Assassin's Creed goodness.
I mean, my current state of mind is crazed. Seriously. I think my roommate is sick and tired of hearing these two words spill out of my mouth: Assassin's Creed.

By the gods - I don't think I've ever gone this crazy over a game before. It just... fulfills so many avenues that I seek, a beautiful immersive environment definitely being a big plus.

First AC was awesome, beyond reckoning. I loved the time period, the sweeping landscapes. ACII is in the Renaissance. With Leonardo da Vinci present, the Medici powerhouse family, the backdrops of Venice, Florence... Free-running across the rooftops is always a thrill and the cities are so huge, that I want to explore every corner.


Maybe it's an escape outlet. Considering that I have an exam this Friday, I think it is a definite outlet. Anything to keep my mind off of the looming test... stay calm, you'll get there... or so I tell myself.

Right now, I would like nothing more than to steal some gondolas, inflict some stress-relieving damage to guards that get in my way, and take a quick gallop across the countryside. ^^

Until then though, I suppose I can only daydream, and obsess, and obsess, and obsess....

-LIla

Sitting down here, at my ebony desk, staring at my grey, minimalist, customized computer, and typing this out (and the background, fyi is a Combine, staring down and representing that authority that cannot be beaten) I cannot help but wonder...why do I feel drawn to such a crazy thing? (As an aside - I do have strange tendencies anyways... but, still - it's not something one can list in one of those surveys: "List your favorite interests...")

 

I SAW NEIL GAIMAN TODAY!~

In the flesh. Breathing, and simply freaking awesome.

I couldn't get a seat in the main auditorium of the library which was frustrating. I would have been delegated to a cramped room where he would be on a tv. Totally can see him on a tv anyday (helllo, internet). Plus I really have some serious studying to do... Anyhow, I was feeling frustrated/desperate in the filled auditorium, standing on the steps when I see him walking up the steps - my way! I back up and he passes me on the way out (my heart is totally hammering and going crazy realizing I'm that close to one of my favorite authors of all time. I mean he has near god-hood status in my book)- he went to say hello to the peeps in the cramped other overflow room. I hovered around the doorway - just super thrilled to hear him talk! And then, he turned out to return to the main auditorium and there, in the few seconds that s-l-o-w-e-d down to minutes really, I said hi - and he said hi back!

me = CLOUD9

-Lila

P.S. Did I mention I SAW NEIL GAIMAN TODAY?!

Disclaimer: The following are the musings of a crazy mind.

'nuff said. :)

I have been feeling very... restless of late. It is like grasping in the air at shadows and eidolons that don't exist, yet still feeling the need to do so.

I find myself more and more drawn to the powers of technology. I suppose I figure if there really is no magic in this world, so be it. At least I can believe in technology in this life...

Just yesterday, I went to the airshow - and seeing those planes, hearing the roars follow as the plane slides by,  just made me want to be up there with them. My heart was there with them, wishing hard that I could drink in the skies, feel the speed pressing into me, testing the limits of what I can do. I suppose it doesn't take a big reach to say, hey that plane kinda looks like Kyrios from Gundam. Stuff like that makes my mind go crazy. Fictional worlds are dangerous for me. I mean really dangerous. I remember walking out of the theatre of Star Wars: Episode III and wondering where exactly was my lightsaber as I turned the corner. I felt kinda empty handed. ^^ I think I am complacent when realizing that they may not be dragons in this world. That there may not be wizards, or princesses, or princes, or gryphons. (At least in this dimension, or this corner of the mutliverse, or cosmos).  I can still be affected by these longings, but, at least when I read a science fiction book and see (and feel, and play)  the new touch techs and transparent displays, and all those wonderful things that bring us a little closer to self-sustainable energy and flying cars - I can be a little more happy.

I guess what I'm trying to say is - I really thought I would grow out of the whole imagining these things can be real thing. Part of me was scared to lose that piece of me, but another part of me said it would maybe let me connect with people more easily on a normal level. I mean, I'm sure a lot of people have tried things like attempting to push a pencil off a table - with their mind - but, that impetus ghosted away as soon as they realized it can't happen in the 'real world.' Nope, that did not happen to me, and now  I am certain it will not happen. Whatever caused my brain to torture itself with tantalizing glimpses of a future that will never be or a reality that never was, continues to do so. I think the difference now is that I accept it... ^^

It is strange balancing the mix of practical rationality - especially in light of the educational/career path I have chosen - along with the mental chaos that occurs often silently in my head. I walk around with another world tagging along. I talk with people here, with another set of characters waiting a short distance/when away. Actually, a lot of my friends and peers I interact with everyday don't realize the extent of longing I have for things that will never be. I realize my duality of focus is something that could get me into trouble. If I ever go off my rocker, I would be one crazy and delusional person. ^^

So why the divulgence of ideas and thoughts that would normally label one as clinically insane? :P Eh, the reason is not logical either. I had a really strange dream - well, when are dreams not strange? - but, it is kinda what prompted me to show up here. I'll hint that it was adventurous.

So, that's that. ^^

-Lila

24) White Coat: Becoming a Doctor at Harvard Medical School by Ellen Rothman

Rothman provides a stark, plantive and humble account of her journey through medical school. It helped steady my thoughts about entering medical school and more fully understand the challenges to come. I would consider the book a relatively swift read, for her writing style is straight forward and consise. Personally, I also consider her writing style a tad restrictive at times - for it felt repetitive, especially during her introductory descriptions of people. Beyond that, I felt it was an overall solid book and an inviting read.

25) Wizard and Glass by Stephen King

I know people have their reservations regarding this book, due to its flashback into Roland's past, but I certainly found it delightful! Talk about a western smashed with a post-apocalyptic world - and something strange and wonderful comes out. The further I travel down the pat to the Dark Tower, the more I liken my life to this journey. The parallels are becoming uncanny.... :D King's writing is always addictively amazing and I can only look forward to the next three volumes with dry-mouthed anticipation.

26) Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

Well, I thought I was going to start The Wolves of Calla by King, but somehow this novel interjected and got finished in between. :D It was a trip to a very different world than the dusty plains of Mid-World. I have already gushed my praise over Sanderson's Elantris, the book in which he broke into the fantasy scene, and this book proves itself just as extraordinary as his first. Sanderson's gift to the fantasy world is his ability to craft new magic systems. Let me tell you, having read shelves full of fantasy books, I've seen my fill of vague magicks doing vague and cliche things. This author thrusts you into a novel system and there's no stopping the fascination from there. In this standalone novel, colors serve as the basis for the magic. A person possessing Breath, which I likened to a soul, can gain more Breaths and thus attain different levels of awareness. Certain numbers of Breath can heighten one's senses, achieve perfect pitch, see the harmonics of color, and more fantastic things. There are so many implications to this color system, such as a script based on colors - readable only by those who have a certain amount of Breath.

This is only a scratch at the surface for the complexity Sanderson has fabricated into this fantastic world.

Politics, plot, characters - this book has it all. Action, love, religion - there is enough of everything to satisfy your palate.

As always, I give Sanderson's novel my highest recommendation.

-Lila

23) The Wastelands by Stephen King

Steadily, steadily, the series is picking up speed, dragging me in on a train (that's a pain ^^). I cannot put these books down!

*gobbles next book*

- Lila

Oi! I totally am on the fritz regarding time. Today - I proudly announce - I got up at 15:00! Fun times. :) Apparently I've been dead enough, that yesterday I completely missed the home alarm that my mom accidentally set off. Considering that I'm typically a fairly light sleeper, it says much! Begone jet-lag!

In response to a very fun letter meme sent my way by remembrancer19 , I got the letter D!

Leave me a comment and I will give you a letter. Then, write 10 things that you love starting with that letter. Post the list in your journal. Give out letters to those who comment in return.

• Dragons - though my first love was of horses, it evolved into these fantastic creatures. Although I do not draw them much anymore, they still remain dear to my heart. 
• Deathnote! - 'nuff said ^^
• Darker than Black - I want to see more from this show! It was too short...
• DeviantArt - I firmly believe dA has been the place that pushed me to do more. Without this community, no way in hell could I find any way to advance my skills. Quite a talented and inspirational place!
• Dean Winchester - Dean, Dean, Dean. I am quite possibly very obsessed with you. Yup.
• Death - not in a weird or morbid way. Just a eensy bit of healthy fascination, quite like Lirael's. The topic sets off a lot of stimulating thoughts on what's beyond the final gate and more thoughts on how we cope with Life.
• Devil May Cry - one of my favorite games. I like its style and it's one of those satisfying games in which you can vent some steam after a long day. ^^
• Drawing - that goes as far back as I can remember. I still have old notebooks floating around with bloated, hand-shaped unicorns. I tried. :p
• Dinosaurs! - still a nerd at heart =3
• Dreaming

Erm, I think it's Friday, July 3 here.

Just a little hello and heads up that when I'm back - there will be a ton of pictures! I've been around so many places - temples, mountains, beaches, park... pretty much everywhere! I'm really glad I brought my phone to take pictures as I go. It's kinda strange using the internet. I haven't seen it in days!

Time passes in a snap.

Oi.

Too much excitement in too little time!

*falls asleep*

-Lila

I love cracked.com, even its offensiveness... :D

www.cracked.com/topic/8-christian-bale/


Heck yea! Christian Bale!

*twiddles thumbs, and continues studying*

-Lila :3

Found this on remembrancer19 's blog. I thought it would be fun :D
Considering the nature of urbandictionary, what you may find may not be what you want to see. =O

And... I tried my hardest to put this under the LJ cut - but it was being extraordinarily funky. I don't know what's up o.o
 
Go to urbandictionary.com and type in your answer to each question in the search box, then write the FIRST definition it gives you.

1) Your name:
2) Your age:
3) One of your friends:
4) What should you be doing?
5) Your favourite colour:
6) Your birthplace:
7) Last person you talked to:
8) Last thing you had to drink:
9) Your nickname:

1) Your name: Lila

a girl who finds meaning in nature, especially at night

2) Your age: 19

To "be 19", or to have "gone 19" essentially means that something has gone wrong, is just plain weird, or is inexplicable. Derived from Stephen King's 'Dark Tower' series. Its true meaning, if anything more than a motif, has yet to be revealed.

3) One of my friends:

4) What I should really be doing: biochemistry

The study of the chemistry of life. It involves the chemistry of living things from the very largest organisms to the microscopically small lipids and amino acids.

5) My favorite color: black
1.Darkness, a dark colour, the colour of this text is black.
2.A race - The black race can range from African american to polynesian.

6) My place of birth: Fairview

Proper Name: Fairview Park One of the illest towns in Ohio. Known for its rivalry and hate of Rocky River( rich assholes). Some call it F-Town. A mostly residential town with only a few strips of stores, though it was 3 kickass icecream stores:Websters,East Coast Custard and Dairy View.

7) Last person you talked to: mom

The woman who loves you unconditionally from birth, the one who puts her kids before herself and the one who you can always count on above everyone else. Just telling her your problems makes you feel better because mom's always know how to make it all go away. Even if you fight, know that she's just looking out for your best interests.

8) Last thing you drank: water

The 4th element required to summon Captain Planet

9) Your nickname: Li (pronounced "lie;" as if my name could be any shorter...)

AOL instant messanger slang. How many times a day do you typically type the word "lol" when you are not actually laughing out loud? Even if you do this once, you are a liar, you're lying to yourself, and to your friends who think they've made you laugh. Instead, be true to yourself and your friends, and type "li" which means you are laughing on the inside, and that's all your friends need to hear to know that they still have a half decent sense of humor

I was thoroughly amused. :D

-Lila

16) Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson



Beyond wanting to chuck my computer out the window (due to problems pretty much stemming from my abuse ;p), everything that Sanderson has done, has said, is enough to cool my mind and make me breathe.


This is one spectacular piece. I urge you to read this, not as a fantasy book, but as a true work of literary art.

My god, my opinion of Mr. Sanderson simply hits the roof sometimes, just because I can't contain my enthusiasm having found an author I appreciate.

Ok.

Well, yes, I do have a list of authors I hold in high esteem - such as Gene Wolfe and Barbara Hambly. But, what really kills me is that Hambly is an author that help inspire him. (from his Blogger blog  Aug 25, 2007 - mistborn.blogspot.com/2007_08_01_archive.html ) I love seeing that connection, and it makes me respect Mr. Sanderson even more.

But, enough effusive shouts of praise, because this is what I have to say, if I were to bother the author again with a fan-born email.
 

Dear Mr. Sanderson,

I just can imagine that you would feel ever so slightly miffed to have fans effusing themselves and slavering away at your feet in pure devotion (surely they must do this); but I fear that in the next few sentences, I'm just about to do the same.

In all honesty, I thought Elantris was magnificent.

But, let me say, Mistborn totally blew past my love for Elantris by a couple windstorms. :D

I cannot quite articulate the magnitude of what I feel, but at least I can say, I am at the full lull of your characters and their stories. I feel very attuned to your writing, because I have strived hard to make sure for whatever little writings I do, my full effort is spent fleshing out characters who are believable and real, with their own set of motivations and flaws.

They are tangible. And they speak to the reader as a person could to another.

There's nothing more that I appreciate than being sucked into the author's world, and enjoying the immersive experience.

I fear (here, I may adopt the tone of a physician), there has been a dreadful consequence after I finished Mistborn. I am having an extraordinarily hard time coping with the fact that I am unable to find books suitable for my raised expectations.

I mean, what book can match the sheer amount of surprise I encountered within, let's say, the final chunk of pages. The subtle twists, revelations - pushed the capacity of my heart. The amount of thrill, anticipation, action, and dialogue ennervated me like no book ever has.

Reviewing such symptoms, like withdrawal, despondancy (in the face of books that aren't really up to par), and heart palpitations (just read it, and you'll see feel), I see there is one solution, and one solution only. 

Certainly, the proper course of action is to take in a healthy dose of the next book, in which I will definitely (and most gladly do so).

Wrapping up the mad ramblings of a faithful reader, I at least give you:

My highest regards,

Lila

Can I offer any higher recommendation?

I didn't think so.

Read it.


You will not be disappointed.

:D

-Lila

(Hot damn. I just want to know how this entry will read tomorrow, when I'm actually somewhat awake. Woo. I'll see!)
 

 

WTF?!

I swear.... Code Geass R2 is going double triple quadruple time per episode.

A bajillion things happened in episode 21.  No joke.

I think my head is about to fall off.

*dies*

-Lila

Call me silly, but I encountered the most incredible feeling as I was shooting in my archery class this morning.

My literary mind struggles to scramble together words that would express the precise feeling, but I fail - miserably. The best I could say is, with growing confidence, I felt when the arrow would go right. Explains a lot, eh? But, I guess I feel very comfortable shooting. Last time, (aka my first time I ever shot an arrow hehe) was very tense. When I pulled back on the string, it felt like I was straining, fighting against the bow. But, this morning, it felt very relaxed and I guess fitting. Any time I did not feel this sense was the times I shot astray. So, I was learning to refrain from releasing if I did not feel that everything was alright.

I dunno. Maybe, with more success I will try to explain this as the class goes on. :D


Besides, it was extraordinarily cool to huddle a group of arrows together so they were all touching each other in the target.


*grins crazily*

-Lila

15) Yendi by Steven Brust



16) Teckla by Steven Brust



So, I feel slightly guilty. I should have written these entries right after I read the two books, but.... I didn't. So, I'm smooshing my review on the two books into one entry.


This is not to say that they are not good books. Considering the fact that they are well-written first person narratives, easily places these books high on my admiration list. By far, the adventure's provided by Brust's witty character, Vlad Taltos, are refreshing, surprising, and utterly human. 

Yes, human.

Because, Taltos is an assassin, but he has his motivations, origins, and humanity. And, there's a such thing as revival in case of an un-permanent death. Handy, eh?

Yendi focuses on the events leading up to Brust's first book: Jhereg. Teckla I believe happens somewhat after the two (but, don't take my word on it).

Returning to an aforementioned statement: I like how I am surprised. I do not find Brust's books very predictable and having spent a lifetime with my nose stuck fantasy novels - being surprised is.... surprising.

Unfortunately, (I'm so sorry Mr. Brust!), I feel that my new read, Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson, somewhat overshadows what should have been an effusive review of Brust's novels. Unfortunately the deadly combination of time and new interest dampened my enthusiasm. No offense meant - the Taltos novels are excellent reads and I give my full-hearted recommendation!

With great regret,

-Lila

I guess, I just wanted to ramble.

And, so I shall.


First note: The opening ceremony for the Olympics was... fantastic! I mean - wow! From the 'footsteps' leading to the Nest, to the coordination (my god - it's hard enough coordinating two people!), to the costumes (they were all so cool!), to the paintings, to the crazy box thing (in which I told my mom that "at least there are no people inside those doing that..." Ohhh... to my great surprise. I was speechless...), to the torch (which was beautiful!)- I was definitely impressed.

That was a sweet opening. :D


In other news, I'm studying (well, should be studying) for the MCAT. I feel... somewhat apathetic and I really should be this way. I should gather my mental strengths and fiercely defend my brains before this mighty task coming up (so soon!), but... I don't feel anything. Nervous? Yea, I guess, because I don't want to take it again, but I just don't have the motivation bubbling up within.

I need to get out of this strut - because I have less than 7 days before - The End. It's looming. And it's near.


It doesn't help that I keep on searching for more FF vs. XIII things to no avail. I'm am so thoroughly obsessed.

(Plus, the music for that trailer - somnus - is definitely on my to do list to transcribe after The End.  I've made some progress in figuring out the piano part ;p)


*sighs* May I disappear from this planet? Take a trip to Hogwarts? Join some interdimensional taskforce?

Can I just escape?

That would be nice.

-Lila

To the readers out there who find bookshelves (and their dusty Gems) near and dear to their hearts:

Visit here: www.shelfari.com


You will find an amazing site that will keep your friends posted on what book you're reading, what book you have read, what book you want to read... and everything bookish!

*obsesses some more*

:D

-Lila

Alrighty! I got tagged by remembrancer19 - and guess what? I'm actually doing it in a timely manner! :D

Here's the rules: A) People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs and replace any question that they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.
B) Tag eight people to do this quiz and those who are tagged cannot refuse (unless they really don't wanna do this). These people must state who they were tagged by and cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by. Continue this game by sending it to other people.


So, I'm lame and I will leave this wonderful meme open to whomever chooses to take on the fun. :D

14) Jhereg by Steven Brust



In the wake of my mental destruction while scribing adversaria entry number 13, I find myself sufficiently calmed to present to you, my dear readers, an exemplary work of fantasy fiction. From the first page, the first sentence, to the final sentence, I was absolutely captivated. I am thankful for such talented writers in this world, for Steven Brust's introduction to his fantastic world is simply spectacular.

    "There is a similarity, if I may be permitted an excursion into tenuous metaphor, between the feel of a chilly breeze and the feel of a knife's blade, as either is laid across the back of the neck. I can call up memories of both, if I work at it. The chilly breeze is invariably going to be the more pleasant memory. For instance..."

    -Prologue of Jhereg

Following the main character, an assassin, from his point of view (I absolutely adore first person narratives - and well done ones too!), the dialogue is humorous, action-filled, politically infused, and overall engaging. I feel a true part of Vlad Taltos' world, for his eyes are mine, and together there is much to be seen. The characters are real and unique.

And guess what?

There were turns in the plot that were unpredictable! *Thank goodness!* There is no sense of cliche-ness in the magic of the world. Sure, it was familiar in the sense that I could somewhat understand how the magic worked, but, it was different enough that I said, "wow" at times. For example, the source of their power is reachable via an orb. This orb can sustain major magical efforts, or for a more practical sense, allow people to know what time is it. ;p

I am so incredibly excited to continue reading his series. Brust says that he did not write the books in chronological order, therefore you really could start wherever you chose. (He did provide the information that Taltos, Yendi, Jhereg, Teckla, Phoenix, Athyra, and Orca follow a chronological sequence - so maybe someday, I shall read them in that order for fun!)

*grins* I have found a gem!

-Lila

13) The Summoner by Gail Martin

"Run," the old woman hissed through broken teeth. "Run for your life."

    pg. 345

*rolls eyes* That about sums up my feelings on this book.

How sad is this? : I got more pleasure out of looking at the beautiful cover than actually reading this book.

(I'm sorry! I would hate to hear that as an author, but it is my honest opinion!) As a reader, I was severely disappointed on several counts.

Severely.


Currently I'm on page 422 out of 637. I don't even know why I pushed it that far. Around page 300, it suddenly occurred to me that - wow, I don't have any feelings for any characters whatsoever. For me, the value of a book comes with writing that literally takes me to that world. The characters become people that I know well and their world is one that is tangible. The plot must be structured against cliches and unpredictable. For me not to contain any feelings for the main character or his comrades quite irritates me. This book had stereotypical characters (an evil brother who usurps his father for the throne, a blamed younger brother - on the run (oh noes...) and he's wronged on the accounts of a murdered family, an evil sorcerer acting as a sinister presence behind the new regime) and it  was a cliche fantasy thriller - and it wasn't even that thrilling.

Seriously, if the main character died by falling down a hole or some other ignominious way, I would feel rather satisfied. "Good, he's gone and done. Now, I can pick something else up worth my valuable time."

Another thing: the writing. I do not exactly understand how this book got published. The words were simplistic. Nothing invigorated my word-thirsty mind. I simply stared at the sentences and got pissed off. Not to mention the number of sayings that forced me to look away and roll my eyes. Seriously? Can you get away with this?

I thought my blood was going to boil out of anger. (And yet, I hung on, hoping, just hoping the book would live up to its cover).


Nope. I'm done. (Actually, if it makes me angry enough now - it's probably healthier for me to stop). I'm just incredibly disappointed how a book with an incredible premise (I love necromancers like none other...) can fall so flat. I mean, I am arrogant enough to believe that I can write something better than this - and not be ashamed.

You see? It was bad.

Do I recommend it?

No.

Please, unless you have the time to kill or are really new to the fantasy genre, don't bother reading this book. (By the gods, hearing that come out of my mouth! O.O)  I think I need to curl up with a real book and get this stupidity out of my system. I swear my brain is melting, and my command over language is dying alongside it.

*huffs*

-Lila