Slowly, and then all at once.

It's pretty incredible how one book or one movie or one song can make you feel so much, think so much, and reflect so much. The Fault in Our Stars is one of those books and movies that leaves a lasting impression on anyone that comes across it. Personally, I believe it's a pivotal book that will be one of the triumphed young adults of our time. It's one that will be read for decades to come. A while back, I read the book and like most would agree, it was pretty unforgettable. So when I heard that it was going to be made into a film, with the author's help, I was ecstatic. I think that turning a book into a movie is a delicate art that often is unsuccessful. The book is always better, yes, but we all still want a great, similar movie! And The Fault in Our Stars delivered in a way that is rare.

I watched just about every trailer and behind the scenes feature I could before seeing this movie. I was so excited that I would get a knot in my stomach when I thought about the movie (how bad is that?) I love the love in this movie so unbelievably much. While some might think it is unrealistic, I do not agree. It is real, while the situation may vary for everyone. Some may find this love when they are young, some when they are old, but it's one that teaches a lesson-- life is a precious gift and we are meant to live it with as much zeal as possible. The love in this movie is not limited to romantic love, but friendship love as well. Gus and Hazel's love is beautiful, but the love that is shed between the friendship of Isaac and Gus is just as brilliant. Love stories always get us feeling some special way, but this one is one of my favorites. It's most certainly a result of John Green's magnificent writing. 

"I fell in love with him the way you fall asleep... slowly, and then all at once." 

                         If that doesn't describe falling in love, I sure as heck don't know what else does. 

(I could continue to recite my favorite quotes but I don't feel like typing 99% of the book ;))

Sooo, I saw the movie three times. Two of the times were in the duration of twelve hours. I have to say that it was the best book to movie adaptation I have ever seen. Only very minor details were left out so no one could be too upset. 

I have to admit though, I did not cry. But when I think back on it, I didn't cry any of the times I read the book. It's strange because I can be pretty emotional. I was so sad, do not get me wrong, I just never balled, like I expected. 

When I went with Amanda, we got crafty and had tshirts and everything. It was a great time, even if we left the theater a little sad.

Only a little excited

Okay really excited

One of my favorite parts of the movie (besides all of it!) was the music. It was spot on perfect! Here's some favorites.

 

I sure do hope you treated yourself to this book and movie. It's not one you want to wait to come to Redbox- it's worth the overpriced movie ticket and snacks!

xo

Hannah

Not So Humble Hannah

Sometimes in life, I think that it is okay to be proud of your accomplishments. Especially ones that are spontaneous, successful, and pretty kick butt.

Good ol' Jimmy was going to ask Amanda to homecoming. They're BFFs, and more like brother and sister than anything else, but Jimmy knew how much fun it would be if the two of them went together for their senior homecoming. But if there's one thing that Jimmy is less proficient in, it's girls/relationships.

enter Hannah.

As Amanda's soul sister, I take on the wonderful responsibility of making sure Jimmy asks her in the right way. Not too grand and lovey, but not too cheap and lame. So as I was sitting here, on a Friday night, doing my science homework (yeah, I'm the kid that occasionally does homework on Friday nights. #nerdstatus) I dreamed up the most brilliant plan. I texted Jimmy, waited for the response, and drove like a mad woman to get to Dollar Tree before it closed at 9pm. By the way, it was about 8:43pm when this happened. Fifteen packs of glow sticks later, Jimmy and I (plus Olivia because mother doesn't like me going places late alone), were at the grocery stores, buying flowers and candy. We sat in the parking lot and assembled some letters together, as the plan was to spell out 'homecoming' in glow sticks on Mandy's driveway.

When we got to Amanda's house, we silently were assembling the glow sticks on the driveway when the garage door OPENS! We were freaking out, and grabbed the glow sticks and hid behind my car across the street. Amanda's dad pulled out and left without seeing us. We quickly made our glow stick display, when Amanda's dad came back, this time with her brother in the car. We explained to him what we were doing, and I went to get Mandles. Her dad said she wouldn't be asleep, but he was wrong. I silently walked into her pitch black room to wake her up. Sorry about that Mandy haha! I told her there was a crisis to attend to, and made her put on some clothes. We walked out to the driveway, where Jimmy was waiting, and Livi was videotaping. It was so darn cute! Amanda was still in a state of waking up as we snapped some quick pictures so she could go back to bed and get sleep before taking the ACT the next morning!

love this girl

I can honestly say that this was one of my best ideas to date, and am so happy how it worked out! Boys, take note. This is a great way to ask the ladies!

xo
Hannah

Catch Up Part Two

Today we'll quickly finish playing catch up on the blog!

Last Thursday, was Tri-M induction. Tri-M is basically music national honor society, and for 'modern music masters'. The ceremony involved reciting a really long pledge that everyone kept messing up, them losing my certificate, and having three Ms painted on our face, as per tradition. Afterwards, came pictures of course. And an Amanda-Hannah chat session in the parking lot, followed by following Jimmy home. We're a ton of fun.

holding my invisible certificate

friends for 9 years! my little 11th graders aren't so little #shortieprobs

mandy and jim, bffs

amanda just loves to be held! ;)

i just love my soul sister

Saturday night was my friend Hannah's party. I love that girl so much! I can't believe she is 18, an adult! That's insane. I wish I would have got pictures of the party. Amanda did a great job of helping Hannah's mom making it look all cute and perfect. It was a surprise party, and Hannah sure was surprised! It was great:)

At the party some of us had a little too much Dr. Pepper, and that resulted in us needing to get some air. Which also means having Jimmy drive us around so we can sing super loud. And find an empty parking lot to take pictures in;)

too cool for our own good

we don't know gang symbols so we flash hearts

classic us

we just have too much fun

 This week I promise to be a better blogger! Hannah will not be MIA! 

xo
Hannah

Friday I'm in Love

Probably the best thing about senior year is having three off periods.  On Wednesdays and Fridays, I only have ONE class. It's amazing! I sleep in a little, go to class, and I'm done!

Fridays are especially great because I feel like I get to start my weekend early:) This morning though, I didn't sleep in. I brought my brother to school, picked up some cookies for my mom, filled my car with gas, and leisurely laid on the couch and enjoyed some of The Office. It was great. The best part about being up before 8am is watching the sunrise and watching it's magnificent glow take over the day.

I was so drawn to the rays of sun, and how it warmed up all of the backyard. I snapped some pictures, just because. I am always drawn to the beauty of Heavenly Father's work.

After I went to my one and only class, AP Calc, Sierra, Riley, Mackenzie and I went to the movies. We first had lunch with Jess at Panda Express (yum yum yum) and we then went to see We're the Millers. It was my second time seeing it, and it's literally one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. Then came cross country, which was killer in the heat, but as usual, now that I'm done, I feel very proud.  We ran into Livi and her friend when we were going back to the school so we made them take a picture of us, to show everyone how strong and hot we are!

meet h.a.m. - hannah, amanda, mackenzie. the hottest xc runners eva

Later, Amanda and I watched Mama and it was the scariest movie I have ever seen! I am still so freaked out by it! It left a lot of loose ends, and kept us screaming the whole entire time. We then had to watch an episode of The Office to make everything better;)

This first week back to school has been exhausting, but fulfilling. I am so excited for the rest of senior year!

xo
Hannah

A Summer Reflection

Tomorrow is the dreaded first day of school. As I reflect on the summer, I realize that it was truly the best summer ever, and as it comes to an end, I feel at peace.  I completely made use of every day, and am without one regret or "I wish I would have done this!".  I feel physically, spiritually, and emotionally nourished.

In preparation for cross country, but also for some mental clarity, I would try to go on a run every day. Did this happen? No way Jose, but my initiative for a healthier lifestyle truly payed off. When I didn't run, I would work out in some way shape or form. I ate cleaner, I slept better, and took charge of my health. That sort of improvement goes further than physical success.

I had me time, and in that time, I learned so much more about myself. I journaled like a mad woman this summer and I cannot express my love for writing enough. I am so happy I did journal, I know that one day, I will look back at my journals and their sacred meaning. Every morning and every night, it was nice to just stop, and reflect on the world around me, and how I was feeling. In those journals are the most honest Hannah you will ever find.

I made so many more relationships this summer as well, and have a whole new picture on friendship and what comes with it. From Europe to Girls Camp, so many new and wonderful bonds were created and I am so grateful. And with those friendships, I am reminded how lucky I am to have such a close group of friends. I saw a tweet just the other day of a girl saying she was jealous of the girls who have had a solid group of friends all through high school. It put into perspective how rare and precious it is that I am still best friends with the people I was best friends with as a freshman.  Love them all.

I feel like this summer was really big for me spiritually, and that my relationship with Heavenly Father was perhaps most strengthened. There are no words to describe my joy for this.

Overall, this summer was more than I could have asked for. Here's some of my favorite memories...

oh that first day of freedom

the most precious girls

taylor swift!

a sisterhood always together <3

berlin

gelato<3 ...and the day we payed over $20 for water

i left my heart in budapest

crazy nights in krakow (with more gelato)

night hikes in hungary

pulling an all nighter is worth it when you have good conversation

classical music concert <3

europe europe europe

girls camp with my soul sister, bestest friend ever

D&C gang foreva

snipe hunting!

wonderful family time in kauai

such beauty

just the wettest spot on earth, nbd

morning runs that ended with breakfast and my fave show

x -factor live!

outdoor movie fun

quality cousin time

nighttime adventures

love her to pieces

oh how i love us

the coolest people you will ever meet

Thanks for such wonderful wonderful memories, summer 2013. I will never ever forget you.

xo
Hannah