Beware the Ice Cream Man

Today, we did a lot of walking. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, so we ran some errands before going to lunch, and then going to the Boulevard. I had some awesome ceviche.

Our wanderings weren't too exciting, but they did eventually lead to a wicked sunburn. It's only March and I'm already scorched.

I did end up buying two books from the Friends of the Library, and for $1.50 altogether. I'd call that a victory, even if my skin is calling the day a defeat.

What's in my bag? That would be: keys, sunglasses, ancient WalMart wallet, camera case, The Meaning of Night by Michael Cox, Forever 21 compact, notebook, pen, phone, and Baby Lips (not pictured, for whatever odd reason).

Books of the day!

Hipster.

Thanks, Casey.

Dress: Ross | Tights, watch: WalMart | Flats: Payless | Bag: Charlotte Russe | Hat, necklace: Forever 21 | Bangles: vintage | Sunglasses: c/o Firmoo.com

Lust List: Christmas Wishlist

I am a creature of wishlists and procrastination. So, instead of working on my portfolio for drawing (still no idea which pieces I'm putting in) or speaking to myself in Italian, I did this.

I regret nothing.

Because this is a list of things I'd actually really love to open on Christmas day, it includes an absurd box of Rembrandt soft pastels (I assure you all, I don't really need the $1000+ box of 255, it's just pretty, okay?) and some books that I really can't fit on my bookshelf. Also, clothes, shoes, and a bag. I am nothing if not predictable.

Five Things: Books

I am a reader. I frequently read multiple books at once, and I've rarely met a book that I haven't liked. No one ever asks for my opinion on books (madness) (that's okay, though), but I figured that I'd give you guys my five favourite books. Just because.

• Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes

No matter how many times I read this book, it kills me. Kills me dead. I'm sure that a lot of you have read it, at least the shorter version they stick in English textbooks, but honestly, the novel is so much better. It's fuller, more tragic, and a bit more beautiful. This is my favourite book, and whenever anyone asks for recommendations, this is the first book I mention.

• Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins

Let me say it now, I absolutely love The Hunger Games trilogy. So much. Mockingjay, the last book, is my favourite out of the three. I won't say too much about it, because if you haven't read it, then my reasons for loving it might ruin it for you. Just trust that it's fantastic, heart-breaking (aren't they all?), and full of action. All of my favourite things in a book! I can't say enough about these books, though. They're a bit gory, but the violence isn't taken lightly. The protagonist does have to deal with relationships, because why not, but it's so refreshing to see a heroine go out and do things for reasons other than love. She's strong and brave and so incredibly messed up. I just really love Katniss, okay?

• Her Fearful Symmetry, Audrey Niffenenegger

This book is a little weird, a little tragic, and a lot excellent. It's a ghost story, but done so well that the ghost part isn't even the best part. You've got co-dependent twins, lying twins, a couple fantastic plot twists, and a small handful of incredibly messed-up characters that you can't help but root for.

• The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd

It's a good book, yeah, but I'm not gonna lie: the reason it's on this list is because I just want to live in it. It's so pretty. But it's also, you know, good.

• Ophelia, Lisa Klein

In this novel, with a determined protagonist who does act for love, Ophelia survives. Yes, it's Hamlet's Ophelia, the girl who went mad and committed suicide. What I like about this novel is that Ophelia wasn't mad, and she survived. She gets her happy ending. What more could you ask for?

These are just some of my favourite books. There are infinitely many more. And if you're looking for something new to read, just ask. Seriously, I live for telling people what to read.

Day Eight: Fear of Heights?

Casey and I spent the morning on our iPads in the living room, so that we could socialize without actually socializing. Welcome to America, or something like that.

We went to lunch at this great restaurant on Main Street, the Wasatch Brewery. They have ridiculously fantastic fish & chips.

My aunt left us to do some errands, so we took the time to explore Main Street. Casey let me into a bookstore, and I left with two new books. Le sigh. I can't complain, though, because new books always make me happy.

After exploring a few more stores, we decided to go on the chair lift. It's a roughly forty-five minute shindig, round-trip, and it's so worth it. You get amazing views of the city, and everything. Even if you're afraid of heights (and really, there is nowhere worse to realize this than on chair lift several feet off the ground).

We took the bus back to the condo, and on the walk from the stop to the front door, my aunt caught up to us. We got in the car and headed to Wal-Mart for some barbecuing essentials. After that, we got dinner at Panda Express and went to see Ted.

If you're wondering, you do need to see it. Desperately. Seth MacFarlane, you are my new favourite person.