Pick This, Pick That, Pick Here, Pick There

Many people have  the quality of being an impulse buyer. I myself can be considered as one of them. I have never given much attention to that until I said it aloud. With various items to choose from, it simply is overwhelming. Without thinking about it first, the person's sense or urge of buying something that is wanted but may not be exactly needed, when evaluated, is somehow therapeutic temporarily.

For men, it is fast and easy. Just look among the options and pick, they are done. For women, it is the opposite; shopping is real. When they can buy lots of stuffs especially on sale, they will. I agree that you can never know what you will find in a sale and it can be worth the time. Many items that seem to be rare might be there that is why you have to search well.

Take my habit, for example. I am into reading and my book collection is still growing. Seeing a sale is tempting. With the thought of "I will just browse, I will just browse," I still end up leaving the store with item/s more often than not. Though I am trying to practice better self control, it is quite a challenge. Then after talking about it, I realized that I have some way around it. It is working for me unconsciously and now that I am conscious about it, I might indulge myself with it more, if necessary, to see if it works consistently.

When I thought of having another book, I search about its price and story over the internet. I will keep on reading different store websites, and probably reviews.  When I close them all, I become decided to postpone buying. Thinking I don't need it right away and can save money for  something else, I become satisfied. Apparently, I was able to address my impulse with those information that I end up not wanting the real thing on my hands just yet. It can wait.

The same happens when I feel like having a new gadget, like phone or tablet. I will keep on browsing and reading. When I notice that I have spent too much time on the internet, I stop, and so is my urge to buy a new gadget. I will be satisfied again with what I have, thinking that it is still in very good condition, which makes it reliable, which makes me contented.

The given scenarios are when I am at home. Being present on a store is a different thing and I am still experimenting various ways of how to get over it. As you know, anything can happen when you are physically on site. If you are an impulse buyer as well, feel free to try this method I use and do at home. Maybe it can help, maybe not. It is up to you. I will post any development I might have in the near future.

It's... They're Possible

"This is what my voice sounds like

I don't need to be talking to someone else

To hear it"

-Karen

Very creative... that's what this 2004 book is.

 

With twenty characters telling their own stories, that is a lot. It is quite confusing with the way he presented it but I think it is better than using the usual novel type. For one thing, this is something fresh, or at least for me for this is the first time and first book I encountered written this way. Mr. Levithan found various ways for them to share their thoughts uniquely without one way being used twice.

 

It is an amazing compilation, from love in any relationship [self, family (parent-child and sibling), friends, lovers (opposite and same sex)], to its challenges (fighting and break up), to music, to belief; it is interesting enough to read continuously.

I cannot prolong this any further. That's what it is. To end this, I just have to say that David Levithan's books are successful in conveying thoughts that are worth realizing, specifically those of teen/young adult voices.
 

Notable Ideas

 

I can't seem to enumerate any except to just use one quote above. Read it and you'll find out that from each voice that there are a lot of notable ideas. Each one of them will point it out to you.

Stalk

I was surprised to discover that this 2014 series, Stalker, was pulled from schedule not knowing exactly whether it will continue or just hang there unfinished.

I like the story development. As each episode unfolds, Detective Beth Davis solves short term stalking cases with her team when she herself, a victim, faces  long term on her own.

Stalking is a big deal, just like bullying. Both of them are alarming. I have facebook friends who experience poser, or someone using their name and pictures as if it was their own. Not many are aware of the legal actions against that except report it as abuse to the social media management.

What made me like the series more is the concept when Beth was relieved temporarily of her command and someone took over.

Vicki Gregg: It's great to see you again despite the circumstances.

Beth Davis: You, too. Please, use my office.

Vicki Gregg: No. Beth, I'm not here to replace you. I'm just here to help. I'll work out in the conference room until this is all resolved.

Beth Davis: Thanks.

Beth's team didn't know about her past life until she filled them up with details so that they can catch up because it returned and escalated. She shared her story because they are not just team members, they are also friends and family at the same time who will be there with her through it.

I think this shows the message just like other films: the protagonist does not always offer the help. Sometimes they need it as well.

I hope it resumes. I was frustrated enough for The Gates and The Tomorrow People to be cancelled for another season. This one has not even ended one yet.

Ground Zero

"Gone. One of the words that's hardest to fully comprehend. Gone."

-Claire

 

 

That dreadful feeling at that particular moment is preserved in this book. Mr. Levithan is right about his Author's Note. Time will pass by and what happened can be looked up in the internet through news portals but what he did is something worth recognizing for even though the characters are made up, the event and people's reactions are based on the reality that occurred.

"I approached it with much trepidation,...  and also by the fact that as time goes on, readers (especially younger ones) will have less and less firsthand experience of what it was like to be in New York in those hours and days and months...the experience of the day needs to be preserved with as much immediacy as we can give it."

As with the theme that's apparently common and widely used nowadays, this 2009 book is about the interaction of three people, about their lives which were intertwined, during and after 9/11. Jasper and Peter met at a party, Peter and Claire weren't close but are school mates, and Claire and Jasper tried to make sense of what happened.

 

When the World Trade Center, also known as Twin Towers, fell, I was just a kid. The horror didn't hit me that much until I was in college when I randomly felt the urge to check the details, or what I actually looked for - videos taken while it was happening.

The book is written in a first person point of view, with each of them narrating.
 

I like the realization of Jasper as he was picking up pieces of papers that came from the towers, that those papers are sad remembrance from those who were there.

'"Something as mundane as two sheets of paper from an office file could provide the final evidence of how vulnerable we are, how we live our lives not knowing how or when they will end. I had a sense of how if we truly understood how many of the unimportant things we do will end up outliving us, we'd never be able to go on."

I like the way Peter feels about music, that each one of them has a specific moment they can be played.

"So my headphones stay around my throat as I stumble away. I know if I press play, the song will never be able to work for me again, because instead of the song playing under the moment, the moment will weigh on top of the song, and I am never going to want to remember this, I am never going to want to be here again, so I walk without anyone else's words in my ears, and all the music falls away from the world, because how can you have music on a day like today?"

I like the hope Claire saw in humanity, that people seemed they became more united.

"Did it really take something of this magnitude to make us realize this? Yeah, I guess so."

After reading, you'll get to think that at whatever angle you look, in whatever situation it may be, love, the higher law, will help you get through it all.

 

Notable Ideas

 

Jasper
~"...I j just didn't want to deal with people. Even when I was around people, I didn't want to deal with them."

 

Peter
~But I guess the thing about fear is that it defies the laws of rationality. It creates its own laws instead.
~...it's pretty incredible to do something so concrete for total strangers...

 

Claire
~It's the thoughts. They will not go to sleep, so I cannot go to sleep.
~We just want to walk. Our legs need to move to keep our minds from collapsing.
~But I guess it's just as easy to get lost in the dealing as it is to get lost in the avoidance.

Dreams Coming True

"This wasn't a strange place; it was a new one."

How I Got It

 

The first time I read The Alchemist was back in high school. It was also the first book of Mr. Coelho that I read. The next were Veronika Decides to Die and Brida. Since it has been a long time and it was a book from the school library, I have forgotten about it.

 

I had no plans yet of buying it at its original price. However, when I found a great opportunity to acquire it, I grabbed it right away. For Php250, I was able to buy The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage as a bundle.

 

What's In It

 

This 1993 work (English version) is about the journey of a shepherd named Santiago, who later on learns about Personal Legend, omens, and Language of the World, to make his dream come true. Along the way, as any of us would, he picked up lessons and experiences.
 

The story started with a magnificent prologue. It makes one wonder how to see things. After refreshing my mind of what this is about, I am trying to look at things differently. We have different perceptions but which angle is the best? See things on the bright side. That's the beauty of this celebrated masterpiece. If you do not change the way you see things, if you interpret signs in a pessimistic manner, things will either get harder than it already is or you won't get that far. I think the theme Mr. Coelho is telling us to watch out for throughout Santiago's journey is about positive perception.
 

As for relationships, he met many unknown people who eventually shared their lives with Santiago. Every character, from the gypsy woman to the old man, from the thief to the crystal merchant, from the Englishman to the alchemist, they all took part to Santiago's growth. Whether the experience with them was positive or negative, they taught him lessons, things he needed to know in a hands-on type of learning.
 

The progression of his journey was step by step. No rush was made. It just shows that as long as you know what to do, it doesn't matter how long wait is. He patiently did what he can at the moment before proceeding to the next chapter. Then, you will realize that it's not actually a detour but parts of the adventure, significant parts. This story opens our minds and we just have to keep it that way.
 

The treasure that he was pursuing came from a dream. He was able to get it while doing what he dreams of doing when he was younger, to travel. That's two dreams coming true. Me? I do not know what my dream is. Though it hasn't manifested in a dream (as in when sleeping) yet, I would like to discover my dream (something I would like) awake. I will take my time in realizing what it is even though it might seem to others that I am kind of wasting time. His plan will unfold according to His will and according to His time. I'll be patient and do the best that I can in the now.
 

Overall, this is a great book.
 

Notable Ideas
 

If in other books I can enumerate them most, I can also do so for this book. Take note, though, that this is incomparable because in every part of it, there are lessons and thoughts worth noting. Maybe if I do it here, I as well ought to have placed the whole book. Still, let me share to you what I have long noted when I first read it.

 

~”And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” -Old Man
~"There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure."

~”…Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure,…” -Alchemist

~”That’s what alchemists do. They show that, when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us become better, too.” -Santiago
~"'Everything that happens once can never happen again but everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time.'" -Alchemist

~...he reminded himself that no project is completed until its objective has been achieved.

That Scottish Fold

When I first saw this book, I thought twice whether to buy it or not. I was attracted by the cat but I was not sure. Still, I decided to take it because although this was a 1993 book, I know I'll be entertained - and I was.

It seems too good to be true. However, for a cat person like me, and I think for other cat enthusiasts as well, this is possible. The author said it himself, "Everyone knew cats weren't as affectionate as dogs..." Cats are not known for attachements like dogs have. They may know us but the affection varies fron one cat to another; it is nothing that of the dogs. What Mr. Gethers had with Norton is something amazing.

I myself would want to have a cat. Not exactly like Norton but any cat I can call my own, a cat that will grow with me starting with his kitten years.

His cute; he's called a Scottish Fold because of his ears. Along the way, I found some of their experiences funny but what striked me the most was how the author would get to love another human being.

 

Most part of the book shares his adventures with Norton. Most of the time, he would prefer to be with his cat. I was expecting relationships will be mentioned in between and I was interested on how his relationship status will change. For a person to dearly love his pet that it sometimes becomes the problem, many lessons were learned and that was presented at the last part, as the book's conclusion. In the end, he still found the woman of his life, with Norton still present.

 

Notable Ideas

 

~Norton clearly liked the combination of his freedom and my company as much as I did.

~What really brought us together was the fact that we had one thing in common - we both wanted to stay independent.

~"...I mean adandoning yourself to love. You're an observer. I don't know if you're participant in life... Oh, you do participate but you hold back." -Cindy

~She has always been the quiet strength behind the family,...

~Where I see perfection, they see hair that's not as thick as Paulina's. I see sculpted grace, they see skin that's not as tight as Christie's.

~The physical wounds were surface, but the emotional scars seemed to run deep.

Todd Becomes Odd*

"I wrote this manuscript nonetheless, as writing is my therapy."

The reviews were right. Dean’s Odd Thomas is hilarious. He seems odd, but he’s good. They are both good.

The story is presented in a first person point-of-view which is what I mostly prefer. Although I haven’t read the first two books, this 2006 book still makes the new readers catch up if ever that they start with the third book, just like what I did. I was able to watch the movie adaptation of the first book and I can’t tell for sure of its closeness to the book but the way I see it, the essence was preserved.

The reason why Odd went some place away from hometown is to find new meaning, purpose, to his life, to think about how to go after what happened in his first manuscript. I get it. I can relate to that. There are times that we need to think, to re-evaluate things, perspectives; somehow, to take a break and start over.

At St. Bartholomew’s, he met new friends. Like anything else we experience, he found it right to share what makes him different over time. He took the risk because he grew to trust them and although it’s not something easy to grasp, they were patient and open-minded. It was worth it for Odd.

For us, when we think of sharing a big part of us, there’s the tendency to be doubtful, to be scared, because of uncertainty. Admit it or not, we cannot say how it will go until we do it, until we are at the moment. It’s kind of how will we handle what happens next if people react negatively. It’s hard but the choice will come from us.

I admire Odd’s courage to face what’s unknown to most people. It is something we need. Although it is far from comparison to what Odd sees, I am speaking in general.

I also like the way he converse with people, it is formal and intellectual, the degree of respect is present. It amuses me. I’m sort of formal myself. I’ll say this is a good book.

Notable Ideas

~The only thing I know for sure is how much I do not know. Maybe there is wisdom in that recognition.
~I had only asked God for a time-out, which had been granted, but now the clock was ticking again.
~He incorporated the hiss to remind himself that in every human enterprise, no matter with what virtuous intentions it is undertaken, a serpent lurks.
~Although I had no idea what he meant by that, I didn’t press him for an explanation. He said many things I didn’t fully understand, and I didn’t want our relationship to become a verbal sonata to which a rhythmic Huh? Huh? Huh? was my only contribution.
~“…That’s what I’m afraid of. The things I’ll have to do.”
~As a desert-town boy, I was raised in fierce dry heat, which does not distract, but tends to enervate or to toughen the sinews of the mind and focus thought. I felt displaced in this cold and whirling chaos, and not entirely myself.
~Some people like to hear themselves talk, but I like to hear myself silent.
~You can’t fix things with a hug, but you can’t make them any worse, either.
~Irrational fear feeds on itself and grows. You must deny it.
~“…I was just, you know, overcome by a sense of the unknown.”
~“I didn’t open the door,“ I said. “ I just showed him where the knob was and which way it turned.”
~That is the best of all things we can do for one another: Make the dark small.
~“I may come back one day,” I said, “but now this isn’t the place for me.”

--------------------------------------------------

*His name is supposed to be Todd but there was a mistake and it became Odd, according to his parents.

What's Your Score?

“All that matters are test scores… What doesn’t matter is students really learning anything…”–Ann

The title says it – the story is about test, as in exam. If I will put myself in the shoes of Mr. Sleator, I, as well, cannot think of a better word/s to make the title of this 2008 book more catchy or unique. It is as it is. However, the plot consists of conspiracy theory and if you like that, this one has it in a twist that test is all that matters.

I like the idea of turning things around from a simple life event. Taking exam is normal in a school setup as it is part of education. But this story explored the concept of exam as a complete defining tool of ones future, whether an individual has one or none, purely on it alone.

Its result is a number, a mathematical presentation of how well we are doing. This number is important because it is a way to measure ones knowledge. Aside from major tests, there are quizzes, assignments, projects, graded recitation, and others. But the thing is, that’s not all there is.

When we look for job, there is still a test. If we meet the target result, we move on to interview, another way of processing and evaluating ones qualification. All I’m saying is that there are people who might do well in exam but are intelligent. It’s just a matter of how a person can interpret it for others to see. Some can do it in test while others cannot. At the end of the day, it is how you put your learning into good use. Application – that’s valuable.

I cannot tell for sure where the idea came from but I think this story is how some youth look at tests nowadays and can definitely relate to its concept, minus the conspiracy theory.

After receiving the result, it’s a normal habit for some to compare scores. So, how well did you do? If that’s not that high, you can still do better on the next one. The important thing is that you learn. If you can make it reflect on your grades, do try your best. If not, let's look at how we can make it thorugh.

Notable Ideas

~Like Ann, most of them had probably never been read to in their lives. It was amazing how pleasurable it was. You sat there and the story unfolded in your head…
~She was about to say, “It’s all my fault,” but stopped herself. She’d already said it enough.
~“If we had the original slogan, and then have it equal something that didn’t mean anything at all, it would show how it didn’t mean anything in the first place…” -Ann

First Book of the Year

"For the first time in days, she felt absolutely confident. This was her world. She knew what to do."

How I Got It

In a mall, during a get together with college friends, we do not know what to do. Suggestion? Since cinema is not an option (we had to wait long), just go around and check things.

Of course, I would not miss a bookstore. While browsing for titles, I did not expect to find The 39 Clues in Booksale specifically the first book.  It costs Php135. As someone who is trying to control my book collection habit, I thought twice whether to buy it or not. We left empty handed to check on National Bookstore and think there whether to go back for it or not. I did not actually plan to check the regular price but upon passing by its series, I decided to look at the price tag. I did not see book one but I know it is of the same price as the following books. It is Php500 rounded off.

Before we left the mall, I went back for it. In my defense, it is a rare find as cheap as it is and well, I haven't bought any book in a while so I thought I deserve to treat myself one. I still have to manage and control my habit expenses though. Good luck with that but I know I will make it through.

I already finished reading it and I do not know when I will acquire the second book. As of the moment, when I checked it online, there are thirty one books for this series. If I would do it, it will be critical for my wallet so in the near future, I will not collect it yet. The important thing for now is that I was able to start with the first book.

What's In It

I liked the story. Especially that it was Mr. Riordan who wrote it first, I expected nonetheless. I haven't read his new novels yet but with his work with the Percy Jackson series, I know he will do something amazing again.

This 2008 book has another big twist wherein significant people are part of a prestigious family and that they are relatives, even if it's distant. As long as they carry a portion of the blood, as long as it runs in their veins. This journey of Amy and Dan Cahill for a secret, hidden in 39 Clues, reminds me of Capcom's Resident Evil game, not the movie. Everything there, from one place to another, involves the characters to look for items to be able to proceed. Those items serves as key access. Only this time, with 39 Clues, it's on a wider scope.

I cannot elaborate the details of the misfortunes of the siblings anymore but what I think is the most important lesson that this book is portraying is a simple as - your family is your support. Amy and Dan fight like normal siblings do. But as the story moved on, with its drama that can be compared in real life minus all the dangerous stuff, at the end of the day, you may not be in good relationship with your relatives, it will always be your immediate family that can always be with you through it all.

During and after reading this book, I was able to prove that my interest really lies in action-adventure-teen/young adult genre. I can read drama and others but it can either take a while to finish it or stop halfway through. It will now depend on the plot. That's why I think thrice before buying nowadays.

This is the first book of the year 2015. I hope there will be new good reads to come

Notable Ideas

~Amy had been reading more than usual. Dan knew it was her way of hiding,...
~The old man chuckled, "You have intelligence and youth, and a fresh way of looking at things. I, on the other hand, have resources and age,..."
~She looked at her brother. Despite how annoying he was, they had always been able to communciate just by looking at each other. It wasn't telepathy or anything, but she could tell what her brother was thinking.
~It drove her crazy when she couldn't remember things. She read so many books sometimes they got jumbled around in her head.
~"I'm going to regret this, Nellie muttered. "But I might as well regret it in Paris."
~He decided not to think about it. One thing at a time.
~Mary-Todd yelled. "Children, we can't keep arguing with each other. It hurts team morale."
~Amy couldn't believe how quickly his spirits had rebounded. A few minutes ago, he'd been complaining about his feet and his heavy backpack. Now, a hunk of bread later, he was as good as new. Amy wished she was like that. he felt like lying down and sleeping for a century,...

Down Time

He could lie here and simply think. His favourite occupation.

–Eion Colfer, Artemis Fowl: Opal Deception

 

Every Sunday, when I was still working with my first job, there is this thing called “down time.” Basically, it means system maintenance and with that, we cannot use our computers for a certain period of time. That term, “down time,” is appropriate right now for what I am feeling, not because I cannot use my computer but because I cannot seem to function myself.

 

Down time can be caused by “what if…” I was able to confirm that staying too much at home doing nothing most of the time, or at least looking for something to do, can be very toxic. You have nothing else to do but think. Looking at an excerpt from Artemis Fowl above, that is how exactly I grew up. So, I can be described as an overthinker.

 

The best solution that exists is to pray. The other option I that comes after that is to listen to music. Other than Christian music, below are titles that contain what I feel. The first three songs convey negativity. It is followed by the fourth that portrays hope. The rest that comes after until the end, sustains hope and turns on positivity. You may try to listen to them and see the meaning within. The right time will come that I’ll be back to normal and I can say, “Systems up!”

 

~Broken by Lifehouse

~The Scientist by Coldplay

~Keep Holding On by Avril Lavigne

~Let Me Go by Avril Lavigne feat. Chad Kroeger

~Give Your Heart A Break by Demi Lovato

~On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons

~Phoenix Burn by Alpha Rev

~Somewhere Only We Know by Keane

~Shake It Off by Taylor Swift

~Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall

~Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield

~Radioactive by Imagine Dragons

~Stronger by Kelly Clarkson

~Smile by Avril Lavigne

~Life Is Good by Junk