The Lightening Theif Update

It's hard for me not to compare things (especially book series) to Harry Potter.  I'll admit that I'm a "Pot-Head" in that respect.  So when I first started Percy Jackson, I'll admit that I was skeptical because so much of it just screamed "imitation".  And while there were somethings that were vaguely similar to Harrys' story, there were many other aspects of it that were very original. 
I won't ruin it for those that haven't read the book and plan on doing so.  I will say however, that I love Percy's moxy.  Is it okay for a boy to have moxy?  Eh, anywho, whatever it is Percy has, I love it. He's such a fun character and I love how he's kinda dysfunctional. 
I'm not much of a book critic (unless the subject is Harry Potter) so I'll just leave my recommendation to read Percy Jackson and the Olympians.  I for one am anxious to move onto book 2, but I have another book to read until I can start that.   Which leads me into the next portion of this post....
Sabriel.  I started this book last spring and I still have yet to finish it.  I've been putting it off and putting it off saying that it's easier to read stuff on my phone than it is in an actual book.  Well if Percy Jackson taught me anything, it's that I MISS reading actual books.  I'm making it one of my goals to read one book a month, be it fictional or church related.  Which, thinking about it I should make that two books, one fictional AND one church related.  But....baby steps Rikki.  So, Sabriel it is for now.  The concept for this book is so intriguing I don't know how I was able to put it down. 
OH! And for those of you who like crafty stuff, look what I made!

Ain't it cute?  My friend Gabi just had a baby boy this morning and this is my contribution to his 'welcome to earth'. 
So...yeah. I don't know what else to say except for "Remember who you are and what you stand for".  ^_^

Current Obsessions

It's no surprise to those that really know me that I'm a HUGE fan of Jared Leto and have been since the pilot episode of My So-Called Life (still my favorite TV show of all time).  Anywho, onto my point. When I got a hold of 30 Seconds To Mars' (3STM) second album 'A Beautiful Lie', I went into a frenzy.  Easily one of my top 10 favourite albums ever.  My incredible mom then proceeded to get me tickets to their concert and I got to touch Jared Leto.  I know it seems silly to most, but it was one of the happiest moments in my concert going career (the top moment being when Cove Reber of Saosin stopped singing, knelt in front of me and just stared at me, same concert).  So needless to say, my love for 3STM runs deep.  It has been fortified with their latest release 'This Is War'.  This album has been a long time coming and well worth the wait.  The thing that I love most about it is that it's very different from 'A Beautiful Lie' but still very true to their sound.  It also has a message of 'stand and fight', at least that's what I get from it.  It's empowering chant 'this is our call to arms, gather soldiers' instills a desire to fight for what I believe and am passionate about.  Taylor thinks that it has a real 'U2' feel to it, which means he doesn't like it (we're not fans of U2 at all), but despite that I still love it.  'Hurricane' is definitely a stray away from their usual sound, adding a bit of a hip-hop element featuring Kanye West, and yet it's one of my favourite songs on the album.  Anyways, now I'm rambling. Point is, 'This Is War' is a great album.  If you're not super glued to the sound of 'A Beautiful Lie' and are open to a new style and feel, check it out.  I love it when bands branch out and try new styles, it means that they're growing as artists, and honestly...who can argue with that?  
Next on the agenda is Copeland.  A band that I have long since had a love affair with.  There is something so comforting in their music.  For those of you who enjoy a more mellow sound, no screaming, no harsh guitar or anything...Copeland is your band.  Think Coldplay only...softer?  I dunno I don't know really how to explain it.  I was first introduced to them during a talent show a girl in my ward sang an acoustic version of 'California'.  Blew my mind.  So imagine my devastation when I heard that the band was parting ways.  They are having one last huzzah by doing a farewell tour and as an early birthday present Taylor has promised to take me.  I really love their music. There is not one song that I dislike on ANY of their several albums.  Truly good stuff. (Chandale...I'm still reminded of The Alamo)  But if I were to choose my all time favourite Copeland album, it'd be 'Beneath The Medicine Tree', that album is epic for me.  So yeah, check them out.  Like I said, if you want something soothing, mellow, and melodic...pick up some Copleland.  Would I ever steer you wrong?  (Don't answer that)
Moving on...I'm currently reading Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightening Theif.  Not very far into the book but so far so good.  I picked it up as a recommendation from my brilliant sister (in-law) Sierra after seeing the trailer for the film adaptation months ago.  I'll let you know what I think of it later, but for now let's just say that it's fitting for my sense of humor.  It feels good to pick up a book again.  I love reading, I really do, but lately it just seems like everything coming out now is about vampires which I'm ususally all for, but this Twilight explosion has been a killjoy.  
So yeah, I'm done ranting for now.  Hopefully you like my recommendations.