13 Things to Do Before 2013

I just realized it yesterday, but before we know it, it will be 2013.

Does that sound ridiculous to anyone else? It seemed like just yesterday was New Year's Eve.

I'm a big resolution person, but I also don't believe in waiting until the last minute to get stuff done, so here's my todo list until the ball drops:

1. Find a new way to organize and prioritize homework.

2. Catch up to the current season of Doctor Who, the Walking Dead, and Sherlock.

3. Survive school formal season

4. Read 8 books.

5. Write a novel for National Novel Writing Month.

6. Develop a regular blogging schedule (yay!).

7. Get back into working out and eating well.

8. Make lots of pumpkin flavored things.

9. Lots of trips.

10. Learn some really good jokes. Use them all the time.

11. Start saving more money than I spend.

12. Make some headway into major decisions about the next few years of school.

13. Learn to walk in high, high heels.

And now I've got to hold to them.

What are some things you want to get done before the new year? Leave your comments below!

-Riley

French Toast English Muffin

This morning, for the first time in a while, I woke up with enough time to actually make breakfast, and sit down to eat it with a cup of coffee (which, cross my heart and kiss my elbow, I tried to quit last week, to no avail). This particular morning, it was one of my absolute favorite things to make nowadays: French toast English muffins

They're basically made the same way as normal French toast, just split the muffin, soak it in egg, and then toss it in the pan for a few minutes. Normally I add cinnamon to my egg, but I forgot this morning (whoops).

But admit it, they look gorgeous.

Then a little melted peanut butter goes a long way.

But then again, it always does.

And then, of course, I gave in and sprinkled on a liberal amount of cinnamon sugar.

It's so filling and good, and really satisfies the sweet tooth if you're like me and prefer a sugary breakfast over a savory one.

Hope you've all had a fantastic week!

-Riley

Stormy Seas

This evening, I found out that my freshman journalism teacher lost her final battle with cancer.

She was such a strong woman, a role model even in her hours of weakness, and I will miss her terribly. 

But she is relieved of her pain at last, thank God, and is somewhere so much better than here.

Rest in Peace, Mrs. Henson.

You will be missed so much.

-Riley

Festivities

Today was absolutely, positively my second perfect Saturday in a row.

A Book By Its Cover: The Great Gatsby

As part of my Lit/Analysis class (which, contrary to popular complaint is a pretty fun class all around), we're doing a big focus on the American Dream, and, luckily, the first part of our study was reading this lovely, lovely book.

Perfect Saturday

Today has been the greatest (and most busy) day on the face of the planet.

I'd Be

If I were a gemstone, I'd be a carnelian.

If I were a scent, I'd be fresh-baked muffins.

If I were a pair of shoes, I'd be little brown flats.

If I were the weather, I'd be a rainy day.

If I were a facial expression, I'd be lost in thought.

If I were a car, I'd be a Mini Coupe.

If I were a time of day, I'd be dusk.

If I were a month, I'd be September.

If I were a place, I'd be the bookstore on a cold day.

If I were a liquid, I'd be a latte.

If I were a taste, I'd be richly raspberry.

If I were a sea animal, I'd be a jelly fish.

If I were a food, I'd be a red velvet cookie.

If I were a colour, I'd be something like auburn.

If I were a musical instrument, I'd be a baby grand.

If I were a flower, I'd be a moss rose.

If I were a song, I'd be "Early in the Morning, I'll Come Calling."

If I were a planet, I'd be Saturn.

If I were an object, I'd be a sketchbook.

If I were a fruit, I'd be a nectarine.

If I were a sound, I'd be the crickets' chirp.

If I were a day of the week, I'd be a definite Tuesday.

Posted by Charlotte at Charlotte's Web and I had to give it a try! :) 

Happy Tuesday. 

Riley

Salt and Pepper and Mondays

Hello all! Just thought I'd drop by to say I hope your week started well, and thought I'd share these cure little guys we found at the grocery store over the weekend. Aren't they precious? They were salt and pepper shakers too. 

I was sad to leave them behind.

See you in the funny papers.

-Riley

Sketch Saturday

Hello all! Hope you've all been having a spectacular weekend. 

Those Who Crawl Upon the Earth

I'll admit it. 

I have a strange (maybe a little unlady-like) fascination with creeping crawlies: ants, caterpillars, butterflies, snails, slugs, praying mantises, spiders, bees. They're all intriguing to me, and every so often I'll go for a spin around the yard with my camera to snap them up. 

Soon and Very Soon

Lovely, Lovely Labor Day

 Had a lovely Labor Day weekend with my family, including a visit from my aunt, cousin, and second cousin (whom for all intents and purposes will be referred to as "the Fabulous Miss J.J.).

Lots of rain and running around and good food. Here's a few snapshots to sum it all up:

Devil Cookies

So, on a late-evening traipse to Target the other night, my dad found these suckers in the bakery aisle: