Hello everyone, I hope you’re having a lovely morning, afternoon, or evening! This month was slumpy. My sleeping schedule somehow became super out-of-whack, and I couldn’t get myself out of bed until 10:00 or 11:00 in the morning, which messed up my routine quite a bit. Not to mention, I didn’t really do much this month at all. From sort-of-decorating for Christmas to my first sleepover in years, I had a lot of chill, nothingness this month. Yeah, I just hope December is… I don’t know, something.

>> Special Happenings <<

– First Sleepover In Years –

On Monday, November 15th—on our way home from Bible Study—my older sister, best friend, and I were having a little karaoke to Disney, and we decided right then and there that we needed to have a sleepover the next week. Of course, that sleepover had to be full of more Disney karaoke and a late-night Sheetz run. So, over the week, we went back and forth in a group chat and finalized plans for a sleepover! Sure enough, we had more Disney karaoke, we went to Sheetz at eleven o’clock or so at night, and we had a lot of girl talk. I know that sounds stereotypical but lemme tell you, girl talk is essential. The next morning, my older sister had to leave early for work, but I stayed for a bit longer with my best friend, and she introduced me to whipped cream on Eggo waffles for breakfast (it’s amazing, btw). Overall, it was super fun, a needed break, and a great, personal reminder that—though they are few—I do have friends and folks who care about me (and are even willing to be silly with me and belt Disney songs)

– Christmas “Light-Up Night” Parade –

Every year, a town that I live by hosts a Christmas Light-Up Night parade. It’s a quaint little town (that I actually adore), and although the streets are crowded, I really enjoy getting to go down and watch the little parade. My sister, Briana, and my other younger sister were both in the parade twirling baton. But afterward, Briana and I explored the streets a little bit while my family watched my youngest siblings sing Christmas carols with their school. While exploring, Briana and I found a festive courtyard that held entrances to three shops. We went into two of the shops (an antique store and a floral store) and got some silly pictures (accompanied by odd looks from bystanders) around the festive decorations in the courtyard. We thought about going into the expensive-looking jewelry store (it literally had “goldsmith” in the name) but decided against it. I didn’t exactly wanna be confronted by a store clerk asking why two average-looking teenager girls were perusing a lavish jewelry store.

– More Book Progress –

I got my manuscript back with edits and a feedback sheet! I was thrilled to receive my manuscript back ahead of schedule, and as I read each section of the feedback sheet (talking about my plot development, theme, style, etc.) I couldn’t stop smiling, and it actually got me quite giddy. It felt so nice to be complimented on my writing and aspects that I hadn’t even thought about (such as my style of writing…), and it made me so happy to know that I was doing something write. Now, I just have to rewrite the manuscript (again) and pay attention to some feedback on adjusting a character and some other minor details.
Also, I spoke to someone from a publishing company! They were more of a self-publishing company, but everything they offered really appealed to me and my desires as an aspiring author. However, after talking to my parents (and checking my bank account…) I decided that it was best to research other potential companies (just to weigh my options) and save up a lot more money. I’m excited about this and am pretty content with where I’m at. However, if you have any publishing companies that you suggest I look into (or have any resources for me to check out), please drop a link in the comments below!

>> Books Read <<

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

• fantasy, fiction, mystery
• first time reading
• a friend recommended this to me and I love it! Definitely added to my top ten list!

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

• fantasy, fiction
• first time reading
• the same friend recommended it to me, and I’m enjoying it so far! (it is quite long, however)

>> Movies & TV Shows Watched <<

How To Train Your Dragon: Hidden World

• fantasy, animated, adventure
• third time watching (maybe?)
• I LOVE THIS MOVIE AND AM ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED WITH IT!!! (I cannot apologize for the person I become when I watch this movie…)

John Wick

• action, crime, thriller
• first time watching (not finished)
• ehh. A male co-worker recommended this movie to my sister, Briana, and I. Not to be stereotypical, but I can see how it’s a ‘guy movie.’ There’s no understandable plot, just guns, cool/fast cars, and sexualized woman at an underground mafia club place (?).

>> Some Fun Photos <<

>> YouTube Videos Posted <<

>> Blog Posts Published <<