27.6.11

A British Renovation and Beautiful Beholdings

After weeks of anticipation, I've finally arrived in beautiful England. And to honour the occasion my blog got a British reno!
I'll be updating my blog regularily (for those who care) with all the fun and exciting things I'll be experiencing while in one of my favourite places on Earth. Starting today!
One of the neatest things about travelling to England is crossing the time zone. Now normally this means jet lag and hours of feeling like a zombie, dark under-eye circles and mindless shuffling to and from places. And while this is a less than enjoyable experience crossing a time zone is a sight to behold.
We flew off near mid-afternoon and while we crossed Canada we saw from the window the violently bright sun set in a beauitful orange and pink glow skimming the tops of the clouds. You expect twilight fairly soon, seeing the moon rising to the right of the sun in sort of a strange celestial dance.But the sky never darkened.
The Sun remained hovering just near the top edge of the clouds, colouring their white peaks and keeping the sky lit. As we crossed the ocean and then Greenland, it began to rise again. Blotting out the moon with its light and bathing the sky in that same neon coral glow.
It's a strange sensation to see the sun alive and bright over the span of 2 days. Your body doesn't know how to react while your mind struggles to comprehend this rare event. But all the same, it's an awesome thing to behold.

20.6.11

A Bittersweet Goodbye

You know that day you know will happen, but it seems so far away?

Well, it's here. 

17 years ago I met a little red-head. His name was Cameron. And no we aren't getting married even though our older sisters tried to set us up when we were only 3.

But this red-head and me became friends. Probably forced at first since we were the only ones our age at Church. And then because we were in the same kindergarten class. And our sisters were best friends. So it was only natural that we had endless play-dates.

But as we got older, we were friends by choice. We basically did everything together. So much so that our friends always assumed we were A) brother and sister or B) dating.

Now last time I checked me and Cameron looked nothing a like and I don't think "dating" exists when you're in Grade 4...but you get the point.

As we moved into junior high and high school, it became the classic joke that we were destined to get married because we argued like an old married couple but still were inseparable.

Our adventures have been intertwined since we could talk. From being Grade 6 graduation valedictorians to spending 5 weeks in Quebec to doing a little road trip to Utah and back.

And now for the first time, our adventures will go separate ways.

Cameron will be serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 2 years in Romania.
For 2 years, the only contact I will have with him will be by letter.

Part of me wants to kidnap him and keep him here but another part of me is excited for him. His 2 year adventure across the World will be so much greater than 2 years he could spend here.

My life-long friend won't be here with me, but he will always be near my heart. 

12.6.11

Harry Potter Mania

I just got my ticket for the midnight premier of the last Harry Potter movie ever! (bittersweet moment)
Harry Potter is such a huge part of my life. I am one of those kids that Harry Potter saved from illiteracy and a introduced to the wonderful world of the written language. And now, I'm going to school to be a journalist. These books literally transformed my life and turned reading and writing into my passion. And because I owe so much to JK Rowling and her masterpiece, I really need to share it in an all things Harry Potter post!

FAVOURITE BOOK:
While I love ALL the books, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was truly my favourite.
Why?
Not only is it the climax of the entire series, but it's one of the purest examples of fighting for what you believe in. Regardless of age, blood, and talent, these people come together to battle for what is good, even to death. It's the ultimate battle of good and evil. I also love the deep and strong relationships between characters because it reflects so clearly what it means to be a friend. And it's beautiful.

FAVOURITE CHARACTER:
Hermione Granger.
Why?
Because she's like my twin! Apart from being a academically gifted and a lover of learning, her growth through out the books is a lot like my own personal evolution. I was that goodie-two-shoes and know-it-all who worked really hard in school and would never imagine doing anything wrong. But like Hermione, I really came into myself and learned I wasn't just defined by my grades and I wasn't afraid to challenge authority. She also went from that insecure girl to being proud of all her quirks. And if that wasn't enough, Hermione is the key for Harry to succeed. Without her brains, he'd have been done for a long time ago.


FAVOURITE MOVIE:
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Why?
For me, this movie just epitomized the world that JK Rowling created. It was so true to the book and really felt magical. As much as I love all the movies, some I feel were too concerned with an "artistic vision" rather then bringing to life what is already so amazing. It's also where the actors are really starting to understand the roles they are playing. And of course, DOBBY! I love Dobby and how loyal he is.





FAVOURITE QUOTE:
"You said to us once before," said Hermione quietly, "that there was time to turn back if we wanted to. We've had time, haven't we?"
"We're with you whatever happens," said Ron..." (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince)
Why?
This part of the book always makes me bawl. But it's so touching. Harry doesn't want to endanger is best friends, but they are willing to risk anything to help him. This should be under the definition of "Friendship" because that's exactly what is it. It's courage and strength and faith to stand by someone even in the darkest and most hopeless hour. It solidifies the unbreakable friendship between Harry, Ron, and Hermione.