Anime Review

Panty and Stocking With Garterbelt

Genre:  Comedy, Action

Summary: Two angels kicked out of heaven defeat demons to earn enough points to return to heaven.  

Overall:  It's truly a unique show if ever I saw one.  The animation is a mix of clumsy clutter while simultaneously unique eye candy.  The content is mind numbingly stupid yet brilliantly thought out.  It's presentation is cutting-edge, in your face!  

Recommendation: I've completely watched it from start to end and can't find the words to say if I like it or not.  It's a unique ride that truly reflects current animation.  Not simply Japanese animation, but animation worldwide.

Travel Shadowbox

About a year and a half ago, my husband and I went on a vacation to Blue Ridge Mountains.  I loved the trip so much!  We stayed in an adorable cabin on private property, went gem mining and fishing and putt-putt golfing, and even bumped into a college buddy and her now-husband on happenstance!  

We came home with lots of gems from out gem mining experience.

Now, we want to keep all of these beauties but don't want them mixed with other gems.  These are special from our vacation.  I finally purchased a shadowbox to place them all in.  This one I did not print a background picture, but painted it.

Then, using a hot glue gun, I stuck some of the gems to the board in the shaped of a heart.  I recommend not gluing your fingers like I did for this step.

I know, a little wonky looking but they're gems.  You end up the best shape that you can.  Dump the remaining rocks freely into the frame space.

Write in there when and where these gems were acquired and then frame it all together prettiful!

SHINY!  To the wall with you!  I'm thinking the hallway would be a nice home for this.

What Would Megan Do?

I love my friends.  They help me to achieve the best of me that I can be. 

It never occurred to me that I could be an inspiration to them.  That people sit back and think of me when they are in situations and wish to be as I am.  

They help me to be as comfortable and confident as I am.  It is amazing to learn that the inspiration that I give to others is because of what you ALL give to me in return.  From my friends' smiles to the happiness of my students, from the love and support of my family to the respect of parents of my school.

Your smiles and your happiness are what inspire me to give that to you all in return.

The saying goes "do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life."  It applies to more than careers.  Live as you love to and you will lead a happy and fulfilling life. 

It you're working to please everyone else, you'll find that you aren't happy and that you can't please everyone.  I'm not saying ignore everyone else's feelings but you seriously can't please everyone and there is no pleasing some people.

A Child's Dream

My students need your help!

I want to make sure my students have the materials they need to succeed. So I've created a classroom project request at DonorsChoose.org, an award-winning charity.

I'm asking for donations of any size to help my kids. For the next week, any donation you make to my project will be doubled! If you know anyone who is passionate about education, please pass this along. Your donation will brighten my students' school year, and you'll get photos and thank yous from our class.

Here's my classroom request:
A Child's Dream

To have your donation matched dollar for dollar, enter the match code INSPIRE on the payment screen. This awesome match offer lasts through August 11, 2013.

Ticket Shadowbox

I've been holding on to my daughter's first movie ticket and every ticket since for this project.  It's a TICKET BOX!

I purchased a shadow box, slapped in a cute background picture, and then filled it with her movie tickets, play tickets, circus tickets, and park tickets.  We've only been to a few things but I think it's a great thing that can be added to as she grows.  She loves it, I love it, and my husband thinks that I'm a nut.

Enter the Black Rose

Last week's duel was between Kiryuu Nanami and Kaoru Miki.  The calculating and precise movements of the student genius were no match to the ferocity and determination of our favorite queen bee.  Blue rose petals fell as Miki fails to move on to the next round. 

Round 1, Duel 3:

Kiryuu Touga versus Souji Mikage

Kiryuu Touga is the student council president and master playboy.  Mikage is a professor of the Mikage Seminar, master manipulator, and willing to go to any means to achieve results.  Touga's preferred weapon is the katana.  Mikage's preffered weapon is the sabre.  Who will progress to Round 2?

Poll is open until next Saturday when the victor will be announced and the next set of opponents is unveiled.

Book Review: Graceling

Title: Graceling

Author: Kristin Cashore

Category: Young Adult, Fantasy

 Summary: "In a world where people born with an extreme skill—called a Grace—are feared and exploited, Katsa carries the burden of the skill even she despises: the Grace of killing. She lives under the command of her uncle Randa, King of the Middluns, and is expected to execute his dirty work, punishing and torturing anyone who displeases him.

When she first meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.

She never expects to become Po's friend.

She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away...a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone."

Favorite quote:   "Wildcat, no one can control you." (or something like that, I have the book back)

The review: As you might could tell from my favorite quote, the writing didn't leave a profound impact on me.  While the world itself was of incredible build and the idea of the Graced was awesome, some points didn't get as flushed as they should.  The big "reveal" doesn't suck your breath away and even the villain's villainous act is kinda "meh, okay?"  The logic for LI to be immune to villain's Grace made no sense to me.  I did love Po.  He may not have been MC but he's definitely mine. 

Would I recommend this book for read: Actually, yes.  The world and idea of the Graced is so cool that it would be interesting to share the idea of these with others.  But, I've heard Fire is stand-alone so I'll read that and tell you if I'd point people to one or both.