Before I begin my spiel, I should start by informing everyone that I cut myself today while I was shaving. It was really bad, too. It hurt like heck, but by now I know myself well enough not to look until it stops bleeding. It was right on the back of my ankle. Quite possibly the worst spot for a shaving cut. I scrape myself on the shins all the time and I hardly notice, but I think the ankle back is horrible. It stings the worst out of any other place. Anyway, I guess that's what I get for using a dull razor.
So, about book characters: Why do they all have to be so perfect? At least the main characters, anyway. It's okay for the minor characters to have flaws in their appearance, but heaven forbid the main character be anyhting less than a Greek god. I'm absolutely NOT talking about Edward Cullen, either. I'm talking about the main characters of every book I've ever read. I used to be really bitter about that. I was always like, "Why does the author need me to be jealous of every freaking character???" I would still like a book if the characters were just a little more human. I mean, the authors certainly always make sure to include personality flaws. Look at Bella Swan, for instance; although, I don't think she was intentionally flawed.
Let me profile for you the basic main character's appearance. First of all, they're all always really thin. The girls always have medium length or long hair. It's usually a rather unique color, like "fire-engine-red", a "rather eye-catching shade of chestnut", or a "smooth, caramel blonde". Then, there are the eyes. Main characters never have just plain brown eyes. They have eyes that are "a pretty shade of green with little sunbursts of gold at the center" or "shockingly blue eyes" or even eyes that are "molten gold." Are you catching my drift here? What is it with these people?
That's what I thought, until I tried to write my own character. And then I finally understood what goes through an author's head when they're creating a main character's appearance. They want this person that they're putting so much effort into to be everything they think they're not. I didn't want my character to look like me. I wanted to make her "actually really pretty, but in such a way that she didn't stand out in a crowd," or "long and lean, with silky raven-black hair that reached past her shoulders." I wanted her to have "shockingly blue eyes," or something like that.
That's what I wanted, but only for the briefest of seconds, and then I thought, "You know what? She can be pretty, but I want her to be humanly pretty." None of this "green with little sunbursts of gold" stuff. She can have eyes that are navy blue, or forest green, sure, but I'm not feeding my readers all that other crap. I'm not going to stoop to that level. People are people. They're absolutely not perfect, and that includes looks. Besides, sometimes little things like an uneven mouth or a crooked nose or eyes that are too close together make a character more memorable.
In conclusion, you can stop reading this now.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
My Playlist
In case anyone has even looked at my playlist, just know that I didn't write any of the titles. It's obvious that I didn't because I know how to spell 'here'.
Elen and I were talking the other day about how much it bugs us when people don't use correct grammar. You kind of get that little twitch when someone say something wrong, and sometimes it doesn't go away until you say something. You just sit there with the corner of your mouth twitching for forever. It got to the point where she had to tell this one kid in her algebra class off for a minor infranction. I'm not as picky about it as she is, because I would be a hypocrite if I was. She uses proper grammar all the time, though, so it's all right for her.
I just reread this. It's really boring, but I'm gonna post it anyway. Maybe this can be the preface to "Alyssa's Spiel on Grammar." Who knows?
Elen and I were talking the other day about how much it bugs us when people don't use correct grammar. You kind of get that little twitch when someone say something wrong, and sometimes it doesn't go away until you say something. You just sit there with the corner of your mouth twitching for forever. It got to the point where she had to tell this one kid in her algebra class off for a minor infranction. I'm not as picky about it as she is, because I would be a hypocrite if I was. She uses proper grammar all the time, though, so it's all right for her.
I just reread this. It's really boring, but I'm gonna post it anyway. Maybe this can be the preface to "Alyssa's Spiel on Grammar." Who knows?
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Identity Crisis
I think the world is possibly coming to an end.
I just tried to sign up for twitter, and the username lissylouhoo was taken.
Do I need to repeat the last sentence, or do you understand the magnitude of this situation?
I am no longer the only lissylouhoo in the world. I've had this username since I was like, 6. I feel like something vital has been stolen from me, which is probably a logical thing to be feeling because something vital HAS been stolen from me. I don't know what to do. My vision is starting to blur. Am I crying, or fainting? I don't know but it's HORRIBLE.
This is probably the most horrible injustice that's ever been done to me.
I think I need some time alone.
I just tried to sign up for twitter, and the username lissylouhoo was taken.
Do I need to repeat the last sentence, or do you understand the magnitude of this situation?
I am no longer the only lissylouhoo in the world. I've had this username since I was like, 6. I feel like something vital has been stolen from me, which is probably a logical thing to be feeling because something vital HAS been stolen from me. I don't know what to do. My vision is starting to blur. Am I crying, or fainting? I don't know but it's HORRIBLE.
This is probably the most horrible injustice that's ever been done to me.
I think I need some time alone.
Friday, August 28, 2009
School's in Session... again
So, the first week of school.
That's pretty much all there is to say. It was just like every other first week of school I've ever experienced. The only difference is, I wasn't expecting much, so I wasn't disappointed.
I haven't found a teacher that likes me all that much yet, either. Usually there's at least someone who seems remotely interested in making me their teacher's pet. Not this time.
I do really like my Spanish teacher, though. She's fun and nice and all that important stuff.
Anyway, like I said, that's pretty much all there is to say.
Unfortunately, I've entered the stage where I actually want to do something on a Friday night, which makes my current situation suck because I can't drive, I don't have any money, and all my friends don't care about doing anything. Will someone go see a movie with me or something? I have $10, that's at least enough to buy a movie ticket.
I'm sorry. I don't mean to sound like a crotchety 90 year old woman. I should grow up.
Anyway, life is... well, pretty much life at this point. You cut your losses and get on with it.
By the way, does anyone have a good book recommendation? I have NOTHING to read. It's like wandering around in the dark looking for the light switch. Can anyone find me a really good light switch? Please?
Speaking of books, I really want to write one. I know it's a heck of a lot harder than it sounds, but I may as well get some ideas down while I'm young. I kind of know the general feel I want to go for, but I still haven't thought of a nice theme. I don't think I ever will anytime soon, either. It's kind of depressing, really. I have writer's block and I haven't even started writing yet.
Please don't make fun of me. It's kind of childish, I know, and a bit unrealistic, but if I want a career in English, what else am I supposed to do but write a book?
That's another thing I hate about loving English so much. It's the best subject ever, but it doesn't exactly have a great reputation. All the people who just want to go to college to say they went to college get English degrees. It's stupid, because I'm not like that. I love English. It's interesting, and it's the only subject I'm really good at anymore. I NEED English. It supports my fragile self-esteem.
Am I boring you? I'm sorry. I should just go to the library or something... do something beneficial to my education, since it's actually important now. I actually have to try, because I'm not as smart as I used to be.
This is the part where you all play your teeny violins while I sob.
That's pretty much all there is to say. It was just like every other first week of school I've ever experienced. The only difference is, I wasn't expecting much, so I wasn't disappointed.
I haven't found a teacher that likes me all that much yet, either. Usually there's at least someone who seems remotely interested in making me their teacher's pet. Not this time.
I do really like my Spanish teacher, though. She's fun and nice and all that important stuff.
Anyway, like I said, that's pretty much all there is to say.
Unfortunately, I've entered the stage where I actually want to do something on a Friday night, which makes my current situation suck because I can't drive, I don't have any money, and all my friends don't care about doing anything. Will someone go see a movie with me or something? I have $10, that's at least enough to buy a movie ticket.
I'm sorry. I don't mean to sound like a crotchety 90 year old woman. I should grow up.
Anyway, life is... well, pretty much life at this point. You cut your losses and get on with it.
By the way, does anyone have a good book recommendation? I have NOTHING to read. It's like wandering around in the dark looking for the light switch. Can anyone find me a really good light switch? Please?
Speaking of books, I really want to write one. I know it's a heck of a lot harder than it sounds, but I may as well get some ideas down while I'm young. I kind of know the general feel I want to go for, but I still haven't thought of a nice theme. I don't think I ever will anytime soon, either. It's kind of depressing, really. I have writer's block and I haven't even started writing yet.
Please don't make fun of me. It's kind of childish, I know, and a bit unrealistic, but if I want a career in English, what else am I supposed to do but write a book?
That's another thing I hate about loving English so much. It's the best subject ever, but it doesn't exactly have a great reputation. All the people who just want to go to college to say they went to college get English degrees. It's stupid, because I'm not like that. I love English. It's interesting, and it's the only subject I'm really good at anymore. I NEED English. It supports my fragile self-esteem.
Am I boring you? I'm sorry. I should just go to the library or something... do something beneficial to my education, since it's actually important now. I actually have to try, because I'm not as smart as I used to be.
This is the part where you all play your teeny violins while I sob.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Grocery Store Wonders
You'll never guess the sale they were having at the grocery store today, and when I say you'll never guess, I mean it.
The sale was 10/$10. Now see if you can guess what it was.
Still having a hard time? Okay, I'll tell you. It was 10 for $10 COTTAGE CHEESE.
I repeat: COTTAGE CHEESE!
Who in their right mind buys 10 tubs of cottage cheese all with the SAME EXPIRATION DATE? Except for old people, but I don't even think old people would buy 10 freaking tubs of cottage cheese.
Who could even EAT that much cottage cheese?
I was so weirded out that I seriously considered talking to the manager, but then I remembered that managers don't listen to teenage girls. So I decided I would just rant about it on here.
Needless to say, my trip to the grocery store today was one I will probably remember for a long time to come.
The sale was 10/$10. Now see if you can guess what it was.
Still having a hard time? Okay, I'll tell you. It was 10 for $10 COTTAGE CHEESE.
I repeat: COTTAGE CHEESE!
Who in their right mind buys 10 tubs of cottage cheese all with the SAME EXPIRATION DATE? Except for old people, but I don't even think old people would buy 10 freaking tubs of cottage cheese.
Who could even EAT that much cottage cheese?
I was so weirded out that I seriously considered talking to the manager, but then I remembered that managers don't listen to teenage girls. So I decided I would just rant about it on here.
Needless to say, my trip to the grocery store today was one I will probably remember for a long time to come.
Heartburn Central
Food: pizza
Drink: soda (preferrably a cola or root beer)
Dessert: Reeses Peanut Butter cups
DON'T try it unless you are prepared to experience unendurable agony.
Drink: soda (preferrably a cola or root beer)
Dessert: Reeses Peanut Butter cups
DON'T try it unless you are prepared to experience unendurable agony.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Alyssa's Spiel on Summer
Ah, Summer. The time of year every school kid looks forward to ALL YEAR LONG. Kids and teenagers alike think of it so often that they can almost taste it, smell it, reach out and touch it....
The real thing is a heck of a rude awakening.
Every summer is the same as the next, kids just forget how incredibly BORING it is in their longing for a world free of obligation. In truth, summer is long, hot, and boring to the point of exhaustion. Yes, that's right. Summer is so boring that it makes you physically exhausted- or is that just going to bed at midnight every night?
My point is that summer vacation is seemingly endless. All the days run into each other until summer is just one long day of TV, reading, showering at 2 P.M. (or not showering at all), video games, lack of sleep, and stress over the coming school year constantly hovering at the back of your mind.
All summer long, you can't stop thinking about the next school year. What will- insert grade here- be like? What new friends will you have? Will you have any classes with your current friends? What will you wear on the first day of school? Will your teachers all be morons? (probably). What clubs will you join?
This many questions simmer endlessly, until that feeling of anxiety builds in your stomach and you can hardly breathe. You fell as though you might faint. (okay, maybe I'm exaggerating, but you get the point... right?)
Worst of all are the coming-to-school-in-your-underpants dream. The get-lost-on-your-way-to-class dream. And, if you're a true nerd, the pop-quiz-on-the-first-day dream.
In short, summer is one long, meandering pathway that can only lead to another long, agonizing school year, and, inevitably, another long, agonizing summer after that.
This has been Alyssa. Thank you and good day.
The real thing is a heck of a rude awakening.
Every summer is the same as the next, kids just forget how incredibly BORING it is in their longing for a world free of obligation. In truth, summer is long, hot, and boring to the point of exhaustion. Yes, that's right. Summer is so boring that it makes you physically exhausted- or is that just going to bed at midnight every night?
My point is that summer vacation is seemingly endless. All the days run into each other until summer is just one long day of TV, reading, showering at 2 P.M. (or not showering at all), video games, lack of sleep, and stress over the coming school year constantly hovering at the back of your mind.
All summer long, you can't stop thinking about the next school year. What will- insert grade here- be like? What new friends will you have? Will you have any classes with your current friends? What will you wear on the first day of school? Will your teachers all be morons? (probably). What clubs will you join?
This many questions simmer endlessly, until that feeling of anxiety builds in your stomach and you can hardly breathe. You fell as though you might faint. (okay, maybe I'm exaggerating, but you get the point... right?)
Worst of all are the coming-to-school-in-your-underpants dream. The get-lost-on-your-way-to-class dream. And, if you're a true nerd, the pop-quiz-on-the-first-day dream.
In short, summer is one long, meandering pathway that can only lead to another long, agonizing school year, and, inevitably, another long, agonizing summer after that.
This has been Alyssa. Thank you and good day.
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