The Sunshine Blogger Award x1000 (only a slight exaggeration)

December 06, 2020

HAPPY SUNDAY!!! *tackle-hugs you*

Wow, it has been a longgggg time since I've written a blog post, and I do apologize for that. The past few months have been weird and crazy and fun, what with school and all. But now that exams are done, I can FINALLY sit down and start writing blog posts again. And this time, I don't plan on disappearing for a while. <3

Anyways, to get myself back in the blogosphere, I'm doing the Sunshine Blogger Award! I have been tagged for this six times. I probably should have done it earlier. It's fine. XD

THE RULES

1. Thank the blogger(s) who nominated you and link back to their blog(s) so others can find them. All right, a huge shoutout to Sarah @ Pen of a Ready Writer, Lacy @ The Life of an Elf, Bethany @ Scribbled Fiction, Ash @ Starlight StrandsRakayle @ A Story Detective, and MovieCritic @ Movies Meet Their Match for tagging me! You need to check out their blogs - they're all so kind and incredible! <3

2. List the rules and display an award logo on your blog post. 

3. Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you. So, plot twist, I'm not doing this. There would be 66 questions to go through, and I don't think anyone wants that. XD Instead, I'll pick my favorite 3-4 questions from each blogger.

4. Ask the nominees 11 new questions. This was a struggle for me when I did this tag last time. We'll see what happens. XD

SARAH'S QUESTIONS

What's your dream work space aesthetic? 

. . . I have literally never thought about this before, but it's such an interesting question!

I really like the library aesthetic - bookshelves around every corner, pages rustling, stuff like that. But if I were to work in that environment, I would have to make sure I couldn't see anyone. For some reason, whenever I work in a crowded library, I get really distracted. *shrugs*

What's a subject in school that surprised you by not being as awful as you thought?

Chemistry! I mean, don't get me wrong, the math aspects are still awful. But the non-math elements are super interesting, and I'm hoping it's helpful for a future story. We'll see.

. . . who am I kidding, the main reason I liked chemistry in high school was because we got to make lava. It was pretty great. :D

What song's lyrics have had the most impact on you and why?

I don't think I could narrow down any song that's influenced me throughout my life. I only started listening to music regularly about . . . three years ago? But in 2020, "Pompeii" by Bastille has definitely impacted me - especially the line "But if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?"

So many things changed this year, but at the same time it feels as though we've reached a new normal of sorts. And this song really reflects that feeling for me.

LACY'S QUESTIONS

Favorite scene from a book (can be a WIP)?

Wait. Favorite scene EVER? *screams*

Okay, okay, that's too broad. I'm separating this into two categories:

- Scene from one of my WIPs: it's a tie between (a) a scene in Project Chaos involving Aspen (which made me cry) and (b) a reunion scene I'm planning for the Inhumans (which I'm sure will make me cry). 

- Scene from a different book/movie/show: I think the "Hello, Zuko here" scene in season three of Avatar: the Last Airbender might have to steal this award. It's just . . . it's just awkward perfection, what can I say?

In your opinion, what is the most overrated emoji?

The high-five emoji. I didn't understand it was a high-five emoji for the longest time - I thought it was a prayer emoji. And besides, when do you ever use the high-five emoji anyways?? It just seems so pointless to me.

What do you have a possibly unhealthy stash of?

Besides books? too many books can never be unhealthy Right now, it'd have to be junk food. I have an absurd amount of chocolate stashed in my bedroom. The sadder part is, I'm going to eat it all myself.

Would you rather have a pet giraffe or live in Antarctica with the penguins?

I LOVE THIS QUESTION SO MUCH. And while I'd love to go penguin-sledding in Antarctica (if you know, you know), I think I'd rather stay warm and have a pet giraffe.

I will admit, though, I don't know where I would keep said giraffe. I'm sure I could figure something out, though. 

BETHANY'S QUESTIONS

What is the song you know every word to?

The entirety of Hamilton. I wish I was kidding, but at long last I think I've got the entire musical down. (okay, maybe not Say No to This, but let's be honest, I don't want that in my head)

You're going to battle against the boss villain. What fictional mentor are you bringing back to life to give you advice?

Um. There are too many to choose from. I don't know if I can do this. 

Right now, I'm thinking I want Brom from the Inheritance Cycle. I don't know why. I just think he would give great advice that would take into account all my physical inabilities. aka my lack of muscle, strength, and speed

In your opinion, what is the best book in the world?

I literally have no idea why I picked this question, because I don't have an answer for it. XD

Actually, never mind, I have an answer: the Bible. ;)

ASH'S QUESTIONS

What's your favorite color and why?

My favorite color is teal. It's a gorgeous color! definitely has nothing to do with the fact that I once shipped Sophie Foster with a certain teal-eyed boy, definitely not

What inspired you to start blogging?

This is actually a really long story, but essentially one day I stumbled upon Katie Grace's blog (A Writer's Faith), thus discovering the blogosphere and becoming driven to start blogging. 

If you were given $1000 to spend right now, what would you do?

Probably panic, because I'm very indecisive and horrible at snap decisions. So basically I'd waste this golden opportunity to partially pay for college and buy books.

RAKAYLE'S QUESTIONS

What movie did you last watch?

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation! We recently bought the six-movie collection of the MI movies and are slowly going through them. This one, #5, was pretty good - although I still stand by my opinion that Fallout is the best one. 

One YouTube channel you recommend?

you all know what's coming

Personally, I highly recommend TwoSetViolin, a classical music / comedy channel. ;) Their content is precisely my kind of humor, and I learn things about classical music from them! (I've even considered making a fandom letter for them, but also . . . they're real people, and it feels weird. XD)

But if you're tired of my non-stop promotion of this channel, I'd also recommend Dein0mite. He's a lesser-known piano channel who is very educational when it comes to memes. While his humor is also spot-on, he's worth watching just because you can tell that he loves playing the piano. 

(I kid you not, Megalovania started playing while I wrote Dein0mite's description, and if you're familiar with his channel, you'll know why I'm FREAKING OUT OVER THIS.)

What language do you want to learn?

Korean! I have a Korean friend, and she's really inspired me to learn the language. 

But I didn't realize how hard learning Asian languages would be to an English speaker. If anyone has any advice, please let me know. XD

Have you ever played Minecraft? 

Um, HECK YEAH I HAVE. That game deserves all the hype it has ever received. I don't really play it anymore (*cries*), but I hope that someday I have the time and motivation to pick it back up again!

(let's be honest, though, the real reason I don't play anymore is because I had a giant wooden mansion in survival mode and one day I accidentally set it on fire -_-)

MOVIECRITIC'S QUESTIONS

Are there any movies you like better than the book they were based on?

Actually, yes. I much prefer the Rise of the Guardians movie (the one with Jack Frost) to the book series on which it's based.

Now, don't get me wrong - the books are good. But something about the movie is just so magical and fun, and the books don't really capture that, in my opinion. I would still highly recommend both, though. :D

If you were in an action movie, what would be your weapon of choice?

First off, if I was in an action movie, I would die about five minutes in. BUT, if I somehow managed to survive those five minutes, I'd probably want a gun. I don't know how to use guns, but it'd probably go better than if I used knives or (heaven forbid) straight-up martial arts.

But can I please just be the behind-the-scenes tech person that never fights, like Benjy in Mission Impossible? XD

What are the best and worst books you've read so far this year?

Ooo, this is really hard. I think the best books I've read so far would have to be the Lockwood and Co. series by Jonathan Stroud. It's a fantastic series about children who fight ghosts for a living, and it's just EPIC. (Lockwood the character is also legitimately amazing <3)

As for worst . . . maybe A Map for Wrecked Girls? It wasn't really my type of story, and it had a LOT of mature content that I don't believe was well-written. Another book I didn't like this year was Jacob's Room by Virginia Woolf. It was a school read, and I just did NOT like the overall experience. :( 

What are your thoughts on time travel?

TIME TRAVEL IS SO COOL IN FICTION - when done right. looking at you, Flash

THE TAGGED

*sigh* we've hit this part again, haven't we? 

By this point, I think most people have done this tag. If you haven't done it yet, you're tagged. No exceptions. XD

And your questions to answer are as follows:

  1. What's been the best part about your day today?
  2. Most anticipated book or movie release of 2021?
  3. Current favorite song?
  4. What's something that surprised you about blogging?
  5. What drives you to get out of bed in the morning? 
  6. Chocolate or caramel?
  7. Show us three GIFs that describe your blog post writing process.
  8. A book that changed your life?
  9. Describe your ideal day.
  10. If you could delete any food from existence, what would it be and why?
  11. Least favorite social media platform?

those questions should not have been that hard to create XD

It's so good to be blogging again! I've missed talking to you guys, and I can't wait to share more random content with you all. Thanks for sticking around. <3

-Nicole <3

How's life been for you these past couple months? Do you play Minecraft? What's your weapon of choice? Let's talk! :D

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28 comments

  1. Nicole! Hello! It's good to see you back! I hope everything with school and exams went well!

    CHEMISTRY IS AMAZING! (I do like the math part of it, too, but...y'know, I'm weird that way).

    Aaahh "Pompeii" is such a good song! And I mean, kinda reminds me of this year? XD I love the acapella version, especially.

    Ha! I have the entirety-of-Hamilton-minus-Say-No-To-This memorized, too! Twins!

    I probably should not be laughing about you setting your wooden mansion on fire, but...I am. Sorry, but that's hilarious. XD

    I haven't heard of Lockwood and Co! I'll have to check it out. Because I don't have enough books on my TBR. *facepalm*

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    1. Hey, Samantha!! Yep, school and exams went well, thank goodness. It's good to talk to you again!

      IT REALLY IS! (and that's so awesome - I commend you! :D)

      Haha, it definitely reminds me of this year. XD *gasp* there's an acapella version?? I MUST check this out!

      Ayyyyy, that's awesome! *high-fives*

      XD XD it's honestly pretty funny in hindsight, but I was DEVASTATED when it happened. ;)

      Bwahaha, you're welcome. ;) I feel that on the long TBR - mine is out of control. But if you can get to it, I highly recommend! It's a fantastic ghost story. :D

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  2. NICOOOOLE! *glomps* It's so good to hear from you again!!! :D And oh my goodness, this was so much fun to read! I admire your ability to answer all these questions--these were some hard one! But I LOVED seeing your answers!

    I 100% agree that the whole scene of Zuko trying to join Team Avatar was one of the greatest moments in all of fiction and it just never gets old. Poor Zuko. XD

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    1. CHRISTIIIIINE!!!! *tackle-hugs* So good to talk to you again!!!! Haha, yeah, some of these questions were a struggle to answer - but I'm so glad you enjoyed it! :D

      *nods* It truly is a scene for the ages. Although you have to feel bad for Zuko - poor kid is just trying his best. XD

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  3. NICOLE!! IT'S SO GOOD TO SEE A POST FROM YOU! YOU SURVIVED!

    I found the song Pompeii this year and it describes 2020 SO WELL. Yep. I am so impressed that you know all of Hamilton! (I understand the song that is the exception) It was funny, in one of my sister's classes they were talking about that time in history and every single person started singing Hamilton except her because she's never listened to it. XD

    Good to see your answers! :D

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    1. HELLO!!!!!!! SOMEHOW YES, I DID SURVIVE!! IT'S SO GOOD TO TALK TO YOU AGAIN!

      It really does, it's kind of scary. XD Haha, thank you! And wow, that's hysterical! XD XD

      Good to see you again!!! :D

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  4. NICOLE YOU'RE BACK! *welcomes you with dark chocolate*

    Katie Grace's blog was one of the first blogs I ever discovered, too! So she definitely had a part in inspiring ME to blog. I really miss her posts!

    Okay, I literally stopped in the middle of reading this post to go watch a TwoSetViolin video because I had to finally find out what this channel was that you love so much. xD So I watched the Disney charades video from last year and... I don't really know what was going on but it made me laugh so. xD (Also I'm not sure if this is a common occurrence but the amount of times they hugged the wall behind them though xD)

    theonesthatreallymatter.blogspot.com

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    1. EMILY!!!! HI!!!!! *gratefully takes dark chocolate*

      Ayyy, that's so cool! She had a fantastic blog. I really hope she's doing okay. :)

      WAIT. WAIT. YOU ACTUALLY DID???? *SCREAMING* MY LIFE IS COMPLETE NOW. XD Oof, that's a great video! Don't worry, we don't know what's going on either. The charades videos are always just complete chaos. ;) (and yes, in the charades videos they hug the wall quite a bit. don't worry, completely normal XD)

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  5. NICOLE YOU'RE BACK! YAYYYYYYY!
    You've memorized all the songs from Hamilton? That's super impressive. There's so many of them. The only ones I know so far are The Schuyler Sisters, Burn, and The Room Where It Happened. And maybe Guns and Ships. I've listened to it a lot, but it's kind of hard to understand what they're saying.
    The Mission Impossible movies are SO good!
    Okay, but how are some people able to pick just one favorite book? I can't even pick five.
    Teal is such a pretty color. It's my second favorite, actually (purple is my first favorite).
    *scoffs* You can never have an unhealthy stash of books.
    I'm so glad you're posting again, and I'm looking forward to seeing some more posts from you.

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    1. MCKAYLA!!!! HI!!!!
      Haha, there are a TON of them. It's kind of exhausting. XD And hey, those are excellent songs! *nods* agreed, Guns and Ships is HARD to understand. The French accent doesn't really help either. XD
      Yessss, you like them too? That's epic!
      *shrugs* I literally have no idea - it's too hard of a question. XD
      Ooo, purple is such a beautiful color as well!
      ;) of course not, it's impossible.
      Aw, thank you - it's so good to talk to you again! <3

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  6. Glad your back!
    Fallout is my favorite one of the Mission Impossible movies too.
    Chocolate and books are the best things to hoard and they go so well together.

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    1. Aw, thanks, Skye - good to "see" you again!
      Haha, yes, that one is just fantastic!
      And I 100% agree - it's a perfect combination. :D

      Delete
  7. All your answers are awesome!! Funny thing I was just thinking about what I would spend a thousand $ on and it is really easy if you want something like a computer, a nice one. Hehe...
    Minecraft is fun, I play it some too, though I've slowed down too. Sorry you burnt down your house.
    Glad your back! I'm doing a giveaway on my blog if you want to check it out, no mailing address needed. ;)

    astorydetective.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks, Rakayle!! (and thank you for tagging me, by the way! :D) Haha, that is definitely a good thing to spend that money! ;) Computers are SO EXPENSIVE, oh my word . . .
      I'm actually trying to get back into it now, ironically! *shrugs* at least it was able to be rebuilt, but thank you. ;)
      Aw, thank you - and good to talk to you again!! :D

      Delete
  8. Nicole is back!
    I do hope college has been treating you well. At least for the most part. Your answers are great. I like how teal is your favorite color...
    I also may have shipped Sophie Foster with a certain teal-eyed boy...

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    1. Haha, she is!
      *nods* Yep, it wasn't too bad, overall . . .
      XD XD Hmmm, how interesting . . . (#teamsophitz)

      Delete
  9. Hi Nicole!
    I'm new to following your blog, but I've been reading your posts for a while now. I hope your exams went well and I enjoyed reading all of your answers.

    For me, I liked my Chemistry class and the math part. I go to an online school so my labs probably weren't nearly as fun as yours. :) An aesthetic library would be so much fun! I have to have noise while working or I can't get anything done. Probably due to the fact that I hear my six brothers creating loud noises all the time.

    -Miss K
    todaywithmissk.blogspot.com
    theforgottenquillpen.blogspot.com

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    1. Hello!!!! It's so nice to meet you, Miss K!! <3

      Ayyyy, that's awesome! But yeah, I get the online school part - we sometimes had to do online labs, and they just weren't the same. . . . And that's so interesting! I can totally see why you need to have noise - having six brothers would do it. XD

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  10. YAY, it is so good to see you blogging again! <3
    I liked your pick of questions! And your answers to them are just so awesome and funny. :D <3
    Oh, no, your Minecraft house! That is so depressing. :( I play Minecraft too by the way.
    I would 100% just buy books with that money Nothing else (maybe a gift or two for someone else but honestly, it would be just BOOKKKSS).
    I would totally pick up a sword, though that isn't very practical in the modern days. XD This is assuming that the world of the action movie is modern...

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    1. Aw, thank you so much! <3
      Haha, and thanks XD I'm glad they were entertaining!
      XD it was QUITE depressing . . . but YES, that's amazing! What device do you use to play it?
      Haha, that sounds like the best way to spend that money. (whyyyy are they so expensive???)
      *nod of approval* Swords are always an excellent choice - although yeah, maybe not in the modern world XD

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    2. I used to use an iPad but now I use my laptop.
      (I think we all know why, but still it is so sad for a broke or cheap reader XD)

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    3. Nice! *nods* The laptop version is the best version, in my opinion :D
      (haha, yeah XD . . . but still it's so sad :( )

      Delete
  11. Hi! I'm so glad you're blogging again because I found and started following you right when you went on hiatus. XD (I completely understand your need to go on hiatus though. :) )

    Brom! YES!!! Another Inheritance Cycle fan!!! I rarely meet fellow IC fans, it makes me sad when I read so many people bashing my favourite series. :( Have you read the latest book, The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm? I LOVED IT! ^_^

    My favourite colour is teal too! :D

    My little brother and I play Minecraft! (And I feel you on the whole wooden mansion burning down in survival. My little brother was trying to build a fire pit with lava in our WOODEN house that we had spent weeks on and he messed up and half our house went up in flames. XD I still tease him about that now because he's so much better than me at Minecraft now. ;p)

    I love Rise of the Guardians! I love the books equally, but yes, the movie had something more that was so beautiful! I always describe the movie and the books as Lord of the Rings but with owls! :D

    Yup, I would die five minutes into an action movie too. I wouldn't even be the one who dies to spur on the main characters, I'd be the one who did something stupid and got herself killed. XDDD

    I haven't done this tag yet, so thanks for tagging me! XD Hopefully I can get it up before the end of the month. Also, thank you so much for following my blog! <3 :D

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    1. Hello! It's so nice to meet you, Jen!!! <3 <3 *chocolate party*

      Another Inheritance Cycle fan?? YES!! it's so hard to find fellow fans, but yay, I'm so glad you like it too! It makes me sad to see all the hate :( and YES, I have read the newest one! I don't like it as much as the original series, but I still really enjoyed it! (Do you have a favorite character from the series?)

      Haha, nice! *high-fives*

      Ahh, that's so fun! (Oh, NO. I feel that pain - wooden houses are just places of disaster, it seems. XD)

      I actually think we're talking about two different Rise of the Guardians. XD I was referring to the DreamWorks film with Jack Frost - are you talking about Guardians of Ga'Hoole? Because I've read/seen those too, and they're FANTASTIC. And LOTR with owls is such a fantastic description!
      (sorry, I should have clarified which movie - I keep forgetting that they both have the same title XD)

      *nods* We can die together doing something stupid. It'll be a good time. XD

      Aw, no problem! I can't wait to see your answers - but no pressure!
      (and you're so welcome! Your blog looks AMAZING <3)

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    2. *brings more chocolate to party* ^_^

      I know! I think you're only the second person I've met online that likes them or even knows about them. XD The new book was different but I LOVED how it showed the stories from other characters, especially Angela's. ^_^ Oooh! Favourite character questions are SO hard for me, lol, but I'd say it's a tie between Murtagh and Saphira. :) How about you? Who's your favourite?

      *high-fives back* :D

      (Haha, yes, they are definitely a place of disaster. XD He now builds our houses underground or from stone. XD)

      Ohhh. *face-palm* I completely forgot about that movie! I loved it! And I had no clue it was based off a series of books. Yup, Gardians of Ga'Hoole. They are one of my top favourite series of books! <3 (Haha, no prob, we just get to fangirl about two things instead of one. ;) )

      Lol, *nods seriously* Great bonding time, eh? XD

      ^_^ I've gotten most of the post written up, but we'll have to see when I can finish it and actually publish it. XD (Awww! Thank you so much! Yours looks AMAZING TOO!!! <333)

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  12. *yessss, more chocolate is always better XD*

    Haha, same here - I can think of . . . two other people? Maybe? XD YES, I loved the stories with Angela and Murtagh, especially! :D Those two characters are amazing!!! I think Murtagh is my absolute favorite character, but I really love Saphira and Angela as well!

    (That sounds like a much better plan - and underground houses are really cool anyways XD)

    Ahhh, yay, another fan!! Honestly, I didn't either, but one day I was bored and was sitting through the credits and saw that it said "Based off the book series" and I went "what???" XD Ooo, yes, the Ga'Hoole series is great! I haven't read it in so long, but I think I'm due for a reread :D (haha, exactly - the more, the better! XD)

    *thumbs-up* Our last moments will be filled with much fellowship XD XD

    Wow, that's epic - I can't wait to see it! (Aw, thank you!!!! <3 <3 <3)

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    1. Angela was a close contender but I was limiting myself to two, otherwise I would have listed up to ten, at least. XD

      (Haha, yes!)

      Cool! *adds series to TBR*

      Indeed! XD

      And it's *finally* up!!! :D https://livingoutsidethelinesfindingthewritelife.wordpress.com/2021/01/11/the-sunshine-blogger-award/

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    2. *nods* understandable . . . there are just too many good characters in the series XD

      Ooo, yay!!! *rushes off to check it out*

      Delete

Welcome to the comment section! I love hearing what you guys think and seeing you guys talk. Just remember to keep it clean, and as always, check back for my replies! <3
-Nicole