And The Winner Of Reading Competition 2010 Is...

Rosalie!!

Rosalie:
Brisingr by Christopher Paolini. 748 pages.
A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux. 464 pages.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. 244 pages.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. 230 pages.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. 360 pages.
Friend Me by Cathy Hopkins. 497 pages.
The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle by L.J. Smith. 492 pages.
The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and Dark Reunion by L.J. Smith. 520 pages.

Nightlight: A Parody by The Harvard Lampoon. 154 pages.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. 173 pages.

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers. 414 pages.
Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead. 489 pages.

Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. 218 pages.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smithe. 317 pages.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. 485 pages.
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare. 453 pages.
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare. 541 pages.
Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead. 594 pages.

Total: 7348 pages.

vs.

Bella:
Splendor by Anna Godbersen. 391 pages.
Vampire Diaries: The Awakening & The Struggle by L.J. Smith. 492 pages.
Vampire Diaries: The Fury & The Dark Reunion by L.J. Smith. 520 pages.
Anthem by Ayn Rand. 90 pages.
Youth In Revolt by C.D. Payne. 498 pages.
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. 352 pages.
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. 332 pages.
Vampire Academy: Frostbite by Richelle Mead. 327 pages.
Vampire Academy: Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead. 443 pages.
Vampire Academy: Blood Promise by Richelle Mead. 503 pages.
Vampire Academy: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead. 489 pages.
The Second Short Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer. 192 pages.
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling. 652 pages.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling. 759 pages.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. 550 pages.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling. 119 pages.
Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin. 322 pages.

Total: 7031 pages.

I Hate To Break It To You Baby, But I'm Not Drowning. There's No One Here To Save.

You know what I have realized lately? I am extremely blessed. Now, I don't say this to boast or brag, I just want to relay how extremely thankful I am for every good thing (and the bad things too) that I have in my life.

First, my family. My parents are incredible, and I feel so honored to have their beautiful marriage and love to be a guide to me and to everyone who witnesses it. They try so hard to provide for me everything I could need and teach me what I need to know to live a good life, but also let me make mistakes so I can learn on my own. Then there's my brother, who I may complain about and not quite understand, but I have always looked up to him. He is a good brother, and if anything, I learn from his mistakes.

Second, my friends. Specifically my best friend. Not everyone has someone they can talk to about their insecurities and their deep dark secrets, but I have Bella, who understands, and is willing to listen and give me her honest opinion. God sent her to me for a reason, and I am loving whatever that reason is. She is a great influence in my life and I love her very mush. There are also my other friends who each bring some new spark into my life. I am so blessed that my new roommates have become my friends and that we get along and don't try to kill one another...often...

Third is the wonderful churches that God has brought into my life. The community of the church, I have realized, is a key in my spiritual growth and life, and after Brandon left our high school group I went searching for a new church and found the Stirring. Now, in this new town, I have been brought to Nexus, and the wonderful group of followers there. Also, the Christian group at my school that I have become very involved in is a great part of my walk, and is very much needed as I go through this year of school.

It's probably the holiday season, but it feels right to think about all the good things in life right now, and realized just how blessed I am for what God has put in my life.