As the weather grows colder

Well November seemed to zip by me with out even stopping to say hi. I can not even believe that it is December, and finals are around the corner, and with finals come much procrastination. So I though what better thing to do then catch up on some blogging. Well since it has been so long since I have posted I thought I would do a combo-post. I am going to write a little blip about all the the new things I did this past month or so.

1. NEW MOON-

well I wouldn't be a true girl if I didn't see the latest of the Twilight saga movies. Twice. Opening weekend. Hahah. Yes I am just that cool. I actually had the opportunity to see a pre-screen showing the night before it came out in a little town theatre. It was such a fun adventure, Caity called me up around 930 that night telling me her friends friend knew someone who was showing New Moon, well it only took me a few minutes to realize, HELLO I have to go. First, I love premieres, and even better is a pre-screening. It turned out to be the cutest old theatre, it only had one screen. The theatre was maybe half full, and of course we were the only ones acting like 12 year old girls, swooning over every male that showed up on the screen. ( and there were plenty to swoon over!) It was terrific. Then I went again the next night to the midnight showing, with the rest of Utah valley. There were herds of girls everywhere. I am not a die hard fan, and if you know how I feel about the books, you will know I have a very strong opinion, and although the story is creative I am not the biggest fan of the writing style. But I sure do love the movies. And this one did not let me down, I loved everything from the music, (I can't stop listening to the soundtrack) to the boys, to the Italian volturi. Jacob was great, Edward was great (minus the hairy chest.. ewww) and of course my favorite, Carlisle was fantastic. It was a fun movie and I am not at all ashamed to say that I loved every minute of it.

2. Cathing Fire.

For those of you who have not read Hunger Games. DO IT. This is the second book in the series and it is just as suspenseful as the first. The characters really grow on you. I have fallen in love with two of the boys in the books and you just want to see her love them back. But don't worry this is not just a romance, it is fill with fighting and action, something to please all audiences. Suzanne Collins, the author, has a way of pulling you in and capturing your interest within moments of reading. It was a real page turner and I may or may not admit to the fact that I pushed aside my homework for a little while so I could finish reading this. It was so worth it. The down side to the book, it leaves you wanting more, and the next and final book doesn't come out until next year. Pshhh...

3.New Games.

This Thanksgiving my Uncle Mike and his family came to Utah for Thanksgiving at Grandma's. We played a couple new games that were really fun. The first was called zoo. It is similar to Matthew Mark Luke and John (aka Big Booty) but instead of using names or number you create an animal sign, (horns for a ram, a hand slither for a snake or an arm nose for an elephant) and you have to do your sign followed by somebody's sign to the beat of two leg slaps and one clap. It was challenging and competitive making it a favorite to all. Another one of our favorites was the Indian Canoe game. this one is harder to explain on paper, but just imagine one second you are standing still the next you are chanting EYEYEYEYEYEY at the top of your lungs while "rowing" the canoe for the person next to you, then must jump back to standing still. It was a blast.

4. A Hard Day's Night

For my Eng 311 Class I just turned in my final paper, a 10 page research paper. The plus to this was we could choice our topic, as long as it had something to do with Art and Humanities. Well I chose to write my paper on the fab four, Paul, John, George, and Ringo. As I was writing my paper, I decided it was only logical for me to watch their first Movie, A Hard Day's Night ( not really as I was doing my research but more as I was typing it up.) I was not ready for what I was about to watch. It was HILARIOUS. Who knew these guys were so funny. I went from loving them to adoring them. I guess it helps that this movie was made before they were crazy into drugs and crap, but I think I even laughed out loud a few times, as I was watching it in the library, surrounded by people. Ringo was great. The movie is not the greatest movie ever made, although in doing my research I found out it was somewhat revolutionary in the British film scene. it was clever and very enjoyable, full of true British humor. I felt like I got a little piece of Beatlemania as I was watching it.

5. Impossible

I just finished this book, about a half hour ago. Once again Caity has passed on a book to me that I just couldn't put down. Literally in between taking patients back at work, because I was so enthralled with the story. It is part mystery, part fantasy, part romance, part suspense. A little bit of everything. I think one of the main thing I liked about this book, were how real the characters were. Zach, the love interest, is a real boy, with real feelings, and emotions, not a perfect vampire boyfriend, angst with the his feelings about being a monster. Lucy the girl is rational, independent and smart, in a very real way, oh and the story was catchy too. It was a fun quick read that kept me entertained the entire time. It was most definitely a girly book though.

6. Noah and the Whale

I also bought a new Cd, Noah and The Whales latest, The First Day of Spring. This is one of those Cd's that needs to grown on you. I first put it in and although I love there style of music, I was somewhat surprised in this album, it has the same edge that makes them who they are but I feel like this album was a little more experimental. There is a lot more going on, and It really works for them. The more I listen to it the more I like it. It is very relaxed and chill, perfect for background listening. There is one thing I was disappointed in though. The did not include the female singer on this one. It was(ok is) my dream to be a female singer in a band like this, maybe play the tambourines or synthesizer, just be the cute girl in an indie band adding that little feminine touch that every band needs. It was almost like they got rid of me from the band. How could they?

Sometimes you just have to let it out.

So usually my post are happy and cheerful but today I just need to unleash some of my deep thoughts. In these deep thoughts of mine, I have a few things I just need to let out. Things that just get to me. Here are a few that have bothered me today.

1. People who celebrate Christmas before it is time. Thanksgiving has feelings too you know. You can not just skip over Thanksgiving. People seem to think that as soon as Halloween is over, it is time to get the mistletoe and holly out and jingle bell rock, but this drives me crazy. Is it really to hard to wait for a few more days to spread the holiday cheer. As I was walking around campus there are already Christmas trees up and even Christmas music playing. Really? Really?

2. People who don't wear weather-appropriate clothing. I don't care where you grew up or how cold it was where ever you served your mission, when its 30 out side it is not acceptable to walk around in boardshorts and flip flops. Join the club and buy a coat.
3.Love confessions over facebook. Seeing very "loving" couples all over the place now I get to see the love pasted on facebook too... I just think that those words should be saved for private convos.
4. People who don't even try to be quiet in the library. Hahah as i was sitting in the library this one just came to me... I might not be the quietest person so I can understand a whispering convo, and some laughter here and there. Too much studying can lead to insanity and the only cure is laughter. It really is a wonder that more people aren't laughing. But when people don't even try to whisper, it just confuses me.


well that feels much better.
a doppo

Swirly Twirly

I made a new shirt. I started with just a basic white tee and then I ripped strips from an old dress I loved but never wore. Then we (mostly just my mom) sewed the strips (slightly gathered) on with a zig-zag stitch. I designed the swirl pattern and even put my trademark d. on the back. I think it turned out pretty cute and now I want to make a BYU one I can wear to the games!

The Hostest with the Mostest

Well with school beginning, my blogs have suffered. BUT fear not I am back and ready to post.
So this past week I hosted my very first legit party. I have thrown a shindig here and there but nothing to this extent. I am pleasantly pleased with the way it turned out. It was Caity's 21st birthday so naturally it was Vegas themed. We strung up lights and had candles everywhere to create a "lounge" feel. Derek came down in a suit and tie, and was our bartender. It was so much fun to have him at the party and he was such a HUGE help. He made delicious mocktails including margaritas, Pina coladas, daiquiri and shots of flavored club soda. Dylan was an excellent blackjack dealer. Many people at the party were shocked because he was winning almost the entire time. I think he liked that. Dyl and Derek were definitely the hit of the party. They made it the awesome party it was. I was really suprised 1. how many people showed up and 2. how many of those people showed up in the CLASSY atire that was requested. For a mid week party it was off the hook. It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun. I feel like I can really put the Stout name on this one. My mom would be so proud.

The Road Never Traveled.

There is a road right before I get on the freeway that I have always wanted to see where it leads. Well a few days ago I ended up on the road, but not on purpose. Caity and I were headed from Provo to So Jo and the freeway was BACKED UP. We were barely scooting forward. We decided to get off and find a different road to take us to our desired destination. Well we ended up on a road that ran parallel to the freeway. I had always anticipated that this is what the road I had always wanted to discover would be like. Well I bet you didn't see this coming but guess what as we traveled down this road I had a feeling this road what THE road. And it totally was. I finally go to travel down the road never traveled (well at least by me). I had finally checked off a box on my list of things to do.

She& Him =Fun.

She & Him.

This is my new favorite. First off let me say I am slightly biased because I love Zooey Deschanel. Basically I just want to be her. She has such a cool vibe about her and this music is exactly what you would expect her to sing. It has a vintage edge to a modern indie sound. It is the perfect chill CD. I have had so much fun listenting to it.
Speaking of.


Fun.
This name suits this group well. Their music is really fun. I put the CD in and I was instantly smiling.
It is the kind of music you just sway your head along with the beat and imagine sunshine and happy things.

Don't believe me go listen....

the chair

Since my first time eating at Cafe Rio I have always loved the tables and chairs they have there. I have always talked about how I wanted to make a chair like theirs but I never followed through. This summer I decided to go for it. I am moving and redecorating my room so I thought that now was the perfect time. My new room is going to be Black and White with Lime/acid Green. So I decided to make a green chair. \ I have never done anything like this and although it was a long process I am so happy with the way my chair turned out.

I started out with a $5 DI chair. I thought the chair was sweet to start out with. The shape of the chair has so much character.


The first step was a primer spray paint. I tried to give it a nice even coat around the entire chair.


Next step was the Base color. I had to do a couple coats of this green to make sure the chair was completely covered.

Final step is where I had the most fun. I just started apply my top coat randomly I used a crackle medium on some areas. I splattered some areas, wiped away some of the paint, sanded areas, dripped paint on other areas. I just went crazy to get the look I wanted.

The book thief

This summer I picked up this book. I just finished it and I really enjoyed it.
When I started the book I had mixed emotions. I think part of it was that I didn't know until I was a third of a way through the book that the narrator of the story was death. Once I knew that fact everything fell into place and the book became even better. The story does jump around a lot but it all comes together wonderfully.
The story is about a German girl in Nazi Germany during WWII. It is her story of survival through all of the things happening and changing around her. One of the things she does to survive through the war is steal books. Her love of words and love to read helps her meet new people and deal with struggles of the War going on around her.
I thought the book was beautiful written and full of emotion. It offers a new point of view. A child perspective on Hitlers, Jews and the hardships of war. Although it was not a "can't put it down" book, there is never a dull moment and you can't wait to start reading it again.

Well funny comedians

Laughter is the medicine of the soul, and what better medicine then some laughter from the Land of the Queen. When my mom first showed these guys to me the other day it brought tons of laughter. Of course we did what most youtubers do and kept clicking the links on the side and enjoyed even more of there witty British humor. I have to say they are not quite Cathrine Tate but they bring their own flavor to the table.

These comedians come in the form of duos. The first is Mitchell and Webb. They met while at Cambrige and been a part of a few different comedy sketch shows the last few years. Their current show on BBC two is called That Mitchell and Webb Look and has been running since 2006.


This was my favorite of Mitchell and Webb:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKTsWjbjQ8E

The second duo is Armstrong and Miller. They first had a show that ran from 1997 to 2001 and were reunited in 2007 to do The Armstrong and Miller show which airs on BBC one.

My favorite sketch we watched was this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwNQf08Kxsw

The four comedians teamed up for this years Red Nose day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm3t-8iGRC0

Potter and the Midnight magic.

Magic was in the air as we prepared to go the the opening night of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. I had been waiting to see this movie since last summer when they changed the release date. Don't even get me started on that. As you can see we represented our HP colors that night! There is nothing better then a midnight showing. Everyone in the audience is full of excitement and energy that you just can't find in any other showing. As the music starts the theater errupts in a cheer and quickly silences as to not miss a word of the movie. The laughs are louder, sighs and gasps are more emotional and as the film credits roll everyone claps and immediatley turns to the people around them to talk about the film.

This film has me torn. I absolutley loved the movie. This is by far the best yet potter movie. The charactors have grown as the films have been made and David Yates the director did a wonderful job capturing the essence of Hogwarts. Unfortunately It is not all good things I have to say about the movie. I was very suprized at how much was left out.( If you don't want me to give anything away don't read on.) I was most upset by the ending. Snape and the Death eaters walked right out of the castle... Just walked out. I really wanted to see the Order of the Pheonix battle it out with them. It was somewhat anticlimatic. Another thing that really bothered me was how many of Dumbledores memories were left out. Those memories are so vital to Harry finding all of the Horcruxes and destroying Voldermort. And in the end we see Harry with Dumbledores wand. Which needs to be burried with the headmaster. Hmm... So many important aspects of the film are missing and it just makes me ask the question what are they going to do with the 7th?
The movie was very entertaining. I loved every second of it well every second except the Burrow burning down. That was weird. I thought it was clever funny and exciting. Malfoy was great. Loved him and his death eater struggles. Slughorn was so fun. He was just like I pictured him. Snape was as captivating as ever and the foreshadowning was great. I am sure I will be seeing the movie agian soon! I understand the movie can't copy the book exactly but I think they could have at least kept the most important details. Right.
Overall it gets a 8 1/2 out of 10. Not bad Potter. Not bad at all.

As much as I would like to stop the aging process and remain young forever, I haven't quite figured out how to do that, yet. But as I get "older" I have the chance to do so many awesomely wonderful things. I never want to pass up an opportunity to go on a new adventure. I created this, my second blog, to explore as much of the world around me as possible. I love trying new things, if I had never tried anything new I would still be in diapers eating baby food. Now that is just not a pretty picture at all. On this blog I will write about all the new things I try. Maybe it will be a new movie I see, a new place I visit, a new food I try, a new activity, new music, a new gizzmo, to me it doesn't matter. It is a chance for me to open up my eyes to new experiences and let all 3 people who read my current blog laugh at me a little more! If you have any ideas of new things I can try let me know.

Let the adventures begin.

a doppo!

Dannielle C. Stout

the one and only