Dear Claudio,

we'll make it if you believe.



thank you for keeping me company. my play count of all of your music is an incredible number.

Instead of State Reports and Math 86

I'm studying for my Sociology final which is tonight.

I. Theory of Differential Association
- How does a normal person step into violation of the norms?
1. Criminal behavior is learned
2. Learning techniques for committing crime
3. Motivation and drive, rationalization.
- Criminal action when there is an excess of definitions favorable to violating laws.
II. Labeling Theory: Self Fulfilling Prophecy
- Once a person is labeled, they are more prone to act out that behavior
- Self Fulfilling Prophecy-
1. You will act out with the label, if you believe in the label
2. Imagery (Picture this..)

Question. Why aren't kids in middle school being taught this? I think if I had the knowledge of these things as a kid, my urge to feel popular and accepted would have been obliterated completely. Instead, I spent my lunches being shunned by my friends, cut off all of my hair, and wore ridiculous clothing, including pink bowling shoes. Le sigh.

Question of the blog:
Whether it was the first at a new school, or just the most eventful, what is your most vivid memory of your first day of school?

Super 8

This is from 1974. It is a home movie from a Brazilian director. He, his brother, and father made this.

Super 8 - 1974 from Jarbas Agnelli on Vimeo.

View his other videos here.

i'd like to be more approachable-
not less weird.
-chloe sevigny

Get Outta My Face

You know you've gone too far on Facebook when..
1. You join Mafia Wars.
2. You state you are married to your roommate, and your bffs are your children.
3. Your profile picture is of someone you don't know, it's just a really awkward photo.
Dang it, I'm 2 out of 3 now.

Hey remember when Facebook didn't look like this:


Pretty weird. Seems like just yesterday it looked like this:


Maybe that's because Facebook changes every day? Possibly. I preferred the pre-Twitter life. Let's go back even farther, down memory lane, to 2007. Seems like forever ago when we Facebooked like this:


That was my personal fave, to be honest. I liked the little man on the upper left corner. Did you know that Facebook was originally made for only Harvard Students? It then opened to other Boston colleges. Later expanding to all colleges and then high school, it then all went down hill when my mom added me.


This was the original Facebook in 2004, actually called Thefacebook. And now you, and I, and 350 million other people are creepily connected on a site that's only been around for 5 years. Crazy!
And now the privacy settings have completely changed, so if you haven't gotten on that, I would suggest you do it soon because a lot of people have totally unprotected profiles that anyone can look at. Yikes, no thanks.

Question of the blog:
In junior high school, I remember joining Hi5, and all of these weird social networking websites in hopes of being cool.. or something. What are some of the weird sites you used for social networking in the past?

Fish Tale.

Sorry for the lack of inspirational blogs lately. Seems as though my posts are more bland, the more complicated my life is. My one wish in the world would be to have long hair, so that at least I could have some pretty braids that would hold it all back from my face.



Good day, my readers. I hope I get interesting soon.

say a little prayer.

Pleasant Surprise!

Look look! New Years Resolutions from this year, and I'm almost all finished!!

1. Learn to be happy alone. - I am doing really well at this. The older I get, the more comfortable I am at being alone. Of course there is always room for improvement, so part check.
2. Get better sleep. Meaning no more staying up past 12:30 on a regular basis. - I go through week phases. This week has been decent? Around 1 am. But some weeks I am asleep by 11:30! Part check.
3. Spend lots of time with the little sister. When I was 13, I always felt very alone. - I've been trying really hard. With both of our busy schedules, I would say this is the best it's been all year. Check.
4. Improve/expand vocabulary. 'Nuff said. - I have been getting better at this. I'm not sure about expanding my vocabulary, but I speak more eloquently than I did in January. Check.
5. If not work at Camp Hammer this summer, at least volunteer for 2 weeks. -I worked at Wolf Mountain! Check!
6. Learn to control my emotions. - I'd say I'm doing much better at this one. Sure I have my girl moments, but I am more capable of controlling emotions and keeping them inside. Unless we're talking about movies.. in which case, that's another story! Check.
7. Stay fit! - I have been active recently, and I'm proud of my eating. And thank goodness for our Wii Fit! Check.

8. Read more books. -I've read quite a few books this year, but I have been slacking the past few months. I started a new one yesterday though, so I will go with a check.

9. Save money for new camera. Nikon D50? D80? - I bought a Nikon D60! It's my lil baby! Check.
10. learn to stand up for myself. Do what is best for me! - Yes! Check.

11. Stop being afraid that people will not like me. I realized that thats just life, and some people will like you and some people wont, and I shouldn't get as offended as I do. - I am so much more confident about myself than I was in January. I believe in myself. With this one, comes many thank yous to a few people who have taught me a lot about myself this year. Thank you! Check.
12. Get lots of more music. - I rocked this one this year. Check.
13. Watch more movies that I have never seen before. - I watched a multitude of movies in the spring, and have been pretty good at keeping up this fall. But all in all, I think this one deserves a check.

Only two I still need to really work on! This was a good year for resolutions.

Question of the blog:
How did your New Years Resolutions of 2009 go?

One

Today is one of those days.
So I crawl underneath my blanket
Where I can hide away
I know I can't take it

Question of the blog:
It's finals week, how do you feel?

Do Not Operate Machinery

Bad decisions, no motivation to boot.
Allergy pills make me so drowsy,
finals, really?

You Know You've Worked There Too Long When...

Traditionally, every night before bed, my dad crosses my forehead with his thumb and says "God bless you, and keep you."
Then I do the same for him, but tonight was a little different.
As I was crossing him, I started saying, "Good evening, Sushi Q."

Wow. Good one, Zandra.

It'd Be The Cat's Meow If...

Can I ask you some advice? I'm ready to change my header/banner on my blog, but I'm not quite sure what direction to go for. What do you think? Really... any advice is good advice. Spill your heart in the comment box below.

Cat naps. Alexandra Seal 09

Tie Up Your Boots!

5 Things I Love About Winter

1. Fireplaces.
What could be better than cozying up with someone (boyfriend) in front of a warm fireplace? Gah. Love it.

2. Victorian Christmas.
For those who don't live in Nevada County, we have a night market with Christmas carolers and vendors and hot chocolate and it just sets the season. Best.

4. Christmas Music
I'm not talking about cheesy Christmas tunes revamped by Taylor Swift, I'm talking about Nat King Cole and company playing in our living room as we decorate the tree.

3. "Home for the holidays"
Helloooo, all my favorite people come home! What could be better than that?!

5. Christmas Dinner
Dressing up pretty, eating our classic meal, and plum pudding. Plum pudding, how I adore thee. The perfect wrap-up to a wonderful day

Question of the blog:
What is one of your favorite things about wintertime?

Just A Reminder...

I got a new phone! Hooray for old models but new phones for $45 on ebay! If you are a friend of mine, and have my number...
PLEASE text me with your name in the message. New phone, new contacts, starting off fresh. So if you haven't texted me with your information yet, don't expect me to call you any time soon, cause I ain't got yo info sucka!

Spinach and Cheese

Yay yay yay I love learning new things!
Yesterday I learned how to make handmade ravioli. I got the recipe from The Food Network.
It was so much fun! But sooo difficult. Enjoy the photos, and I encourage you to try making something new this Christmas season!


Happy holidays, my readers. And if you have anything in particular you would like me to blog about.. email your ideas to aalexandraseal(@)gmail(.)com
Thank you!

Question of the blog:
What was the last meal you made from scratch?

Private School

"Latin is only a quiz on chapter 40, because jesus loves me...
and seminar is going to rock so hard, its and oral final,
so its essentially a conversation with Mr. Ferrier
(who = socrates + santa claus) about awesomenesss"
-Annie Fisher

Cabin Fever After One Day

Hi.
It's cold.
21 degrees outside right now.
My dad says that when it's late and I get tired, I get "weepy"
and tonight is one of those nights.
So as I hop into bed, here are some photos from today.
Philip, and whoever else who is reading this that might be missing home,
I send you my love and warm fuzzy feelings to cheer you up until you see the snowy hills of Nevada County again. Let's cross our fingers for another white Christmas, shall we?

Cut Me Some Slack

Today:
I wish I knew someone who had a slackline.
Anyone?

Giving Up, Or Giving In.

In The Past

Mount Hermon Website

An old friend from camp just sent me a link to the Mount Hermon website, where we went together back in 2007. We were on the banner! I had to let out a laugh, remembering all the fun we had that week. I'm still smiling. What an amazing week that was.

Ah, one of the many memories we shared as a cabin.
Eating spaghetti lunch with no hands,
as well as ice cream. Oh the yesteryears!

Question of the blog:
What is one of your most fond memories from summer camp?

Framed

Give me some place with no roof. Just space to climb.

You Come Beating Like Moth's Wings

Sometimes I really enjoy school! I love classes that teach me things, while inspiring me. I like teachers that are passionate. It just sucks when you are in a class that has none of those three things, and you are expected to attend, enjoy, and pass it. I need to pass. I just don't care enough.
And there lies my problem. I've never learned to do things because I have to, but rather to do them because I want to. Sure that sounds great and all, but when I despise a class and everything about it, but have to pass, I'm in quite a pickle.

I'm done. Moth's wings.

Dear friend, as you know
Your flowers are all withering
Your mother's gone missing
Your leaves have drifted away

But the clouds are clearing up
And I've come reveling
Burning incandescently
Like a bastard on the burning sea

But you're just like your father
Buried deep under the water
You're resting on your laurels
And stepping on my toes

Whose side are you on?
What side is this anyways?
Put down your sword and crown
Come lay with me on the ground

You come beating like moth's wings
Spastic and violently--
Whipping me into a storm
Shaking me down to the core

But you've run away from me
And you've left me shimmering
Like diamond wedding rings
Spinning dizzily down on the ground

But you're just like your father
Buried deep under the water
You're resting on your laurels
And stepping on my toes

Whose side are you on?
What side is this anyways?
Put down your sword and crown
Come lay with me on the ground

I'm going to class now.

Life In Color

Apple pie and fireplaces,
warm my core and leave me feeling satisfied.
Days of thanks and warm cozy beds,
cuddle-naps and hot coffee in big mugs.
Late night talks with brothers,
searching for cat videos and new phones.


We have a very merry Franksgiving,
as babies chased kitties
who chase toys thrown by parents.
Couples dance as the men play their guitars.
I'll sing Beatles songs along with them,
the women follow with shakers,
baby Jaxson dances.


Late nights, early mornings,
this week sees little sleep.
So many outings, you see all from your past.
Who knew the bars in Nevada City held so much.
Dancing in the kitchen,
with fist pumps and booty shakes.
I missed you.


Sisters united, laughing uncontrollably.
Our serious faces never work,
and the longer we are together, the sillier we get.
Love knows no boundaries,
no matter how far away from each other,
we are always close.


Pick ups and drop offs,
bad church services and non-drowsy allergy meds.
You, me, and Food Network.
We're cute together, you know that?
A kiss goodbye,
and we're back on our countdown.


My life in color,
the autumn brings life with the fall of the leaves.
They come and they go,
but you are the ones that bring the color to me.

The Hardest Goodbye

Nevada City, CA
November 22, 2009
More photos here


Hello beauty,
you're old and I know you are tired.
Your steps are worn, but see no feet.
My dear, you are abandoned.


Through and through the moss will grow,
what's made by man is sure to fail.
Nature's power,
and it's will,
is so much more.


We jump the fence to see you,
No one comes 'round here any more.
Your spaces are empty, paint chipping,
but I'm here.


To be honest,
I'm afraid of you. I'm afraid of what might happen.
The past is too much to handle,
three lost here,
and the instability that was held behind these walls.
You're empty, but there are memories.


It is your beauty that I capture,
I'll hold them until the photograph fades into nothing.

More Than A Feeling

More than...
What can be printed on a plaque for me,
more than what this world has to offer,
I'm giving myself up to the
sheer beauty
of this world.
The difference between you and I
is more than how we say hello.
I have feeling, I feel it all,
and I love every moment of it.
I'd take that love and passion
over anything else in this
s t a t e of e m e r g e n c y .
But I'll say welcome home, and I put a smile on.
Peace be with you,
If you believe in that.

Boy Have I Been Counting

Simply stated. Cannot wait.

Sisterly Giveaway!

In honor of my sister's 500th blog post on Rumination Reading Room, she is giving away a piece of handmade jewelry for free!

Here's what my sister has to say:
"In honor or my 500th post, I have decided to reveal one of the new jewelry pieces I have been working on with my roommate/new business partner Scott. And beyond just revealing it to you... I am giving it away!
I have wanted to do a giveaway for a long time now, but needed just the right occasion. And I think my 500th post is the perfect timing for a fancy gift to you my friendly readers!

I have been working on creating a line of miniature book necklaces. I love books, and I love accessories. So what could be better than combining the two! I am working on some books that can be used as tiny sketchbooks, journals, and memory holders. I have lots of different styles in the works, so keep your eyes peeled for more postings ahead filled with all sorts of treats!"


To enter in the little raffle for this beautiful necklace, head over to Moorea's blog and comment in the section below. Include your name! Moorea will be drawing the winner on Tuesday. Good luck to you all!

ENTER TO WIN NOW!

Yesteryears

Today, my mom and I made delicious smoothies with blueberries, blackberries, pears, and raspberry and yogurt. It was so good! As my mom finished hers off, she walked past my room saying "healthy foood, tastes so goood.." And I burst into song. Remember this one? Sesame Street raps are the bomb.



Question of the blog:
Did you ever watch Sesame Street as a kid? What is your most vivid memory or scene from it?

Suck It

Here's the deal. I'm going to go to sleep tonight. And I'm going to wake up tomorrow. And here's what I'm going to say.

Taking Her Books To the Schoolyard, Schoolyard

Cages and hissing,
Welcome home and a new arrival.
Adding a new kitty to the family,
long haired, with thumbs to add,
my head hurts and pressure builds.
Look me in the eye,
like Wellington stares at his new nemesis,
Stop what you're doing but you keep going
you keep rolling your eyes
but I'm over it.
Headaches and belt loops and super glue.

I'm over this.
Let me fail my test in peace.
I'll paint my nails after class,
We won't talk. I can promise you that.
God, give me strength. Patience.
Cure this rotten heart that causes me grief.


Nothing feels right.

Scantrons and Taco Bell

I have a Nutrition exam tonight, and all I remember from that class is this quote my teacher said:

"What about saturated and trans fats?"

"When the Swine Flu hits and you have to live in your basement, that's when you need that fat."

Yellow

This will be the most thankful thanksgiving.
I have to say thank you to all of you. You are giving all of you to me. I'll keep you safe.

Thank you for everything.
xoxo

In The Spirit

Stina and I, with our school spirit shirts. Seniors '08

I just thought I'd share one of my many examples of commitment, when I point out I was dedicated to Senior Shirt Friday in high school. Every week, I wore that darn shirt. And just for kicks, I'm writing it up here so that I will remember it later on.

Question of the blog:
What was your favorite way to show your school spirit in high school? Wait.. College included I guess. I don't even know if my school has teams or colors..

Nothing Like This

It seems as though I'm changing in every aspect of my life right now. Words become deeper, more full and with more meaning. My ideas and my thoughts are becoming more of my own, more personal and permanent. My bones ache, I'm pretty sure I'm going through late puberty part two... Is that even normal for my age?
Unintentional, it may seem, but there are things that I need to proactively change. It's sometimes so difficult to make change where your first instinct would be the total opposite. I need to work harder to create friendships here. The E in my ENFP has been destroyed by night classes, youtube, and bad tv shows I can watch for free online.
1. Must work harder to stay active during the day. I know that moving my body makes it feel better.. And will probably help it get to sleep faster at night.
2. Get outside for goodness sake. Walk to coffee shops close by rather than driving to ones farther away. It's okay to talk to people I know.
3. Pursue relationships that are present in my life and just have not taken action or initiative in. Sometimes you just have to be the person that works harder at building up a friendship.

To Be With You

"Why am I always your little baby?" -Jillian

Jillian and Zandra Photo Day.
More photos from this day on my Flickr.





See more photos on my Flickr.
Thank you for your friendship, Jillian. You are the best!

Eek Bleh!

What is it about radio songs that just make me want to die? These two songs have been playing nonstop and I cannot see the attraction in either.

1. Lady Gaga, do not want. Ra ra ooh ma ma ra ta ta. Ha ga ga la la fa fa poo poo this is awful. The only thing mildly interesting about this video is that Lady Gaga is wearing new Alexander McQueen.


2. I would never brush my teeth with Jack Daniel's. That makes absolutely no sense. Who is Ke$ha anyways and how to do you pronounce a word with a dollar sign in it?

After two horrifying songs that I never want to hear again, here are a few that I'm enjoying tonight.

Brett Dennen - Ain't No Reason. Lil cutie. I know he's older than me but he just looks like a little bebe!


Moorea Seal - Dance Me To the End Of Love. I like my sister's voice and her preciousness at the beginning of this song. hehee


Joshua Radin - Everything'll Be Alright. This song makes me so peaceful. Nice ending to my day.

Ch-Ch-Changes

What's different about me lately? Ten things that make me wonder.

1. I have been eating more fruits and vegetables as of late.
2. I sleep less, which is not good, but still pertaining to the list of what is different.
3. Lately I've had to pee a lot more than usual.
4. My music taste is been mellow and romantic.
5. I have been having very vivid dreams lately. I love this.
6. My money saving has been bad. Very bad.
7. I have not been very motivated to take pictures.
8. The weather change has been beautiful but has driven me indoors. This will change tomorrow.
9. My blog posts: crap. I am so sorry about the lack of inspiration. And it's national blog posting month (or NaBloPoMo for short.. But that is uncomfortable for me to say.)
10. I have no food cravings. None. That is so weird.

Question of the blog:
What's different about you?

Pretty, Young Thing.

(All photos from Weheartit)

Pretty heels, faded pinks, nail polish and curly q's.
I feel so girly tonight.
And to add to the girly romance,
for your viewing pleasure. *swoon*