This tag is sooooooooooo old.

I am late to the party, but hopefully doing this New Year's Tag will help me get back into blogging!

1.) What did you do in 2017 that you’d never done before?

  I started a stick fighting class, got hired on at a new job, successfully wrote out the plot and songs for some of my musicals, took a piano class, moved, bought a new dresser, and visited my sisters in North Dakota for the first time in 12 years. *loooooooooooong gasp* Okay, I did a lot. Those were the good highlights 8-D *cough* Don't ask me about the bad.

 2.) Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make one this year?

Resolutions?

Resolutions?

What resolutions?

3.) Did anyone close to you give birth?

    Um. Yes? I think a sister had a baby... I'm such a bad aunt, lol. I don't remember which month it happened in. I believe... April?

4.) Did anyone close to you die?

No.

5.) What countries/states did you visit?

I visited Dakota and Montana, because I went out to see my sisters! *boing*

6.) What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?

*cough* A license. *Cough*

*COUGHCOUGHCOUGH*

Oh, and a gun, but that won't happen until 2019

7.) What date from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory? 

Prolly February 28th.

8.) Did you move anywhere?

AAAAAAH YAS! I moved into a beautiful little house with a few of my sisters. It's great, there are bedrooms, a nice kitchen, a lovely living room with space to visit - We even have a real fireplace! WITH ASH! IT'S AWESOME! SPAAAAAAAACE!

9.) What was your biggest achievement of the year?

  

I actually have no idea. I got a new job. Is that an achievement?

10.) What was your biggest failure?

I didn't make myself present online as much as I should have. And I didn't fulfill all my resolutions.

11.) Did you suffer illness or injury?

 Nooooooooope. I live a rather unremarkable life. Lol.

13.) Whose behavior merited celebration?

Our sweet family friend Gavin, because Gavin is a good person. And my sister and brother-in-law, Regina and Dan. They were awesome this year. They're just wonderful, generous people, who are there when you need them and do what they can to help. *heart eyes*

14.) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

        You know the person I've mentioned the last few times at this point? Yeah, that person again. The name shall still go unmentioned :-[

15.) Where did most of your money go? 

Rent, manga, and a freaking computer, and Christmas gifts.

16.) What did you get really, really, really excited about?

November 28th. *dances* That's when I went to see my sisters!!!!

if you are wondering if the second photo was edited, yes it was. 8-) I put a fancy brick wall behind us because the other option was super unattractive. ;-)

17.) What was the best concert you’ve been to this year?

I didn't go to a concert. :-) I saw a Dear Evan Hansen bootleg though, and it was great. I WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN IT ON BROADWAY! Why is New York so expensive? *dies*

18.) What song/album will always remind you of 2017?

      

  I don't know if they'll always remind me of 2017, but the song that resonated with me this year was"Oh My Soul" by Casting Crowns, and the album would be "Dear Evan Hansen."

Oh My Soul, You Are Not Alone (gif)

(Dear Evan Hansen)

when you're broken on the ground, you will be found

19.) Compared to this time last year, are you:

 Nostalgic. Wistful. So much changed this past year and I sometimes find myself getting stupid emotional about it. I have trouble with change - even good change.
      

20.) What do you wish you’d done more of?

Music

21.) What do you wish you’d done less of?

Being so anxious and emotional. 2017 was a hard sort of  year my friends.

22.) What was your greatest musical discovery?

       Dear Evan Hansen, and Beethoven's Last Night.

No one deserves to disappear.

Your candle's quite low, we've been watching it burn.

I quite like Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Yes they are crazy rockers, and yes their musical style is strange (it's called Orchestral Metal. Weird, right?) But I love how faith-based and pro-life all their story's are. They're Pro-life at every point too, whether it be an old life or a young life, a broken life, or a life well-lived. I think that's a beautiful thing.

23.) How did you spend Christmas?

       We had a sung Christmas Morning Mass (we sang it) and then the family got together at our beautiful new home for presents and food. It was a good Christmas, but a bit strange since it wasn't quite the same as usual. New house, new home... all a bit odd. 8-)

24.) How did you/are you spending New Year’s?

We watch The Lord of the Rings, and have agreed to do an annual rewatch. It's good to start off the New Year with Tolkien wisdom and encouragement!!!

25.) Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?

My sister Tiny, and my friend Ana.

26.) What was the best book you read?

YAS, THIS BOOK!!!!

       Best new book would have to be Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner. Some others books that merit a mention are The Hollow Boy and The Creeping Shadow by Jonathan Stroud. I've yet to read the Empty Grave. *hides* The best reread would have to be the King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner, and Pandora Hearts, by Jun Mochizuci

Lockwood and Co

Pandora Hearts

27.) Did you fall in love in 2017?

Still no.

28.) What was your favorite TV show?

I haven't watched many new shows this year, except Hawaii 5-0, So, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is still my favorite - although Marvel's The Defenders was pretty good, especially when Matt was on screen. I also liked Stranger Things, but I don't know how I feel about the ending of season two.

Bonus: Two shows I've officially boycotted would be Sherlock and Doctor Who (CURSE YOU MOFFAT!!!!) 

29.) Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? 

I don't hate. lol. Uuuuum, no. The people I didn't like last year are still on that list and no new people have emerged.

30.) What did you want and get?

A Nice House, a dresser, a bed, a new computer, Dear Evan Hansen, and Beethoven's Last Night.

*I think I should add I did in fact have a dresser and bed before now, they  just weren't my dresser and bed. 

31.) What did you want and not get?

A gun, because for some reason I can serve my country at eighteen with guns but I can't own one for personal use until I'm 21. Like.....why?

32.) What were your favorite films of this year?

        My favorite Live Action was Spiderman: Homecoming and my favorite animated movie was Coco. Coco made me cry.

miguel is so cute. I love him. 8-)

(Oh, and I've seen Book of Life before. It's been a couple years but I still think Coco is different enough to hold it's own. It's like a retelling of the same myth, you know, but with a different plot/twist.)

33.) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

My 19th birthday was a bit odd. I had a couple friends over, got an adorable card from Gavin, and watched The Giver. This year I watched The Rise of the Guardians, ate some delicious cake/brownie thing, and received beautiful fairy lights to decorate my room with. Plus Beethoven's Last Night which is an awesome album and brings out the electric-guitar side of me. The Lost Christmas Eve is still my favorite album that Trans-Siberian Orchestra does, but Beethoven is great too.

34.) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017?

I was something between Bo-Ho and Casual. 

35.) What kept you sane?

Prayer, my musicals, my books, my tea, my family and friends.

36.) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I didn't really fancy anyone, but there were a couple public figures that left me pleasantly surprised with their good choices and actions.

37.) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? 

original source image

2017 was one of those years that I burned at Midnight on January 1st. Sooooooooooo.

38.) What political issue stirred you the most?

So Many. *le sigh* But I was particularly stirred when President Trump covered the March for Life. That was rather surprising, but in a good way.

Oh wait. That was this year. LOOOOOOL.

39.) Who did you miss?

Sammi, and my sisters.

40.) Who was the best new person you met?

41.) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017.

This isn't technically a new life lesson, but it's one I was reminded of a lot in 2017. My family always comes together for meals, we sing and do music together, and generally just have good times in good company. I realize how rare that is the older I get, but I also realize how precious and important it is.

42.) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away; you're not alone stop holding on and just be held. Just be held... find your rest in the arms of the God who won't let go." - Be Held, Casting Crowns.

43.) Five personally significant events of 2017:

       1. February 28th, because reasons

       2. Moving into a new place

       3. When I applied for a new job
       4. When I was asked to be my friend's Confirmation Sponsor. She won't be confirmed for a while but it's still a privledge.

       5. Visiting my sisters at their homes for the first time. (Last time I visited Gina she was in a trailer house. Long story.)

44.) Five things I want to do in 2018:

        1. Make music.

        2. Finish my musicals. (yep, this is still a goal in progress)

        3. FINALLY get my license so I can visit my friend Sammi.

        4. Do more Catholic Action

        5.Buy a new rosary and a Saint Michael statue.

45.) Five people I’d like to know better in 2018:

Gavin. 8-) I'd like to visit my friend Ana and actually meet her in real life, so I guess she's one too. This question is stupid because I don't have five people to know better. 8-/ I guess I can still get to know Sammi. (????)

So now you're kind of caught up on my life 8-) ONWARD AND UPWARD!

In summary... 2017 was a hard year. It's up there with 2012 as a year of rough times. I had some special, beautiful moments, but also quite a few earthquake moments. It sounds like 2017 was hard for a lot of people, but God is ultimately in control and everything will be okay.

Here's hoping that 2018 is better than the years before it, filled with good times and good company. Eat, drink and be merry! Value good food and cheer over hoarded gold and be better for it.

HAPPY (late) 2018!!!!

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

So. 2017. *crazed laughter*

As all of you know, I am not a good blogger. I have good intentions but I really don't blog half so much as I ought to. Back in the Summer, I gave my blog a face lift and talked a little bit about being a dreamer and how I was going to make this blog a "safe place" for people like that. Then I promptly crashed, losing any sort of inspiration. Now that the New Year is hear, I am going to try and remember this mission. Part of the problem was that I really didn't know how to approach my new blog idea. However, I think I have an idea now, of what I'd like to do here.

I want to start posting once a week for starters. *More Crazed Laughter* I want to try and post something positive, optimistic, or fanciful about my week. I'd like to start talking a little more seriously about stories, writing, poetry, and the overall stunning glory of God's world, which is so easy to miss out on now-days. I want to post about beautiful things. With this mission in mind, my blog should be much more themed this year. Here's hoping!!!!!!!

As a Kick-Off for the New Year I am going to do the New Year's Tag.

1.) What did you do in 2016 that you'd never done before?

Erm. I went to Frontsight, I got a job. I started writing a musical. Oh! And I visited the ocean with my friend Jack and my younger sisters! 8-D

2.) Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make one this year?

I don't properly remember my New Year's resolutions. I don't think I had any for 2016. But I do have tentative resolutions for 2017. Mainly to focus on my writing and take some freaking music theory. (MAYBE ACT???)

3.) Did anyone close to you give birth?

Oh yes! My sister did! His name is Dominic. He's adorable.

4.) Did anyone close to you die?

No, Thank God.

5.) What countries/states did you visit?

I only went to Nevada. That was it and it's not that big of an achievement, seeing as I live fairly close to that state. Probably the biggest thing I did travelling-wise was going to the Ocean. That crap was beautiful, and it was tons of fun. Behold God's untempered magnificence!

6.) What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?

Moooooooooney! Lol. I guess I'd like an actual house to live in, not a flat. A cute little two-room cabin would be nice.

7.) What day in 2016 will remain forever etched in your memory?

November 7th. The last and best day I had at Frontsight. I hope I will never forget it.

8.) Did you move anywhere?

Well, I was briefly in Nevada but then I came back home and am now living with two of my sisters. Otherwise, no.

9.) What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I'd love to say 'I got my license!' but alas, that isn't true. So.... I placed into the third round in the contest at Frontsight. And I can actually shoot now, even though I need to practice on speed.

10.) What was your biggest failure?

Failing my driving test. Twice. Curse you parallel parking! I knew I could do it but my nerves were less sure. *blows smoke from ears.*

I was not this kid.

11.) Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nah. I'm all good.

12.) What was the best thing you bought?

I bought my very own copy of the Fullmetal Alchemist; Brotherhood series. Complete with OVA episodes.

13.) Whose behaviour Merited celebration?

My Mom is the ultimate superwoman. Honourable mentions would be Gavin from the library, my sister Mahri, and my brother.


14.) Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

A person whom I will not say the name of. Such a person made me very appalled and depressed. And angry too. *scowls at said person.*

15.) Where did most of your money go?

Toward books, Anime and Manga, and Reeses.. And I bought gifts for everyone at Christmas, which was very fun, by the way.

16.) What did you get really, really, really excited about?

FRONTSIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT! And of course, my visit to the ocean. I am so grateful that Jack let me come with her to that. Oh! And my brother's wedding, way back at the start of the year!

17.) What was the best concert you've been to this year?

I saw no concert. I did however, see a bootleg of Les Miserables and it was magnificent.

18.) What song/album will always remind you of 2016?

My 2016 song is probably Battle Scars by Paradise Fears. The album would be.... hmmm. Bring Me Giants, by James Barbour.

19.) Compared to this time last year are you:

Determined. Determined to live my life as best and as hopefully as I can, and to make the most of what is given to me. God's got this. I'm determined to be a good, if anxious soldier under His banner.

20.) What do you wish you'd done more of? 

I didn't do any acting at all last year. I'm homesick for the Theatre. I wish I'd done more writing too.

21.) What do you wish you'd done less of? 

I wish I had done less of nothing. I was stuck without a car or anywhere to go within walking distance for most of this year, which meant I did almost none of the things I wanted to do. Like act and Dance

22.) What's your greatest Musical discovery?

Bring Me Giants (James Barbour) Ghost the musical, and as much as I hate the plot and premise, I liked a lot of the songs and music from Bridges of Madison County*. Kelli O'hara has an amazing voice, and that whole album inspires me to write music of my own. It showed me how much music can inflict mood on a scene; from contemplating and hopeful, to excited and bedazzled.

*I don't recommend this musical for a number of reasons, number one being that its about an affair. I only listen to a few select songs from it.

23.) How did you spend your Christmas?

Rather like the others, I spent Christmas at Homebase with my family, good food, and some very great friends. My brother and sister-in-law also came up with their kids, which was wonderful.

24.) How did you/are you spending New Years?

This was a nice New Year. Usually I slog through until midnight, say a small "Happy New Year," and vanish to my room. This year, my family (+friends) completed a Three-Day Lord of the Rings Marathon on New Year's Eve. We were invited to Sammi B's house for the last movie and finished the RoTK just a few minutes before midnight. After an epic count down to midnight, we toasted in the New Year with poppers and horns, and the sound of bagpipes flooding from outside, as they always do.  We kicked 2016 into the past with much ghusto, called out HAPPY NEW YEAR! And went home. We're such party animals it's ridiculous. Our New Year's are pretty freaking lay-back.

I honestly thing there are few better ways to start the New Year than with an LOTR marathon. It stirs up your soul in a big way. Let this be the hour when we draw swords together! Fell deeds awake; Now for wrath! Now for ruin! And the red dawn! ..... RIDE NOW!

25.) Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerm. My sister Tiny and... Jack?

26.) What was the best book you read?

My favourite book of this year was probably The Penderwicks in Spring by Jean Birdsall. Yes, it was a painful book and yes, I cried a lot in it, but it helped me with some of my own struggles. I found a kindred spirit in Batty. She is dear. It also got me back into my clarinet and made me feel like maybe I could write music, so there is that.

Honourable mentions include; Castle in the Air: Diana Wynne Jones, Screaming Staircase; Bartimeus:  Jonathan Stroud. Heist Society: Ally Carter. Pandora Hearts (10): Jun Mochizuki.* Noragami (11-14): Adachitoka**

*Yes, it's a manga.

** Yes, another manga. Don't judge me.

27.) Did you fall in love in 2016?

What? No way! *thrashing anime noises*

No love life for this girl, yet. This is probably good. I don't think I'm ready for that.

28.) What was your favourite TV show?

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Honourable mentions include: Hunter x Hunter, Hawaii 5-0, Pandora Hearts, and Lethal Weapon.

29.) Do you have anyone you hate now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Not really. There are some people are strongly dislike. Some that have annoyed me or caused me distress.

For example, I strongly dislike a certain party of people more than normal. #NewAgePharisees

30.) What did you want and get?

I wanted Musical Notation notebooks and by golly, I got them!

31.) What did you want and not get?

Ghost; the musical.

32.) What were your favourite films of this year?

Doctor Strange and The Magnificent Seven.

Mister... - It's Doctor. - Mister Doctor? - It's Strange.

33.) What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

Here is the thing. My birthday is in January, so sweet 18-year-old me has been around all year. That's a long time folks. What I'll do is briefly recall my last birthday and tell you the plan for my next one.

Well, I was sick with Broncitas for my 18th birthday. *

I work this birthday, but I plan to have a few of my siblings and Jack over for dinner. I think I'll watch either The Giver or .... Something epic. I am on a Lord of the Rings high, so I'll need to watch something emotional and grand. Maybe one of the Marvel movies, or Gladiator.  Or The Eagle.

34.) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016?

I was basically Vanellope from Wreck it, Ralph!

I'm adorable!


35.) What kept you sane? 

Prayer. Anime. The library. My sister Tiny.

36.) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I actually didn't have a celebrity figure that I especially fancied this year. I like Chris Pratt and Il Volo, but that's old news. So, no public figure has made much of an impression on me since 2015.

37.) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Passing my driving test would have made my year much better. *headdesk*

38.) What political issue stirred you the most?

The freaking Elections man. Oh my gosh. I was in Pahrump learning about guns all day; then I went home that night and worried (and prayed) about our next presidential candidate.

39.) Who did you miss?

Sammi Bender </3. Also, my adorable little nieces.

40.) Who was the best new person you met?

I don't really meet people. I guess Gavin has only been around a year, so I'll count him. He's dear.

41.) Tell  us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016.

-Noragami

Life is full of suffering and pain, but it is also full of joy and happiness. Everyone has their own crosses, their own burdens and trials that they must undergo, whether for the betterment of themselves, or the betterment of many, or both. I've known this for a while but it really hit me this year. Life is a walk in shadow, but that doesn't mean there isn't any light. And despite all the hardships life is actually worth living. To see a sunset, to feel wild wind, to witness the glory of a waterfall, to have good company and good meals, to enjoy stories and laughter, to experience love and friendship; all of these are good reasons to endure the bad days. The bad weeks. Even the bad years. And no matter how bad things get, one day all the suffering will end. The grey rain curtain of this world rolls back and all turns to silver glass. Then you see it. White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise. 

42.) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Rain came pouring down when I was drowning, that's when I could finally breathe... And by morning gone was any trace of you, I think I am finally clean. - (Clean, Taylor Swift.)

Also, this incredibly relateable verse: On and on, like we're living on a broken record, hope is strong, but misery's a little quicker. Sit, and we wait, and we drown there, thinking, 'Why bother playing when it's unfair?' They say life's a waste, I say they lack belief. They tell me luck will travel, I tell 'em that's why I've got feet. Left, right, left, right,  moving along to the pulse of a heartbeat [....] Don't stop. March on. (Battle Scars, Paradise Fears.)

43.) Fiver personally significant events of 2016.

1.) My brother's wedding. We welcomed our new sister into the family with much merry making  and friendly company. Especially my sister Gina, her husband, and her kids. It was a good week.

2.) Visiting the Ocean in July with my best friend and some of my siblings.

3.) FRONTSIIIIIIIIIGHT. NOVEMBER 4-8th!!!

4.) February 16th, when my amazing brother treated the whole family to Disneyland.

5.) November 31st because, reasons.

44.) Five things I want to do in 2017.

1.) Take a music classes.

2.) Audition for a play or musical.

3.) Write at least the rough draft of a musical, and finish at least the first draft of my Cyril book.

4.) Spend more time with my sisters

5.) Pray hard, fight well, and live the life God gave me with fewer fears and more happiness.

45.) Five people I'd like to know better in 2017.

How was your 2016? Are you optimistic about 2017? Can you believe it's 2017??

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella