Zara Hoffman's Blog: Zara Hoffman's Goodreads Author Blog, page 38
July 13, 2014
Purple Summer
If you haven't heard the song "Purple Summer" from the musical Spring Awakening, listen to it now on Google Play, iTunes, or AmazonMP3. The reason I used it for this title is because my trip to South Africa was so transformative (as cheesy as it sounds) and has made me more grateful for what I have and rekindled my drive for my projects.
I've officially been back from SA for a week. Since then, I've seen The Lion King on Broadway for the 6th time in my life, revamped the catalog for my organization, Our Hope is Here (catalog still under construction), and completed the 4th draft of Tears of an Angel .
I have a lot to do on OHH and ToaA (and The Witch's War) before school starts, but now that I'm done with standardized testing, I can focus on getting an internship, visiting the last few colleges on my list, and enjoying what's left of Summer.
I've officially been back from SA for a week. Since then, I've seen The Lion King on Broadway for the 6th time in my life, revamped the catalog for my organization, Our Hope is Here (catalog still under construction), and completed the 4th draft of Tears of an Angel .
I have a lot to do on OHH and ToaA (and The Witch's War) before school starts, but now that I'm done with standardized testing, I can focus on getting an internship, visiting the last few colleges on my list, and enjoying what's left of Summer.
July 11, 2014
Alphabetized List of Musicals I've Seen
I decided to give a comprehensive list of all the musicals I've seen spanning my lifetime so far (16 years). WARNING: Only read this if a) you have time to read a long list and b) are willing to look up any musicals you don’t know. The ones with links are either significant to me in one way or another, or just one of my favorites. 42nd Street (my first musical ever)The Addams FamilyAll Shook UpAnnieAnnie Get Your GunBabes in ArmsBeauty and the BeastBig River (THREE times: 1 at Roudabout Theater, read a review or program, and 2 at Ford's Theater)Billy ElliotBring it On (TWICE)BrooklynBye Bye BirdieCaptain LouieCarouselChicagoCinderella (THREE times—not counting Julie Andrews movie version)A Chorus LineA Christmas CarolCrazy For YouEvitaFiddler On the RoofFootlooseGodspellGuys and DollsHairsprayHigh School Musical, the MusicalHow To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (TWICE)Hugh Jackman, Back on BroadwayIn The HeightsJersey BoysJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatLa Cage aux FollesLes Misérables (FOUR times; twice in London, twice on Broadway—not counting movie)The Lion King (FOUR times)Little WomenLove Never Dies (seen in London)Mamma Mia!Mary PoppinsMatilda! (seen both in London's West End and on Broadway)MemphisThe Music ManMy Fair Lady (I saw the 2007 New York Philharmonic concert)Nice Work If You Can Get ItOklahoma!Oliver!OnceOnce Upon A MattressPeter Pan (TWICE with Cathy Rigby)Peter and the StarcatcherThe Phantom of the Opera (TWO times: on Broadway and in London's West End)The Prince and the PauperSeussical!Shafrika! The White GirlSinging in the RainSister Act!South Pacific (I saw the 2008 Broadway Revival at Lincoln Center)Spring Awakening (saw the LIVE Asbury Park production)Story of My Life TarzanThoroughly Modern MillieUrinetownWe Will Rock YouWicked (seen it ELEVEN times on Broadway)XanaduA Year With Frog and ToadYoung FrankensteinZanna, Don’t! (opened on my 6th Birthday and introduced me to my love of musical theater; seen too many times to count)
June 30, 2014
June 2014 TCWT Blog Chain
TCWT: “What are your thoughts on book-to-movie adaptions? Would you one day want your book made into a movie, or probably not?”
ZH: You may have missed My Top 10 YA Movie Adaptations, but I basically said that I treat the movie and books as separate entities. If one completely diverges from the other, I'm not happy, but usually, as long as the essence is captured, I'm okay if they gloss over some stuff. If my book were to become a movie, I'd want to be part of the process (like JK Rowling, Suzanne Collins, and Veronica Roth have been for their series), but would be okay with changes being made.
ZH: You may have missed My Top 10 YA Movie Adaptations, but I basically said that I treat the movie and books as separate entities. If one completely diverges from the other, I'm not happy, but usually, as long as the essence is captured, I'm okay if they gloss over some stuff. If my book were to become a movie, I'd want to be part of the process (like JK Rowling, Suzanne Collins, and Veronica Roth have been for their series), but would be okay with changes being made.
June 17, 2014
Being Brave: Leaving On a Jetplane
This year has been absolutely crazy for me. Hours of testing and test preparation, homework, papers, PR work, spending time with family and friends, and my own novels, I haven't really had time to relax and unwind.School is out now, I'm done with all standardized testing (PSATs, APs, ACT, SATs, and SAT2s) and all other work besides my own creative pursuits (and college applications starting in August, but let's not talk about that now).
Well, almost.
Today, I am boarding a plane for the 15 hour overnight flight to Johannesburg, and another hour flight from "Joberg" to Port Elizabeth, South Africa. What am I doing going to another continent, you may ask? My school is pairing up with Envoys and Artworks for Youth. Me and 12 other students, 2 teacher chaperons are going to volunteer to teach creative art classes. I'm teaching Creative Writing (surprise, surprise). The heads of both organizations are also going to help us learn about the culture: their customs, what it means to live in a post-apartheid setting, etc.
I will be gone from today until July 7. In the meantime, please explore my website and leave comments on any blog posts that interest you.
June 15, 2014
The Fault In Our Stars
Originally written for Melissa A. Petreshock's Dragon Blog: The Book 
If you haven't read the book yet. Read this whole post, and then buy it!
The Fault in Our Stars (TFIOS) by John Green has developed a cult following of “nerdfighters.” thanks to the wildly popular YouTube channel “VlogBrothers,” hosted by John and Hank Green.
I was late coming onto the bandwagon. I couldn’t understand why people were crying and posting a bunch of pictures with two clouds, one black and one white, with the words “Okay.” After reading the book, I completely understand.
Inspired by John Green’s friend Esther Earl (who wrote her real-life story in This Star Won’t Go Out), TFIOS is a story about love, life, and hope. John Green skillfully captures (and breaks) the hearts of his readers within the span of a short 318 pages. Having recently experienced my grandmother’s fight with cancer, the scenes were as authentic as they were poignant. The director decided to cast real cancer survivors as Hazel Grace’s support group for the movie. Read more on the Book Website.
The Movie
I CRIED so much during this movie. I mean, I expected it, what with all the weeping I did while reading the story, but my God, I cried! This was definitely one of my FAVORITE book-to-film adaptations. I think the casting was perfect (even though I was worried because the two leads were brother and sister in Divergent). Shailene Woodley and Ansel Englort were PERFECTION.
Woodley clarifies “It's a love story about two kids with cancer but it's not about cancer.”
John Green has been vlogging his time on the TFIOS set and conducting cast interviews for his fans (just another reason you should subscribe to the VlogBrothers on YouTube). Read more on the Movie Website.
If you haven't already read the book and seen the movie, go and do both, but be prepared to cry a lot. So bring tissues.
If you haven't read the book yet. Read this whole post, and then buy it!The Fault in Our Stars (TFIOS) by John Green has developed a cult following of “nerdfighters.” thanks to the wildly popular YouTube channel “VlogBrothers,” hosted by John and Hank Green.
I was late coming onto the bandwagon. I couldn’t understand why people were crying and posting a bunch of pictures with two clouds, one black and one white, with the words “Okay.” After reading the book, I completely understand.
Inspired by John Green’s friend Esther Earl (who wrote her real-life story in This Star Won’t Go Out), TFIOS is a story about love, life, and hope. John Green skillfully captures (and breaks) the hearts of his readers within the span of a short 318 pages. Having recently experienced my grandmother’s fight with cancer, the scenes were as authentic as they were poignant. The director decided to cast real cancer survivors as Hazel Grace’s support group for the movie. Read more on the Book Website.
The Movie
I CRIED so much during this movie. I mean, I expected it, what with all the weeping I did while reading the story, but my God, I cried! This was definitely one of my FAVORITE book-to-film adaptations. I think the casting was perfect (even though I was worried because the two leads were brother and sister in Divergent). Shailene Woodley and Ansel Englort were PERFECTION.Woodley clarifies “It's a love story about two kids with cancer but it's not about cancer.”
John Green has been vlogging his time on the TFIOS set and conducting cast interviews for his fans (just another reason you should subscribe to the VlogBrothers on YouTube). Read more on the Movie Website.
If you haven't already read the book and seen the movie, go and do both, but be prepared to cry a lot. So bring tissues.
Sunday Soup: TFIOS
Originally written for Melissa A. Petreshock's Dragon Blog: The Book If you haven't read the book yet. Read this whole post, and then buy it!
The Fault in Our Stars (TFIOS) by John Green has developed a cult following of “nerdfighters.” thanks to the wildly popular YouTube channel “VlogBrothers,” hosted by John and Hank Green.
I was late coming onto the bandwagon. I couldn’t understand why people were crying and posting a bunch of pictures with two clouds, one black and one white, with the words “Okay.” After reading the book, I completely understand.
Inspired by John Green’s friend Esther Earl (who wrote her real-life story in This Star Won’t Go Out), TFIOS is a story about love, life, and hope. John Green skillfully captures (and breaks) the hearts of his readers within the span of a short 318 pages. Having recently experienced my grandmother’s fight with cancer, the scenes were as authentic as they were poignant. The director decided to cast real cancer survivors as Hazel Grace’s support group for the movie. Read more on the Book Website.
The Movie
I CRIED so much during this movie. I mean, I expected it, what with all the weeping I did while reading the story, but my God, I cried! This was definitely one of my FAVORITE book-to-film adaptations. I think the casting was perfect (even though I was worried because the two leads were brother and sister in Divergent). Shailene Woodley and Ansel Englort were PERFECTION.
Woodley clarifies “It's a love story about two kids with cancer but it's not about cancer.”
John Green has been vlogging his time on the TFIOS set and conducting cast interviews for his fans (just another reason you should subscribe to the VlogBrothers on YouTube). Read more on the Movie Website.
If you haven't already read the book and seen the movie, go and do both, but be prepared to cry a lot. So bring tissues.
If you haven't read the book yet. Read this whole post, and then buy it!The Fault in Our Stars (TFIOS) by John Green has developed a cult following of “nerdfighters.” thanks to the wildly popular YouTube channel “VlogBrothers,” hosted by John and Hank Green.
I was late coming onto the bandwagon. I couldn’t understand why people were crying and posting a bunch of pictures with two clouds, one black and one white, with the words “Okay.” After reading the book, I completely understand.
Inspired by John Green’s friend Esther Earl (who wrote her real-life story in This Star Won’t Go Out), TFIOS is a story about love, life, and hope. John Green skillfully captures (and breaks) the hearts of his readers within the span of a short 318 pages. Having recently experienced my grandmother’s fight with cancer, the scenes were as authentic as they were poignant. The director decided to cast real cancer survivors as Hazel Grace’s support group for the movie. Read more on the Book Website.
The Movie
I CRIED so much during this movie. I mean, I expected it, what with all the weeping I did while reading the story, but my God, I cried! This was definitely one of my FAVORITE book-to-film adaptations. I think the casting was perfect (even though I was worried because the two leads were brother and sister in Divergent). Shailene Woodley and Ansel Englort were PERFECTION.Woodley clarifies “It's a love story about two kids with cancer but it's not about cancer.”
John Green has been vlogging his time on the TFIOS set and conducting cast interviews for his fans (just another reason you should subscribe to the VlogBrothers on YouTube). Read more on the Movie Website.
If you haven't already read the book and seen the movie, go and do both, but be prepared to cry a lot. So bring tissues.
June 10, 2014
Teen Tuesday: MALEFICENT, Not Your Average Fairytale
Originally written for Melissa A. Petreshock's blog: 
Some of you may remember my OUAT Sunday Soup where I talked about the importance (and my obsession) with complicated, layered villains. If not, read it after you finish this post.
Anyway, "I must say, I felt quite" elated to hear about this movie. I mean, come on, it's Angelina Jolie playing the "Mistress of All Evil" and mother of Disney Villains. Like the star, I never identified with Aurora. She sleeps for more than half the film and has fewer words (sung and spoken) than Maleficent according to this awesome post about why the character Maleficent is amazing. (search "words" and read the paragraph in this article).
I loved this movie. It was a visual spectacle, Angelina's performance blew me away, and the plot was moving (albeit different from the animated Disney film). In all actuality, Maleficent was more along the lines of the original Sleeping Beauty tales (minus the princess becoming impregnated in her sleep—Disney does have a reputation to keep) where the "Evil Fairy" has agency (which back then was considered bad). You can read a whole history lesson on that.
One of my favorite YouTube reviewers, Grace of Beyond the Trailer, said that this was another example of Linda Woolverton's feminist agenda... I don't necessarily agree. Strong women do not necessarily equate to feminism in the sense of an angry woman protesting all the sins of men (although there certainly is that aspect in the movie).
As a PG film, even the darkest elements of this film remained brief. I do agree with Grace in her wish that we got to see the iconic villain we loved from the animated film. Again, the audience is treated to some episodes of her reveling in the terror she causes, but not as much as I would have liked. Which goes back to the film's relation to its Disney source material.
The marketing team portrayed this film as the classic told from Maleficent's perspective. And while it is her story, it is not merely a flip-side account of the animated tale where Maleficent curses Aurora, Aurora goes to live in a cottage, meets a prince, falls asleep, prince fights & kills dragon. The two really only overlap as far as the curse, Aurora's life in the cottage, and meeting Prince Phillip in the woods. People who were expecting a Disney-fied Wicked (where the reputation of the Wicked Witch is false, but the events still seemingly happen) will be somewhat disappointed. I can't blame them for that. But, if you take it as an adaptation, not a "retelling" as they kept saying in all the promos and interviews, then one will thoroughly enjoy this new Disney masterpiece.
Some of you may remember my OUAT Sunday Soup where I talked about the importance (and my obsession) with complicated, layered villains. If not, read it after you finish this post.Anyway, "I must say, I felt quite" elated to hear about this movie. I mean, come on, it's Angelina Jolie playing the "Mistress of All Evil" and mother of Disney Villains. Like the star, I never identified with Aurora. She sleeps for more than half the film and has fewer words (sung and spoken) than Maleficent according to this awesome post about why the character Maleficent is amazing. (search "words" and read the paragraph in this article).
I loved this movie. It was a visual spectacle, Angelina's performance blew me away, and the plot was moving (albeit different from the animated Disney film). In all actuality, Maleficent was more along the lines of the original Sleeping Beauty tales (minus the princess becoming impregnated in her sleep—Disney does have a reputation to keep) where the "Evil Fairy" has agency (which back then was considered bad). You can read a whole history lesson on that.
One of my favorite YouTube reviewers, Grace of Beyond the Trailer, said that this was another example of Linda Woolverton's feminist agenda... I don't necessarily agree. Strong women do not necessarily equate to feminism in the sense of an angry woman protesting all the sins of men (although there certainly is that aspect in the movie).
As a PG film, even the darkest elements of this film remained brief. I do agree with Grace in her wish that we got to see the iconic villain we loved from the animated film. Again, the audience is treated to some episodes of her reveling in the terror she causes, but not as much as I would have liked. Which goes back to the film's relation to its Disney source material.
The marketing team portrayed this film as the classic told from Maleficent's perspective. And while it is her story, it is not merely a flip-side account of the animated tale where Maleficent curses Aurora, Aurora goes to live in a cottage, meets a prince, falls asleep, prince fights & kills dragon. The two really only overlap as far as the curse, Aurora's life in the cottage, and meeting Prince Phillip in the woods. People who were expecting a Disney-fied Wicked (where the reputation of the Wicked Witch is false, but the events still seemingly happen) will be somewhat disappointed. I can't blame them for that. But, if you take it as an adaptation, not a "retelling" as they kept saying in all the promos and interviews, then one will thoroughly enjoy this new Disney masterpiece.
June 9, 2014
Mary Waibel on Her Publishing Path
Zara, thanks so much for letting me drop by to talk about my publishing experiences.
When I first began my journey on the path to being a published author, I considered self-publishing, but decided I'd give the traditional route a chance first. I queried agents with my first project. Of course, I sent it too early, and received nothing but rejections. Undeterred, I moved on to a new project. And, once that baby shone, I sent it off to a new round of agents. This time, I received a few nibbles, but no takers.
So, I went back to my first project, and revised, and wrote, until it barely resembled the original story I'd begun with. I thought about sending it to agents, but decided to try a different track, and sent to a few small publishers who took unagented submissions. I got two bites. Then I got an offer. And that started my publishing story.
With three stories at MuseItUp, and a new series releasing from BookFish books, I turned back to my thoughts of self-publishing. A control-freak at heart, this really seemed something I should try. I'd be in complete control of everything.
When the anthology I'd submitted a short story to seemed to be gaining no traction, I pulled my submission and got to work. I wrote, and edited, and sent it to CPs and Betas. And I edited some more, taking it from short story length to novella length. I knew this would be the one I'd test the self-publishing waters with.
All books need a cover, so I contacted Charlotte Volnek. I'd worked with her two times before and loved the way she captured my books. She sent me a sample. We tweaked it a few times, and then, BOOM! There is was. Something to look at and squee about and renew my sense of excitement about the story.
No story is ever complete without being edited. I contacted Judy Roth, my very first editor, (judy-roth.com) and she read and commented, and I polished and tweaked (and learned my newest writing vice!) With her help, life was breathed into my story, and the characters began to shine like I knew they would.
Next up was formatting. Not being one to do things the easy way, I read, and re-read Susan Kaye Quinn's chapter on formatting the hard way (from Indie Author Survival Guide- I totally recommend this book to anyone considering self-publishing) I read about HTML coding, and studied some of the books I'd downloaded to see just how they did that, and slowly my book took shape the way I wanted it to.
And now, it's been released out into the world for others to read.
Every step on my journey has taught me something new, and this is no exception. Reach for your dreams, work to achieve them, and you will find them in your grasp.
About the Book
Tristan enjoys being in the shadows as Prince Rand's bodyguard. Similar in looks, the two often exchanged places in their youth, but he never expected the king to order him to impersonate the heir to the throne in order to win the hand of a princess.
Princess Zoe needs to find a husband. After a year of searching with no success, her father insists on hosting a masquerade ball for the eligible princes of the nine kingdoms. Not one prince piques her interest, until she meets the mysterious stranger who won't tell her his name.
When Tristan meets Zoe he finds the girl of his dreams. The only problem? She's a princess and he's impersonating a prince―a crime punishable by imprisonment and floggings. Unable to tell Zoe his real name, he gives her a special navigation device. One that leads to the owner's true love. Will this magic device lead Zoe to Tristan, or will her true love forever remain a mystery prince?
Buy on Amazon About the Author
Mary lives with her husband, son and two cats. When she isn't twisting fairytales, she enjoys reading, playing games, watching hockey, and camping. She is an author and editor at BookFishBooks.
Her Princess of Valendria series (Quest of the Hart, Charmed Memories , Different Kind of Knight ) are available for purchase. Her Faery Marked (book 1 in the Faery Series) will be available this summer.
When I first began my journey on the path to being a published author, I considered self-publishing, but decided I'd give the traditional route a chance first. I queried agents with my first project. Of course, I sent it too early, and received nothing but rejections. Undeterred, I moved on to a new project. And, once that baby shone, I sent it off to a new round of agents. This time, I received a few nibbles, but no takers.
So, I went back to my first project, and revised, and wrote, until it barely resembled the original story I'd begun with. I thought about sending it to agents, but decided to try a different track, and sent to a few small publishers who took unagented submissions. I got two bites. Then I got an offer. And that started my publishing story.
With three stories at MuseItUp, and a new series releasing from BookFish books, I turned back to my thoughts of self-publishing. A control-freak at heart, this really seemed something I should try. I'd be in complete control of everything.
When the anthology I'd submitted a short story to seemed to be gaining no traction, I pulled my submission and got to work. I wrote, and edited, and sent it to CPs and Betas. And I edited some more, taking it from short story length to novella length. I knew this would be the one I'd test the self-publishing waters with.
All books need a cover, so I contacted Charlotte Volnek. I'd worked with her two times before and loved the way she captured my books. She sent me a sample. We tweaked it a few times, and then, BOOM! There is was. Something to look at and squee about and renew my sense of excitement about the story.
No story is ever complete without being edited. I contacted Judy Roth, my very first editor, (judy-roth.com) and she read and commented, and I polished and tweaked (and learned my newest writing vice!) With her help, life was breathed into my story, and the characters began to shine like I knew they would.
Next up was formatting. Not being one to do things the easy way, I read, and re-read Susan Kaye Quinn's chapter on formatting the hard way (from Indie Author Survival Guide- I totally recommend this book to anyone considering self-publishing) I read about HTML coding, and studied some of the books I'd downloaded to see just how they did that, and slowly my book took shape the way I wanted it to.
And now, it's been released out into the world for others to read.
Every step on my journey has taught me something new, and this is no exception. Reach for your dreams, work to achieve them, and you will find them in your grasp.
About the Book
Tristan enjoys being in the shadows as Prince Rand's bodyguard. Similar in looks, the two often exchanged places in their youth, but he never expected the king to order him to impersonate the heir to the throne in order to win the hand of a princess.Princess Zoe needs to find a husband. After a year of searching with no success, her father insists on hosting a masquerade ball for the eligible princes of the nine kingdoms. Not one prince piques her interest, until she meets the mysterious stranger who won't tell her his name.
When Tristan meets Zoe he finds the girl of his dreams. The only problem? She's a princess and he's impersonating a prince―a crime punishable by imprisonment and floggings. Unable to tell Zoe his real name, he gives her a special navigation device. One that leads to the owner's true love. Will this magic device lead Zoe to Tristan, or will her true love forever remain a mystery prince?
Buy on Amazon About the Author
Mary lives with her husband, son and two cats. When she isn't twisting fairytales, she enjoys reading, playing games, watching hockey, and camping. She is an author and editor at BookFishBooks.Her Princess of Valendria series (Quest of the Hart, Charmed Memories , Different Kind of Knight ) are available for purchase. Her Faery Marked (book 1 in the Faery Series) will be available this summer.
June 7, 2014
2014 TONY Awards
I love musical theater. And if you don't already know that, you clearly haven't been on this blog long enough. In recent years, I really think they should have just renamed it the Neil Patrick Harris show. He's hosted the Tony's 4 TIMES (watch my favorite opening numbers). 3 were consecutive 2011-2013, and only 2014's Host, Hugh Jackman, has had that streak!
This year, Hugh Jackman is returning for his for his 4th year. His 3-year streak was 2003-2005. See his past opening numbers (except his '03 one because the internet doesn't seem to have it) below. He also had a cameo on NPH's 2011 Tony gig (watch below) and has since hosted the Oscars in 2009 (and performed "The Musical is Back" with Beyonce and others and the movie cast of Les Miz), but let's be real—live singing and awesome puns and monologues beat the Oscars any day—at least in my book.
I'm lucky enough to see theater at least once a year. I'm even luckier to know a Tony voter who sometimes gives me a free ticket to his show. Musical theater is one of my favorite pastimes and definitely my #1 guilty pleasure. I'm so excited for Hugh to return to the Tony stage, what about you? Comment below if you're excited and what is your favorite musical of all time.
This year, Hugh Jackman is returning for his for his 4th year. His 3-year streak was 2003-2005. See his past opening numbers (except his '03 one because the internet doesn't seem to have it) below. He also had a cameo on NPH's 2011 Tony gig (watch below) and has since hosted the Oscars in 2009 (and performed "The Musical is Back" with Beyonce and others and the movie cast of Les Miz), but let's be real—live singing and awesome puns and monologues beat the Oscars any day—at least in my book.
I'm lucky enough to see theater at least once a year. I'm even luckier to know a Tony voter who sometimes gives me a free ticket to his show. Musical theater is one of my favorite pastimes and definitely my #1 guilty pleasure. I'm so excited for Hugh to return to the Tony stage, what about you? Comment below if you're excited and what is your favorite musical of all time.
June 5, 2014
I See the Light
I'm halfway done with my Junior Year finals, so I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I love Finals because it means it's the end of the school year, I get one test per day, and lots of time to watch my favorite movies (and yes, Tangled is one of them).
I have finished my English and History finals, both of which were a piece of cake and am now working on fixing some parts in Tears of an Angel and writing more of The Witch's War. It's all very exciting if you ask me.
Maintenance Note: Also, please ignore the double-listed blog categories in the sidebar. I have emailed the website developers and they are looking into it. For now, if you need to find a post use the old fashioned way of hitting the "older" and "newer" links at the bottom of each blog page. Sorry for the inconvenience. Thank you for understanding.
I have finished my English and History finals, both of which were a piece of cake and am now working on fixing some parts in Tears of an Angel and writing more of The Witch's War. It's all very exciting if you ask me.
Maintenance Note: Also, please ignore the double-listed blog categories in the sidebar. I have emailed the website developers and they are looking into it. For now, if you need to find a post use the old fashioned way of hitting the "older" and "newer" links at the bottom of each blog page. Sorry for the inconvenience. Thank you for understanding.
