One Week: Countdown until Marvel's The Avengers

ONE WEEK.
FIVE DAYS ACTUALLY.

......FIVE DAYS UNTIL MY LIFE IS COMPLETE.  FIVE. DAYS.

The Avengers, a new movie directed by Joss Whedon is released in theaters in the U.S.A. in exactly five days.

To say I am excited is an understatement.  I have been waiting nearly 8 months for this film.  A few other continents have already gotten Avengers, so I am trying SO HARD not to read any spoilers on the internet.  So far all I've accidentally come across were two Loki pictures that weren't released with the Promo ones.  And a few reaction posts that were just screaming. xD

Either way, this movie is going to be amazing and I cannot wait.  If you don't hear from me all weekend, it's because I went into a fangirl coma. ;)
Here is a mini list of my expectations for The Avengers:

Tears.  I am expecting to cry.

Giggles.  I'm expecting to laugh a lot. ;D

Captain America.  I'm expecting to see a lot of him and enough to make my heart melt and/or explode.

Loki.  I'm expecting him NOT TO DIE. ;)

Maria Hill.  I'm expecting to see her being absolutely epic.  I can't wait to see another cool girl character. :)

Tony Stark.  I expect to see him be HILARIOUS.

Okay, aside from that, I'm working really hard on school and I just honestly need to get through the week so I can see Avengers on Friday. ;)  Hehe!!

On a sadder note, can you all please keep my dog Fritz in your prayers?  He's sick and the chances of him getting better are looking more and more slim. :/  Thank you in advance!!

Avengers Assemble!!!!!!

So...um....well....

It's been a while, hasn't it?  Well, school and other things have come in the way of 2Thine again....sadly.  I have a bit of time to catch all of you, my lovely friends, up with what's been going on with me.
1.  School has been crazy.  We're kinda cramming in a way, because May is coming and we have a LOT going on in May. :P
2.  I JUST auditioned in my orchestra.  I feel pretty confident, but also kinda nervous as to if I'll get chosen to move up or not.  I'm hoping that the odds will be in my favor.  (this leads me into the next point...)
3.  I am officially a fan of The Hunger Games.  I'll discuss this more after my list.  I like lists.
4.  Pinterest occupies a lot of my time.  My username on there is @FallonSkywalker (same as Twitter) if you care to follow me.  I am enjoying it immensely.
5.  The Avengers is in TEN DAYS PEOPLE.  TEN.

Okay, now I shall write my thoughts on The Hunger Games, from MY WORLDVIEW.  So haters and other people who do not like my worldview, chill.  My thoughts, my words, my opinion.  Just getting that out there. XD

First off, to quiet those who might call me a "follower" or a "sheep" or whatever, due to the popularity of the book series, which partly is due to the fact that the movie had just recently come out (I really want to see it now XD), I have been meaning to read these books for some time.  My lovely cousin Embie read them about two years ago, and recommended them to me back then, with the warning that they were somewhat disturbing and very violent.  At that time, my exposure to sci-fi and more horror-ish things in general was very non-existent, and I had no desire to read something scary.  And thinking about it, I probably wouldn't be able to tolerate it.  But after Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and several super-hero movies, I am quite immune to violence and such things, and also very good at getting attached to characters whose fates are doomed. XD
Thus, with the popularity of these books that I hadn't even thought about for two years, I was very intrigued to know WHY the rest of the world liked them so much.  I wanted to know what the deal was about "Team Peeta" and "Team Gale" and why "I VOLUNTEER" is such a popular meme.
I have had multiple people recommend the books to me, friends from the internet, "real life", and random acquaintances.  Finally I took the plunge about a week ago, breaking open The Hunger Games on Wednesday night of last week.

Two words.  Four Thirty.
That is how late I stayed up reading that gosh-darn book.  I read the first page with curiosity and speculation, and after that, I could NOT put it down.  There were ZERO stopping points in the whole thing. I read and read until I couldn't keep my eyes open.  I was 3/4 of the way finished with the book when 4:30am rolled around.  I had to wake up at 7am, do Presidential fitness at P.E. the next day, and then teach dance and do dance for 5 hours that afternoon.  To say the least, I got home and literally crashed and burned. XD

I was able to pick it up again on Saturday and I finished the book in one sitting.  I sobbed through the entire ending, because I was devastated that it wasn't even a spark of happiness.  I was miserable all night (and then had to deal with drama on The Lakehouse) so my emotions were in torment all night long. XD  It didn't help that on the same night I chose to watch trailers for the movie (I sobbed like an idiot) and then reblog every THG item in sight on Tumblr.  And look at merchandise, and listen to the soundtrack for the movie (BEYOND BEAUTIFUL.  EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT A FAN, GO LISTEN NOW).

To end that pathetic story, here are my overall thoughts of the book.

Overall Rating:  9.5/10 stars.  I take off a half-point for it being too gory in one scene for me to read (I skimmed part of the Tracker Jacker scene XD)

Rating from a Christian perspective:  7ish/10 stars.  Depending on how Christian you are judging this by, the book was gory, violent, and scary, and the worldviews in the book were not exactly ideal for all.  I personally was not too bothered by it, because it is in fact, a story.

Summary of the book (without spoiling anything):  The continent once known as North America is now simply Panem, broken up into 12 (once 13) districts.  Each district does a job, mining, agriculture, factories, technology, etc.  The immensely oppressive and controlling government, known as The Capitol, proves their power over their citizens once a year with an event entitled "The Hunger Games".  The Hunger Games involves two children between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district (one boy and one girl), to be entered into an arena where they all fight to the death.  The last person alive is crowned victor and is famous among all of Panem.  Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are entered in the games, and into a new world they never thought they'd get to know, The Capitol.  Peeta, who has had a crush on Katniss since childhood, is suddenly forced to kill her.....or is he?  Peeta, (being the incredibly sweet and perfect person that he is), makes his plight of the Games to be to save Katniss, and help her win.  The two team up when the game suddenly changes, and through unlikely circumstances, they are forced to be in love.  But it's all just an act.....right?  Find out what happens.  ;)

Goriness level:  10 XD  It was pretty bad....kids killing kids.....lots of injuries.....fire......death (a lot of it), warfare, blood, bugs, hallucination, etc, etc, etc.

Scare Factor:  8 or 9.  I made the mistake of reading these at bedtime/nighttime and ended up having a near-heart attack in my sleep and falling out of bed at 5am. XD

Sadness level:  For me?  1000.  For others?  It depends.  Some can read it without being sad, or you have me who sat in a puddle of her own tears sniveling for hours because of the ending to this book. xD

From a literature standpoint:  This book was fantastically written.  It was written in First Person POV, which was different but also really kinda cool, and very descriptive.  It's vivid and fast, and impossible to put down.  The dystophian world that Suzanne Collins created is just incredible.  I understand so many internet jokes now.  xD

Movie?  Yes, I really want to see it.  I've heard very good things about it.  The only thing that tips me off of the movie is that some people read the books AFTER seeing the movie.  I want to read the books and be depressed over the characters so i can go to the movies and sob watching my emotions play out on the big screen.  If you know what I mean.  XD

My recommendation?  If you haven't tried it, or are being defiant like I was, just cave and read it.  It's so good guys.....I loved it.  Very well written and such a great storyline too.  Enjoy, and May the Odds Ever be in your Favor. ;)

Well, to round up this post, I am almost done with the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire, with only three chapters to go.  I am literally dying to find out what happens.  This book might be as good as (if not better than) the first.  :)

May the Force be with you, May the Odds ever be in your Favor, and God Bless my friends.  :)  I'll be back with more quality posts soon!

Rest and Relaxation....

*sighs, fans face with palm frond*

Guess where I am?  ;D

I'm on vacation.  My family takes a trip to the family vacay-house every year (sometimes more than once a year,) and we decided to spend the week here for Spring Break. :)

Consider this an inspirational post perhaps.......

I realized today that I am a very stressed person.  I usually am constantly busy, whether it be for school, stuff on the internet, more school, or helping out people with their problems, I am often really busy.  On top of that I have chores and duties to attend to as a daughter and sister, and that's important too.

Yesterday I went to the eye doctor and was totally blind from being dilated.  I realized how much I take my vision for granted.  I ended up finding out that I DO need glasses, but I'm not too worried about that.  Once I was dilated, I literally could not see ANYTHING.  I couldn't read my text messages, I couldn't read my tweets, my computer screen, NOTHING.  I had to rely on my cousin Embie to read everything to me, because I was literally blind.  (she did hack my phone and ipod, but still....xD)

Later last night my eyes were already much better, and today they were cured.  I feel SO accomplished and relaxed and happy!!  I read an entire book, (FREAKED OUT OVER THE BOOK) and wrote a bunch.  I cleaned our room (Embie's and mine's) and we played tons of games outside.  We went out for dinner, and then came home and slept.  I read more of my book, took a nice nap, and was totally carefree.  Soon it was sunset-time and we went outside to witness God's beautiful world by the ocean.

Ember, Glory and I went outside and had a badmitton tournament, Glo was our announcer, Embie and I the players, and Canada Dry Ginger Ale our "sponsor".  It was hilarious, and we even brought our radio outside so we could listen to music while playing the game.  We had instant replays, halftime dance shows, and commercial breaks.  It was awesome.  We finished our game with an epic Michael Buble dance show from me and Embie, where we tangoed to our hearts contents. XD

Now.....I'm looking forward to more fun.  Take away this my friends, no matter how stressed you are, and how busy you are, every once in a while, take a step back and praise God for the goodness and beautiful things in your life.  I've been doing that all day, thanking Him for my family, my eyesight, my book, my iPod, the weather, the sun, everything!!

It's fun to relax, and to step back and realize all the goodness in your life.  ;)

II'll be relaxing for the next two days guys....see ya on the flip side. ;)
And Happy Birthday (tomorrow) to my best friend Savanna from Pandas, Lightsabers, and Cameras oh my!! ;)  Love you girly!! <3

Love you guys!

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

I have a lot of catching up to do, but instead, I'll just link you to the most amazing Church service I've ever attended. ;)  Tune in LIVE tonight to my church's website to see their Easter service.  It was INCREDIBLE last night, left me in awe and on fire for God.  ;)

I love you all!!  Have a blessed Easter!!!

http://www.cbglades.com/

(on Ember's computer and doesn't have signature...)

Fallon <3 ;)

My Mommy

Dear Mommy....

I love you!!!  Happy Birthday!!! I hope you have the best day ever, especially since you're 8 1/2 inches smaller! ;D  You are amazing.

You're my inspiration, you make me want to be an as-good-as-you-are mom someday.  You make me excited about Homeschooling, and you fangirl with me!! :D

Thank you for everything you do.  Thank you for being absolutely hilarious, for putting up with Glo and I, for teaching us everything and for being so cool!!!  Thank you for loving my friends, and defending them when necessary....;)

Mommy, you never let me down, and you're always there for me.  You've helped me to form my own opinions and you've helped to shape my worldview, keeping in mind that He is always watching.  ;)  You've helped me to become wise and make smart decisions in my young age, and I am forever grateful for you letting me be my own person and helping me to be independent. :)  You are awesome!!

Star Wars has brought us together....ever since you've entered the realm of awesome fangirliness, we've bonded and gotten closer.  I love it.  It's so much fun!!!  You even have internet friends, whether you deny it or not! ;)
I've helped you through your first fangirl heartbreak (trust me,  now that you read fanfiction there are many MANY more to follow) and you put up with my daily fangirl attacks.  ;)

I hope you have the best day ever Mom.  I love you so much, and I am so proud, honored, and blessed to call you my mommy.  ;D

Have the happiest birthday ever, I can't wait for this weekend,

Love,
Your Baby <3

The Gift Of Childcare

Here's yet another "inspirational" that I thought up.  I was inspired to write this yesterday, after a fun experience. ;)

I love kids.
Okay....allow me to explain.  A lot of teenagers these days are quite self-centered.  Even I am sometimes...wanting to do what I WANT, when I WANT, and not really caring about anything else.  It's not easy to grow up in a day and age where society encourages you to sit back and have everything handed to you on a silver platter.

But that isn't what this post is about.
I like doing more than just sitting back and being lazy.  I love helping out adults/parents and I especially love taking care of kids.  Especially small ones.

For as long as I can remember, I've been a "little mommy".  When my sister was born (though I don't remember this TOO well...since I was only six...) I took care of her, I loved her, and I took care of ALLLL my baby dolls like they were my baby sister.  (nawww)
Whenever me and my cousin and sister would play dolls (which we did a LOT growing up) I was always the mom.  I always had that maternal instinct to take care of the babies/kids.

As I got older, I was able to nurture those passions and loves.  Now I work at our dance studio, teaching ballet, tap and jazz to 2-3 year olds and 4-5 year olds.  My little girls are the highlight of my week.  I love spending time with them.  To them I'm "Miss Fallon (insert real name there)", and I get to carry them, hug them, let them sit in my lap, and just get to be there with them.

I've heard some teens say that they don't like kids, or that they're not "good with kids".  Essentially what I've got from that is that they are A. have no siblings, B. don't know what to do/don't have that maternal instinct or C. they think all kids are bratty, snot-nosed, and gross.
I don't have any of the above.

Yesterday I was helping my sister's music teacher at her little kid music class.  They were learning about stringed instruments, and Miss Susan (Glory's teacher) asked if I could come in and show the kids my violin and viola.  I agreed, and brought three instruments with me (my viola, my violin and my student model violin for the kids to play with).  The first kid to get there was a little girl.
I knew this little girl because I teach her dance class.  The way her face lit up when she saw me made my heart melt.  :)
"Miss Fallon (insert real name here)!" she yelled, and ran to me to give me a huge hug.  Her mom knew me, and went to pick up her son from school, knowing her daughter was in good hands between me and the Miss Susan.  ;)  This little girl held my hand the entire class, she sat at my side or in my lap, and she was really interested in hearing the violin/viola since I was the one playing it.  ;)  I was honored.  When Miss Susan introduced me to the class as just "Fallon (insert real name here)" My little girl said "No Miss Susan, that's MISS Fallon, and she teaches me dance!"  *heart melts into puddle on the floor*
I received hugs and kisses from this little girl yesterday, and she said that she would see me at dance in two days.  :)

I also knew one of the boys in the class, since I taught his sister last year.  His sister knew me when she came to pick him up, and rushed to give me a hug as well.  So did the mom (she's also my dentist! LOL)! ;)

This got me thinking.  So many little girls look up to me.  They know me as "Miss Fallon (insert real name here)", their dance teacher.  I've seen little girls around town or at the store a few times, and the moms always recognize me and say hello, and talk with me, and the little girls always give me hugs.  I'm so happy to be in those little girl's lives.  I feel like I'm making a difference.  I love helping them, I love taking care of them and getting to be their teacher and pseudo-big sister.

Glo's other friends all look up to me, they talk to me, and play with me, and know if they ever need anything, they can go to "Fally (insert real nickname here)", Glory's older sister.  :)  It's an amazing feeling.Even at P.E., I'm a big sister to my sister's friends.  Her best friend takes dance with her, and that little (not so little, she's ten like Glo) girl loves me.  I get a billion hugs, she sits on me, and she and Glo are always playing with me, and cracking up together.  She's my second little sister.

To know that I am making an impact on the lives of these little girls (and even some little boys too) makes me feel so incredibly blessed.  It's a gift to take care of small children (and even big children).  When a little girl gets hurt in dance class, the first person she runs to is me.  She knows she can find comfort in me, and that I'll either take her to mommy or give her a bandaid and help her feel better.  One of my three year olds did that  few weeks ago in dance, she hit her head on the ballet barre and got scared.  She instantly ran to my side, crying, wanting to be held.  I picked her up and helped her feel better.  I got her to stop crying and continue dancing in less than three minutes.  Not a lot of people can do that.  I've been told that I have the magic touch.  ;)

I thank God for this gift that he's given me.  The gift of childcare.  I hope someday I can use this in more than just a volunteer setting.  I'll follow wherever He leads me with it, whether it's to have my own family, or take care of other people's children, I'm up for the challenge.

Do you have the gift of child-care?  If not, what are special gifts that you DO have, something not everyone else can do?  We're all made special and individually, with God's hand on each of us and our talents.  Tell me about yours.  ;)  Own it!  Be proud!