"Cause these things will change/ Can you feel it now/ These walls they put up to hold us back will fall down"

This is what Square One looked like when I first started "writing it" seven years ago:

Clearly I had high hopes at fifteen (but I also have a grandiose sense of humor). Oh the changes SO has gone through. First of all, I don't even think it had a title. Actually it may have but it was really lame and it gives away a plot point so we will just forget about that.

I originally wanted to write in journal format to mimic one of my favorite books at the time. Not the case with SO as it is now; it's a good old first-person narrative. And it's funny cause I came up with the idea at the end of the ninth grade. And that version of the story (seriously all three pages I wrote of it) took place at the beginning of the summer after the girl's freshmen year. See, I write what I know.

The names also changed. The girl's name was originally Allyson. But since one of my nieces currently has a name that is similar, that got the axe. The main guy was going to be named Andy because I've always loved that name for a boy but I switched it up in SO because it has more significance now. But I still like the name so it got passed on to my bro-in-law BR's character.

But the HUGE difference is this: I've always known two events were going to occur- Event A and event B. Event B was going to be caused by A. And originally I was going to have Event A happen in like the second chapter. But after thinking it through (for eight years) and changing the direction of the story (and growing up and experiencing new things), Event A is now in like chapter 14 or 15. So while I think I created a lot of background and foundation, it really was important so you got to know the characters and understood where the main girl character is coming and feeling. So while I've said I have known this idea since I was 15, it has definitely shape-shifted and transformed into the little story it is now. And with one happy reader and half of another one (AE sure is taking her sweet time. Sure, she has a job but COME ON! I'm dying here!), I think it was a good move.

Oh but I've always apparently had the "name characters after friends" tactic. One of my good friends at the beginning of high school was named Amanda. The name of the best friend in this version: Amanda. I'm so creative and don't show favoritism at all. At least some things don't change.

"You can ask yourself: 'Hey, what have I done?'/ You’re just a fly – the little guys, they kill for fun"

Sometimes you forget just how not cool people can be. Like trying to take advantage of the already desperate people looking for a job. Some examples:

1. I got an email from a company claiming I was being considered for a position I had applied for and they needed to do a background check on me and needed my credit report. Whaaa? I called the one company I thought it could be for (since the name was absent in the email) and they said that it wasn't them and they wouldn't ask for such information unless I had already been interviewed. I got another email today claiming it was their third attempt to contact me (technically only the second) and did a little research and it appears to be a scam for identity theft. Awesome.

2. I have gotten numerous phone calls about continuing my education. One night I got several calls about ten minutes apart only to answer and have no one be on the line. Then when the number called again the next morning, I answered very angrily expecting more dead air only to be met by the voice of a young girl asking if I was looking to further my education. I spat out that I don't know how they got my number, I don't want to since I already have my bachelor's degree and I wanted my name taken off of the list. She said okay and that she would do that. Then my conscience kicked in for scolding an innocent, clueless girl. I started to apologize, only to have her hang up on me. Awesome.

3. I got called in for an interview where the name of the company sounded like one I had applied to. I drove the 35 minutes to the office only to realize, uhhh not the one I applied for. I talked to the woman for about two minutes (basically said five adjectives I wanted out of my career and that I have never been arrested) and she offered for me to come in for a training session the next morning. "I'm sorry but I'm really confused. What exactly would I be training for?" She replied: "You'd be training for a career opportunity." And that's when I got out of there since I had never applied for the job (they found my resume online) and to be honest, I still have NO idea what the company does. So that was an afternoon wasted. Awesome.

And the best part is when you get a rejection letter from a company that has typos and poor grammar. Maybe you could use my services after all. Hmph.

"When you call my name/ It's like a little prayer/ I'm down on my knees/ I want to take you there"

Happy Music Monday! How about a few of the current favorites? Okay!

1. Give Me Strength -Snow Patrol.

2. Gives You Hell -Cast of Glee

3. Cosmic Love -Florence + the Machine

4. Everything Comes With a Price -The Ruse

5. Like a Prayer -Cast of Glee (feat. Jonathan Groff) Seriously, this is my most favorite. Like right now, if I could only listen to one song for the rest of my life this would be it.

Basically, Glee can do no wrong. I'm not even a huge Madonna fan and that episode was EPIC. I seriously love it and listen to the songs all the time. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Oh and the entire soundtrack to the Broadway musical Spring Awakening: Featuring the lovely Lea Michele from Glee and her new singing beau Jonathan Groff. Seriously I LOVE these two together. Its adorable that they are best friends in real life. I want to be friends with them too! Please?

"Few times I've been around that track/ So it's not just gonna happen like that/ Cause I ain't no Hollaback Girl"

Previously on * slight pause * Survivor: Everyone is anticipating a merge. Poverty found a HII and didn’t tell Russell. JT executed the DUMBEST move ever and gave Russell his HII. Villains went to TC and Twiggy was voted out.

Day 25: Rupert and Amanda find a locked box with a note saying company will be arriving soon with the key. Over at the V camp, they find a key and map to the Heroes' camp. Russell and his ladies decide to lie and say he used JT's HII that was intended for Poverty to save himself while Poverty used one as well. Russell talks some trash (to the camera natch, not to the girls who are actually running this show) and says he’s going to have the Heroes eating of his hands. -1 Russell.

Poverty expands her king and queen metaphor (getting old; -1 Poverty) and calls Danielle her “lady in waiting”. Wonder what Danielle thought when she saw that. The Villains arrive at the Heroes camp and JT freaks out because Poverty is leading the pack and he can’t see Russell. But he manages to see the tiny, stubby legs and is relieved. He assumes Poverty played an idol and says she has to go next.

Hugs and giggles all around by the two tribes. The box reveals some food and new black buffs. Everyone freaks about the food (mainly Jerri, again) and they feast (probably like Kings and Queens if you asked Poverty). New tribe names are thrown out: The Hillains, Yin Yang, and All Villains. “We’re all Villains,” says Jerri. “Really?” says Colby the Golden Boy in disbelief. Then we get some mumbo-jumbo from Rupe about how they are all winners, all-stars, blah blah blah. This isn’t your little boys and girls club, we don’t need your inspiration.

Cut to Jerri saying she built a covered wagon last year and then Amanda saying someone had a worm under their skin that you could see moving. Most random dialogue EVER. Poverty looks forlorn and says everyone wants her gone and it’s getting to her.

Russell lies to JT and Rupert and says he and Poverty both stood up and used their HIIs at the exact same time. Russell swears on his kids he is on board with the Heroes. JT says, “I told you so. He’s solid man. He’s a good old country boy” to Rupert. JT says giving Russ the HII could blow up in his face and Russ could be the leader of the girls. “Do I believe it? Not a chance in the world”. I would give JT a shovel but he doesn’t need any help digging his own grave. Although, he is right in believing it since Russell is in fact NOT the leader and Poverty really is running the show.

Sandra confides in Rupert and says Russell and Poverty are in control. She keeps it quick so people don’t get suspicious. This conversation makes Rupert wake up and smell the rat. +5 Rupert. GO RUPERT, GO! Vote out the hobbit! Redeem yourself and validate your huge ego by actually making a smart move for once. PLEASE!

The Heroes' last chance. I know, I'm shocked too.

Some talk about how the Villains are eating the Heroes’ carefully rationed bananas. All of the Heroes think this s#!t is bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a-s, while Poverty and Danielle act like they are surveying the produce section.

How many more can I take before Rupert's brain explodes?

Amanda, Candice, JT, and Rupert discuss Russell and Rupert says the smartest thing he’s ever said in this game and possibly his life: [Russell’s] on the villain side for a reason. THANK YOU. +10 Rupert. JT is all condescending about how Rupert needs someone else to think up strategy. -5 JT. He must be hitting his kidneys by now with how deeply he is inserting his foot in his mouth.

Poverty and Amanda go off and talk and exchange some deets about their tribes. Poverty tells Amanda she has a HII. Amanda says she likes Poverty but if she makes it to the end of this game, she is going to win again. Foreshadowing?

Immunity challenge: Holding on to a pole (with indents for hand and footrests) and whoever lasts the longest wins. About .5 seconds in, Colby and Sandra drop out Seriously Colby? Why do you test my love and support? -1 Colby. But I do think they are giving the women an edge with these challenges since Russell and Rupert drop out next. Then Amanda, JT, and Jerri. Candice wishes the girls luck and starts to step down. Jeff stops her and asks why she is giving up when she is favored to win based on past challenges. Candice says the others look like they could last a while. -1 Candice. So she’s out and that leaves Poverty and Danielle.

Poverty and Danielle immediately start talking.

P: You want me to win?

D: I’ll win cause youhavetheidol she mumbles. I hope she said it too loudly allowing everyone to overhear but alas no such luck.

Plus, I mean really, what other time am I going to win?

Poverty steps down and Danielle wins immunity. There’s a sentence I never thought I’d type. Danielle exposes herself on the way down. Yep, that’s more like normal. Rupert is suspicious of Poverty just stepping down when she is “in danger of going home”. The big man now sets his sights on the little man.

Day 27 at Yin Yang and we get the billionth shot of those two whales in the ocean. Seriously producers, get some new stock footage. The Heroes decide to tell Russell they are voting for Poverty to test his allegiance and then they will really vote for Sandra or Jerri and still get rid of a villain.

This might be a stupid strategy but if I thought someone had a HII, I would trail them the entire day leading up to TC. Then you’d see if they had it OR you’d prevent them from getting it and therefore know they won’t be playing it that night. Come on, you have five people, take shifts and guarantee knowledge!

Russell scampers off to get his HII (ahem, could have been avoided) and is giving it to Poverty. Someone’s in luff. Poverty brags about her “two little green men”. She says she never understood why everyone thought she was the most dangerous player in the game until right now.

In lieu of the diamond ring I'll give ya when we get home

Amanda complains to Poverty about being on different tribes. Amanda tells Poverty she better play her idol tonight “just in case”. Poverty says she knows Amanda is lying and they aren’t voting for her, they just want her to play the idol.

TC in the TH (tree house): Rupert complains about the Villains eating all the bananas. Danielle (who I no longer think has common sense) gets into a debate about bananas and it’s just stupid. -1 Dani. Russell says, “Nothing is going to change. There are two separate tribes. The game is on. Let’s forget about green bananas and yellow bananas.” and I actually agree with the troll for once. + .00001 Russell.

Everyone agrees this vote is huge and will determine who is in the majority. JT says no one talked to him today so he assumes the Vs are writing his name down. Somehow this turns into an episode of Dr. Phil where everyone says they are feeling ignored. Poverty says she feels like a leper on this tribe and Jeff says “But is that just because you’re used to getting attention all the time in life?” Zing! +1 for Probst. Talk about how HII are huge in this game. JT says he doesn’t have one. Yeah, cause you gave it away like an imbesullan (+5 to anyone who knows that joke). Time to vote.

We see 3 votes for JT and 2 for Jerri. Noteworthy (in hindsight): Candice says she is voting for her because Jerri is least likely to receive the Idol. Time to tally the votes.

Poverty stops Jeff and then gives Sandra an idol. The Heroes are smirking since they voted for Jerri. And then.... Poverty gives Jerri an idol! WHAT!?!?

I'll trade you my HII for your jury vote.

And the crap hits the fan as the Heroes realize they are in troubs. “I knew we shouldn’t have trusted that ____” says Rupert. Have fun filling in your own noun: Troll, MF, hobbit, satan, Stumpy McStumperson. So five votes for Jerri are null and void. Three votes later, JT is out. You just got played, son.

Echoing millions of Americans when we first heard your stupid plan.

The Heroes look like they just found out their dog died on the day they got fired and their spouse left them for a younger, hotter but extremely stupid version of themselves. Russell, because he is delusional and thinks he is running this game, tells Poverty “You’ve got some explaining to do.”

Doesn't she know, she's in my dumbass girl alliance?

We all know I have beauty but I've also got the brains!

JT got voted out with his own idol and officially goes down in Survivor history as the DUMBEST move EVER.

sniff This never would have happened if Stephen were here sniff

Next week: Sandra promises to vote out Russell since she has been gunning for him since day one. I hope this is true but I’ve seen this promo thirty times and he still sticks around. One can only hope.

This episode has turned all of my thinking on its head. I’m rooting for Rupert? He is showing signs of intelligence and strategy? I now think Poverty’s somewhat brilliant. I mean really, the two people who should have been voted out were sitting ducks (Poverty and Russell), received NO votes. Poverty could have just secured two jury votes if she makes it to the end from Sandra and Jerri. I’ll say this, I don’t like Poverty but she really is brilliant. She did it to have the numbers when they very well could have been voting for her. I think it’s because Amanda said “just in case” that Poverty knew they weren’t voting for her. I’m not saying I want her to win but if she does, she deserves it at this point. We still have six eliminations to go though so we will see how this all plays out. All I know is I’m excited.

"You say yes/ I say no/ You say stop/ I say go"

Ah the pitfalls of job hunting. There is a pretty awesome journalism site where all the job postings are by word of mouth. I found out about it thanks to my friend NE, so thanks NE. I've found a couple good ones but more often than not, I stumble across one where I think I can do this! I would be great at that! And then I keep reading and there is always a catch.

Exhibit A: Women's magazine needing an editorial assistant? In Atlanta!? Perfect for someone looking to break into the world of publishing? THAT'S ME! Oh it's for women who are not of my race so that'd probably be a strike against me.

Exhibit B: Blogger for Women's site. Okay! (Even though I still call myself a girl. Asked an Old Navy employee if they had any of the boyfriend sweaters left for girls. She said: Women or girls? I replied: I meant women. Doh!) And you can be in any location since it's done remotely? Awesome. A divorce blogger: Nooooo. A menopause blogger... definitely no. A debt blogger: Sorta maybe kinda. Must be 35-50. Yeah, no.

And a ton of the jobs are in NY. Oh if I only I had the guts to move there. But, nope.

UGH. And why do people ask you questions why you clearly have earbuds in? And then don't wait for you to pause your music and instead ask you over and over until you respond. Then I feel bad but seriously!

"I'll be fine once I get/ I'll be good ... I'm on the pursuit of happiness"

Son of a biscuit.

Since SO was pretty much etched in my mind for years, I've been brainstorming for the next one. Too soon? Maybe. But I do want to make a career out of this so I got to have more than one idea. So I have a pretty basic one. A plot summary, if you will. But it's hard to write 50,000 words about a 30 word idea. And I've been thinking about the characters and trying to create them and whatnot. A bunch of artsy-fartsy stuff. So I've really started to finalize the characters. I am getting more of the plot in my mind. Writing out spurts of dialogue to work in as I go. Everything I did with SO, minus the huge family (never again) and the setting. Things were going good

..... until.

I started reading a new book last night. Like I said, I don't read the backs of books cause inevitably something is given away and I want to avoid that. I got this book at McKay's and its by an author where I LOVE one of her other novels so I thought I'd give this one a try. So I'm reading and this is my thought process: Hey, this is kind of like what I came up * keeps reading * Oh no, this is pretty close to what I thought of * keeps reading * This is REALLY close. But as long as this certain thing doesn't happen, I'll be good. * keeps reading * Oh crap.

Now, just a big idea is sort of the same. But mine is already different. Just the act that leads to it is also the same. Ugh. But I mean there are a bazillion books out about human teenage girls falling in love with vampires and they are doing okay right?

And now I'm torn. Do I keep reading? Do I stop? The book is good. I do know how I want mine to end so it's not like I am getting ideas. Oh this stinks. What to do, what to do?

"This town is my home/ It's deep in my soul"

Oh! I happened to notice that this is my 100th post. Exciting. Well, kinda. Anywho...

I know you've all been waiting with bated breath for the answer to clue #3 from this post about a key element in SO. My mom (one of my most faithful readers. Thanks!) came sort of close with her guess about UGA football. So the answer is da da da daaaaaaa: Attending UGA is another major component in the book! At least I think that's why I made it two spaces instead of one (UGA) or three (University of Georgia). Either way, UGA all the way.

Oh, did I just lose some potential readers? Florida fans? Tech fans? Well don't worry I don't bash your schools coughtoomuchcough. Like I've said all along, my book is for the young adult crowd. Did I want to write a book about being in high school? No. Nor do teens want to read about having a job, paying bills and worrying about making rent so I opted for college. 1) I have experience. Four years worth actually. 2) When I was younger I felt like I read a lot of books about middle and high schoolers. Heck, the BSC eternally stayed in junior high. Gearing up for college, sure, and even law school but never really college. That doesn't mean they don't exist but I never stumbled across them (probably because it is something you're not supposed to write about knowing my luck). But the summer before I left for college, I re-read the books I had where the character was going through the same thing (with sweaty palms causing the book to slip out of my hands. I was scared, some may even say terrified of going to college). This way, I would know what to expect and all the awesomeness of college*. So rather than make up a fictional college (Georgia University) in Smathens, I thought why not just fully commit? So I did, I really did.

So UGA and Athens are a major player in the book. Restaurants, bars, and landmarks all make it into the book, or at least my favorite ones do. Do you think I lack all creativity? That might be a safe bet but this is the way I look at it: If I read a book that takes place in New York or New Orleans and the author names a restaurant, a bakery, or even a street, it might really exist. How should I know? I've don't live there; I don't know every nook and cranny of the city. It's just a little homage to the the greatest college town in the world (or the tenth according to away.com).

Plus, I write what I know. This should be obvious by now.

* If anyone has seen the "I Love College" music video by Asher Roth, a song that discusses $1 slices of pizza, skipping class, and beer pong, you know that a billion 14 year olds have commented is this what college is lyke?!?i cant wait 2 go!!!!! So really, I might have stumbled onto something brilliant.

"How stupid can I be/ A simpleton could see/ That you're no good for me"

Survivor Recap! It's almost time for the merge and I waited to weed out all the people I didn't know since I didn't watch several seasons when I was at UGA (couldn't take the verbal abuse). Now we are down to be a pretty well-known group. This season has been pretty awesome (the Cirie blindside had me jumping on the couch with excitement) but then Boston Rob (my #1 pick to win it all) got voted off and my level of enthusiasm dropped. Anyway, I will give you a quick run down of my take on each remaining Survivor:

1. Amanda- Always looks like she about to cry and/or sneeze. She displays some reasoning skills but can also be really dumb (like keeping James around with his bum knee and voting out Tom). The jury's out on this one.

2. Candice- No idea who she is. She's athletic and seems to have some good ideas. Sort of wishy-washy. I guess I like her. Well best out of the girls anyway.

3. Colby- Ah the Colpster. My first Survivor crush. He was robbed his season, got ousted by Lex way too early during All-Stars, and has escaped the chopping block several times this season. I'm liking that the spark is back in him so Colby FTW! I luff him.

4. Courtney- aka Twiggy. Needs to eat a sandwich. Actually like a million of them. If I was on her tribe and she ever complained about being hungry, I would punch her. She came into the game already like a twig so I doubt she eats substantially in real life. She is sassy though and has some good commentary. So I like her a smidge. Even if I do worry she is going to break in two at any given moment.

5. Danielle- Who? Is she six years old with that ruffle on her bikini bottom? She did stand up to Russell last week (even though she ended up going against her own argument). She's under the radar so she'll probably end up in the final three.

6. Jerri- Hated her since her first season (probably cause I was insanely in love with Colby and she flirted with him). She's been pretty stupid this season with her alliance choices. I just can't stand her and her weird teeth/ gums.I can't pinpoint exactly what but something is funky.

7. JT- Used to be one of the most deserving winners in my opinion. However, I think his buddy Stephen may have been the true mastermind because JT has lacked finesse this season. Flip-flopping votes, going to look for the HII without telling anyone, and now his little "strategic" move last night. My love is fading fast (plus he supposedly slept with Sugar. According to her twitter. I doubt it but still. Rude. -10 JT). But at least this cements Ethan as the most deserving winner ever in my book (plus he beat cancer. Ethan is awesome)!

8. Parvati- aka Poverty. I know she went to UGA so I should like her but I don't. I get it, she flirts and guys fall for it. I don't like her but if she stabs Russell in the back and blindsides him, I will love her forever. Or at least tolerate her.

9. Rupert- Completely over this guy. WAY too big of an ego. I wasn't even crazy about him on his season and by his third rotation, I just cringe any time he talks. He has proven to be pretty worthless and he's lucky he got into a dominating alliance. If he wins fan favorite again, I will throw something.

10. Russell- Ah the little hobbit on crack. I'd maybe like him if he would SHUT UP about how awesome he is. If you have to constantly remind us maybe that means you aren't that great. Plus I think anytime we've seen major strategizing going on, it's been Danielle and Poverty back and forth and Russ just sitting there. He sticks to his "vote out anyone who suspected me" plan. But he ousted Boston Rob so he's dead to me.

11. Sandra- I didn't think she deserved to win her season. She is sassy and has some good one liners but all in all, I just don't really care.

Okay, so that's how I feel. Now for the recap! Previously on * slight pause * Survivor: The Heroes are on a winning streak after sucking for so long. JT found the HII and got caught by Amanda and Candice. The Heroes assume there is a Villain female alliance and Russell is milking it. Coach got blindsided with all the girls voting for him except Jerri. And Russell wrote his name on his vote for Twiggy probably to ensure Coach's vote on the jury if he makes it to the final three. Dear God, I hope not. Wait, actually I do because then we can watch him cry again when he comes in second place then offers the winner $10,000 for the title of sole survivor and still get shut down.

Night 21: Jerri had no idea Coach was getting voted out. Danielle assures her she's not next even though she was completely left out of the loop. Russ says he is still gunning for Twiggy and Sandra.

Day 22: Tree mail. The clue is about the reward challenge we saw in Tocantins where Coach got injured, injured bad: Holding themselves up between two walls using their forearms and really small footholds. If they outlast the other tribe's member, they get a point and the first to three wins. They have to rank from strongest to weakest to determine the pairings. Russell decides to sit out since he is heaviest. On the Heroes, Rup claims he is strongest one out there and I think he is insane since his little broken toe is holding him back. Didn't he compete like 6 years ago on his first season? You're not in the same shape buddy.

Reward challenge: JT and Rupert announce AGAIN there must be a female alliance since Coach is gone. I'm not saying that's not a fair assumption but don't verbalize it. You know what they say when you assume... The reward is a huge feast courtesy of Outback Steakhouse. I love blatant product placement because it has the opposite effect on me. I will not be going there anytime soon out of spite. Who wants Chili's?!

The pairings from strongest to weakest are:

1. Danielle and Candice 2. Twiggy and Amanda 3. Poverty and JT (JT won his season) 4. Jerri and the Colpster (J says hi to Colby and I love how you see the annoyance on his face) 5. Sandra and Rupert (Competed together on Pearl Islands; he tells her he loves her and she rolls her eyes. +1 Sandra)

Once the challenge gets underway, Jeff points out this is the 100th day Amanda has played Survivor. That's insane. That's 100 days of not eating, sleeping properly, or bathing. I wonder if she will live for 100 days less than she would have if she had not competed cause that has to take a toll on you. I know it wasn't all at once but still.

JT mouths to Russell on the sidelines"hang in there" and Russell eats it up. He bows his head with hands clasped in gratitude. I don't like Russell and don't think he's that great of a strategic player but when an opportunity is smacking him in the face, he grabs it and really commits.

After 30 minutes, we see the boys starting to struggle. Colby is out first. Sadface. Sandra looks fine saying she popped out two babies and "didn't even get a [sic] aspirin". Rup on the other hand has beads of sweat dripping out of his gross beard. Rup is down. Two points for the villains. Amanda starts to struggle. She's against Twiggy who weighs 73 pounds so I think we all know how this is going to end. The music swells and... Amanda's out. Villains win reward. Jerri is crying, she's so happy to get food (maybe she's a former chubby kid. She always freaks out about the food). Poverty's laugh always sounds like she is crying or at the very least extremely nasally. -1 Poverty.

At the reward, Poverty marvels over having a napkin and what should be folded up inside the very item she is drawing attention to? A clue to the HII? Yup. She is smart, stuffs it in her shorts and doesn't say a word. I'm shocked the producers didn't tell Russell to sit there. But I guess since Poverty is in an alliance with him, she'll do.

Poverty and Danielle go off and Poverty shows D the clue. They read it and stuff it in D's top to take back to camp (there's ample room to hide it. Didn't Danielle come in second place her season? We know what she used her money for). Poverty says she wants Danielle to feel like she trusts her the most so that pretty much ensures these two will be making it to the finals. Poverty says Russ is on a need to know basis. I almost hope he does find out she has it and didn't tell him because he will cut her so fast. But at the same time Poverty is my only hope to oust Russell so I'm conflicted.

Back at the Heroes camp, JT reveals his super awesome plan: If they win the next immunity challenge, he will give the HII to Russell so he can save himself and vote out Poverty (-50 for JT). That way, Russ can flip to the Heroes-side post merge. Amanda voices that they don't know what is going on over there and Russell could be in with the girls. +1 for Amanda.

Day 23. Poverty and Danielle sneak off and find the HII. The editors try to make it look like Russ is stalking towards them but he was probably just hurrying to go potty (we know he spews a lot of crap. Zing!). Poverty says Russ isn't the king but rather she's the queen. I realize I am seeing Poverty when she has been out in the jungle without hygiene products for 20some days but I don't see the appeal at all.

Day 24. JT is writing his note to Russell about what to do with the HII. JT, you're an idiot. Why can't this wait until they actually merge and see who is on the outs. Rupert tells him to add in the note "This is your chance to not be a villain". If you heard coming into this season, without seeing Russell's gameplay, that he is one of the top five villains ever, why would you think he would stop now? Plus, Russ can't keep his mouth shut so everyone probably knows he ended up in the final three.

You know you love me. xoxo -JT

Immunity challenge: Each member must string a bag containing a puzzle piece along a rope through an obstacle course in the water. Once all five pieces are on the platform on shore, they will put together the pieces to build a totem pole. First one done, wins immunity. The Heroes have a lead pretty much the whole time thanks to Rupert and JT's strong start. Colby and Russell are the last ones out in the water so Colby gets Russell's attention. Nooooooo Colby! Not you too! -1 Colby. UGH! Colby fills Russell in on the plan and tells him to go to JT after the challenge is done cause he has something for him. Colby hops in the water for his turn and Russell is smirking. UGH. It starts to rain because God is crying and can't believe He created such stupid people. The Heroes win immunity (cue Jeff's signature arm raise, two fingers up, slightly bent elbows gesture).

"I'm an idiot."

And then like a scene from Ocean's Eleven, JT hides the HII and slips it to Russell during a congratulatory hug. Do the two tribes always do this post-challenges? I've never seen hugs, only bitter comments and taunting. I smell a rat.

Operation COMPLETELY STUPID

Neither Russ nor myself can believe his luck. "Now I don't even have to find idols, people just give them to me. You don't give the enemy the idol. Especially when his name is Russel Hantz." I mean I hate him but he has a good point. Why would they do this? WHY? Oh and Russell, people were giving you idols last season: the producers. Hey-oh!

I'm NEVER gonna shut up about this one.

Russell shows Poverty the note and she reads it all dramatically and they have some giggles. JT has very nice cursive handwriting. You wouldn't think he was the cursive type. This is all I can focus on because I hate Russell and Poverty.

Russell shows Jerri and Danielle his BFF necklace from JT. They all laugh because it is completely ludicrous. The four debate who to keep between Sandra and Twiggy. Poverty gives it some thought and argues keeping Twiggy. I will say this: I don't like Danielle but she does raise good points about how either is likely to flip since they are on the outs. Maybe Danielle just points out the obvious but a lot of these players lack that capability.

TC: The first member of the jury, Coach, waltzes in with some phoenix feathers and a kimono. I love how delusional he is. I think he is going to continue to make himself look like crap so he can trick his three friends back at home into thinking that he makes it to the end if he still looks disheveled. There's an argument between Sandra and Danielle and they blatantly acknowledge the two alliances. Danielle looks like she hasn't washed the area around her mouth for five weeks. Maybe it's just a shadow but it's bad. I take back anything I said about Danielle having common sense. That now goes to Sandra. +5 for her. Poverty says she is running the show in a joking-but-actually-really-serious way. Thank you to the editors who pan over to Jerri when Russ says he only trusts Danielle and Poverty. Yup, you're stupid for abandoning Boston Rob. -10 for Jerri.

Twiggy is awesome and schools Jerri. Twiggy says she stuck with Boston Rob instead of abandoning him like Jerri and Coach did. Jerri says she was never in Boston Rob's alliance and Twiggy points out Jerri voted for Poverty at one point but is now in an alliance with her. "You flipped in time to save your butt so awesome for you. I guess I didn't flip quick enough." Oh Twiggy, I'm starting to like your sass. +11 for the Twig since that number looks like her bird legs.

Time to vote. We see no votes. Jeff reads one for Jerri and the rest are Twiggy. Twiggy is out and the second jury member. Sadface. Sandra even voted for Twiggy. Don't know why but I would like to. Coach is looking like a douche trying to appear all zen-like in a Buddha pose. I bet Twiggy and Coach are going to have a supermegaawesome time at Ponderosa.

I can't wait to eat a piece of lettuce. I'll be so full.

Next time: MEGRE! It's tied five to five. Russ swears he is on board with the Heroes. But Sandra may sell out him out. Come on! Say you can take me to the end. No one will vote for me, I've already won once! COME ON SANDRA!

"Truth be told I miss you"

What happens when your year old niece, NP, gets ahold of the keyboard while her mom is talking to her sister on video gchat (much better than iChat in my opinion):

LA: .2222-*99*696999-9

++

3.000.665

4

041111123..............................3.20320+

625*998585-+74-+=74=-+/88/5=8=

++

2501

5100118

44

.0201

01

0..............

878

03

.3.........

101.544111.022222220

We will be talking and then you hear the gchat beep but then realize it is the very person you are video chatting with. I don't know why I find this hilarious but I do. Her dad does work for a prominent internet company, maybe computers are in little NP's future as well.

"And you'll think you've gone as far/ As you will ever get"

OH! I figured out a way to up my "perfect crime" theory. Refresher: I always worry about leaving my laptop unattended in places in Panera or Starbucks. So sometimes I either rush really fast or I ask a respectable-looking person to watch it for me. But I always worry that the "respectable person" is the one who is going to steal it. Seriously, perfect crime. Or so I thought...

If you were going to be deceitful and a bad person who steals other people's laptops, here is a way to gain a little more trust than just looking respectable and friendly: Wear scrubs. I mean, who doesn't trust a doctor? A doctor who is on their lunch break eating a sandwich with those gentle, healing hands as they possibly fret over trying to come up with a way to save Susie while they sip on a sweet tea.

The only reason I came up with this idea is because I just asked a doctor to watch my stuff. But obvs, he didn't steal it since I am typing this up on my laptop. Cause he is a real doctor and is making the big bucks and doesn't need to steal my five year old laptop for a quick buck.

"Oops I did it again"

Here is today's Helpful Hint from Annie about job searching:

ALWAYS proofread your cover letter. Especially when you use incorrect grammar after you've stated, quite clearly, that you rock when it comes to grammar. And always read it over once more especially when you toot your own horn about paying great attention to detail when that little error clearly slipped on by your eagle eyes.

Whoops. Probably won't be hearing from them.

PS The error wasn't that huge. Just used "a" when it should have been "an". But still... I weep.

"I don't know why/ But with you I'd dance in a storm in my best dress/ Fearless"

Some of my favs from my little black and white polka dotted notebook (polka dot really is a strange word/phrase):

"Don't you understand that everything I do, I do it for you. Anything that might be special in me is you." -Finn Bell, Great Expectations

"You get through it, you just never get over it." -Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult

"[How] the follies of the people closest to you can be used as a kind of currency to buy your own allure." -Best Friends by Martha Moody pg 276

"I've become a real believer in not defining every single thing. Seems like every time you think you've figured it out what something is, it just becomes something else." -Felicity

"Nobody knows who they really are anyway. Most people are just trudging along- waiting for something to happen. True character doesn't even come out until people are tested- put in extreme situations... and most people spend their lives trying to avoid those kinds of situations." -Forget About It by Caprice Crane pg 313

"The thing about addiction is it never ends. Well because eventually whatever it is that was getting us high stops feeling good and starts to hurt us. Still they say you don't kick the habit until you hit rock bottom, but how do you know when you're there? Because no matter how badly a thing is hurting us, sometimes letting it go hurts even worse." -Grey's Anatomy

And now I'm walking in the park/ All of the birds, the dance below me/ Maybe when things turn green again/ It will be good to say you know me -John Mayer, "In Repair"

"You can't fail if you don't give up." -The Last Kiss

"Will you fly me away/ Take me away with you my love"

We have a winner (Oh no, not about the "guess the hint" mini guessing game. I'll explain that one in a different post)!

I finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows) and I really, really liked it. It's the first book that has made it to the bookshelf instead of the floor in my sister's room for the next trip to McKay's. Hooray! I highly recommend. It was interesting even if it has a slightly slow start. And there are a billion characters introduced or at least referenced, but really who am I to complain? I was actually sad when it was over because I just wanted to know more. Hooray! Hopefully Jackson's book is coming soon and I will start another new one tonight. Maybe this will be a new good reads streak!

Summary (courtesy of Goodreads.com): January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she's never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb.... As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends--and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is.

"Hey soul sister/ I don't want to miss/ A single thing you do"

Now I know I've advertised Jackson Pearce on here a couple of times: The author from UGA who is two years older than me, went to hear her speak a few months ago, yaddy yaddy yadda. I just ordered her first book As You Wish today and am eagerly awaiting its arrival! Her second novel is coming out this summer. YAY!

Well she is pretty awesome and doing these monthly contests in anticipation of the release of Sisters Red and giving away prizes. The contest is usually something like subscribe to her on Youtube (done), join her Facebook fan page (yup), follow her on Twitter (check) but this month it is different. All you have to do is blog about Sisters Red. So, here it is! Literally.

Is that not a freaking gorgeous cover?! If I saw that on the shelf, without knowing anything about Jackson or even the content, I would pick it up. But we all know you shouldn't judge a book by its (really freaking awesome) cover so here is the blurb, courtesy of Amazon:

Scarlet March lives to hunt the Fenris--the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend--but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for?

Yup, sounds pretty good. I am eagerly awaiting this one. But until then, I'll just keep checking out her blog. And Youtube. And Twitter. :)

"Let's lay these bones to rest/ Build it all over and start again ... We're nearly home"

I killed several trees today. I apologize to the environment. Sorry!

After making the font smaller, downsizing to single-spaced, and eliminating any unnecessary gaps, Square One is now 124 pages (down from 360). I printed it out so my sisters and mom can read the book without having to stare at a computer screen for hours. I'm used to it and don't even notice, but LA mentioned it so I thought I would make it easy on the rest.

I also learned that an ink cartridge only lasts for about 110 pages. Unless it is possible they just get tired and rebel by using less ink. Either way, I'm down a cartridge.

Well this stack of papers was put into a folder and handed off to sister AE this afternoon. I thought I was worried about sis LA reading it but the fears are somewhat tripled with AE. We talked books on the 1.5 hour drive to McKay's the other day. We are both rather critical. She could feel this way about SO. Plus she might also rip on my grammar. Or just the content in general. Or maybe about the fact that she doesn't like the name of her character. But heyyyy, maybe if she is nice I will let her change her name! Incentive AE, incentive.

And since I'm pressed for time since Thursday is an awesome tv night (Why'd they have to vote off Boston Rob?! Thank God Anthony is back on Project Runway. What happened to The Office?), I'll leave you with a little game. In the above picture is a clue as to another topic in the book. Remember this list of the five major played that influenced the book:

1. My family.

2. My friends.

3. _____ _____.

4. ___ ____ ______.

5. __ _____.

Well there's a hint to #3 in that above picture. Take some guesses (if you have already read the book or been told key elements, you cannot guess. Unless no one else does. Then feel free to be a winner by sort of cheating)! Good luck! Answer will be revealed, well the next time I get around to writing in this thing.

And now we wait...

"No there ain't no rest for the wicked/ Until we close our eyes for good"

"Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in book that brings them to their perfect readers. How delightful if that were true." -The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I haven't read a good book in a really long time. And this makes me sad. I mean, I really liked The Blind Side a lot. I teared up several times (much like I did during the movie) but I skipped over a lot of the technical football/history stuff cause I don't understand it and frankly, didn't really care. I already wrote how I felt about Picoult's latest. I read Water for Elephants which I feel like got really talked up both by the reviews and some of my friends but I just wasn't crazy about it. LC's "book" (I'm sorry, I just really doubt she wrote it all by herself) was entertaining and of course it leaves off with a cliffhanger so you're eager for the next one even if this one was only so-so (kind of like previews for the next episode of The Hills). But really, I just want to read a really great book. Maybe one that makes me cry, just a little bit. Maybe the last great book I read was Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah but that was a loooong time ago. But that book was excellent.

I did start reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society two nights ago and after a slightly slow start, I definitely like it and am excited to read more. So that's good. But I liked The Help too and the ending just didn't clinch it for me. I know, I'm a tough critic. This is just setting me up for terrible reviews in the future if anything of mine ever gets published. But maybe TGL&PPPS will end the dry spell.

And even if it doesn't, my sister goes to this HUGE used bookstore in Chattanooga every now and then and always brings back some goodies. I used to send requests for books and she'd bring some back or let me borrow some of hers. And I got to tagalong a few weeks before Christmas and got several books. And she and I went on Monday and I got a rather large supply this time around. But really, she and I treat it like a glorified library because you always tote back a box of stuff you are trading in for credit. My first trip to McKay's was super successful. I got at least three books that I had been wanting for several months and she never found them (or they just weren't in stock). But this time around, I went in with a list of book, organized alphabetically and by genre so I could maximize the time I was there. I think I found two on my list of 20+ books. So then I just started throwing in anything that looked interesting and ended up accumulating quite the pile. My sister made me whittle it down a couple of books but I walked away with this:

Hopefully a really, really, really good book is hiding in there. Fingers crossed. Oh yeah, you can also see what kind of book I go for: the toss in your bag to read at the pool kind.