Year of Adventures

I told myself that this year, I will spend 10% of my time traveling. There are 365 days in a year, so basically, I'll be on the road for 36 days. Going where? I'm not exactly sure.

I've always been impulsive so I guess my travels will be as impulsive as I've always been. Maybe I plan to go to the South during the weekend. But night before the day I leave, I end up going to an amusement park. It doesn't matter where I go, what matters is that I still end up exploring. And wherever I go, trust me that there's always a book in hand. Road trips won't be exciting without them.

Getting lost sounds so insatiable to me right now. I'm not particularly sure where I want to get lost at. But that's the thrilling part.

I made a list of places I want to visit, but that list can grow everytime I hear about something new. There's no priority, because I'm pretty sure that every place will offer something magical.

So here's to a year of adventure. I'm not exactly sure what I'll get from my crazy plans, but it can't possibly be anything bad. I wish you the same, to have as many wonderful adventures as possible for this year.

Bookshelf Ideas

As a Christmas gift to myself, I'm building a bookshelf!

I've been in a studio-type apartment for over a year and most of my things are still on the floor. My books are scattered everywhere so I thought it's probably time that I do some re-designing. I looked for ideas online on some of the cutest and space-saving bookshelf interiors.

Below are my favorites.

A tree-style bookshelf! It looks so cute. And witty.

World Map Bookshelf!
I want this but it seems complicated.

Under the stairs/bed bookshelf.
This looks the most workable and convenient for my room.

I'm not yet sure which design I'll pull off. I have a friend who's amazing in carpentry and he promised to help me. I seriously cannot wait.

Ender's Game (2013)

I was in high school when I first read Ender's Game, and I have loved it ever since. To see the film adaptation in the big screen was nothing short of mesmerizing. It's a pretty complex book, but the movie gave it justice. Many have reckoned that it's impossible to adapt to film, but it's really well-executed.

Asa Butterfield shines as Ender Wiggin, and I would never dream of anyone else playing this role. He made me believe that he's Ender. I'm just grateful that one of my favorite characters is portrayed by such a talented young actor.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Of all the books I read this year, this one's probably my favorite. Gillian Flynn creates a tale that's at time engrossing and other times mind-blowing. I don't think I can properly write a review for it. I am still too emotional over the turn of events. All I know is I want to go to the bookstore and buy another Gillian Flynn book.

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes

To say that I love this book is an understatement. I spent an entire sunday devouring it, skipping meals and bathing just so I could finish it.

It's worth. Every page is loaded with excitement, and Peter Nimble climbed my list of favorite characters. It's such an amazing read that I read my favorite parts about ten times since I finished it last sunday.

Back Home

I moved back home after graduation, and it has been pretty sweet. I spent most of my college life away from this beautiful town, away from the hustle and bustle of New York. But in a few weeks, I'll be moving back to Seattle to start a career in publishing. I'm pretty sure that I won't be home as much as I'd want.

For now, I will  cherish all the days I have here just lounging around at home or sitting by the lake with a good book. Of course, I will make the most of my mother's cooking and my father's perfect coffee.

11.14.13

Alone

by Edgar Allan Poe

From childhood's hour I have not been
As others were; I have not seen
As others saw; I could not bring
My passions from a common spring.
From the same source I have not taken
My sorrow; I could not awaken
My heart to joy at the same tone;
And all I loved, I loved alone.
Then- in my childhood, in the dawn
Of a most stormy life- was drawn
From every depth of good and ill
The mystery which binds me still:
From the torrent, or the fountain,
From the red cliff of the mountain,
From the sun that round me rolled
In its autumn tint of gold,
From the lightning in the sky
As it passed me flying by,
From the thunder and the storm,
And the cloud that took the form
(When the rest of Heaven was blue)
Of a demon in my view.


-

I was 18 when I first read this poem. A couple of years later, it still haunts me.