Santa Appearances

The month of December... Christmas, Santa, presents and more! This year has definitely been a lot of fun and it can only get better, despite finals next week. =) So all three of us (Isabel, Zin and I) decided to be Santa helpers this year. Tonight was the Dixon Christmas event and we got to ride on a fire engine. Sadly it wasn't a classic red one... it was yellow. lol.

It was a good thing we had capes, it was cold. o_O But the bonfire near the firemen's tent was warm and inviting. I could have stayed in front of it all night long. hehe. Anyway, we took a few pics with Zinny's camera and hopefully we can get the ones that Margie took for us. =) I'll put those up when that happens. And we're also doing the Breakfast with Santa event next saturday.

Zinny and Santa

Jen and SantaJen and Engine 381
Zinny on Engine 381Bel and Engine 381

The Little Mermaid

It has been far too long since a retelling so the current project of the week will be a rendition of the little mermaid for Emily. Two days have already been lost however, short and sweet is always the way to go when time is of the essence. Red hair, green eyes and a fiery temper to match, this little mermaid will be anything but. ^.^

Heros

Initially this started out in my head, just a small little dream about Hercules and the decision he made to sacrifice his life for Megara's. True, this is Disney's version of a classic hero; however, his valor and determination cannot be denied. Perhaps, Megara never existed, but Hercules still did the right thing.

This week, I offer a version of events that could have been (alongside a little artistic license...).

“Meg, what are you doing?”

The world was falling apart but I could only watch as she cried. Her hair tumbled down her back, red as the flames that licked at houses below us, flickering gold and orange like the lava that spilled down Mt. Olympus. Hunger roared through the streets while Disease ravaged the populace. Monsters which had once been confined ran loose. It was as the Fates decreed. The Gods had fallen.

“I never meant for this to happen. I want you to know that.”

Phil held her head up, willing life into Meg’s body, but I knew it was of no use. She was gone.

“Aidoneus, I know you’re watching.”

“And if I am? She’s gone, dear nephew. Not even I control death. I merely watch.”

His eyes were cold, empty of all feeling as he spoke. But it was useless, his attitude did not affect me. I could only think of Meg. As cries of pain met my ears, I made my choice. Jumping onto Pegasus’s back, I pointed him towards the River Styx. The Fates would take no more from me.

Souls gathered around the opening of the Styx, some vying to get in and others clamoring to leave. But Charon and Cerberus kept them in their proper place, just as they tried to keep me in the world of the living. I would not be driven from my decision. If the world was to end; I would do as I pleased.

I leapt, falling from Pegasus’s back into the cold waters. Souls pulled on my body, dragging me deeper, away from the light. I could feel the life being sucked away just as the souls around me grew stronger, turning translucent as they fed on the years which had been denied them, the few years which were still left to me.

I could see the Fates, spinning the tapestry of Life, holding a pair of shears, glinting silver in the cold moonlight. It was my time. I had failed.

“You know. I never imagined that you would surrender so easily.”

The voice was filled with laughter and incredulity. Tearing my eyes from the souls around me, I searched for the speaker. She stood a few yards away, toying with the folds of her gown, her green eyes glinting with mirth.

“What do you know, Envy? I would have thought you’d support him.”

“And I do. But you must remember, when all desires that cling to the heart are surrendered, a mortal becomes immortal. What I do is of no concern to you, dear Hercules.”

Her words woke me from my mindless daze and I turned my back to her, swimming towards the one soul which meant more to me than my life. As I reached towards Meg, trying to grasp her, I felt a sharp tug on my heart and faltered. The water before me cleared, showing a golden thread which would not break under Fates’ shears.

“What do humans cherish most, Hercules?” Envy’s voice broke the vision.

“Life. We desire life above all else.”

Weekly Drabbles

So Andrea and I have come to the agreement that perhaps this summer should not be wasted especially since a major chunk of it has been used up studying for the test of doom, MCAT. And the title of this post reveals it all. The post for this week, starting on July 27, will be the beginning of our little challenge. Each week will begin on Sunday and depending on who's week it is to choose the quote, that is when it will be announced. The last day to submit the drabble will be Saturday. =) And so,

"When all desires that cling to the heart are surrendered, then a mortal becomes immortal."
- Katha Upanishad

First Final

In commemoration of EVE 101, a little something that relates in part to ecology and in part to the test this morning. Eight is far too early of a time for a test, one which consisted of 7 pages of pure writing on tiny desks where everyone is cramped and hunched over like turtles trying to hide.

Spider, spider
on the wall.
I really hope
that you don't fall.

It'll make me sad,
I just might cry.
I know you're wondering
and asking why.

Species richness
is the key.
Without it,
where would we be?

Plants Galore

It's that time of the year again: finals. Okay, so it comes three times a year in my case. But in honor of the pain and suffering we have to go through in certain classes such as plants (weeds and crop evolution to be more exact), here are a few poems.

Weeds
Weedy species need to drown,
Weedy species need to die,
No one likes them,
I wonder why?


EVE
EVE made Adam eat an apple,
EVE gave Adam sons,
For evolution and ecology,
EVE is a bad pun.

Crops
Plants and animals,
we grow and keep,
Weeds to crops
was an evolutionary leap.

Pictures

A picture of the Generations Purse from Knitpicks I made for my mom.


I loved the lacy holes. It was a quick and easy knit, even though I did make mistakes in the beginning which are easily hidden since I knit so tightly. Not always a good thing but in this case, perfect to hide my imperfections. I think I'll make one for Emily since 1) she loves reds and 2) it's cute.

Things To-Do

A to-do list. I don't think I even remember making much in the way of lists anymore, unless it's for shopping, which helps.. since I don't buy like crazy as a result. But I suppose I should work one out for the summer. Surprisingly, I think it's going to be filled with a lot of things to do, even though I didn't anticipate that in the beginning.

The first month or so of summer should be lots of fun (except for the studying, of course =.=). But I'm finally going to meet Andrea's cousins. I can't wait, especially since I practically know them without having met them. It's almost like one of those lines you can anticipate in novels, "It's like I already know you, even though we've never met." Yes, I know. Cheesy. =D

Then, I'll be in Davis for the second half of the summer. Despite the heat, I predict it should be nice. Last year was, after all. And if possible, I'll be doing training as a writing tutor. They finally have positions available for writing. Joy!!!! So I have my fingers crossed. I mean, how much fun can it be to edit papers and get paid for it? It's just a plus, since I do it for everyone anyway.

An update on all the knitting I've been doing. I made a Generations Purse for my mom and I'm on the third ball of yarn for Andrea's scarf. I'm hoping to be able to start on my Snezi shrug sometime this week, if I'm good about keeping up with my knitting.

Pictures

Here's the dropped stitch scarf/belt that I made for me and Andrea. I wouldn't use it as a scarf though. Too skinny. =D
This is my very first scarf. It was done in KnitPicks Tidepool Heather which is a nice blue and green swirled heather color.
I have so many hearts now. Joy! Andrea picked the color; it's coral from KnitPicks as well. =)

Knitting Joys

Well, it's been absolutely forever since I posted but what with finals and then going to China for spring break, coming back with crazy jet-lag and then undergoing a week of midterms, I would say my absence has been justified. Spring is so full of things to do every year. But that's okay, it only gets better every year, so next year, when we're seniors, it should be the best.

Isabel started teaching me how to knit about a week before finals started, so around Andrea's birthday, that would be 3/15. Around 2 weeks ago, that would be around 4/15, I finished my first scarf done in 1x1 ribbing (to hide mistakes... shhhhh... =D). Now I have about a third of Andrea's scarf done. It has a seed stitch border with a heart pattern in the middle. I'm finally on my second ball of yarn. If I had the time, she would have had a finished scarf already. But sadly, 3 midterms in one week does not facilitate knitting.

I'm also taking bookbinding from the Craft Center this quarter, which is lots of fun. I can't wait until we get to binding a book with a spine and cover. If only we could do that one first, but that's took much to ask for, considering how we should learn the basics of making covers and sewing techniques. It's okay though, 2 books down and it's 2 books closer to the conventional type of book we see in stores all the time. I'll put up pictures of the books I've made so far and my (sad) finished scarf as well as Andrea's WIP. If I'm lucky, this week might have some writing as well. ^_^ That's always a good thing, especially since I have so many crazy ideas now that I can make my own books.

Sleep

College students always seem to lack the essentials: sleep, food, comfort. The anxiety only builds and becomes a gnawing worry over the years. So, heed this advice and perhaps things will seem less tragic.

Sleep is good,
Sleep is great,
Go to bed,
Don't stay up too late.

Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day, also known as Singles Awareness Day for those without significant others, brings to mind chocolate, kisses, pink and red flowers and hearts. For the romantics among us, true love blossoms on this day, tears flow down pale cheeks and smiles grace their lips. These poems are inspired by 8 books, each one chronicling the story of a Bridgerton sibling. Only two words need be said. Julia Quinn. Witty and romantic, each book holds a special place in my heart. And so, without anymore ado, Happy Valentine's.

Anthony
Viscount Bridgerton,
The oldest son.
For me,
He's the only one.

Benedict
Cinderella at the ball
caught his watchful eye.
He made of her a painting
unable to say good-bye.

Colin
Always traveling,
Always gone.
Despite this,
My heart he has won.

Daphne
She didn't want to marry
Neither did he.
But they didn't know
What one day would be.

Eloise
To Sir Phillip,
She wrote many a letter.
He couldn't have me
anyone better.

Francesca
When he was wicked,
he seduced them all,
Now he doesn't dare cheat,
He doesn't have the gall.

Gregory
Almost too late
For the wedding he came.
Having made a mistake,
falling for the wrong dame.

Hyacinth
It was in his kiss,
But she didn't know
Neither did he
until they met at the musical.

Preparing for Valentine's

An aphrodisiac, gourmet and expensive, the best of the sweet world of cacao, chocolate lures people of all ages, sex and race to taste of its exquisite pleasure.

Chocolat
Chocolate's good,
Chocolate's great,
To be in my tummy
is its fate.

Simple and to the point. ^_^ Yuuuuuuuuuum!!!

No More Viruses

Finally, first round of midterms is done and over with. Not that it ended on a a particularly nice note, considering how a girl yelled out "NO!!" in a panicked voice when it was announced that only five minutes were left.

Viral Nightmares
Too many viruses
in my head,
All I had was nightmares
lying sleepless in bed.

Probing
Aphids probe,
Aphids suck.
When plants get infected,
They run out of luck.

No More
No more thinking
No indeed.
This following rule,
You must heed.
After midterms,
After tests,
Doing nothing
is for the best.

Dreams and Fantasies

Disney has built an empire based upon the concept of dreams and fantasies. Every story, fairytale and movie they create and rewrite ensures that the characters have a happy ending. Such a shame that the real world doesn't work the same way. It's a good thing it doesn't matter in the world of writing. ^_^

Happily Ever After
Shooting stars,
Wishes dropped in wells,
It'll all come true,
With the chime of wedding bells.

Words I couldn't say
Three little words,
I couldn't bear to say,
I've wanted to tell you,
"I love you" every day.

Stealing Cinderella
Down on my knees,
I look into your eyes,
These few days
have made me wise.
I know that now
You're the only one.
Your family's gone
Their mischief is done.
Happily ever after
awaits us now.
So say yes,
And make me this vow,
I'll love you forever
Until the world ends.
No matter the pain
Or the problems, the future sends.

Books and Movies, Songs and Poems

Books are always a nice place to start to get inspiration for poems, as well as any other form of art. So, here are a few in the vein of the Enchanted poem from earlier.

Kim Harrison
Roses are red,
And dreams come true,
For Kisten isn't dead,
Just waiting for you.

JC
Roses are red,
Jean-Claude is sweet,
I only wish
that we could meet.

Asher
Ashes to ashes,
Dust to dust,
Loving Asher,
is a must. ^_^

Kushiel
Pain is pleasure,
As are whips,
Cut a vein,
Take a sip.

I just realized... all of these poems are about the male characters in the books, not the females. haha. And to tell the truth... the last one scares even me... o_O

After the Pain

BIS 103 is finally over. Only now, it prevents me from studying for everything else, which isn't a particularly good thing... Well, I've been remiss in posting for a few days now, so to make up for it, are the requisite poems. To start will be some of Tobes' wonderful science related four-liners.

Forgetfulness
Biochemistry is hard
It only makes you tougher
When using enzymes
Don't forget the buffer

Getting Fired
Classes are too early,
Sleepless nights make me tired
In Hilt's class, using the wrong gel
Will get you FIRED!

The Big Finish 2

I never ended up doing The Big Finish the first time around, but the premise for this new contest seems quite intriguing. Thankfully, it doesn't end until after Valentine's Day, giving me a whole week to write and edit and throw around ideas. If you're interested, the link is http://www.eharlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1323&chapter=0

~Jen

Dear Friends

Friends, acquaintances, everyone impacts you in some way. So today's poems are about some of the best people in my life.
* If you want a poem, tell me. Otherwise, these are just random ones I made up on the spot.

Mabs
Eric and Mabel,
They're so cute,
These words,
You just can't refute.

Tobes
Good at chem
And smarter than I could ever be,
A very best friend
Toby is to me.

'Drea
Sweet as sugar,
She's so nice.
Such an angel,
She has no vice.

Jase
Roses are red,
Jason likes pain,
Soon he'll need
To use a cane.

Bagel (By Tobes)
Bagels eat lots.
Bagels sleep hours.
When bagels get together,
They hold all the (brain) power~!

Something Sweet
Time after time,
He looks at me,
I still don't know
What he sees.
His eyes sparkle
Blue as the sky.
Makes me melt,
Makes me sigh.

Internet

Internet, unpredictable and moody. What other thing could entertain and educate us at the same time? To this invention of man I dedicate this post. haha.

Good Version
Internet's good,
Internet's bad,
When it works,
It makes me glad.

Bad Version
Internet's good,
Internet's bad,
It won't work,
So now I'm sad.

Enchanted
Ever ever after,
She sings all day,
She only wants to hear
three words for him to say.

Early Morning Snippets

Well... the day hasn't started off particularly well, considering how I woke at 7 and still managed to oversleep for class and then be 10 minutes late. In honor of how this week is getting off to such a "wonderful" start, I thought a few strange poems would be in order.

Take it any way you like
What hurts the most,
Is that you're dead,
Now I'm all alone
In this huge bed.

True Love
Roses are red,
Love is true,
I learned this
when I met you.

Unrequited
Love's a dream,
A fleeting glance,
All we had
was a single dance.
It was the past,
I know that now,
But I still can't forget,
I don't know how.
Fading away
From this life,
I'll always remember
How you eased my strife.

Nighttime Poems

For missing yesterday's poem requirement, it'll be yet another double post today. Although, one could argue that it's not day yet and merely the night between. In any case... here are a few more Valentine's snippets.

For a Special Someone
Roses are red,
And so am I,
When you look
me in the eye.

Vampy
Blood is red,
Dark is the night,
If you bite me,
I won't fight.

Bad Jen O=)
Roses are red,
Sheets are white,
Come to bed,
And turn off the light.

The Best of Toby's World

From the very best chemist of them all, Toblerone. ^_^ A few new additions to the month's festivities.

Oxygens are red,
Nitrogens are blue,
When they come close,
They suck electrons from you.

Nitrogen loves electrons,
Oxygen loves them more,
When carbon comes near,
It becomes electron poor.

Nerdy Poems

In honor of midterm season, nerdy/dorky poems seem like the right thing to do to end the week. To make up for yesterday's lack of posting, there will be more than the requisite single ditty. =P

Isabel's contribution
Roses are red,
Hyacinths are blue,
Did you know
they're fertilized with poo?

FST
Sugar is white,
Glucose is sweet,
But I think
that fructose has it beat.

Sweet (a little more extreme)
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Please say yes
And pledge, I do.

Sappy
Dreams from the heart,
Do come true,
My only wish
is to be with you.

February Contest

This time, the February contest on Eloisa James/Julia Quinn's Bulletin Board is different from usual. Instead of having a drabble/short story contest, we have to make up variations on the classic Valentine's Day poem. http://eloisajames.net/board/viewtopic.php?t=4717

Here are a few that I came up with randomly. I believe I might make up one each day, to finally end on Valentine's Day.

Sweet
Roses are red,
The skies are blue,
But without you,
I am too

Up For Debate: Sweet vs. Stalkerish
Roses are red,
Doves are white,
I will never let you
out of my sight

Completely Evil
Roses are red,
Blood is too,
I only wish that
it would drain from you.