The Things I Sometimes Ponder.

I realize that there are probably a million important things to ponder and think about, but in order to distract myself from real life issues I think about things that don't even matter and seriously debate them. This week it's been a bit of everything.

Why can't they just install a dishwasher in every rental property? I have done dishes way too many times today and I am getting so tired of it. First off, you have to use hot/warm water. Uh, I don't have AC so as I'm doing dishes I'm also sweating. I don't think that should happen. Then there's those food chunks that float around and randomly float to your hands. Am I the only one that is grossed out by this? Like I can't get everything scraped out and then there's just some ground beef floating around. It's feels like some sort of critter just swimming around in there. I seriously would pay a little bit extra for a dishwasher. Done.

This is more of a statement than a question, but I love Liz Lemon. Seriously, one of my favorite TV characters. I am finally watching the last season of 30 Rock and I just love her. She eats whatever she wants and her little catch phrases are awesome. Don't be surprised if I start yelling "blerg" or when I get mad I scream "nerd rage." Just go with it. Liz Lemon, though not my favorite character due to her political beliefs (thanks Jake, that now factors into things), is someone I would love to be. Well, in a way I would love to be her. So instead I will always make sure to follow her advice and always puts chips on my sandwich.

Mariah Carey, why does your song title have a hashtag in it? #Beautiful makes it look like it was solely meant for twitter. Yes, I have a twitter account, but I hate when Twitter mannerisms make it away from Twitter and into my every day life. Not that Mariah Carey is in my every day life, but I see the song title on Spotify (thanks guys in my area for listening to it, it's now recommended for me or something like that) all the time. And it bothers me. Hashtags don't belong anywhere but Twitter. and Instagram I guess. Well, tumblr too...but that's it. 

I don't get the appeal of Macklemore. I think that's how you spell it. I seem to never remember which order the "l" and "e" go. Anyway, he's not original.Yea, I know no one is original these days. But I feel like he has that as one of his claims to fame and I just don't see it. It's cool that he did all this work on his own and yadda yadda. His songs are too catchy (well, most of them. I tend to only listen to three. And they are pretty much the ones about nothing in particular). I guess people think he's accepting of everyone and all that, but I really don't think he is. Yes he's accepting of different races and lifestyle choices but he seems really unaccepting of Christians. You honestly can't call yourself an accepting person unless you accept everyone for who they are even though they may not think the same as you. That's how I define an accepting and generally caring person. They may think differently than their neighbors, but that doesn't mean that they are. Maybe he's mostly accepting, but not completely. I guess I just don't like when people preach it and then don't follow through. I dunno, am I missing something so awesome about him completely? And don't just saying "he's so good" because that's not a legitimate reason. Props to him for being sober though, but it's unfortunate that the reason he is sober is because he was that addicted. That being said, why are you making party songs? These are the songs that get listened to at bars as people that are anywhere from starting their first drink to trashed are singing. Why is he good? I just don't get him. That being said, I only listen to three of his songs: And We Danced, Thrift Shop, and Can't Hold Us Down (that one just has a cool beat in the background and I think I almost like that more than the song). And if you don't know And We Danced then I feel like you need to catch up on a lot of things. Seriously, that song is very entertaining. End rant (with a song of course...).

Next, why in the world did they decide to have Jay-Z do the soundtrack for The Great Gatsby? Before I start I want to say it's an excellent sound track, just not for that particular movie. Also, I have not seen the movie, but based off of the reviews that I have read I can only assume that the soundtrack is not helping that movie sell as much as the director had hoped. OK...the Great Gatsby...1920's...rap music. Seriously? Whenever I think of this book I think of Jazz music. I think of the Charleston and the brass section and all of this fabulousness, and yet this movie is apparently giving me rap and r&b? Seriously. I would take this soundtrack as an album that is not in anyway connected to Gatsby. I am so nervous to see this movie. I adore the book, and I just have this gut feeling that I will have massive nerdrage at the end of it because Baz Luhrmann is a bit of an idiot. Ok, there is some Jazz elements in the music, but not enough. Serious nerd rage here. 

Side note, does anyone want to go see Gatsby with me? I still need to see it. 

 As it turns out, these are the biggest things that have distracted me from reality lately. Take it as it is. And we will end with something awesome...

So far...

This is something I just really feel needs to be said. I need to kind of get it out of my system, so that's your warning.

I seem to have a love/hate relationship with those people that tell you that you are capable of anything and can do exactly what you want in life. Doesn't always happen, and those few success stories come from more hard work than I could ever imagine. I like the idea of thinking that I can put my mind towards something and successfully complete it, but sometimes setting your mind to it is difficult. And sometimes you realize your heart isn't in it. That's kind of where I'm at right now. My heart is fully in it. 

In what, you may ask. Well in the whole pursuing a career in teaching thing. Yes, I know. That's what my major was. That's what I went to school for. That's what I should be doing and what I had talked about doing for so long. Now before I get into it I just thought I should throw this out there: I am not saying that I never want to teach. I don't want people to think that I thought it was too hard and just gave up (it is tough, but if my heart was really in it I think all that hard work would be worth it right?). I did struggle with my student teaching, but I think that's where I started to fully grasp a few things that my field experiences weren't teaching me. First off, I was not getting the evaluations I deserved. I really think that my professor that was evaluating me was lazy and just wanted us all to give him a good review, therefore giving me an A and a review showing good things. Plus, field experience is still a lot of work with the teacher and with a lot of support. Student teaching is where it kind of slid and I was very on my own. And on my own is not good with a fairly large group of children. I couldn't do a lot of things that I should have been able to do after all my experiences and schooling. Secondly, I want to be able to help students grow. I'm not saying that teachers don't do that. I know so many teachers that are wonderful and all, but I feel like in a large group like that I struggled to help the students. I felt like I really struggled and reaching all these students, and I so wanted to and it killed me. In small groups I found that to be the opposite. Put me in a group of 5-10 students and I can really work with them and help them. I saw so much improvement when I worked with them and felt so much more of a connection with them. But when I was with a large group I struggled, and I fear that a lot of them did too. Third, I seem to have formed quite the opinion of the public school systems and what they are doing for the students. I don't really want to go into it but if you wanna chat sometime over coffee or something we sure can. If I had to summarize though I feel like it's not really looking out for the students and not helping them all like it claims to be. I don't want to be a part of that. I want to be helpful. I want to help children grow both academically and personally.

I remember my logic when I decided to go into education. And believe me, it was not to help the students academically. My main reason upon choosing that major was so that I could be there for a student if they were ever in a situation like I was when I was 13, or that my brother was when he was younger or my sister. When we lost our dad to cancer it was definitely hard for me to concentrate on school, and many of my teachers were so helpful and so caring. I want to be that for a student. When they go through  a personal crisis I would love to be the person that they look to for support. That was my one and only reason. Now I also want to work with kids on reading. It really bothers me on how little kids these days read and how terrible they are about making inferences, because they do it all the time. It's definitely something that helps you improve yourself in many ways. Though I have those reasons, I still don't see the classroom teacher in me.

I love where I am right now, and plan to try to stick it out for awhile longer. I love helping people. I feel really useful at the library and when I'm working in the high school. I feel like I am accomplishing something, even though people seem to think that I'm stuck. I'm helping people find things that they need or want. I'm helping those above me, like my boss or those that I'm assisting, to finish a big project or to get some program started. I'm working with story time and really loving the things that are happening there. The kids get so involved in the story and pick things up that I forget. I really try to get them to relate to the story and to keep them active and engaged throughout the short time they're with me. I love it. I think at this point in my life this is where I belong. I'm not saying I'll be here forever. I'm also not saying that I have completely stopped looking for a job, because I feel like if you completely stop looking then you get behind and don't know what's out there. Who knows, maybe I'll look and find the job that I just know I need to apply for. But at this point in my life I'm happy. It doesn't mean that money isn't tight. I think money is tight for everyone. But I am working hard and happy with what I do.

I am thankful to those that have told me about job openings. I have looked into a lot of those, and there were some that were kind of far away from here (that would have involved moving) that I have come very close to applying to. I appreciate that you are thinking of me. I just really want people to stop looking down on me when I tell them what I'm doing right now. Things could be a lot worse for me, and I'm happy. 

I do pray about this stuff all the time, so please don't think I'm just scared and staying where I feel safe. I am learning a lot. I am really working on coming out of my shell in certain areas of my life. I am doing what I feel I am being told to do. God has definitely taken care of me up to this point in my life, and I really doubt that He has just decided to ignore me for awhile and check back later to see what I'm up to. 

Books I think more people should read.

I seem to notice more and more adults shy away from the YA genre. Yes, I realize that a large portion of these books are written completely and totally for those that fall into the age group of about 14-18. And I must admit, though I read quite a bit of YA books there are some that I tend to stay far away from (basically anything Vampires due to Twilight killing that idea or anything similar to Pretty Little Liars. If you're into that kind of thing, cool, but it's not for me). I definitely have books that I really enjoy that just so happen to be Young Adult. And honestly, there are many adult books that have similar plots, so I guess when I see people kind of look down on YA books I don't completely understand it. Anyway, there are some books that are techincally calssified as YA that I really think people should look into more. Just because they are written from the view point of someone that is a bit younger does not mean that we, as adults, cannot take something from these books. So I thought I would share three YA books that I really feel people should pick up, not matter their age (and there are probably many others that I'm missing). This is in no particular order, and these books have all been written in the last 3-5 years.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

This is actually a book that I just finished, so I'm still kind of on a high from it (which is probably why I'm struggling to get through my latest book even thought I'm enjoying it). This book kind of reminded me of a modern day Freak The Mighty or something similar to that. Not to say they are exactly the same. Though heartbreaking, this book did not read the same as Freak the Mighty did when I was in 8th grade. This book is essentially about August's transformation to a new school, where he is stared at all the time. He gets picked on, a lot, and struggles to adjust. This book made me feel a bit guilty, because as humans we tend to stare at things that we don't understand or that make us feel uncomfortable. I can definitely think of times where I would stare at someone because they looked different or had some sort of deformity. It's human nature, but I still feel guilty about it. Reading this made me feel a bit more aware of the fact that I do that. And it kind of is helping me to stop that. This book is really interesting because it also reads from different characters. You would think that the entire book is from Auggie's perspective, but really it goes into the perspective of his sister, and two of his friends. I found this interesting because in books like this those characters are ignored. They are just shown as the strong characters that stand up for their friend/brother, but this showed some of their insecurities as well and some of the ways that being friends with Auggie changed their lives. Auggie is not the only one that puts up with name calling and stares.

What can adults take from this book about middle schoolers? They can see just how bad bullying can get. I think that some adults think that bullying really isn't a huge deal or that it doesn't happen as often, but it does. It is so much worse these days than it was when I was in school (though I could be completely oblivious to the world around me, that has been known to happen). The things that kids say to each other is just downright mean, and the fact that they can pick on someone for something that is completely out of their control is ridiculous. So what if someone looks different than you? That is absolutely no reason to pick on them. I think this books shows us as adults what kinds of things kids say (because this does happen, no matter where you are) and what we can do to help change that. It shows that we can be positive role models to these kids and we can show that things like this is wrong. I think it also gives a bit of a perspective on the things that some parents say (yes, you get to read about what parents think of certain situations, and it made me cringe because I know this actually happens). As adults, we should model positive behavior to everyone. Bullying can tear people apart, and normally those people are the nicest and sweetest people, just like Auggie. 

“Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.” 

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

I have two weeks. You’ll shoot me at the end no matter what I do.
That’s what you do to enemy agents. It’s what we do to enemy agents. But I look at all the dark and twisted roads ahead and cooperation is the easy way out. Possibly the only way out for a girl caught red-handed doing dirty work like mine — and I will do anything, anything, to avoid SS-Hauptsturmführer von Linden interrogating me again.
He has said that I can have as much paper as I need. All I have to do is cough up everything I can remember about the British War Effort. And I’m going to. But the story of how I came to be here starts with my friend Maddie. She is the pilot who flew me into France — an Allied Invasion of Two.
We are a sensational team.

This book was such a surprise for me. I kind of randomly picked it. I had never heard of it before, but I was like "Yea, sure I'll read that one on vacation." Best. Choice. Ever. I typically don't read an entire book in a day (gotta spread out all the goodness right?) but I could not put this one down. I finished it within 6 hours of starting it. The story was captivating and intriguing. I remember just needing to know what would happen next, which is why I read it in an entire day. I am not entirely sure how historically accurate it was (with the age of the girls being the agents and all) but it was so interesting. It was a view of the events that happened during the war that I had never really heard, and the main events themselves seemed pretty accurate. And the best thing is, this is a story about a strong friendship. They were strong even when everything was against them. Wonderful.

What can adults take from this book? Well, the value of a strong friendship basically. I mean that should be something that can translate with any age. Also, historical fiction tends to end up very similar in the end, so if you like historical fiction this this book is one you should read. It's been almost a year since I read it, and I still have nothing but good things to say about it. I don't have life lessons to take from it, but I think it's well written and a nice read that is really well worth your time. 

“It’s awful, telling it like this, isn’t it? As though we didn’t know the ending. As though it could have another ending. It’s like watching Romeo drink poison. Every time you see it you get fooled into thinking his girlfriend might wake up and stop him. Every single time you see it you want to shout, You stupid ass, just wait a minute and she’ll open her eyes! Oi, you, you twat, open your eyes, wake up! Don’t die this time! But they always do.” 

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life - and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding.

Ok, so the description may not be selling it completely. It sounds like your stereotypical young adult book about real life stuff right? Well, that's part of it. And yes, there's a really awkward love triangle (it's just a little weird to have feelings of some sort for your dead sister's boyfriend, and it's also a little weird that he even acted on it...but that's a different story). My main thing with this book is that it was such an accurate description of an average person going through the loss of a family member. To say that everyone deals with the grief the same way as Lennie would be a lie, but when you kind of look at some of the way she dealt with it and you look at others that have gone through it (or if you have gone through it yourself) you can find so many similarities. It's been awhile since I read this book, but here's something I said when I wrote a short review of it on Goodreads: " If you ever want a glimpse into how a loss can affect a person's every day life, definitely read this book. All the emotions towards the loss of my dad were experienced by the main character with her sister. It was a beautiful story about loss and the strength a person needs to try their hardest to move on...Obviously each and every person has their own way of grieving, but this book seemed to take the approach that most people would assume of it and then dig deeper. No one knows that side of grief until they are a part of this." I really don't think there is much more to say on how I feel about this book.

What can adults take from this? They can kind of see how teenagers handle grief, or even full grown adults. When I was in school and we were talking about at-risk students many of my classmates were kind of stumped about what to do with students that have lost a parent or sibling. It's a tricky situation, and I think this book kind of gives a good glimpse into what the grieving process entails. It is also really beautifully written. I honestly wish more teenagers would read this book.

“My sister will die over and over again for the rest of my life. Grief is forever. It doesn't go away; it becomes a part of you, step for step, breath for breath. I will never stop grieving Bailey because I will never stop loving her. That's just how it is. Grief and love are conjoined, you don't get one without the other. All I can do is love her, and love the world, emulate her by living with daring and spirit and joy.”

So yea, I think more people should read these books. Not just adults, but any ages. It is amazing to me how many people haven't read some of them. I'm obviously missing some too, or not sharing some, so feel free. 

In fact, right now I'm reading yet another book that I have never heard of.

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn't . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.

So far, super interesting (though I'm only 100 pages in). And also, it has me giggling every now and then. Anyone else reading anything good? Or have something that they think more people should read (for any age group, though I think the age requirements get kind of ridiculous...so many of the classics started as Children's books.)?

Is a FLDSMDFR worth the risk?

Yes, a FLDSMDFR.

If you don't understand that reference then you probably shouldn't read this post, unless you are hoping to watch the movie it is referencing and want to see if it's awesome (which it is). And yes, I am most definitely referencing Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (the movie, duh). As I was watching, eating my pancakes and craving other greasy foods that the FLDSMDFR spit out in the sky I wondered, is a FLDSMDFR worth the risk?

Today, I am having the worst craving for greasy foods, such as Cheese Curds, Taco Bell, Dominos Pizza, etc. Being that I live in such a small town there really is not fast food around (and no, I do not like McDonalds and refuse to eat at the one in Zumbrota. It takes them forever just to make a McFlurry). If I had a FLDSMDFR I could have all of that greasy goodness created for me and I could eat it. I'm literally sitting here thinking of all the foods I could make, and how badly I want it. I really could go for a burrito.

Anyway, so this FLDSMDFR seems awesome, but being that the food mutates in the movie it's a little risky. Like I think I would need to avoid spaghetti.

So there's always that issue of it mutating, but everything else is pretty sweet. Like when he had it "snow" ice cream. 

Oh, and the snowball fights.

Or that awesome Jello house thing he made. 

It would be so awesome to get a FLDSMDFR and all. I think even fighting mutant gummy bears would be awesome.

So, with knowing this, is a FLDSMDFR worth it? I mean it could mutate and everything and we could all die because the food killed us, but it could also bring awesomeness. MMMM greasy awesomeness.

Side note: If you haven't seen this movie (and this means you probably don't know my sister...) you really should. Especially with the next movie coming out in September.

I tend to like British singers.

I feel the need to share some new music I've discovered (thank you Spotify). As it turns out British Pop music kicks the Pop music of America's butt (Justin Timberlake is still really excellent though. No one can come close to him). No joke (America, I liked Ellie Goulding before you, so suck it. I also liked Adele first). So I thought I would share a few of my favorite British singers (sorry, all female at the moment but all so good). Feel free to suggest more if you would like.

Rebecca Ferguson- Too Good To Lose

This song is just so catchy. She's my most recent discovery, and I am really excited to listen to more of her music.

Nina Nesbitt- Boy

She doesn't have much out it seems, which is really sad. 

Emeli Sande- Next to Me

I am in love with her voice. And the tempo of her songs. Another favorite is My Kind of Love. Check it.

Paloma Faith- Smoke and Mirrors

This was the hardest choice I have ever had to make, which song of hers would I like to put on here. I am in love with her voice and songs. I seriously can't get enough.

Now if you could compare these to some of those American Pop artists that everyone somehow really loves and tell me how they are better than these four lovely ladies then please tell me what I am not getting.

Ok, side note, I really do love Justin Timberlake.

An Assortment of Valentine's Cards

So, if you know me pretty well you know I'm kind of anti-Valentine's Day. You might wonder why, since I am married and all that but I suppose I just don't understand why you have to pick on day to be all lovey-dovey and then the rest of the days you're just like whatever. I could go on, but basically I think that every day is the perfect opportunity to show people you care for them, not just Valentine's day. So stop acting like it's the only day.

Anyway, the real point of me writing anything tonight. I love finding the most ridiculous Valentine's Day cards ever on the internet. Normally made by other people, and they just make me laugh. A lot. One of the awesome parts of Valentine's Day. The other awesome part is chocolate and candy. But this year I am only seeing myself buying candy for myself (yes, one of the things I miss about being in a school around this holiday) (hint, I love chocolate) so that's kinda lame.

But tonight I am talking the cards, and I give you some of the best I could find. Some of them were unfortunately part of a giant image, but still very entertaining. 

Dwight Schrute, what a sweet talker.

Haymitch really does love is liquor, so for me to like you more than he likes that is HUGE.

Ok, so these are necessarily Valentine's cards, but Community quotes that look like they could be Valentine's cards. Oh this show.

Ah,  Game of Thrones. Yes, that happened. She ate a horse heart.

YES, more Game of Thrones. 

Is any holiday really complete without some Nicholas Cage? I dare you to not stare at the chest hair.

If you haven't watched any of It's Always Sunny, then just ignore this.

Ah, the Harry Potter ones are so good. I don't think I put all the ones I found on here.

I read this with a British accent, no lies.

Can you believe this is the only decent Batman one I found? I love Batman, so this is really disappointing.

Ohhhhh Snape...

This is the only time I will ever put this person on here. 

This is mostly for the Peeta one. I don't like Peeta, and the only thing he's good for is bread, as is shown on this card. That and he's needy (or kneady...ahhh).

No comment. She just looks ridiculous.

I just look at this and think of his acting in the movie and laugh a little.

I swear, I promise, you are the one.

OHHH YEA.

HULK SMASH!

Siriusly, Siriusly in love.

I may have a slight thing for Thor...

If you didn't watch last week's HIMYM then I apologize for this.

I just love Marshall

Yea... I just had to put this up...sorry.

Words of advice from Michael Scott

I kinda had to make the noises out loud, then I laughed

Have you watched Doctor Who? Because this is the most terrifying Valentine ever.

Ahhh, Nicolas Cage makes the best Valentine's Cards.

A little bit of Doctor Who. Sorry. I love them so much.

And we end on a high note. No, I can't stand Nicholas Cage, but I laugh whenever he's involved. I should clarify, I laugh at him.

So, pretend that I sent you all a Valentine's Day Card. Pick your favorite. You're welcome. I hope you have a nice, chocolate filled Valentines day.

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

I know I know, after reading that synopsis you're like.."WHY? WHY did you bother taking your time to read that?" I promise you, I had no legitimate reasons. I kept hearing all these fabulous reviews of it online, and how the ending was such a shocker (uh NOT), and how it was an interesting tale of a young woman dealing with a lot her first year of college. Yes, that last one was totally true, and in all honesty I don't think it was terrible. I did enjoy it. I thought it was a really interesting, and believable plot. That whole "believable" thing is new to me, since I read a lot of dystopian literature and many of the things that happen in those books are still just a little out of reach. So to read about real life situations was good for me, and I think this was a good read. It was quick, easy, and enjoyable. Non-trashy (yes, I do sometimes judge people who read 50 Shades of Grey...sorry, I just don't get it. Touching it makes me feel sick) and interesting. 

Basically this girl, Allyson, takes a surprise tour of Europe for a graduation present (ok, who gets a trip to Europe? I definitely did not get that) and runs into this really interesting character Willem. He performs Shakespeare in the park, and she runs into him again on her way to London towards the end of her trip. She decides on a whim (as LuLu, which was a little weird, and you would have to read that to understand because I am not going to give all of it away) to take a trip with him to Paris for just one day (ehhh, ehhh...see what I did there?). They spend their day running around Paris, and not doing all the tourist-y stuff, which I think is awesome. I think they try to live as if they were from Paris for a day, and it is all in the moment. Of course, she wakes up and he's gone (SHOCK! right? You definitely did not see that coming). This girl is crushed by his disappearance. She is a goody-goody, so naturally she gets crushed when she decides to be spontaneous and is therefore crushed and because an angry, depressed, emotional teenager. She makes really bad life decisions with friends and family and basically becomes a hermit at her first semester of college. She struggled a lot, but she comes out of it in the most unexpected way (ok, maybe a little expected, but to the character it was unexpected). She finds her way as she is taking her Shakespeare class, because she thought she could never do the whole Shakespeare thing again. Basically gathering courage to find and maybe (if she's lucky enough) face him again and tell him what's what. 

After reading that you are probably wondering why in the world I read this book. Honestly, as I was typing that up I was feeling the ridiculousness from the synopsis and wondering that myself. In all honesty, I got into this book knowing that it was about a young woman trying to find herself. I had heard that it was really well written, and that it was something all young women should read (that, of course, is up for debate. Yes, it was worth the read, but I really don't think you should be forced to read it in order to understand life). I kind of didn't really understand the entire plot, and I really got drawn into it. The character, Allyson, is fairly relateable  She is insecure, as we all are at times, and she is shot down, as we all have been at one point and time. She deals with losing friends because of her life decisions, which I am sure is something that happens to everyone, and she deals with the stresses of starting college and trying to start over. Willem is glorified a bit, so I kinda wondered if he was actually real, but he was and apparently all things Willem will be addressed in the sequel. Her friend Melanie is that friend you had in high school. The one you thought you would always be close to, but then you slowly drift apart. We all know that happens. There are a lot of real issues going on in this book, and I almost feel like there is something that everyone can relate to. I love that about a book, when it can reach to the reader even if the reader is nothing like the main character.

I do, however, have a few issues with this book. I just think it's ridiculous that she spent an entire year trying to get over one day. She knew the guy for 24 hours, and yet you spend the entire book listening to her whine about all sorts of things and it always goes back to him. I realize that the author probably used this as a point where she realizes that she is an adult and that things aren't always perfect. It was kind of used as the tipping point for her downward spiral. Second, how is she so rude to her family? I know my family and I aren't always getting along perfectly, but did she really think that if she said nothing that there would be no possible way for things to get worked out. Her mother is a bit controlling and wants her daughter to accomplish what she didn't. I understand that sometimes that feeling comes to parents, from what I've heard, but I also know that compromise is possible. Third, did she really expect to be friends with Melanie if she continued to blow her off and not ever try to talk to her. I've had friends that have blown me off so many times that it seemed impossible to want to be friends with them. I guess as an reader that has been through the age that the main character has I see things just a little differently. 

The best part of this entire book, however, was that the main character was not a snot. Lately it seems that all books featuring females of that age that I have read have been filled with characters that think they are better than everyone else or too cool for this or that. It's not fun to read about someone like that. Makes the rest of us feel stupid. 

This book was enjoyable. Easy to read, easy to follow, easy to relate to. Worth the read.