't actually lose consciousness, I don't think it counts as fainting. After the dance we went to a local $3 theater. But neither our driver or our navigator seemed to have a good idea of how to get there because they went down the freeway and wound around. It took us, like an hour to get there. Then we went to Wal-Mart so everyone could buy some snacks. By this time it was about 12:30 at night, which is after my craziness point. So I was wandering around behind my friends, singing to myself. I don't even really remember what I singing because I was making it up as I went along. Then we got in line to buy the food and Jenna picked up this candy called a Fling. I said wanted to have a fling with a Fling. Then I said, "Somebody should make a candy bar called a Hershey's." Then I picked up a bar and said, "Look, they do." This is when I burst into hysterical giggles. Clearly I should have been asleep by then. Then we all went to my house and watched Labyrinth. At three in the morning everyone finally went home. It was a lot of fun.
Stay smart people
Bella

Um, I suck at being outdoors. I seriously don't like it and even fully equipped I wouldn't last very long. I have a tenuous grasp on how to use a compass (it comes and it goes. No seriously, sometimes I totally understand how it works and other times I look at it like it's a foreign device). I learned at one point how to make a tent out of a tarp, but I think that skill is gone.I don't know which plants are poisonous or edible. I can't start a fire using twigs and moss. If we were graded for Outdoor School (this three day camp thing in 5th grade were we went and tried to learn about living in the outdoors) I totally would have failed. If I was still alive after three days, I'd be seriously surprised. So, if I mention I'm going on an outdoor trip (camping, hiking, etc.) and I don't post a complaining post within about three days, please send someone to look for me.