harry potter snubbed.

Tonight was the Oscars. I was going to watch it, but I decided to go see The Secret World of Arrietty instead (which was FABULOUS).

So, I was a little miffed when I checked Mugglenet when I got home to find out that Harry Potter did not win ONE SINGLE AWARD.

I've been holding off on my rant about this until now hoping that the Academy might finally acknowledge Harry Potter this year. But no, nothing.

The facts that Harry Potter is the number one movie franchise of all time, that Deathly Hallows Part 2 is the 3rd biggest movie of all time, and that there were SO many talented people in front of and behind the camera working on these movies seems to have been lost on the "fine people of the Academy."

I understand. Harry Potter is not your average Oscar winning movie. But was Lord of the Rings? No, I don't think so. I'm not even asking for the movies to win Best Picture or Best Director. But they have never even won a technical award in the 10 years they have been a part of Hollywood. I think that is awful and it's not just because I'm a Harry Potter nerd. The cast and crew of the movies have done so much for cinema during their decade of work.

They got their recognition from the British film industry last year. It's a damn shame that the America film industry has done NOTHING, when they were produced by an American film company.

Day 30

How I've Changed in the Past Month.


I haven't really changed much in the past month.

Life has been sorta melancholy lately.

I've been feeling restless and annoyed more, but I think it's because my anxiety and stress levels are rising with midterms and such approaching.

But this 30 Day Blog Challenge was fun.
And thanks to all who read every day! Sorry it wasn't more exciting, but I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Keep looking out for future posts about whatever topic pops into this crazy head of mine!

Day 29

Where Do I See Myself in Ten Years?


This is a tricky question. If you had asked me last year, I would have said "Teaching, married, living in West Michigan, maybe with kids."

Now, I'm not so sure.

There are a lot of things I want to do in my life and a lot of different roads that I could go down.
I know that I want to be married and starting a family, but I don't know where I'll be living, what job I would have, if I'm still in school, etc.
It's scary for me to not know what my life will be like... but I know that God has something pretty wonderful planned for me, so I have faith.

Day 28

A Story.


At least, the beginning of one. 

Will had a way of getting into “sticky situations”, as his mom would call them. He would often skip history lessons to go flying on his pet dragon Xavier or get caught sneaking into the royal orchards past curfew.

But this was his stickiest situation yet.

“William Vincent Karth, what were you thinking?” His mother asked after the palace guards had brought him home at three in the morning after being caught in the royal stables with two girls and another boy.

“That it would be a bit of fun.” He replied cheekily. Evanna Karth pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed heavily.

“I will deal with you in the morning. Go to your bedroom. And don’t think about running off again; I’m going to put guards at your door and beneath your window.” Will rolled his eyes and strolled down the hall to his bedroom. Evanna watched her eldest son leave wondering what her late husband Peter would have done differently.

“A month of extra history lessons, extra chores and absolutely no fun until she declares I’ve learned my lesson. Frankly, I thought she could have done better.” Will reported his punishment to his best friend Dexter Maloney the next morning.

“I have to babysit my brat sister after lessons for the next month while her nanny is on maternity leave.”

“That’s rough, mate.” Their history teacher Sir Stephen of Coda walked in.

“Good morning gentlemen. I’m glad to see that all of you decided to join us today.” He looked pointedly at Will who smirked. “Today, I am happy to welcome a new student to our classroom.” He glanced out in the hallway and nodded. Will did not expect a girl to walk into the classroom wearing the traditional deep green cloaks of a student.

“Gentlemen, this is Juno Chester. She is a new student to our fine school and I expect you to treat her with respect. Take a seat anywhere in the classroom, Juno.”

“Thank you, Sir.” She replied in a light voice. She chose a seat next to Dexter, who looked just as shocked as Will that a girl was allowed admittance to their prestigious school. All throughout class Will tried to catch her eye, but she kept her eyes at the front of the class the entire time. She seemed to be really intent on listening to everything Sir Stephen said about the military history of their nation.

“Who do you think she is?” Dexter asked at lunch that day.

“Has to be from a very, very wealthy family. Probably bought her way in. There’s no way a girl is smart enough to just get in without money.” Will replied.

“Actually, there is.” Will whipped around to see Juno standing behind them holding an apple. “It’s called having a brain and most girls have them. Maybe if you actually talked to one instead of only looking at them, you would realize that.” She said with a bitter tone. She turned to leave and then looked back.

“By the way, I’m your history tutor. Meet me in the library tomorrow after your last class. Bring your history book.” The boys were silent for a while after she left.

“Wait, we have a book for history?” Will said. Dexter clapped his best friend on the back.

“It’s probably a good thing you’re getting extra lessons, mate.”

“Mother! Where are you!” Will yelled as soon as he got into their manor home.

“There is no need to yell, William.” Evanna walked out of the study down the hall.

“A girl? Really? A girl tutor? That is the best you could find?”

“What are you talking about?”

“My history tutor is the new girl at school. Why did you pick her?”

“I didn’t pick her. I spoke with Sir Stephen this morning and he assured me that he would pick the best student in class as your tutor. If it’s this girl, then so be it.”

“But… that’s just not fair!”

“What isn’t fair is you sneaking off in the middle of the night acting like a silly peasant boy, not the heir to the Greenwood estate. It’s about time you grew up and started acting like a man. I’m tired of dealing with your immaturity.” Evanna snapped and turned away. Will stormed outside to the patio. His younger brother was sitting there reading a book.

“Fighting with Mum again?” Benjamin asked without even looking up.

Will crossed the patio to the fountain and sat on the edge.

“She doesn’t understand.”

“What doesn’t she understand?”

“That I don’t want this. I don’t want to waste my life running Greenwood and being a pompous royal.”

“Well, Dad wasn’t like that. So why do you think you’ll be like that?”

“Dad also ran Greenwood into debt with his atrocious and wasteful spending. He didn’t care about this place enough to run it successfully. All he cared about was his magic and looked where that landed him. Dead.”

“Will, don’t talk about Father like that.” Benjamin set his book down and looked at his older brother. “Father was a good man. He cared about us and Catherine and Mum. He might not have been the best Lord of Greenwood, but he was a good Father.”

“You’re only saying that because you were his favorite. The sorcerer prodigy he always wanted. Catherine and I were nothing to him.” Will spat out, becoming more angry by the minute. Benjamin stared at his brother blankly for a moment before getting up.

“Mum’s right. You do need to grow up.” He gathered his books up and left. Will sat clenching and unclenching his fists trying to control his temper, before deciding to do the one thing that always calmed him down; going for a ride on his dragon, Xavier.

It was tradition for parents to give their heir a dragon egg for their 13^th birthday. It was a symbol of royalty and wealth. Will remembered how excited he was to finally receive his egg. He had gone on dragon rides with his Father before on his Father’s dragon, Yolene, but he wanted one of his own.

On his birthday, he woke and ran to the entrance of their home, where his parents and Sir Robert, the Master Dragon Trainer, sat around the fireplace. Sir Robert was holding a gold speckled black egg over the fire with tongs. All day long Will helped Sir Robert with keeping his dragon egg over the flames. It wasn’t until late in the evening that it began to crack. After many hours of watching it crack and break open, Will was finally able to meet his very own dragon. He was black with light gold wings, a pointed snout and long talons. Will named him Xavier and a friendship was formed. As soon as Xavier turned one and was considered an adult, they began training with Sir Robert. It was hard and frustrating work, but in the end it paid off.

The dragon’s keep was located outside the capital, behind the stables and orchards.

“Good afternoon, Ratatoo.” Will greeted the dwarf that worked at the keep.

“Afternoon, Sir William. How are you doing today?”

“I’ve been better. You?”

“Oh, can’t complain. Found out my wife is having another baby! Makes it our third.” Ratatoo boasted proudly.

“Congratulations! Tell Yvonne my family sends their blessing.” Will said shaking the proud father’s hand.

“Thank you! Will you be needing any help this afternoon?”

“No, just going for a ride on Xavier.”

“Alright, sir. I better get to cleaning. Have a good one!”

“You too, Ratatoo.” Will walked past the main office and the dragon house and went into the giant enclosed pen. He whistled three times and called for Xavier. After a short time he heard Xavier flying overhead and swooping down into the pen.

“Hello, Xavier.”

“Hello, William.” Xavier spoke in a gravelly voice. Dragons were the only mythological creatures that had the ability to speak, deeming them rights and privileges under law. The Dragon Protection Act gave them right to deny their eggs to nobles, but most dragon mothers were willing to give up one of their eggs in exchange for gold and treasure.

“Were you hunting?” Will asked.

“Yes, but it can wait. Where do you want to go today?”

“I was thinking the Denark Mountains.”

“Excellent. I can probably hunt a few goats while I’m there.”

“Great, I’ll grab the saddle.”

A few minutes later, Will’s custom-made leather saddle was strapped on the back of Xavier and they were up in the air. After a couple hours of flying, they landed at their destination. Will sat under a tree and read his history book while Xavier hunted.

“So, what was the reasoning for this adventure?” Xavier asked after he was finished chasing mountain goats.

“Long story short… Mum hired a girl tutor for me after I got caught in the royal stables again.”

“What is so wrong with that?”

“Did you not hear me? It’s a girl tutor. The only girl at our school, actually.”

“Aren’t girls just as capable as boys?”

“Well… I don’t know.”

“Haven’t you said that your mum is smarter than some of your teachers? And isn’t Catherine quite bright as well?” Will didn’t respond. “I think you are letting your pride get into your way of rational thinking, William. Obviously this girl is intelligent enough to get into your school, making her your equal, maybe even your inferior. If it was a boy tutor you would have found some excuse why you wouldn’t want him as your tutor.”

“Fine, it’s humiliating. I mean, I’m the only student in my class that needs a tutor. It’s not like I really need one; I just think it’s a worthless subject.”

“Maybe if you start attending class instead of skipping, your mother would have thought of a different punishment. You are obviously intelligent, you are just too lazy to be successful.”

“Your wisdom can be irritating sometimes…” Will grumbled.

“Well, your complaining can be irritating sometimes.” Xavier rebuttled. Will snorted and laid back on the grass.

“Touche, Xavier. Touche.”  

Day 27

Describe Your Day.


I woke up around 8:30 after hitting my snooze button a few times.
After getting ready for the day, I went to Einstein Brothers for a bagel and coffee and went to my Psychology of Women class. We watched a very disturbing video about how the media and advertisements objectify and scrutinize women. Then I went to my Middle Eastern history class and after that my African history class, where I learned stuff.
After I was done I went out to lunch with my Grandma and Aunt to the Italian Oven! It was a wonderful time and it was super nice to catch up with my family!
I went back to my room and found three beautiful carnations waiting for me from my sweet boyfriend! :)
I hung out in my room for rest of the afternoon, until Matt got out of class and took me out to Chinese! Unfortunately he got sick and we had to cut dinner short, but we came back to my dorm, he bought me pizza and now we're just relaxing in my room.

It's been a splendid Valentine's Day. :)

love.

Love is the greatest accomplishment one can achieve in life. Whether it's the love of family, lover, or friends, it can literally change the course of one's life forever. 

It's the strongest emotion we can feel; why do you think there are so 

many songs, poems, and stories about love?  

 When you are in love, you are willing to fight through the difficult times, because the good outweighs the bad. You aren't blind to each other's faults or oddities; you embrace them because they make your loved one even more special. 

As a hopeful romantic, I struggle with the concept of Valentines Day.

Since I have been single for all of my previous Valentines Days, I have never really celebrated it. I've never been a fan of it, but I also don't hate it like a lot of my fellow peers seem to.

But for this Valentine's Day I am in a wonderful and very happy relationship, so I have been questioning my stance on V-Day.

Here it is.

While Valentines Day is over commercialized, cheesy, expensive, and sometimes tasteless it's also just a day to celebrate the best thing about humanity... our capability to love.
I know I've used this quote from Hank Green before, but it is so perfect I need to use it again to make my point.

"Loving each other is pretty much the most important thing we do. It's not just the reason the each of us as individuals exist, it's the reason why our species and our civilization exist. It's the only reason why we can do the marvelous, magnificent human things!" 


I choose to celebrate V-Day because I think love is pretty awesome. Sure, I can celebrate my relationship on my anniversary but I guess I don't have a real problem with having another reason to spend some quality time with the best guy I know. None of the expensive dates, presents, or mushy gushy love letters.
Spending some good ol' quality time with Matthew is the only thing I asked for this V-Day.

And flowers, because I really, really, REALLY like flowers. :)

So whether you agree or disagree with me...

I wish you all a very Happy Valentine's Day.

Day 26

A Memory. 


A recent memory.

The first time I met Matthew was last spring semester in our HST 101 class.
I looked over my shoulder and this cute brunette boy was looking at me. I was a little creeped out, but he was pretty cute so I also found it funny. From that point on we would catch each other's eyes. One day, I noticed that we had mutual friends when he was hanging out with my neighbors. He eventually sent me a friend request on Facebook, and the next time he went by my room I said hey and our friendship began. :)

A distant memory.


Every summer my family and I would spend most weekdays at my Grandma Frens' home. We would usually eat lunch and head over and spend the whole afternoon over there, swimming, eating ice cream, and playing with our cousins. Some of my favorite memories involving my cousins are from that time. We would race each other to get the best bathing suits and toys. I will always hold a special place in my heart for Schwann's ice cream and tropical punch juice and Sprite.

Day 25

A Letter To My Best Friend.

Dear Anna Marie Deur,
You are a beautiful, selfless, creative, fun, awesome, smart, and compassionate lady.
I would have never been able to survive college without you. You have had to put up with crazy, sad, joyous, nerdy, boring, and annoying Tonya. For that, I am eternally grateful.
You are a truly amazing best friend and I know others would agree. You are one of the most kind-hearted souls I know and I know that you will always be here for me whenever I need you.

I know that no matter where we end up in life we will always be in each other's lives.

I love you, my dear best friend!

Tonya :)

Day 24

My Favorite Quote. 


"It is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them." -Agatha Christie

Whenever Matt makes me laugh with his silliness, I realize the truth behind this quote.

But it also applies to my friends and family. Whenever Caitlin sings along in the car with me, or Anna and I go on crazy night-time adventures, I know how lucky I am to have such awesome people in my life. :)

Day 23

What Would I Do If I Won A Million Dollars? 

Honestly, I would give a lot of it away.

Money doesn't equal happiness in my life, and there are people with much greater needs than I in this world. 

I would keep enough to pay for college, a new car, and to be comfortable until I can find a job after graduating. 

Then I would give some to my parents in thanks for everything they've done for me.

Then I would give the last of it to different charities. 

Day 22

A Poem.


I am not a poet.
So instead, I have posted my favorite Shakespearean sonnet.

Let me not to the marriage of true minds

Admit impediments. Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or bends with the remover to remove:

O no! it is an ever-fixed mark 

That looks on tempests and is never shaken;

It is the star to every wandering bark,

Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks 

Within his bending sickle's compass come: 

Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, 

But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

   If this be error and upon me proved,

   I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Day 21

My Favorite Color.

Plum purple.

Most shades of purple, actually. But this is my favorite. I also like lilac, lavender, and amethyst. 

Day 20

If I Had A Time Machine... Where Would I Go? 

Queen Elizabeth's reign.
Hands down.

I realize that the living conditions were not the greatest and women were treated more like property than human beings... but I just want to be a fly on the wall in Queen Elizabeth's court. I want to watch her become one of the greatest monarchs in European history, ruling over men and leading England to greatness.

WWII era would also be an interesting time to visit, in both America and Europe.
And I think traveling from the 50's through now would be really fascinating, to see all the differences that have occurred over the past 60 years.

Day 19

My Siblings. 

I thank God (and my parents) for blessing me with the sometimes difficult 

task of being the oldest of five kids.

Caitlin Rose

Being one year apart has been a blessing and a curse for Cat Lynn and I.

When we were younger, we fought A LOT.

We couldn't even share the same bedroom throughout 

high school, because we fought so much.

Then, we both grew up a little. We still have our arguments and 

I still annoy her quite a bit, but in many ways she's a better "older sibling"

than I am. I mean, she didn't get in trouble NEARLY as much as I did growing up!

Caitlin is one of the best people I know, and I 

know she will always be there for me. 

Jessica Jennie

Jeska is one of the most stubborn, loyal, and honest people I know. 

She doesn't let anyone push her around and she is rarely afraid to speak her mind.

I admire those traits in her, because they are rare in a person. She and I have
butted heads over many things in the past, and I know we will in the future too.

But I also know that no matter how many fights we get in,

she will still be there when I want someone to watch Glee or Disney movies with.

Seth Howard

The only boy with four sisters. How he's managed, I will never know.

Always the jokester, Seth will do anything to get a laugh or a smile.

A lot of the time he's not that funny. He gets that from my dad.

But he has been known to completely change my mood with a simple

joke or crazy story from school. He tries to put up a tough macho

persona, but when he plays video games with Abby, or hugs me

when I come home from school, I can tell that he's really

just a big softie at heart.

Abby Bernice

My parents like to remind me that my youngest sister and I

are exactly alike whenever she goes crazy and starts freaking out

over the newest "Merlin" episode or the latest dragon book she read.

And as much as I deny it to them, I know that they're right.

Only, she has the energy of about ten of me.

She is unique, smart, curious, and a little crazy.

But that makes her Abby, and I hope she never, ever changes. 

Day 18

My Dream Wedding.


Modern fairy tale. That's basically the "theme" of my dream wedding.

And yes, I am the type of girl who has fantasized about her dream wedding for years.

I won't go into great details, but here's the basic idea.

It will be an outdoor ceremony and reception. The reception will either be under a tent or the stars, depending on the season I get married (I would prefer late spring). Either way, there will be LOTS of lights. And flowers too, but not so much to make it look like a floral shop.

Instead of a cake, I want lots and lots of cupcakes.

The colors will be plum, silver, and white. With maybe a dash of yellow and/or black. Not sure yet, obviously.

And my dream dress? Well, it's right here.

But don't worry friends. I may have a great idea of what I want for my wedding, it doesn't mean I plan on getting married soon! :)

Day 17

My Religious Beliefs.


I would prefer to discuss my faith rather than my religion, because to be honest I am not a huge fan of organized religion. I call myself a Christian, more specifically a Protestant, but I don't really associate with any of the denominations. Maybe when I'm older and feel the need to settle down in a church, I will find one I like. For now I like to work on my personal relationship with God rather than worrying about which church I should attend.

I have struggled with my faith over the past couple of years. It's been sometimes difficult to see God working in my life and I have questioned his existence. It's also hard growing up in an increasingly secularized world where you are sometimes deemed "ignorant" or "close-minded" or "hateful" for believing in God.

But during those nights of fear and questioning, all I wanted to do was pray. Pray to God for strength, hope, and to thank him for loving me through all my hardships and troubles. Some nights, I could feel his presence which calmed me and I would go to bed that night with a peaceful mind and a warm heart.

I will never use my faith to discriminate or hate anyone. Jesus's message to the Jews was one of love. Even if you are an Atheist, homosexual, prostitute, Buddhist or a politician, I'm not going to curse at you and tell you that your lifestyle is wrong.

All I ask is that other people do the same.

Day 16

10 Ways To Win My Heart.


1. Be a gentleman.
2. Have a superb sense of humor.
3. Get along with my friends and, even more importantly, my family.
4. Have dreams you are passionate about.
5. Be intelligent.
6. Have a friendly and social personality, with an optimistic outlook on life.
7. Be willing to show how much you care.
8. Be nerdy with me :)
9. Be a believer in God.
10. Be Matthew Thomas Eilers. <3

Day 15

Things I Want To Say To 5 Different People.

Dear Queen Elizabeth,

Did you REALLY die a virgin? 

A huge fan,

Tonya Pell

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Dear JK Rowling,

Thank you. For everything.

With much love,

Tonya Pell 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Jesus,

I wish more people realized your message was one of love.

Also, thank you. <3

A loving follower,

Tonya 

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Dear John and Hank Green,

You two are cooler than ice cream. 

If more people were like you, the world would be a happier place for all.

Nerdfighter for life!

-------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Emma Watson,

Stay classy.

Sincerely,

Tonya Pell

Day 14

10 Things People Don't Expect About Me. 


1. I suffered from bad self-esteem in high school.
2. I considered doing theatre as a career for about a week, until I realized I'm not talented enough to make it as a living.
3. I really don't like animals... except dragons and honey badgers.
4. I am afraid of the snowmen that are hanging up in my room.
5. I sometimes wish I hadn't given up piano, but I know I made the right decision.
6. I think owning a cupcake shop would be fun.
7. I would like to adopt two children eventually.
8. I don't like a lot of alternative rock, but I love 30 Seconds to Mars.
9. I will not be living in Fremont after I graduate college. I'm going to be traveling and living in awesome places.
10. There are days I want to drop out of college and run away.