Apology in Advance.

I just want to apologise in advance. My posting's are going to be, and have been, all over the place. The lowdown: I've got just under four weeks before my big mid-year uni break (Holla at no exams!). I've got six pieces of assessment that are due. That's like, one and half assignments due every week (but not really. The due dates are a little towards the end of the semester).

I'm not necessarily stressed, but most of my energy is going into making sure I don't leave things till the last minute. So I don't have a stress breakdown. It's a little confusing, I know.

With this blog, I tend to work in bursts. I mean, they're pretty often bursts, but bursts nonetheless. I'm going to work on writing up at least three blog posts each time this happens. That way I can schedule things. Nothing will seem odd. There will be a smooth transition. Fun times. Unicorns. Rainbows.

Not a whole lot has been happening with me. Still single. Still trying to write things then inevitably getting stuck (I'm not going to get into this in this, because there's a blog post coming your way soon on it). Still a little emotionally destroyed from The Fault in Our Stars movie. Still feeling restless about where I'm living. Still getting angry over politics. So, you know. The usual, I guess.

I'm going to go now and work on some other proper blog posts now. See you guys soon. Tataaaa.

resolutions, things

Lol, let's not mention that I first started writing this blog post in early January, and stopped because I was lazy. 

It's finally 2014! Given this, I thought I should probably review 2013 as a year (and the goals I had) and what my new goals are this year. (Also, let's ignore the fact that we're nearly halfway through February). Admittedly, I didn't really make any proper 'resolutions' but I can never pass up an opportunity to make a list. Plus, you know. I do actually want to try and do these things.

I won't lie, I might've forgotten most of the 2013 goals by halfway through 2013. No need to fear though! I still somehow managed to achieve most of them. I know, I surprise myself too. But the list of last years goals include:

        1. Make more friends (both internet & irl)
        2. Spend less money
        3. Get good grades at uni
        4. Just write!
        5. Drive more/stop having a fear of driving
        6. Apply for study abroad (maybe)
        7. Read 90 books

Ok. Let's go through and check/cross these babies. Number 1: Make more friends (both internet and IRL). This was inevitable, what with starting uni and (basically) nobody from my high school going to aforementioned uni, but guess what? I DID IT. Who knew you could find so many like-minded people there, huh? Ditto for the Internet Buddies. I think. I mean, I'm pretty sure, but I'm not very good with communication, so. Yea. Soz buddies.

Number 2: Spend less money. I realised this far too late in the year, but this was not something I'd conquer. Thank you, residential college fees for your kind consideration and expensive-ness.

Number 3: Get good grades at uni. I did that. I realised, again, about halfway through the year that grades don't really matter as much at uni, but eh. The inner-Hermione is what it is, and I have done well. I have learnt just to embrace it, because learning! Schoolwork! Fun! And Number 4: Just write! I'm putting 3 and 4 together, given I'm completing a writing degree. So, yea. I did 'just write'. Not just for school, but I mean I did 'just write' for myself too. So, that's nice.

Number 5: Drive more/Stop having that fear of driving. I did about half an hour more of driving. Go me! Number 6: Apply for study abroad (maybe). I ultimately ended up deciding against doing this. Unfortunately. There were a whole lotta reasons, but it boiled down to: work, lack of money, weh. Yup. And finally, Number 7: Read 90 books. I did this. HA! I mean, I only just did it and my sanity started cracking a teensy bit, but that's getting specific and pfft, who needs specifics?

Ta da! That's how I did in 2013. Pretty good, I reckon. Ok. Now, onto 2014 goals/resolutions/fun times!

         1. Be better at balancing my school work and my social life and working
         2. Write write write!
         3. Try and be more consistent with learning language/s
         4. Be more confident - stand up for what you believe in (or slowly attempt to)
         5. Try and ensnare a boy with my wily charms (this probably won't happen, but think optimistically!)
         6. Maybe up my hours for driving?
         7. Continue to develop the blog

I think all these are manageable. Hopefully, I'll get there. And telling you guys will help, I guess? Already, I've started! This surprises no one though, given it's the middle of February. 

How about you guys? What are your goals like? Have you told people them to make sure you try and do them? (again, let's just ignore the fact that it's the middle of February and everybody has probably moved past this to next year's resolutions)

Also, soz gaiz about the bad posting. January was a busy month for me - February will be catch-up. 

It's been a while.

It's been a while since you've last seen my face here. Partly because I have just had no urge to talk about anything. But it's also partly because between school and work and trying to keep up with other hobbies, I've had no time to do anything. But things are a little different now. This is basically my last day of holidays (excluding tomorrow because I'm working) before I enter into the last ever term of high school.

In six (6) weeks, I will be a high school graduate. In six (6) weeks tomorrow, I'll be on a plane out of Australia and on my way to the U.K. Six weeks. Six weeks is 1.5 months. One and a half months is approximately 45 days. It is complete madness and it just blows my mind how quickly everything is changing.

December 15th, I'll get my OP. I'll find out if I've gotten into my university just from that minuscule number. And the thing is, is that on December 15th, I'll be in Italy. Forever in my mind now, Italy will directly correlate with that tiny number that doesn't even mean anything a year after it's been handed around.

By January, I will have found out exactly what courses I've been accepted into. The result is the difference between things going smoothly and my plan being out of balance. By January, I'll have found out whether the places I've applied to live have accepted me. That's the difference of me living independently or with my dad.

I've had to find a new home for next year. I've applied for two separate living accommodations and both sound great. The problem is, is that I don't know if I'm accepted into either one yet. One's closer to my uni and a lot more independent, where the other one is still independent but to a lesser degree, and is a fair way further from uni. The only way I can think to describe my life is insane, because quite honestly, it is insane at the moment.

My formal is in 45 days. My graduation ceremony is in 44 days. I know that there are times when all I want to do is scream and get frustrated and browse Tumblr, but it's not really about that now. All I feel at the moment is nostalgia. This is all I've known. Literally. I've been at my school since I was 6. I know I'll probably end up crying, at the goodbye ceremony. I'd be kidding myself if I said I wouldn't.

I think I want to do more with my blog. I don't know, I've just, I've been denying it it's proper use. I'm thinking I'll try to blog once every two weeks. I need some sort of routine right now.

Computers

So I'm freaking out. My laptop isn't working. I mean, my laptop is but the screen isn't. And I've tried connecting the laptop to the computer monitor but it still isn't working. And I'm freaking out, and I shouldn't be stressing because I'm on HOLIDAYS.

And, and, and I haven't backed up any of my work recently and I've got serious modern history stuff that has not been backed up and I feel like crying because gaiz, modern history is a big deal.

And all the while stupid Home & Away ads are playing and I want to scream at the idiocy of some people and I'm mentally breaking down. I cannot have this now. Nooooo way Jose.

Gaizgaizgaiz.

Mum is making us go to computer people if it doesn't turn on the next time I try. Gaiz this so bad.

Jfbslbridnaldb

I'm not doing BEDA, bee tee dubz. Just jflsbsjakdp. Also, I'm writing this on the blogger app, so that is why you can see it.


I'm so melodramatic some times. But seriously gaiz.

----
Update at 4:12pm: GIAZ EVERYTHING IS OK AGAIN. MY LIFE HAS NOT ENDED. I got nice computer people to fix it. Everything is well. *backing up everything as we speak*

No Stress.

It's not raining anymore! YAY?

I'm currently in a state of no-stress. This state of mind is perpetually the best mood for me. Why? Because basically I have two state of minds - stressed, and not-stressed-no-stress-Nancy.

That's probably the main reason I'm organised to the point of OCD, this year. I suffer from neurosis terribly. Especially at exam time. If you ask any of my teacher's, they will tell you I stress out horribly at that particular time each term. I tend to get horrible mental blockage and breakdowns at those points in the year.

So, because of this, I promised my mother that I would be uber organised. I have yet to disavow that promise. Hence, the lack of blog posts. It's not that I don't adore you, I really do. It's just, Grade 12 is more important, and my sanity is more important. No offence, guys, seriously.


Anywho, I'm sure you're all wondering what you've been missing out on. Well, to be honest, nothing really. I got a camera (!). I've passed halfway of Gone with the Wind! (HUZZAH.) School has started back up, and I've yet to have a mental breakdown! (WOO) I finished my lessthanthree short story (YIPEE). It's called The Colour of Guilt. I worked especially hard on that title. It legitimately took one of my best friend's and I a good half of the afternoon to pick it.

 I just decided this afternoon that I was going to invite the new boy in my grade to sit with the geography folks. Seriously. I see him every morning and he doesn't have anyone to sit with (he's in nearly all of my classes). I feel really bad, because I guess I just understand how hard it is to start at a new school. Especially in the very last year of it. We're going to be buddies, I can tell. I'm sort of in love with his hair. *gushes* Oh god, I hope he never finds this post. That would just be too embarrassing for words. Also, I've started a thing with the aforementioned best friend. Every morning I wake her up with a picture and caption of a celebrity that she deems sexy. This morning it was Matt Smith, tomorrow, who knows? Actually, I do, I just have to decide who/what I want to write.



So, really I just want you guys to know that I'm happy. I'm busy, I'm running all over the place, but I love it. I'm really just very content. If you don't see me for a while, I'll apologise in advance but I promise you'll hear from me at least once every month. Pinky promise.

You might see me more often on the Tubes though. I'm not sure. We'll wait and see.

Jocie. xox.

New Years.

If there's one good thing about Australian's drinking too much, it's that you know they won't go to the shops the next day. As I sit here, singing along to Mumford & Sons, I've managed to not get too distracted and compiled a list of resolutions. While I truly believe that you don't need a new year to create and perform goals, it doesn't stop me from making lists. Because lists obviously rock. And are fun. And all that jazz.

Here are the goals:

• Focus on education - Last year when I was over everything, I started slacking off and giving up and not studying enough. This can not happen this year. My grades are too valuable. 
• Don't spend too much money - Now, when as I type this, my inner voice is adding 'on books' into the sentence, but I just generally mean money. After I buy a camera I've wanted for a while (Canon 550d), there will be limited to no spending. Hopefully. I need to save for the big Europe trip and for uni and all that jazz.
• Be more social/confident - When it comes to holidays and the like, I tend to unintentionally avoid my friends at all costs. I know this makes me sound like a bit of a bitch, and I honestly don't mean to. It just, happens. Seeing as this is going to be my last ever year of high school, I want to spend as much time as possible with my friends.
• Choose my top 3 university courses - This might be a bit of a bludger, because I already know my top two, but whatevs. It's important.
• Put more effort into keeping contact with my international friends - If you have friends who live in a different time zone/country to you, you'll understand why I put this on the list. It is fucking hard to keep in contact with people who live halfway across the world from you. It is so, so hard.
• JUST WRITE - Pretty self-explanatory.
• Get an OP 1-5 - My top uni course has guaranteed entry to anyone who gets an OP 1-5. Plus, I'd be happy with that. The last cousin who graduated got an OP1, so there is considerable pressure here.
• Get my learners license - If this is what it takes to get me to finally take the test, then lord help me (my mum told me she was going to force me to take the test this Friday coming. I'm scared, guys)

From what I actually remember about last years New Years resolutions, I think I only partially succeeded. I think one of them was to actually finish a whole journal, which I completed rather successfully. I think another one was to actually finish a WIP, which I did not do. I got about halfway, though, so that's something. I'm pretty sure there was something about upping the video quality, which I think I did do. But I can't remember. It's sort of subjective, though, isn't it?

Happy New Years everyone!

Cleaning le Room.

I just spent my whole morning cleaning my room, and singing along to the Easy Virtue soundtrack (it's a good soundtrack ok? If you want to transport to the 30's, then this album is for you). I honestly don't think I've ever seen the mother as happy as she was the moment she realised I was actually cleaning my room. Lest to say, I never clean le room.

Every now and then, I get urges to clean. So that I do. Usually, it's in the middle of the night. You think I'm kidding, but I can get my mum to vouch that I clean my room in the middle of the night. That's literally the only time I usually ever feel like cleaning. Imagine my surprise then, when my hands began to move on their own accord, and began to clean the chest of drawers, then my desk, then the rest of the room. It was quite the shock, I must say.

Anywho, I am now well into my first week of September holidays, which is really quite exciting. Thus far, I have done... Nothing. For some odd (and in hindsight, terribly stupid) reason, I decided to go into school on the last day of term. I blame the inner-nerd that wanted to find out my marks from the exams. But, it was really quite boring. I didn't do anything. I found out the school captains, which was a little exciting. It then went on to make me feel a mixture of sadness and feeling quite elderly. 

There was going to be some point in this blog, but while eating these yummy cookies, I have quite forgot what I was going to talk about.Oh well. Until next time, lovelies

&dftba,

Jocie

CURRENTLY READING: Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder

WORDS WRITTEN THIS MONTH: 3,480 (this is quite simply a little pathetic, considering I could write that in a day, but could write less then that in the entirety of last month)

LISTEN TO: Easy Virtue Soundtrack. I'm telling you, it's magnificent. The movie isn't too bad either.

                         If you must listen to one song, I recommend this one, as well as this one, and this one.

p.s. I haven't actually looked at the links, because my laptop won't let me on YouTube, so if it isn't right, I apologise.

Weekly Chats.

So, I'm so totally sick of school. I know, I know, I know you've heard this time and time again. I apologise, I really do. I just sort of... hate it, at the moment. That's saying something too, because I'm usually the kid who's always pepper and cheery in the morning. I usually love school. But, simply, right now I sort of hate it.

I just wanna laze around at home and write. I don't even care what I write, I just want to write. But, at the moment, I'm stuck on exam shutdown, prepping for two exams tomorrow (Geography and Modern History, if you're the slightest bit intrigued). I've got Tuesday off though, so hopefully I'll do something worthwhile then.

So, yea, this is just a random update. I mean, I sort of succeeded in BEDA, except I didn't necessarily blog everyday. I blogged every couple of days. But, hey, that's better than what I usually do, isn't it? So I'm think that right now, I should try and blog every week. It may not necessarily be on one particular day every week, but, I mean, it'd get me into a habit, wouldn't it?

Anywho, I should get back to analysing sources, and memorising things about urbanisation. See you guys soon!
&dftba. xox

BOOKS CURRENTLY READING: I''m in between books, and I don't know what to read. Any suggestions?
WORDS WRITTEN THIS MONTH: Zilch

Home alone.

That's right. I'm home alone for three days. Now, most normal teenagers would, at the break of this news, squeal delightedly and begin savagely making plans about parties. But that don't sit well with me.

As a teenager in the twenty-first century, I have been exposed to insane amounts of technology in a very short period of time. I have seen mobiles becoming progressively smaller, and the quality of cameras increasing outrageously. Not only that, but I've also seen vaccines for cervical cancer, and such enter into this world. In that same regard, I've also seen the terror of tsunamis, and earthquakes more often than older generations have (by the way, if you're wondering. No, the world isn't going to end next year. I don't care what you say, it isn't going to end).

The twenty-first century will probably change the face of the Earth as we know it. We aren't even a quarter of the way in yet, and all these things have happened. Of course, the twentieth century was also pretty insane, but I wasn't alive for most of it, so it don't count.

Anywho, I don't know what the point of that is exactly. I just kinda, wrote it. Also, my shirt smells like sunscreen, and it is not at all appealing. It reminds me of Biology camp, and shivers run down my spine. Biology and I do not get along under any circumstances. I regret saying that but we only like each other when we're learning about genetics.

BOOK CURRENTLY READING: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
WORDS WRITTEN THIS MONTH: I'm actually not entirely sure as I'm writing on the main computer, not my laptop.
QOTD: "Can we dry the shoes in microwave?" -The brother. (I wish I was kidding that he said that. He wasn't)

p.s. Wow, I just reread this post and it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. No SENSE. Just take out of it what you want. If anything.

I'M BACK!

GUYS, I'M BACK!

I've actually been back for two days now. I just haven't really had any time to tell you guys. So, I'm sure you're wondering how Biology camp was. To be honest, it was just meh. There was a never-ending limit to the lectures I had to listen to, and then we had to do kayaking. Then there was more lectures, and then there was a sand dunes activity (in which I didn't learn anything, because I had learnt it all from Term 1 Geography), and then donuts and home.

I really wish I could say it was more fun, but frankly I just couldn't. It probably doesn't help that I don't particularly enjoy Biology as it is. The only real reason I'm doing it is so I can do the genetics and diseases units (because I find that sort of stuff fascinating). Those units aren't even until next year, and this depresses me.

Speaking of which, today I was just browsing Facebook, as you do, when I saw a person's status. It said something along the lines of "We have been through 43 terms of school. We now only have 5 terms left".
That comment left me astounded. I was just shell-shocked. Then I became sort of sad, because I realised that  my schooling life really is about to come to a close. Just, ughhhh.

Um, so I can't think of anything else. I'll leave you guys to it, yea?
Ok, well, bye.

BOOK/S CURRENTLY READING: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
                                                            Wither by Lauren Destefano
DAYS TILL BIRTHDAY: 6 *squeals*
WORDS WRITTEN THIS MONTH:  838 (I'm writing some more tonight, so hopefully the limit will be up next time I write a blog)
QOTD: “Eventually I realise that I am holding on to him just as tightly as he holds on to me. And here we are: two small dying things, as the world ends around us like falling autumn leaves.” - Wither by Lauren Destefano

Packing & Inane Rambling

I'm currently "packing", and by "packing", I mean doing everything but that exact thing. Frankly, it occurred to me today, while at work, that I really didn't want to go to Biology camp. We (apparently) have really limited time to do anything for ourselves. I'm being legit. We have night lectures, every stinking night.

So here I am, at 6:10, with just over twelve hours before I am to leave for the fun time that the camp will be. We'll be counting Anemones and Sea Urchins.

See how cute it is? How can you not like it?
Thank you, Kmart. 

On a much brighter note, I got a bikini today. It's BLUE, and polka dotty, and frilly. You're all probably thinking I'm  insane buying a bikini in Winter, but it was on the checklist (for Biology camp, I mean. It actually said swimwear, as well. Not bikini. I can only imagine the horror of seeing the guys going, walking around in a bikini *involuntarily shivers*).

On another note, while at work today I discovered a new sort of thing for database searching. It practically made my day. I got so excited over it, and I think my manager thought I was going to pee my pants or something. She just kept nervous laughing.

I also met the famously enigmatic new guy, who everybody has seen except me. Until today. I think he might think I have some sort of mental problem, due to how often I talk to myself. Everybody else knows I talk to myself far too often, but he was giving me strange looks the whole time, and then mumbling something along the lines of 'Oh, you're talking to yourself again, right?' (I just nodded in reply, unless I wasn't). However that wasn't really why I was looking forward to meeting him (to show him my craziness, I mean)It was actually because he was (is) apparently really hot. Shallow of me to say, but, he totally is. Having a moment of deja vu here, have I said/typed about him before?

Ok, ok, ok, the shallowness for the day has ended. Chill. I started re-reading Wither because I was just feeling like it was a re-reading time. I'm still reading The Great Gatsby, but I'm just reading multiple books again. Then I plan on re-reading Across the Universe (partly to see if anything's changed in the real book, as opposed to the ARC, and partly because I really, really, really wanna get Glow and Across the Universe is similar to it. Plus, you know, I sorta love it.).

Sooooooooooooooo pretty.

But on the note of Glow, have you seen the UK cover? It is so gorgeous. Usually Australia gets the UK cover, and I hope that's the case this time. It's soooooo pretty. The US one is just sorta... Strange. No offense, American peeps.

If we are to talk about all the arts, I suppose I should talk about music. You know who's awesome? Noah & the Whale. They are the bestest band ever. As well as Mumford & Sons. Marina & the Diamonds too. There are more, but I'm far too lazy to link everything/ think of others.

Well, you'll have to excuse me, for now, I am furthering my procrastination and dancing around my room like an idiot. To the aforementioned music (among other musicians), not silence. That would just be really awkward. People would really think I'm insane then.

I HOPE YOU DON'T MISS MY PRESENCE TOO MUCH. Farewell, lovelies.

For three days, anyway.

BOOKS CURRENTLY READING: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (voluntarily, I might add)
                                                          Wither by Lauren Destefano
WORDS WRITTEN THIS MONTH: 833 (still)
DAYS TILL BIRTHDAY: 11
QOTD: "Sometimes a perfect memory can be ruined if put to words" - Imaginary Girls
(This is easily one of my favourite books, and the cover is so prettyyyyy)

English-Grammar Fiend.

So, I just lectured my friend about the importance of your/you're. Yes, I'm one of those people you meet. That person who automatically corrects you if you pronounce something wrong, if you're written grammar/ punctuation is wrong, or if you read the wrong sorts of books which have horrible English and are generally bad influences on your morals.

Yes, I'm the fiend of English. The Grammar Nazi. The ENGLISH Nazi.

So, hey there. Today's blog is going to be about my annoyances with today's modern English language. As many of you may or may not know, I'm doing Macbeth this term as part of a play study. Now, even though I'm completely aware that people in the 16th/ 17th century didn't actually talk like this, but it's just soooo romantic. Remember, you're talking to dead beat (hopeless) romantic here. I just GET Shakespeare, you know? Wow, you're all gonna think I'm some sort of freak aren't you? Everybody I know hates it, so I wouldn't be surprised if you guys think I'm weird, either.

But getting back to the main point (English/Grammar Nazi), I'm known among all friends as the Grammar Nazi/English Nazi. I wish I was kidding. My friends cower when I'm around, completely all too aware that if they say the slightest thing wrong, I will attack and lecture and correct. That was a joke.No, but seriously, I tend to get glared at a bit when I interrupt a conversation to edit someone.

Not that it's really my fault. When you read as much as I do, you quickly understand when people are making blatantly obvious mistakes. Having an English teacher as a mother, who continuously edits you not matter what hour of the day (or night), probably doesn't help either.

There was really no point for this blog. I just felt like writing it. So. Yea.
Tootaloo

BOOKS CURRENTLY READING: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
WORDS WRITTEN THIS MONTH: 833
DAYS TILL BIRTHDAY: 15
QOTD:
Me: I PROMISE YOU

I WON'T CHOP ANYBODY'S HANDS OFF

John:*looks at lightsaber with suicidal intent

Me: *laughs and subtly kicks light saber away from you

John: *collapses out of depression

Paragraphing and Writing has BEGUN!

So guess who's actually writing again? That's right people, I've finally lost my August writing challenge virginity (that was a sort of bad/inappropriate analogy, wasn't it? I'm sorry, I'm very, very sorry). Mind you, I've only written about a sentence, but tonight is a night of little to no homework, there's nachos for dinner and I actually have free time. Yes, my dear friends, life is good.  :)

Admittedly, I do have a Geography exam tomorrow, but I'm being blissfully ignorant about that fact, and spending some quality time with my W.I.P.

So, on another note, I spent my day writing many, many paragraphs. First, in Modern History we have a mini writing workshop about how to write comparative paragraphs, as well as cause and effect paragraphs. We then began talking about Euthanasia during Nazi Germany, which was severely depressing. That's one thing I've noticed since we started this unit, is that by the end of every single, stinking lesson, I end up feeling depressed because I just can't get my head wrapped around the fact that people can do that to each other, and not wonder about where their humanity is going. It's just, I don't even understand. *sighs* That's naivety at it's best, isn't it? Mind you, I have read Book Thief by Marcus Zusak (which is brilliant, in case you were considering reading it), so I do realise that most of the German people didn't even know what was really going on because they were so sheltered.

Anywho, then I had Biology, which involved spending the whole lesson writing out methods for our ecology reports. Speaking of which, next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, I will be unable/unavailable to write up the daily blogs (I know you guys will certainly miss my touching posts, no need to cry *sarcasm*). This is due to the fact that I am off to a rocky shores ecosystem camp for the aforementioned report. My group is counting Red Warratah Anenomes, and Sea Urchins. It will be great fun. You know what's even greater? That, according to my teacher, we get to listen to lectures about ecosystems every night for two straight nights. I think I may die.

Then, last up, I had Maths. Which, is, you know, Maths. I don't particularly enjoy it, but I'm becoming increasingly pleased with myself due to the minute fact that I can actually understand how to do things like logarithms, and trig functions.

Anywho, that's me for the day. I hope all of you have joyous nights/mornings/afternoons and I shall see you all tomorrow.

BOOKS CURRENTLY READING: Supernaturally by Kierstin White
WORDS WRITTEN THIS MONTH: (Currently) I'm not actually entirely sure. Approx 32?
DAYS TILL BIRTHDAY: 16
QOTD: "Arthur Darvil* lives in Birmingham. People are rioting because they'll never be as cool as Rory Williams" - Georgia

*For those of you who don't know who Arthur Darvill is, he plays Rory in Doctor Who. He's Amy's husband, and is the one who keeps dying.

Nonsense about Tumblr.

So I think I should mention that technically, I have been blogging everyday on my Tumblr. They've just mainly been photos, and quotes, and music and stuff. But, seriously peeps, I actually legit wrote a proper post tonight. I promise.Go check it out. It's about Vampire Diaries & real life. Real deep stuff, you know? *you can take that as sarcasm if you wish* I can't actually seem to get a exact link for it, but it is there. I promise.

So other than the mundane thing that is my life, I've spent my night thus far writing about Macbeth and how it's themes are relevant in contemporary society. I don't know how many words it's supposed to be, so I've just kept writing heaps. At the moment, it's at 1,238 words (which probably means a s*** load will be cut out). Then I've got to figure out how to make it into a multi-modal persuasive speech, which is always FUN. *Ok, that was sarcasm that time*. I also had a Geography prac exam today. It was actually, really quite fun. We spend the hour fourty-five colouring in and drawing graphs.

Ok, I'm off to properly finish this. Here, again is the link to my Tumblr. I feel that this will prove to you that I'm not completely useless.

BOOKS CURRENTLY READING: Supernaturally by Kierstin White
WORDS WRITTEN THIS MONTH: 0... Still. I know, I have no excuse.
DAYS TILL BIRTHDAY: 17
QOTD: "If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense" - Alice in Wonderland.

BEDA: Day Three.

So, I'm sure you're all wondering how Captain America is (considering I left you on that note). It is freaking amazing. Go see it. NOW. Seriously peeps. Admittedly, the main dude (Chris Evans) reminds me quite a bit of Channing Tatum, but the whole movie is full of amazing actors who I love and have slight crushes on. I literally spent every ten seconds silently screaming because there were so many actors who I love/ have seen in other things (according to my friend, this isn't normal). 


Other than that, I've been doing school work, and catching up on Castle. IT'S BEEN A FUN NIGHT.


Now, I actually have a (sort of) point for this blog (for once). Today, all grade 11's got their very first OP estimations. Now, I'm not sure about any other Australian school, but at mine, the moment you enter grade 11 is the moment teachers start freaking out about the importance of getting good grades, etc. (which, admittedly, I agree with. *shrugs* Don't blame me, I've been under the influence of an English teacher my whole life). Today was the VERY first time we'd ever gotten anything like this. Now, of course, if you know me, than you know how neurotic I can get. That was the case today. Ultimately, in the end, I didn't really need to worry, but that's not the point.


The teacher who was giving us our OP scores (for those of you who don't know what an OP score is, I'll link it here) was telling us that heaps of students she knew had, at first, gotten really good OP scores in grade 11, and decided that there was no need to continue studying hard if they were going to end up with something really good anyway. It actually got me thinking about things.


I know heaps of people who work hard. Nay, I make sure that I surround myself around people who work hard. And whether it's because I've done this all my life, or it's just how I've evolved as a person, I've begun to really dislike people who never try. I think trying is something that makes people who they are, and gets people to places. This may be a major reason as to why I dislike Serena from Gossip Girl. I think, in my mind, people who don't bother with getting good marks aren't looking into the future and seeing how much their grades will affect them. I realise that in, say twenty years, your marks really won't define you as a person, but right now, as a high school student they affect your whole life. They decide whether or not you'll make it into your preferred uni course, they'll decide whether you'll actually be qualified to graduate. In essence, it is very important.


So because of this, because of the fact that there is a specific course I want to get into, I really hate it if people don't try. Because ultimately, if they don't try, it's going to affect not just their future, but it'll affect mine as well (that may sound self-absorbed, but it'll also affect everybody else who is working hard). 


I'm thinking this is a whole bunch of ramble, so I apologise for that. I promise, tomorrow's blog will make more sense (hopefully). Seeya tomorrow, kids.


BOOKS CURRENTLY READING: Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
                                                            By Midnight by Mia James
WORDS WRITTEN THIS MONTH: 0 (I know, I've been busy)
DAYS TILL BIRTHDAY: 22
QOTD: "I mean, how would Edward be able to stand being around Bella when she was on her period? Seriously, if he can't keep his cool when she cuts her finger, how would he act when she's bleeding for a whole week?" - Eleni




-----Oh, and if you guys were wondering (which you probably weren't), my OP estimation was 6-9, which I'm EXTREMELY happy with (I thought I'd be in double digits).

BEDA: Day Two.

So, guys. I have exciting news. I GOT INTO POTTERMORE. I couldn't stop squealing all night (you may not believe me, but my brother and mum certainly do). My username is FeatherGhost90. I sorta love it. It's freaking fabulous.


Anywho. I've already broken my challenge. Yes, I am a sad person. Now, I know what you're thinking, 'Jocie, you did not break the challenge, you're writing two days in a row. YOU HAVEN'T BROKEN THE CHALLENGE YET'. But I'm afraid some of you must have forgotten about the second (self-imposed) challenge. You know. The writing everyday thing. So, uh, yea. I got swept up in the Pottermore craze, and was obsessively refreshing my browser every ten seconds. Only my friends who were on Skype will believe me. BUT I SWEAR IT'S TRUE.


ANYWAYS. Now that the crazy excuse thing is over, I can now get onto the topic of today's post. This is fellow BEDA people. I've only got a few people, so the list is probably going to be very lackluster and anti-climatic. I apologise in advance. So, if you happen to want to follow anybody else's crazy antics for blogging everyday this August here's the list:


- Hayley G. Hoover (aka hayleyghoover from YouTube)
- Abby (who's an Internet friend and is a special kind of awesome)
- Kayley (also known as owlssayhooot on YouTube)


Furthermore, if you want to watch someones crazy antics, follow my buddy Harry, who's doing VEDA.


(I told you it'd be anti-climatic)


Now onto the second part of this blog post. Today I had Modern History, Biology and Maths B. It was quite uneventful, except for the few amusing moments and ten minute squealing matches between my friends and I about getting into Pottermore. Later tonight I'm going to see Captain America. I'm pretty excited. I haven't really heard that much about it, but I know there's a hot guy in there and he wears tight clothes. o.o. Call me vain all you want, but you know you do it too. There's not use denying it, my friends. Recently, I've become overly obsessed with Sims 3 once more. So much so that I've actually asked for an expansion pack for my birthday. I'm so excited. IT'S GOING TO BE EPIC (this is a rather awkward note to end on but I've got to go do homework, so).


Tootaloo!


BOOK/S CURRENTLY READING: Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
                                                  By Midnight by Mia James
WORDS WRITTEN THIS MONTH: Nilch (0)
DAYS TILL BIRTHDAY: 23

Driving Lessons.

As I sit here, by myself, in front of the obnoxiously large computer screen, trying to make myself do music theory with news that my family and I are getting our new car today, something occurred to me. Other than the obscene amount of commas I just used then, it was actually that it's only a month until I'm allowed to get my learner's license. That's right. In a little under thirty days (Australia time), it shall be my birthday and I'll be allowed to DRIVE.

That thought scares me and belittles my witty attitude about the world frighteningly easily. I think the thing the scares me the most is the fact that there is this tiny but ginormous idea in my head that as soon as I get my (actual) license, I'll graduate from school forever. It feels like I'm growing up too fast and that in little under 18 months, my life as a high school student will be over.
DONE. FINISHED. FINITO.

I know what you're all thinking: 'Jocie, you won't stop being a student though. There's still university.'

But that doesn't really change anything, does it? You know, there was this statistic one of my friends told me last year. That only 2 in 10 friends will be your friends after you finish high school (or something like that). Now, I don't know about you, but I seriously love my friends. They're the greatest beings who ruled the world. The thought of not seeing them five days a week makes me sad and nostalgic for the days when everything was simple. When, if you both loved the same colour, then instantaneously you were best friends.

I hate the idea that once high school is gone and I've left that part of my life behind, everything will change and I'll suddenly be some sort of loner. I'll be the first to admit that I am a very, very shy person in real life. Despite my cheerful and vigorous tone in my blogs, I find it very hard to actually talk to people I don't know in real life.

ANYWHO. THAT, is not the point of this blog post.

It's about the shiny, new CAR we have. It's a Mazda 6. And it's silver. And it has new car smell. I lurveeee new car smell. It looks all new and fancy, and I'm sorta terrified I'm going to crash it. But OH WELL.

OK. THAT'S MY PHILOSOPHICAL RANT FOR TODAY. I'VE GOT TO GO AND DO MUSIC THEORY (watch YouTube videos) NOW.
BYEEEEEEEEE



Books Currently Reading: Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma. (Despite the fact it's taking me forever to read it, I seriously love it. Blame library books)
                                       Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
                                       Revolution by Jennifer Donnely.
Words written this month: 978 (that is pathetic. No, really. In the month of May, I can write over 27,000 but I can't for June? *le sigh*)

p.s. Yes, my blog title is a Rupert Grint movie. WHAT OF IT?

Meet Jocie, the Forgetful Blogger.

Hi all

First off, I know what you’re thinking. ‘You pathetic, useless blogger, you lie and say you’ll update more often but it’s just a lie, a LIE I tell you.’

I know, I know, I know, I know. I am very, very, very, very sorry about it. I’m starting to think it’s just pure laziness that stops me from updating. Seriously though, at the moment it isn’t. Semester two of school has just started and I’ve been given *counts on fingers* about three assessment pieces? I know that’s no excuse but I’ll admit that honestly, nothing interesting happens in my life to be worth blogging about. But how about I (attempt) to update you with this blog?

Since our last, fateful meeting, I have been busy with school, work, school and reading for work (and for pleasure, but that’s not the point). My laptop has gone through many bouts of repairs for no other reason than to spite me (because obviously it hates the fact that I named it Douglas). I have been to my first ever 80s party and I was cringing the whole time (how could people make themselves wear that stuff?).  Seriously though, my mum had more fun dressing me up than I did. It was like she was reliving the “good ‘ol days” through me.

I’ve also been told that ‘grade 12 starts now’, and been to a university to look at a course I could take (music, in case you were wondering. It was an enjoyable day, but I don’t think I could ever take the course).

OH. IMPORTANCE. PRIORITY. SIGNIFICANCE. Guys, I don’t think you’d believe this but I got my BRACES off. Yep, that’s right. These teeth are now amazingly straight and brilliant and wonderful and I love them DEARLY.

Zipping back to university and such, all my friends are currently having high school career crisis. Nobody will know what that means because I just made it up, but everybody (or, at least all of my friends) want to change out of subjects, or drop one, or change pathways and zip around and do something else because they’re all having doubts about what they want to do with their lives and if the subjects they have at the moment really reflect on them well enough for unis and whether the subjects will help them or disadvantage them. It. Is. So. Confusing.

Now that I’m re-reading this blog post, I realise how blahblahblahblah it is. That was never the aim. I promise. Now that I’ve gotten to something like a conclusion, I must tell you that I am going to try harder now. I am going to try and write a blog post every week (hopefully), or more, if I happen to have a spare amount of time, or am in a procrastination pickle. I don’t know whether you guys would be interested, but perhaps you’d like to see some excerpts from W.I.P #10 000 (I’m kidding, but not really). Well, I should probably start doing my Modern History Nazism paragraph now, so I gotta get going. Nice speaking to you guys again (even though it was mainly one-sided). Hopefully I’ll actually stick to my promise now and type again soon. Hopefully.

BOOKS CURRENTLY READING: Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
                                                          Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma
                                                         Switch by Carol Snow

p.s. I just realised that I actually have two drafts of blogs that I never finished. Oops.

Sorta Serious Blog is Sorta Serious.

So here I am, less than a week until my first exam shutdowns for the year. It has taken me quite the smallest amount of time to figure out that I am easily the worst person in the world to ever keep anybody who is (in any sense, interested in my life) updated. Well, here's the short of it. I am an exceptionally busy young adolescent whose angst has taken over her whole life and is miserably failing all of her classes.

Ok, maybe that was a complete lie. But as I sit on my bed, at my dad's house with the sounds of make believe story telling surrounding me, typing and re-typing this post, it has occured to me that I really am dealing with this life that is full of stress in really quite a sincere manner.

Despite the fact that my ever repressing writing project is being neglected into oblivion and I am becoming increasingly nuerotic and a bit of a stresser, I am blissfully happy and I am dealing. I know that most of you readers originally followed this blog for the book reviews, but frankly, I have and probably never will be good with book reviews. Why? Because I'm one of those people who cares too much about people's feelings and that, if I happen to dislike a book, I'm too scared to post my opinion of the book just in case the one author happens to come along and become hurt by my review. There would be a never ending process of guilt that would eat at me for a considerably amount of time and would continue to do so until I gradually forgot about it, and then, when I have a moment of nostalgia, it would creep back into my mind again.


This blog has (and probably will continue to be) a blog about my life. I decided to write a few posts about books because, ultimately, that has been what I have been passionate about for the past fifteen years. The books I have read have evolved and changed with me as I  have grown and will most likely continue to do so.

I don't have an idea in my mind as to why I felt it necessary to justify myself to you, but I just thought you should know. If you were at all wondering, I'll continue to blog, but, to be honest, it'll probably not so much be about book reviews and more about what's happening in my life, or how the writing project is going (though there may be some book reviews. It just depends on what I feel like doing I suppose).
Sorry about the change in style for this blog, but I'll continue to try to keep it updated.  :)

BOOKS CURRENTLY READING: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
                                                          Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James


p.s Does anybody else agree with me that the Hunger Games movies are going to suck if they cast Jennifer Lawrence & Alex Pettyfer as the leads? Just sayin', Alex Pettyfer isn't Peeta to me in any sense whatsoever, and neither is Jennifer Lawrence.

The Massive Update that is My Life.

HELLO! *pats heads of readers fondly*
I've missed each and every one of you whole-heartedly but I'll admit that I've been particularly lazy with my blogging recently. As much as I want to say it's because of work, etc, etc, I'll own up to it and tell you that, no, I'm just avoiding making amusing posts because I can't be bothered. HOWEVER, just so you know right now, in two days time, I am actually starting school again, so there WILL be a reason as to why there are either more or less blogs (that depends on my procrastination level).

I feel it necessary to tell anybody who'll listen that the first day of school and I have a bit of a bitter sweet, rocky relationship. This has spanned over many years, but it's kind of properly hit home this year due to the unnerving fact that I start a day later than everybody else because I'm in Grade 11, and therefore my grades need to be tip-top by the end of this year if I want to get into a good rank for each of my classes in Grade 12 (this is all Australian education system, and I suggest that if you know what's best for you, you don't ask any questions because I could begin to ramble). Also, because I'm a huge idiot, I decided it best that I do all the 'hard' subjects for the next two years. This involves Geography (which I've never done), Modern History, Maths B (or harder maths, whichever you prefer knowing it as), English, Biology and Music. The 'hard' subjects are Modern History, Geography and Maths B. So, you know, FUN.

ALSO, I've not totally given up on my NaNoWriMo novel, but I really need a break from it (so, I'm taking a break, obviously). Before you say anything else, yes, I have indeed not been at all imaginative with the NaNoWriMo novel's title due to my lack of creative energy flown towards that department. However, I did start another book, though my being a perfectionist makes it hard for me to start because I'm frustrating myself with how to begin, etc (which, I feel you should know, I do very well for someone of the ripe, old age of 15). It's a contemporary drama, titled 'Georgie & Olive' (and before you type a comment asking if one of my friends thought that up because it's horrible/brilliant, no I did. 'Tis very creative, I KNOW *sarcasm). But since that isn't going anywhere at present, I've decided to try out another idea of mine (hence, the reason I'm starting a new paragraph, because not only is that correct grammar, but also, this paragraph is starting to become far too long for my liking).

Thus far, I have a vague plot which involves parallel universes, wars and all that jazz that goes along with it. So I suppose it could be classified as a Supernatural/Fantasy thriller? *shrugs* It doesn't really bother me at the moment because I'm just seeing where it goes (which is lacking all that I did for the planning for 'Georgie & Olive'). I'll show you a little excerpt now, because I feel like it.

So what do you think? It sounds kind of depressive at the moment, but I've started to realise that most of my writing projects are naturally like that at the start (which, you know, is kinda sad, but still). Also, if you'd like to help in any way, feel free to suggest names (whether that be character names or made up names for countries, planets, etc) and TITLES (because, as we all know, titles are Jocie's nemesis). I've gotta go ask my writing buddy now her opinion on this project thus far (and before you say anything else, yes that's all I've written, and no, even if you do want to read more, you can't because, a) as aforementioned, I haven't written anymore and b) I don't feel like showing/telling you anymore (despite how mean that sounds, I mean it in the nicest way possible)

ALSO, on the topic of books, I maybe, possibly, did splurge some money on some books (which I haven't recorded because, remember, I'm the lazy person). I have a picture though, so here ya go!

I only realised after I took the piccie that I doubled up from last blog post (so sorry). But here are the books (from left to right):
Alpha Beta by John Man
The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha
Evernight by Claudia Gray
Tithe: A Modern Faery Tale by Holly Black
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan & John Green
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

No need to discuss my problem with buying books. Yes, I bought all of them. Yes, I have a teensy bit of a problem. Everybody buys too much of one thing. Also, these books weren't all bought in one sitting. They were bought on SIX different days.

Now, I can't remember if I posted a blog before Christmas wishing you a merry Christmas and I realise that even if I hadn't it would be far too late for me to say it now, but I still hope you all had amazing/wonderful/brilliant/awesome/magnificent/glorious Christmas' and New Years'. I will try to post more often, honest.  :)
Continue being lovely
&dftba. xox

BOOK CURRENTLY READING: Matched by Ally Condie.
p.s. I'm sorry if this blog post bored you to death, but I hope someone revived you in time for you to continue living, because otherwise that would really be quite unpleasant.