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

High Five for Friday!

Today was my very last Friday of high school. It's all sort of surreal. This whole graduation thing hasn't really hit me yet, and I don't think it will until it's time to go back to school and I'll be moving to Boulder. Time really has flown by folks.

But as bittersweet as it is, I'm going to celebrate Friday!!

1. Thursday, I pretty much could have not gone to school. I essentially did nothing. For almost three straight hours, I just watched movie trailers. I watched this one the most and OH MY GOSH I CANNOT WAIT!!!! ugh the feels.

I'm already crying.

During APES, Amanda and I just laid in the hall. Because we could.

2. Paisley is just so happy with his chalkboard and that makes me so happy!

3. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I usually run into Isabel at the end of the day and we talk. She's my tennis sister and my school sister (I just decided that since I don't have a sister to go to school with). I'm going to miss her so much next year! And of course I will miss Ainsley too! It's crazy that they're only in 9th and 10th grade... it feels like that was just me!

4. I am officially done with AP Calculus!!!! It is such a relief to be done. We had to do one last project and I think it turned out pretty darn cute. I'd explain what we did, but when I tried to explain it to my mom, she said it was like I was speaking a different language so I'll spare you that :) I took that AP exam on Wednesday, along with my APES exam on Monday and I sure am happy to be done!!

5. My neighbor, who is also the high school baseball coach and football coach, sent me this video. We used to watch a lot of inspirational sort of videos when I was in his class, but he knew this one was right up my alley. Bone marrow donation is something that I really am passionate- it truly takes a selfless person to be a donor. I will do anything in my power to sign up as many people to be donors as possible- you never know when you could save a life.


Video here (sorry it won't embed on the page:/)
More on bone marrow donation here and here

xo
Hannah

GRADUATION COUNTDOWN: 13 DAYS

Okay? Okay.

During Christmas break of junior year, I read the most amazing book, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I wrote a little review back here. Anyways, they decided to make it a movie and I have been so excited ever since I found out! John Green helped to produce the movie and in my opinion, that always makes the movie better. It's really important to have the author direct the movie so their vision is properly executed.

Anyways, when I found out that Shailene Woodley was going to be Hazel Grace, I was SO excited. I have loved Shailene since she was first Amy Jurgens in the "Secret Life of the American Teenager".  Oh and when she was Felicity Merriman;) I loved her in "The Spectacular Now" and "The Descendants" and I cannot wait to see her in Divergent and TFIOS! And then there's Ansel Elgort as Augustus Water. Swooooon. I LOVE HIM. I remember after seeing "Carrie", I looked him up because he was so attractive and when I saw he was going to be Augustus Waters, I was so thrilled. I just want a boy like Augustus Waters SO bad. I can't even discuss the details because it tears my heart up.

Yesterday, a 10 second trailer teaser was released. Today the real deal came out and holy shoot I'm even more excited now. Feel free to watch once... or 6865104714523 times like me.

"You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I can't tell you how

 thankful I am for our little infinity.” 

(cue the sobbing)

 

UGH I CANNOT EVEN HANDLE MY EMOTIONS RIGHT NOW I JUST CANNOT WAIT!

 

xo

Hannah

My Extraordinary, Ordinary Life

Ever since I saw the preview for "About Time" back in September when I saw "The Spectacular Now", I have known that it was a movie I would love. First of all, it has Rachel McAdams in it. It's impossible to go wrong with Rachel. Two, it was made by the same people as "Love Actually" and "Notting Hill", two of my favorite movies ever. I anxiously waited for it come out in November. However, it was one of those underpromoted movies that was only there for a few weeks with very limited show times. I have no idea how it did not generate more publicity because it was one of the most well-crafted movies I've seen in a while. Today, I decided I absolutely had to see it and searched around for it finding it on a *cough illegal website cough*.

And for the rest of the day, it has been replaying in my mind. It was a romance, but not overly puke-in-your-mouth romantic. I actually think a boy might be able to sit and enjoy it. It was real. Raw, honest, and inspiring. Sure, we can't actually travel back in time, but that's the point. The message is to live each day to the fullest. Yes, it seems cliche, but the movie does a great way of presenting this idea in an original way. Each of our lives are rich and opulent- you just have to see it that way.

Make time for what you love and who you love the most. And of course, make use of your time and see "About Time".

xo
Hannah

PS: I also really loved this movie because of the love, marriage, children aspect which is all I dream of in life so there's that too ;)

Tradition

If there's one thing I love, especially in the fall and winter, it's tradition. It just makes things special, and memory-worthy.

Last night we had our Annual Go To The Movies On A School Night In October night. It's basically when we decide to be rebels and go to the movies on a school night because we have no homework. We did it last year (exactly a year ago!) to see Pitch Perfect so therefore it's a tradition;) This year, we saw Carrie and I absolutely loved it!

It was actually my second time seeing it, but I loved it just as much the second time around. It wasn't really scary, but just gory and slightly violent. Julianne Moore does a great job of being a true loon, I'm happy to not have someone that crazy as my mother, and Chloe Grace Moretz was very good at being the fragile, lonely girl who you would never suspect evil from. Personally, I think it teaches a good lesson- if you bully people, it comes back to bite you in the butt. I just loved watching Carrie go crazy and kick some major butt. I highly recommend it to anyone, it's well-worth your time and money.

xo
Hannah

"This, right here, is beautiful"

I finally saw it. The Spectacular Now. Where to begin? I really loved the movie, it was spectacular;)

I went in with pretty high expectations, I'm not going to lie. Overall though, I was pleased. Here's what I loved most about it... I could relate! Isn't that what always lures us in? When you see that you're not the only one in the world who is 17 and has never had an ex-boyfriend? When you see you're not the only one who can be extremely awkward? We find peace in know we are not alone. It gives us a piece of hope to hang on to.

I'm not saying I'm like Aimee Finecky, by all means. We have a very different home life, but socially, I see us as equals. I can not ever imagine falling for a boy like Sutter Keely, but love is love. And when a boy loves you like Sutter loves Aimee, it's easy not to fall in head over heels.

This movie, like the book, was pretty straightforward, with not a lot of plot twists. But, there is so much more to the movie than the surface level. Each character, and situation, comes with a much deeper meaning. The movie is what being a teenager is about, what high school is about.

What I know some people didn't like was the ending to this movie. It was different than the book, and I personally liked it more. But it's ambiguous. What I realize though, is the ending of the book/movie is not bad, it's just not how I wanted it to end. But isn't that the same with life? It's not always what we want, but sometimes what we get.

I loved the acting, Shailene Woodley is one of my favorites, ever since Secret Life. And Miles Teller is pretty irrestiable, he stole my heart in Footloose. I do wish that some details of the book would have been in the movies. There were some that really characterized Aimee and Sutter, and would have made the movie that much better.

I highly recommend seeing it. I just love coming of age stories. It reminded me to slow down, take it in, and cherish these moments. The best part of life is not in the past or future, but right now.

xo
Hannah

//book review here//

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

The Spectacular Now -- A Book Review

Last month, Riley and I had a talk about book recommendations. She bought a ton and told me a few of the titles. She asked if I had ever read/heard of The Spectacular Now. I looked up the trailer and was hooked!

I have watched this trailer far too many times. #sorrynotsorry

Well anyways, I fell in love so I had to read the book. And I did in less than 12 hours. It was that good.

So here's my little review :)

The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp 

★★★★☆

Sutter Keely is the master of the party. He's the guy that your parents don't want you to hang out with, but he has the charisma to charm any girl. However, his reign only lasts through high school, as reality is a bit more harsh. He likes his 7Up spiked with whiskey and a girl with curves. But when Sutter wakes up to Aimee Finecky in someone else's front yard, his life changes. She slowly becomes the new girl in his life, as he helps her become less gentle, more aggressive, and teaches her to stand up for what she wants. As their relationship blossoms, Sutter realizes more about himself and more about the world around him. This wonderful coming-of-age story is authentic, and leaves readers enthralled with Sutter's power but perhaps upset with some decisions.

Overall, I really, really, really enjoyed the book! I highly recommend it, and I cannot wait to find a theater playing the darn movie close to me!!! Throughout the novel, you can't help but fall in love with Sutter and his genuine emotions for Aimee. I love to see how they both change. These sort of books always open my eyes up to a different "breed" of high schoolers. There's never books that reflect me and my friends... they would sound something like "They studied during the week and would hang out on the weekends getting slurpees and going to the movies or playing water pong. One worked at the movie theater, others babysat. They got good grades and had a great time with each other" The characters in these books live a very different life than me, so it's always refreshing to see a new perspective. The only reason this book didn't get five stars is because of how disappointed I was with the ending. It was good, but not how I would have ended it. Despite this, the book is a great YA novel to inspire the youth in you and to remind you that live in the spectacular now.

xo
Hannah

High Five for Friday!

I meant to do H5fF over the summer, but let's be honest, I haven't been a very consistent blogger. Whoops;) Here's this week's top five fave moments!

1. Do not be quick to judge this movie! IT IS SO GOOD! I don't even know why but it's just ahh perfect and I just could talk about it for days!

2. School registration :'(( But can we all just agree this picture is pretty fantastic? And of course, the one year I love my picture, it won't be in the yearbook.

3. Birthday celebrations for Olivia. How is she going to be 13?!

4. Basically I'm the coolest sister ever and drove around the neighborhood at 10pm with all the windows open, music blaring, and girls hanging out of them. Literally, one was standing up and out the sunroof, and the rest were out the other windows.

5. Olivia has strict rules for me when I drive the dance carpool. I like to mess with her (and I think I'm hilarious)

xo
Hannah

I Wish My Life Was a 90s Feel-Good

This week has gone by strangely fast, yet slow. That's kinda how summer goes though, the rhythm of it slowly sinks in.

I've been a bad blogger. Every minute of the day, I've been busy, doing something. And I'm going to Europe on Sunday. Holy shoot.

I've been babysitting my brains out, making millions of packing lists, and studying for the ACT on Saturday. So right now is the first time I've been able to prop open my laptop and blog.

So today, I present to you....

Why I Wish My Life Was a 90s Feel-Good

Whatever happened to chivalry? Does it only exist in 80's movies? I want John Cusack holding a boombox outside my window. I wanna ride off on a lawnmower with Patrick Dempsey. I want Jake from Sixteen Candles waiting outside the church for me. I want Judd Nelson thrusting his fist into the air because he knows he got me. Just once I want my life to be like an 80's movie, preferably one with a really awesome musical number for no apparent reason. But no, no, John Hughes did not direct my life. 

-Easy A

 Ahh, ain't that the truth? There's so much to be loved about 80s movies, they evoke a little hope for all of us hopeless romantic teenage girls. But there's something about a later decade that I love just a little bit more.

Time to think the 90s. Father of the Bride (one and two!), Steel Magnolias, The Parent Trap, You've Got Mail, It Takes Two, heck even Mrs. Doubtfire. Or the quintessential 90s TV series, 7th Heaven.

When you watch each of these movies or shows, you just feel good. Obviously, it's bit of Hollywood magic, but there's also just a feeling of comfort and happiness that brings me such nostalgia. The music, the clothing (it brings back memories!), and the overall feeling of happiness. I love it all!

So here's 9 reasons why I wish my life was a 90s feel-good.

1. Who wouldn't love to live in this house? Especially with Steve Martin as their dad!

ala Father of the Bride

2. or this house. Cmon, we all know everyone loves Uncle Jesse.

ala Full House

3. I can only dream of days riding a cruiser around in colorful Keds.

ala Now and Then

4. There would be no greater joy than gossiping and celebrating life with these ladies.

ala Steel Magnolias

5. We all now this movie made you want to see some crazy lady eat a lizard. And find your twin at summer camp.

6. And finding my twin is sorta necessary.

ala Parent Trap

ala It Takes Two

7. I kinda hope the Camden's will just adopt me. 

ala 7th Heaven

8. Ok, who hasn't wanted Robin Williams aka Mrs. Doubtfire to be their nanny housekeeper? 

ala Mrs. Doubtfire

 9. Above all else, I just want to hear those three words... you've. got. mail.

ala You've Got Mail

xo
Hannah

Wait? It's Friday?!

This week has FLOWN by! I always forget how fast the last few weeks go by!

Today was the AP Lang Exam. I thing I did really well, say what? Can't wait to see my score in July! Turns out all those stupid, hard (isn't it funny how when something is difficult for us, we call it stupid? just saying) multiple choices in class, quizzing on rhetorical terms, and writing a trillion timed writes pays off! I prepared, I tested, I conquered. (Asyndeton right there;))

Moving on... I am literally OBSESSED with this song. OBSESSED. I know post a lot of music on here but really, this song is one you HAVE to listen to!! If I had one last dying wish, it would be for everyone to listen to this song. It's the perfect good mood, gotta dance song. It helped me to wake up pumped for the exam, stay awake and alert during the exam, and celebrate after the exam. IT IS LITERALLY THE BEST.

Now is The Start -- A Fine Frenzy

After the exam, we had lunch at Panera (my fave!) and decided to go knit for a while at Tattered Cover. (a whole post about that to come soon!)

thanks for the pictures Kylee! hope you don't mind I stole your insta pic;)

With a quick break for AP Euro studying, we knit until about 6:30. It's basically my new favorite hobby even though it's frustrating as heck sometimes!

I just got back from a late night movie date with Mack. We saw The Great Gatsby and I loved it! There is so much to say that it too will get it's own post:)

I know that technically, as I post this, it is 1:43am on Saturday, but to me it's still Friday. I've been going for almost 20 hours now so it's really, it's still my Friday. But I'm exhausted, so peace out loves.

xo

Hannah

Blessed

Happy Easter! Christos Anesti, He has risen indeed!

This past week was a reminder of all the good things in my life that I so often forget when busy and stressed....

Birthday surprises

and celebrations

Watching great movies all day with my mom that leave old songs in our heads

Movie days after sledding

The best pictures from a BF5ever

Exploring downtown Denver

and ending the day with lots of laughter at the Old Spaghetti Factory

Shopping/running errands with my mom all day...and laughing from pure exhaustion trying on pajamas on top of her clothes at Target

Another day just with my momma, my favorite- ending it with Wahoo's

Cleaning my closet and reorganizing all my clothes in OCD fashion

Purple loving little sister

Reading a great book in less than a day (you better believe I've got a lot to say about it too!)

Watching one of the strangest movies ever

Babysitting my favorite littles

Pictures for me from my cousin (btw, she made only me one! and told me I was her favorite! This is monumental!)

I was going to make use of my break and catch up on blogging- I've got a list of things to record. But I just let things roll, and made the best of each day, getting up by 9 and not going to bed until 12 because I was spending time with some of my favorite people. Life is really about enjoying the small things.

xo
Hannah

Spring Breakers- HR Style

Spring break has had a pretty amazing start I'd say. My birthday brought a foot and a half of fresh snow which is how spring break in Colorado goes. We're very lucky when it doesn't snow during spring break for sure.

So this is #howwespringbreak 

Saturday was spent on the couch with my mom. It was probably one of the best days ever, I won't lie. We watched a ton of good movies as my other siblings made snow forts and went sledding. We watched The Devil Wears Prada, Mermaids, The Family Stone, Muriel's Wedding (my favorite scene :)), and You've Got Mail, all older movies but so good!! You've Got Mail is my new favorite!!!!

Sunday was just perfect. I watched Crazy, Stupid, Love and had waffles for breakfast, followed by the messiest, fastest sledding experience of my life. Jess, Mack, Riley, and I met up and no bones were broken! Although the first time down for me was a close call;) Mackenzie has a video I'll get from her some other time, but as soon as I started going, it was a flashback to August without a doubt. We went down several times, and each time, we just got more covered in mud from where the track had become bare. Somehow, Riley and I were always rolling on top of each other, or holding onto each other in mid-air, or hitting heads. It was so much fun! Definitely more fun than whatever goes down in this new movie. It looks ridiculous, definitely not what I would expect for a Selena Gomez movie! The day continued with hot chocolate, popcorn, and going to the movies. Riley, Mackenzie, and I saw Admission and Silver Linings Playbook. Riley only asked about 12,000 questions in Silver Linings Playbook. We were planning on grabbing a late dinner at Outback because we all wanted steak, but it closed at 9- ridiculous! So we went to a less classier Red Robin. Oh well, it worked. A traditional Sunday night sleepover followed, and we watched P.S. I Love You (one of my favorites!!) and Riley continued to ask 12,000 questions before falling asleep.

#prosledders

Hair in her mouth hahaha

Movie #1- Admission

Stereotypical teenagers at the movie picture

Movie #2- Silver Linings Playbook

Riley being Riley

The snow made a butterfly on Mackenzie's car, we were all pretty excited!

Monday turned into sleeping in late, lunch with my mom, a long shopping trip at Target, and shopping for new flooring for our basement. Exciting stuff folks. But I'd do that ANYDAY over school!

Tomorrow the adventures continue with shopping, one of my favorite things ever!

xo
Hannah