New Blog

Found a new blog to follow, and it is actually quite fun to read, so I had to share:)
http://thenewdorkreviewofbooks.blogspot.com/2010/09/place-your-betsits-nobel-prize-time.html

Rudy

I love this movie. I don't like football, but really love this movie. It was on again this afternoon and I watched it, bawling like I do everytime when they are playing the last 7 seconds of the last game, and everyone is chanting Rudy's name. I wonder if he ever watches the movie about himself.

The Help

I remember over a year ago meeting family in Alcester. It is always a great time to see Angie and Robbie with all of their families, we don't get together nearly enough. I was lucky enough to sit near Angie, and she asked if we had read anything good recently. She then proceeded to mention a book titled "Help" about some maids and their experiences. Angie said it was really good and we had to read it. I had completely forgotten that part of the conversation, and recently discovering this novel that had been on the bestseller listing had me remembering.

The maids are African American women working in the Sixties when Kennedy was President. The problem was that they were working in Mississippi, during a very unstable time in race relations. The two main characters are on opposite sides of races, and are brought together to do something amazing to bring awareness around the world to what really happens in their workplaces.

I loved this book. It had great characters, and a wonderful story line. I was horrified to learn what was really going on in some of those homes, and I know this was a fiction, it was probably true on some level. We learn about things in history, but it really comes alive when a name and face are given to the people who experience what we read about. This is one book you will need to read.

Wish I Was There (as if you didn't know already)

Another post on their facebook page. Don't have the photographer's name, but there are awesome shots really making me want to head out there to check out some fall foliage.

New Website Found!

http://www.goodreads.com/


Check this out---I found it on some comment on Facebook. I am linked to many "book" sites, because I am always looking for the next best read and this was one mentioned. Can't wait to look at it all!

Had to Share

This was posted on the Second Chance Rescue's facebook page and I had to share because it is so true.

Wicked Appetite

Yeah, another Janet Evanovich book...but wait, this one was a stinker. It featured Diesel, who we were introduced in one of the Stephanie Plum series, and the story line was nothing exciting at all. The author tried to do the normal craziness but it just didn't carry out in this novel. I usually laugh out loud when reading about Stephanie's adventures, and I did laugh out loud but only because thankfully, Carl the monkey made an appearance. Wait, did I just say I was glad that a MONKEY showed up? It is a bad read. If you have to, don't buy it, borrow it.

The Burning Wire

This was the third book I finished while on vacation. On my first day off, three new books were available for me off my hold list. It was fate, because I was on vacation and because they were all new releases from favorite authors.

I enjoy the Lincoln Rhyme series, but the lastest I had parts I skimmed over. Deaver has started to list things and get too technical for the storyline. During the plot, the cops "list" their facts on white boards, and I don't know why the author feels he needs to put it in the book (kind of like those other authors that include recipes). I don't feel it adds anything, and doesn't help me try to figure out the ending.

Anyway, you have all read how I vary the types of books I read to keep my interest up, and fate has it that this is the third thriller I have read in a row. It was not by choice, it just so happens that the three books available were all thrillers, so I have a feeling that this one was a little dull because I was tired of the mystery. Doesn't matter though, I still look forward to his next book!

New Phone

It was time to update the phones. Our two year agreement was coming to a close, and Faith was pestering me, so we headed to the store. I know many of you like to do it online, but I tried that and it was too hard for me. I have to ask a person the questions I have, not scroll through a website to find the answer. I was going to go in and get a regular phone, you know, just talk and text. Don't need all those fun gadgets, or so I thought...

Faith wanted a phone with internet. She said she would pay the extra per month, so I agreed that was okay. Then the salesman started showing her the newest, the Samsung Fascinate. I was hooked when he said that if we purchased that phone, we could get any other phone in the store for FREE. Of course, I went with the same one. He took 25% off the phone covers for both phones, and the car charger (which can charge both phones at the same time). I usually buy those later, but end up waiting forever to pick them up, so we just took care of it there. I also got a discount because of my employer, and it is discounted every month as well. We got both phones and accessories for $350, with a $200 rebate coming. I think we did a great job. I know I could have gone with free phones, but then I would not have the Star Wars app with sound effects, a Peanuts and Calvin & Hobbes app with daily comic strips, the Paper Toss game, Angry Birds game, etc. What can I say? Show us technology and we have to have it. Call me sometime, or text me so I can hear the disco music from the Star Wars movie:)

Just Wishing...

Found this posted on Facebook. It's a current picture taken in Spearfish Canyon. How I wish I was there right now...can't you just smell the pine?

Vacation's Over

Sigh...my vacation comes to a close. It is day number 10 and I don't want to go to work tomorrow. I have been a little bored, but not enough to head back to the store. I had plans to get alot done over my 10 days, but finally said, "Who cares?" and just took it easy, doing something when I felt like it. I am excited to have another week off in the middle of October, but as a lovely coworker pointed out, only 10 weeks until Black Friday. That just put me in the downward spiral!

Ice Cold

Tess Gerritsen does it again! I love the duo of Rizzoli and Isles, and so glad that there is a new series out on TV as well...though I haven't watched all the recorded shows yet (once again, I suffer from full DVR syndrome). The author will switch off making one of the pair the lead in a recent publication, so we learn about the characters by the number of books we read.

The book concentrates on Dr. Maura Isles this time. Always dependable and following life's rules, she decides to throw caution to the wind and it gets her into a bad situation. I hope we see more of "Rat" in future publications, he was a great character to get to know.

I highly recommend this series, but as usual, start with the first one. Their interaction has alot of history you need to know to understand.

The Library

This post is my dedication to the Library...no, not the bar down the street, which has the same name, but the place where you can check out any book, movie, CD, etc. of your choice.

I consider it a fantastic service the library provides for this country. I believe it was Helen Keller who thought of the idea, and started the first one, but I could be wrong. Google it if you want, I choose not to at this point. Where else in the world can you go somewhere in your area and get an ID that allows you travel places all over for free? Every time I walk into my local library, I am thankful that part of the government is working in our favor.

I don't know why I never chose to go to school to get a degree in library services. Guess my dream was to always own a bookstore. I never had plans to make large amounts of money, so I really wish I would have decided about that idea about 25 years ago. Librarians are fantastic people. They are not the old nasty ladies with bifocals looking for some young punk to yell at (I am NOT picturing Ms. Hodenfield at this point--I always liked her). At my local library, there are a few older ladies, but they smile, and love to help people. There is even a young guy who I swear has been working there since he was in high school. They are just as interested in your selections as if you were buying them and they were making money off of you.

I love the thrill of finding out about a new publication from a favorite author, going online and entering my ID number (sorry, know it by heart---but Faith knows hers by heart too, so it's a good thing!) to put that book on hold. I literally pump my fist into the air in victory when I am the first one to get the book. (I'll say it again, I am a nerd) I LOVE getting that new book and open it up, breaking the "seal" and being the first to savor the story. I also think about the books who have been in other hands before reaching me, wondering who the person was, did they enjoy it, did the love it, did they hate it. Did it bring them as much joy as it brought me?

Don't get me wrong, I still love buying books, but if I bought everything I wanted, I would be drowning in debt and walking through the aisles created by the stacks and stacks of books I just had to have, not getting to sit down anywhere to enjoy. I save the purchasing for two categories: the books that interest me the most (Native American publications, Anne Rice) and the books I can't get at the library. For some reason, some publications just don't make the cut. It doesn't bother me though, that way I get to hunt in different places for that must read.

Libraries are one American idea I am proud of. Someday I hope to actually enter the Library of Congress and actually see history through the spines of thousands of books. But if that never happens, I will gladly be enjoying my time surrounded by bookshelves in my own home, with spines of books that show my history of things I love.

Happy Anniversary Heather & Trung

So hard to believe that 5 years ago today we were all witnessing the union of the 2 most amazing people. I am so glad to have this wonderful couple in our family, who are the great example of what married life is all about. They have a fantastic son, and my only wish is that we lived a little closer than we do.

Thank you, Heather and Trung, for letting us join you on that amazing day, and heres to many, many more fantastic years to come! Love you lots, and sending you best wishes--have a fantastic day!

Zits

Thought about doing a fun post dedicated to Kristen's life. The Zits comics are funny, and I know she loves them because they say exactly what she lives. Here ya go Kris! Enjoy-hope it makes your day.

The Blues

No, I'm not feeling blue, just loving the Blues! Recently I wrote about the anniversary of Stevie Ray Vaughan's death, and I had also published some of his videos on my facebook page. One of my employees (alot are my "friends" on facebook--it's a great way for them to communicate to me and it's very easy to ask them info too) mentioned that he's a big fan too. He told me a story about getting stranded in a small town in Texas during a business trip, and the town was having a big blues fest, so he was enjoying alot of the music. He was going to burn a CD for me and have me try it out.

OMG! The music is amazing, I listened to it all that weekend. He later told me it was Smokin' Joe Kubek and Mike Morgan and The Crawl. Had to give Dad a copy---so he's going to have to give me his opinion on it too. It's now on frequent rotation on a playlist. I love how music can link people, and I love getting new ideas from others.

On the subject of music, I have to include this for Dad: The other day I was working along side all of my fun employees in the stockroom. Some of the conversation gets very interesting, and I was just listening in. A couple of youngsters were singing "Secret Agent Man". I stopped and turned around and the expressions on their faces when they saw me were "what?". I asked "How do you know that song, it's older than you are?". They shrugged and said "Austin Powers". Sigh, oh well, thought for sure they were up on the cool music.

Private

Just finished another of the amazing James Patterson books. I don't say it's amazing because the book was that good (it was good anyway) but because the man can publish books faster than I can read them. He has become a machine, and I hope that amount of work he publishes doesn't ever diminish his writing style.

This novel was also written with one of his many coauthors, Maxine Paeltro. I have come to love the ones she writes with, and hope that someday soon she will have her own publication, like Andrew Gross, another Patterson coauthor. As they usually do, this one moved fast, with short chapters and quick action. His books are the ones I like to have in the car with me to grab when I'm waiting for something, like fast food drive through or a very long stop light. I know that scares some of you, but hey, my foot is on the brake, and we aren't going anywhere. At least I don't text and drive!

Vacation

Yeah, I'm on vacation this week, and what beautiful weather it is! Not that I will get out of the house much, but I do enjoy having the fresh, cool air come in and get rid of the stale stuff from the air conditioner. I also love seeing my cat lying in the sun sleeping, for some reason that alone gives me peace.

I am lucky enough to get 4 vacation weeks a year. Maybe not lucky, some would call it stupid for staying in the job I have for this long to actually accrue (Kristen--is that word used correctly here?) that much time off. My employer requires us to use it all or lose it when our anniversary date arrives. Sometimes I wish I could roll some over, but I guess it actually helps my sanity to use it all.

Typically I use one week over the summer to spend with my family on a real vacation, one we actually leave town and do things together. The other 3 weeks are "me" time, or time off just to be "mom". Faith loves when I'm on vacation. I cook, clean, and home in the morning when she gets up and home when she gets off school. That doesn't mean she stays home more, she just loves that I don't make her do all of her normal chores. Why do I feel guilty asking her to empty the dishwasher or fold laundry when I am home all week and she has a full day of school and works 15 hours plus all of her classroom workstudy? She's younger than I am, but I just can't do it.

I will spend my week cleaning, MAYBE doing a closet or clean out the fridge, will run the errands to WalMart, and just might get the oil changed in the car (it's due next week, but I also have a week day off next week that I could just do it then). Time to turn on one of my playlists and get some cleaning done, or maybe I should start that book. hmmmm....

September 11th

Today is always a hard day for me personally. I don't have any direct connection to the terrible tragedy that happened today, but my heart breaks just remembering.

Nine years ago today, I was taking vacation time from work. I had just finished a difficult time, divorcing and ending my 7 year marriage, trying to deal with doing it all on my own (with my family backing me 100% of course). Faith was dropped off at school, and I was in the attic, trying to clean up the toys because it was the playroom. Kristen called, asking me if I knew what was going on, and that I needed to watch the news. The rest of the day was spent in front of the TV, horrified by what was being reported.

I still cry seeing the tape of those towers being hit, then falling. I can't stand to hear any of the recorded 911 calls from anyone, it just tears me up inside. To this day I cry, and am tearing up now just trying to write this post. It is hard to believe it is already 9 years ago that it happened. I remembered the subdued feeling as we all tried to get on with our life. It was quiet no matter where you were, no one was laughing or making any noise in the grocery store, at the gas station, or even the dentist offices. I had a teeth cleaning that week and spent the entire hour watching reports that came in on the TV above the chair. Why did it have to happen?

We are still at war. I know that the President said it is ending. But will it ever end? I hope the terrorists will not win, but right now it is so hard to say. We are a scared nation. Everything we do we wonder who was behind it. I'm sure someone will try to connect that terrible gas explosion that just happened in a California neighborhood to some terrorist. How many times do you go through security at the airports and just wonder that you are having to stand in line forever because the terrorist took that right of safety from you? I'm scared.

We are reminded every day. Recently the topic in one of Faith's classes was about the group wanting to build a mosque near the original site of the towers. How can hate overtake us like this? How can I, as one person living in the middle of this country without any political background, change this ideal for the better? I hope that preacher is all hot air and doesn't go through with his plan for Koran burning. Did no one learn from the lesson taught to us by history? This is a day where we can all say "God Bless America" and mean it, no matter who your God is, we need spiritual help to get through this together.

The Captured

Once again, it took me a long time to finish a book. I was at another point where I had no books "in queu" so to speak. I looked at my bookshelf and decided it was time for a historical nonfiction, this time following my interest. I have always been facinated by Cynthia Ann Parker, a well know Native American "white" Indian, captured from her family in Texas when young, eventually marrying a Comanche leader. Her first born son, Quanah Parker, had grown to be the last know Comanche chief, becoming famous for his leadership in the late years of the Native American tribe.

This book focused on other captive children during the years before and after the Civil War in Texas. The author was trying to find information on his ancestor, Adolf Korn, who was captured in his early teens and then sent back to his family after a short time. In all cases mentioned, every child was relocated and sent back to his/her family, but they never ended up happy and successful in life. It's almost as if they wanted to return to the Native life. What child wouldn't, when their German parents made them work hard to survive, but their adoptive Native parents let them ride horses, play games and do whatever their young hearts desired. Most had money troubles in later life, along with relationship issues and dealing with trying to fit in. It is actually sad, because I understand their parents wanting their children back, and then not understanding how to deal with these "wild" children once they are returned.

In one case, Rudolph Fischer was actually forced to return to his original family after he was 18 years old, spending almost 12 years living with the Comanches. His family needed to know what had happened to him, but because he was an adult, I don't know why they forced him back to his original life. Needless to say, he went back to live with his Native family, and eventually one of his children married one of Quanah Parker's children, forever officially linking him to his Comanche roots.

Towards the end of the book, it told that a few of these former captives actually tried to be officially adopted by their original tribes. Many government officials claimed they were only trying to get a piece of the land they were giving out to tribal members. This was a way they could show their dedication to their loved time with their captures.

The book was very hard to read, but my interest kept me in the story. Cynthia Ann Parker was eventually sent back to her family, but she was a young married woman who had a few children of her own by then. It was too late for her, she died in her original family home, heartbroken after her baby girl passed away. Another sad chapter in our country's history.