Madison's Studyblr

I thought I’d recommend some of my absolute favourite movies, because I love sharing my love of movies and just things in general with people. So, in no particular order, here is my list of recommendations:

1. Tombstone (1993)

So I just watched this movie a couple days ago and absolutely loved it. Yes, it is a western. Do you need to like westerns to watch it? Nope. That’s why it’s great. And, it’s based on real people/real events. I sobbed hysterically at the end, but I’m also a huge sap. Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday is perfection. I love love love him.

Here’s the plot summary: Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) and his brothers, Morgan (Bill Paxton) and Virgil (Sam Elliott), have left their gunslinger ways behind them to settle down and start a business in the town of Tombstone, Ariz. While they aren't looking to find trouble, trouble soon finds them when they become targets of the ruthless Cowboy gang. Now, together with Wyatt's best friend, Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer), the brothers pick up their guns once more to restore order to a lawless land.

Quotes:

“I’m your huckleberry.”

“Why, Johnny Ringo, you look like somebody just walked over your grave.”

“You gonna do somethin’ or just stand there and bleed?”

2. Fight Club (1999)

Okay. Okay. I just watched this one, too, and let me tell you. If you haven’t seen it/haven’t been spoiled for it, you have no idea what it’s really about. Honestly. It’s so fuckin’ weird and it blew my mind which is something I thought only M. Night Shyamalan could do. Wow, just. . . wow. Watch it, I implore you. I think everyone essentially knows the basic plot, but here it is if you want it, straight from google:

A depressed man (Edward Norton) suffering from insomnia meets a strange soap salesman named Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) and soon finds himself living in his squalid house after his perfect apartment is destroyed. The two bored men form an underground club with strict rules and fight other men who are fed up with their mundane lives. Their perfect partnership frays when Marla (Helena Bonham Carter), a fellow support group crasher, attracts Tyler's attention.

Quotes:

“You met me at a very strange time in my life.”

“The things you own end up owning you.”

“It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.”

3. Unbreakable (2000)

Speaking of M. Night Shyamalan. While every one of his movies I’ve seen (Split, Glass, Lady in the Water, The Visit) have all been fantastic and mind-blowing, Unbreakable still has my favourite premise and my favourite Shyamalan twist ending. I love this one, even though I don’t really care for Bruce Willis.

Plot summary: A security guard, having been the sole survivor of a high-fatality train crash, finds himself at the centre of a mysterious theory that explains his consistent physical good fortune. When news of his survival is made public, a man whose own body is excessively weak tracks him down in an attempt to explain his unique unbreakable nature.

Quotes:

“Do you know what the scariest thing is? To not know your place in this world. To not know why you’re here.”

4. This is the End (2013)

Seth Rogen. Jay Baruchel. James Franco. Jonah Hill. Danny McBride. Craig Robinson. Playing themselves. The apocalypse. Hilarity ensues. Cameos from Emma Watson, Kevin Hart, Michael Cera, Rihanna, Paul Rudd, Channing Tatum, Aziz Ansari, Jason Segel, Mindy Kaling, and the Backstreet Boys. It’s so funny, I absolutely love it.

Plot summary: In Hollywood, actor James Franco is throwing a party with a slew of celebrity pals. Among those in attendance are his buddies Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride and Craig Robinson. Suddenly, an apocalypse of biblical proportions erupts, causing untold carnage among Tinseltown's elite and trapping Franco's party in his home. As the world they knew disintegrates outside, cabin fever and dwindling supplies threaten to tear the six friends apart.

Quotes:

“I don’t want to die at James Franco’s house.”

“Oh, no, no, no. I’m drinking and smoking weed. I’m on a cleanse, I’m not psychotic.”

“Take it easy, Dumbledore.”

5. You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. This might be my favourite romantic comedy, and I watch a lot. They’re adorable, and Meg Ryan is everything. This one made me cry twice. Once from sadness, once from happiness. Also it has Dave Chappelle in it, who I absolutely love.

Plot summary: Struggling boutique bookseller Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) hates Joe Fox (Tom Hanks), the owner of a corporate Foxbooks chain store that just moved in across the street. When they meet online, however, they begin an intense and anonymous Internet romance, oblivious of each other's true identity. Eventually Joe learns that the enchanting woman he's involved with is actually his business rival. He must now struggle to reconcile his real-life dislike for her with the cyber love he's come to feel.

Quotes:

“There’s the dream of someone else.”

“But I just wanted to say that all this nothing has meant more to me than so many somethings.”

“I love daisies. They’re so friendly. Don’t you think daisies are the friendliest flower?”

6. A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

For anyone who loves The Beatles. Here they play themselves, and show what their lives are like. It’s ridiculous and hilarious and god, if I didn’t love them before I loved them dearly after watching. It’s such a fun, easy watch and I adore it.

Plot summary: Over two "typical" days in the life of The Beatles, the boys struggle to keep themselves and Sir Paul McCartney's mischievous grandfather in check while preparing for a live television performance.

Quotes:

“How did you find America?” “Turned left at Greenland.”

“Hey mister can we have our ball back!”

“You’re a swine.”

7. Dazed and Confused (1993)

My favourite movie to watch at the beginning and end of the school year, and let’s be honest, every month in between. I’ve seen this movie more times than I can say. I love the ‘70’s setting, the actors, the plot. Another wonderful, easy watch that just makes me happy. Killer soundtrack, too.

Plot summary: The adventures of high school and junior high students on the last day of school in May 1976.

Quotes:

“You just gotta keep livin’, man. L-i-v-i-n.”

“It’d be a lot cooler if you did.”

“I just wanna look back and say that I did it the best that I could while I was stuck in this place.”

“I’d like to quit thinking of the present, like right now, is some minor, insignificant preamble to somethin’ else.”

8. Dirty Dancing (1987)

Anything with Patrick Swayze is wonderful, and this is no exception. Johnny and Baby are perfect. This movie also has the best soundtrack of any movie I’ve ever watched. Fantastic love story, fantastic movie. Watch it.

Plot summary: Baby (Jennifer Grey) is one listless summer away from the Peace Corps. Hoping to enjoy her youth while it lasts, she's disappointed when her summer plans deposit her at a sleepy resort in the Catskills with her parents. Her luck turns around, however, when the resort's dance instructor, Johnny (Patrick Swayze), enlists Baby as his new partner, and the two fall in love. Baby's father forbids her from seeing Johnny, but she's determined to help him perform the last big dance of the summer.

Quotes:

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”

“Fight harder, huh? I don’t see you fighting so hard, Baby. I don’t see you running up to daddy telling him I’m your guy.”

“You’re right, Johnny. You can’t win no matter what you do.”

“Go back to your playpen, Baby.”

9. The Sound of Music (1965)

This is such a beautiful movie, and I love it so much. My mom and I try to watch it every Christmas as our little tradition. Julie Andrews as Maria is so wonderful, and all of the songs are so, so good. I love all of the children dearly, and oh, do I love Captain VonTrapp.

Plot summary: A tuneful, heartwarming story, it is based on the real life story of the Von Trapp Family singers, one of the world's best-known concert groups in the era immediately preceding World War II. Julie Andrews plays the role of Maria, the tomboyish postulant at an Austrian abbey who becomes a governess in the home of a widowed naval captain with seven children, and brings a new love of life and music into the home.

Quotes:

“You cry a little, and then you wait for the sun to come out. It always does.”

“God bless Louisa, Brigitta, Marta, and little Gretl. Oh, I forgot the other boy. What’s his name? Well, god bless what’s-his-name.”

“I want you to stay. I ask you to stay.”

10. Gladiator (2000)

“Are you not entertained?” I think everyone has heard that line, from this amazing movie. One of the many that has made me cry, it’s such a beautiful story. Also, gladiators. That immediately sells it for me. All of the performances by the actors are top notch as well.

Plot summary: Set in Roman times, the story of a once-powerful general forced to become a common gladiator. The emperor's son is enraged when he is passed over as heir in favour of his father's favourite general. He kills his father and arranges the murder of the general's family, and the general is sold into slavery to be trained as a gladiator - but his subsequent popularity in the arena threatens the throne.

Quotes:

“My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius. Commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, and loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance. In this life or the next.”

“What we do in life echoes in eternity.”

09.05.19 || 4/100 days of productivity

A few science notes I took today, plus my planner. I’m glad to finally have notes to take photos of.

The first week of school is nearly over, and I’ll be so thankful for the weekend when it’s here. I’m about ready to crash. I cannot wait to catch up on some sleep.

Well, today was the first day back to school and I made it. It was really stressful and I had a terrible headache, plus I was running on two hours’ sleep, but y’know, I’m trying to look on the bright side. Hopefully tomorrow will be better, once I’m in the swing of things. And hopefully I’ll be able to take some pictures so my next posts aren’t so bland.

If you recently went back, tell me how your first days have been going, I’d love to hear :)

08.29.19 || 2/100 days of productivity

Early September monthly spread! I take terrible photos, but make okay spreads. Also, here’s my updated study playlist! It’ll probably be updated throughout the year, so I’ll include the link to my Spotify playlist if anyone is interested.

I also went clothes shopping and got some new outfits for when school starts, so all I need to get is a few school supplies and a backpack and I’ll be set! I’m going on a movie watching binge before school starts, so if anyone has any recommendations, I’d love to hear them, so feel free to message me!

https://open.spotify.com/user/angelicaschuylerchurch4/playlist/3diRBj0R3MEEtirzaKElgG?si=sVS5aQ6WTySdN_7MiVAjRQ

08.26.19 || 1/100 days of productivity

Here’s my weekly bujo spread for this week! I don’t do this often, but this week is gonna be busy so I thought I’d try one. It’s not very good, but I’m pretty happy with it. I also wrote out my schedule for school, though I don’t know the room or teacher for each class and won’t until the first day.

I also thought I’d start my 100 days of productivity challenge today! It won’t be 100 consecutive days, but it will be 100 days nonetheless.

now playing: Moon River, Audrey Hepburn

I thought I’d share some of the ways I get back into reading after being in a really bad slump. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it hits hard. Here are some things that work for me.

1. Shorter books!!

If I have a book that’s 600+ pages and I’m in a slump, I’m not going to want to read it. At all. Even if I’ve been wanting to read it for a long time. It’s daunting. So, I usually pick up a book 400-500 pages (or shorter!) with big-ish print.

For some reason, bigger print makes me feel like I’ve made more progress. Quicker to read, I suppose. And shorter books are quicker to finish, and at the end I feel like I’ve accomplished something and I can go on to bigger books.

2. Read an old favourite!

Reading an old favourite book always helps me get back the feeling that reading isn’t a task, it’s fun! I get back the feeling I had the first time I read it, and want to read more to keep that feeling. I remember how much I loved that world and it’s characters, and I want to go on to discover more.

3. Youtube!

If I don’t want to read, often I’ll go onto YouTube and watch Booktubers’ videos. (Booktube is just like Studyblr/Studytube, only with books!) Hearing them talk about their favourite books often motivates me to get reading again! And, maybe it makes me feel bad about how little I’ve read compared to them, which isn’t great, but it does motivate me.

4. Put down that book!

No, I don’t mean just stop reading if you’re in a slump. What I mean is, if you’re stuck reading a book you hate, or are bored with, or are finding hard to read, stop reading it. You can get back to it later! If it’s making you hate reading, it’s not worth it. So unless it’s for school and you’re forced to read it, put it down! Read something you’re more interested in!

5. Finally, just take a break

Thank you so much for the tag, @acadesk !

Rules: Answer 17 questions and tag 21 blogs

Nickname : Madi, I suppose. I kinda hate it, though

Star Sign : Aquarius

Height : About 5’7

Last film I watched : Probably A Hard Day’s Night

Favourite Musician : Oh, no. Well, here are a couple, cause I can’t pick one.

- The Beatles

- Pearl Jam

- Fleetwood Mac

- Alice in Chains

- Mad Season

Definitely more from the 60’s, but I can’t think of any more at the moment.

Song stuck in my head : Moon River, Audrey Hepburn

Other Blogs : @westofessos, my main blog, and @anexhaustedwriter, my dead writing blog that I have yet to post any of my actual writing on

Do I get asks : Nope, but they do make me smile when I get them on my other blog

Blogs I’m following : 74 — not many at all, wow.

What I’m wearing : A t-shirt and shorts

Dream trip : Scotland, where my family is from. England, Italy, anywhere in Europe, really would be a dream.

Play instruments? : Ha, no.

Languages : English, lazily learning French

Favourite Food : Steak, probably. Or Greek ribs

Favourite Song : Black, Pearl Jam

Random Fact : Ringo Starr was the oldest Beatle, and George Harrison was the youngest

So, this blog has been completely dead for about a year now, but I think it’s time to revive it before the school year starts. I thought I’d introduce myself again.

I’m Madison! I live in Canada, and am entering 10th grade this year. I’m hoping that with reviving my studyblr, I’ll boost my productivity and maybe even make a few new friends. Here are some random facts about me:

• I absolutely love all things history. I’m currently binge watching The Crown on Netflix.

• I’m an aspiring writer/journalist, and a huge news junkie

• I’m a liberal, feminist, and an atheist

• I’m extremely awkward and don’t make friends easily. I’m hoping to change that sometime in the near future

• I love all old things! Old music is all I listen to, I love older movies, old cars are the most gorgeous cars to me, and I love old tv shows

• I could spend all of my days reading. I mostly read YA fantasy, but I do sometimes read other genres, and some adult too. Some of my current favourites are: everything by Victoria Schwab and Sarah J. Maas, the A Song of Ice and Fire series, The Sun is Also A Star, Eleanor and Park, The Priory of the Orange Tree, and Harry Potter, always.

• I’m a huge nerd. Wow, so surprising, I know. Marvel movies/comics, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, I adore all of that

Now, what to expect from this studyblr?

• Some notes I’ve taken, hopefully

• The 100 days of productivity challenge, once school gets started for me

• Some things about my life, maybe some photos I’ve taken

• Book/movie/tv show recs, possibly?

• Just whatever I want to post, honestly

Why a studyblr?

0.9.09.18

Some last minute Pre-AP English and math homework and a new book. I think these are my nicest photos yet.

I hate to say it, but I kind of want more English homework, it was really fun.

Five minutes between classes is a longer amount of time than you think

Most teachers are really cool and laid back, but there are one or two that hate kids

Even if you stay on the right side of the hallway to avoid crashing into people, you’ll still crash into people

The main staircase is a disaster, avoid it at all costs

The lunch tables fill up faster than anything you’ve ever witnessed

Only a few of your teachers actually give you a seating plan, and the others don’t care unless you’re being obnoxious

Your teachers want to get to know you better, and love it when you talk to them, or talk in class at all. Seriously, it drives one of my teachers crazy that the class is so quiet

The main area is always insane at the beginning and end of the day

If you live a long way from your school and have a heavy backpack and it’s hot out— just take the city bus home. It’s not as big of a deal as being half dead when you get home

Make lots of friends— sitting alone in class/at lunch is the worst

If you get homework, even on the first or second day, just do it. You’ll feel super accomplished and be very pleased with yourself

Just remember that that one class you hate does end eventually, and you’ll move on to one you enjoy or be able to go home/have lunch

You will be absolutely exhausted after the first day

Even if you want to look good on the first day, wear comfortable clothes and shoes

No one is judging you. Nobody cares about anything you do unless it affects them

You’ll get used to the new environment by the end of the first day

Some teachers start teaching seriously the second day, some just give small assignments to see what you know about that subject so far. Some will make you copy several pages of notes off of the board

Just relax, it really isn’t a big deal at all. After the first few days, it’s easy

So today I finished my second day of high school, and I have some conflicting feelings. I don’t enjoy that my classes are so far apart, but I do enjoy going to different classes each period. I hate hallway/staircase traffic with a passion. I hate gym class. I love Pre-AP English. I adore most of my teachers. I have tried and mostly failed to make new friends, but hey, I’ll try again tomorrow. I’ve also noticed that I’m a lot more exhausted when I get home.

I also get to see all of my friends again at least once a day, which is great. All in all, it’s pretty enjoyable so far.

II. Gender: Female

III. Astrology Sign: Aquarius

IV. Height: 5’7” I think

V. Sexuality: Bisexual

VI. Hogwarts House: Ravenclaw 💙

VII. Favourite Animal: Tiger

VIII. Average Hours of Sleep: In the summer, 10+. During the school year, 6-7

IX. Dogs or Cats: Cats

X. The Number of Blankets You Sleep With: 1-2

XI. Dream Trip: England, Scotland, Greece, Italy, so, so many more

XII. Dream Job: Journalist

XIII. When I Made This Account: July 2018

XIV: Follower Count: 25

XV. Relationship Status: Single

XVI. Favourite Colour: Black and Purple

XVII. Lipstick or Chapstick: Lipstick

XVIII. 3 Favourite Foods: Spinach and Feta pizza, Greek ribs, stuffing

XIX. Songs Stuck in My Head: Mrs. Robinson by Simon and Garfunkel

XX. Song You Last Played: Seasons by Chris Cornell

XXI. Top 3 TV Shows: I can’t pick just three! Game of Thrones, Lost, The Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy, Vikings, so many more!

XXII. Last Thing You Googled: ‘This is the End cast’

XXIV. Time: 10:38pm