v a l e r i e

just a few little thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:34:00 +0000

music:: Colbie Caillat - Bubbly

I don't think I've ever written in all of my blogs on the same day. It's not as if I have that much to say. lol!

a cute picture of holli, eh?

I'm trying out Windows Live Writer. I wish there was an equivalent sort of thing for the Mac. I do write on the Winchester 2.0 more often than this PC. ;)

alina with auntie val

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:36:00 +0000

alina with auntie val
Originally uploaded by walelia

It's me with the latest baby in the family! Isn't she cute? Well, she is. :)

looking out the window

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:19:00 +0000

looking out the window
Originally uploaded by walelia

Holli likes looking out the window and bark at the cats who visit our backyard. :)

Kauai 2004

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 05:03:00 +0000

Kauai 2004
Originally uploaded by walelia

A shot from Kauai on April 24, 2004. I like how the sun shines through like a veil reaching down to the water...

me and Breelyn

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:33:00 +0000

Just had to share what is currently my favorite picture with Breelyn. I'm sure I'll have more in the future, but this one is from my first time meeting her. Isn't she cute? She's not even 24 hours old yet in the picture. Awwww!

up close and personal

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:31:00 +0000

If she could, I think she'd tell me to step back. lol!

my muxtape!

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:07:00 +0000

I finally made my muxtape. Just for fun. Go here.

Let's Go A's!

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie) — Wed, 28 May 2008 22:40:00 +0000

So wow, I can post to different blogs from Multiply. Kinda cool.

LET'S GO A'S!!!

evil eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie) — Sat, 24 May 2008 22:03:00 +0000

The Catcher in the Rye

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie) — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:51:00 +0000

It's been MANY years since I first read this book, but after getting a parent complaint (yes, in this day and age, people still want to complain about this novel), I thought it was time to reacquaint myself with this classic.

It's still a great read. Holden's voice comes through strong and filled with angst. Even though I knew the basic story, it still felt like new. And when I finished it, I felt justified in my opinion that people are idiots for complaining about books (or movies) without having ever read (or watched) the said book (or movie).

I must repeat, how can you complain (and call to complain) about something you haven't read yourself?! This parent in question, a mother of a teenage daughter, was offended (yes, offended) that her daughter was made to read a book at that had the F-word in it. In this mother's opinion, if it's in a book, then kids think that it's okay to say outloud. Really? Seriously, really? You haven't taught her daughter enough common sense to know the difference between a book and real life? And do you really think that your daughter doesn't hear worse in the quad between classes in HIGH SCHOOL?

Yes, high school. Not middle school, high school.

Sometimes I just feel sorry for people.

When the mother asked my opinion, I tried to keep it short because I began to think that she's perhaps some kind of moron. I told her that it was all about reading it in context. And she argued back at me! It doesn't matter about context, blah blah blah. I went on and said that I'd read it myself and I repeated the whole context thing. She didn't really reply back at that one, she just went on with her argument. And then I knew she was certainly a moron because she hadn't even read the book, which meant that we couldn't have an intelligent conversation.

BTW, the F-word appeared on page 201 of 214 pages of my version of The Catcher in the Rye. If this concerned parent had taken the time to read the passage, she might have noticed that the narrator doesn't actually say the F-word to anyone. He sees it and is actually distressed about it. As angsty and irreverent Holden Caulfield is, something in him recognizes the disrespect of seeing "F--- You" on a wall. He imagines children seeing it and wondering about it and he goes a little crazy inside about it. And oh yes, Holden Caulfield is a little crazy inside. It's one of the things about him.

So, I feel better that I've re-read The Catcher in the Rye. It still holds up in its narrative voice and Holden's despair still reflects much in the world today. It's definitely a novel that incites discussion and reflection. And apparently it's still a novel that brings controversy.

Well done.

when we were little

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:55:00 +0000

Look, I'm actually taller than my sister! Such a long time ago. :)

Kevin Smith at Pasadena

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 05:32:00 +0000

I took this picture long ago and I still remember some of the moments there. I had such a good time. And it ended up being the last time I saw Kevin Smith in person.

Still miss him.