Back to the Classics Reading List

I have narrowed down my possible reading list for the challenge I joined.  Be warned, I may choose the change a title in the future:)

19th Century:  Sense and Sensibility
20th Century:  A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Reread a classic:  Tale of Two Cities
Classic Play:  Our Town
Classic Mystery/Horror/Crime Fiction:  Dracula
Classic Romance:  Wuthering Heights
Classic translated to your language:  Anna Karenina
Classic Award Winner:  Age of Innocence
Classic set in a country you would never visit:  The Good Earth

Most of these books were already on my TBR pile, so it will be fun to cross them off my list.  Some I will have to buy or check out from the library, but that's okay, because I love to shop for books or visit my local library.  Can't wait to start!!

Reading Challege

I usually don't participate in reading challenges.  There are many different types out there in the blogosphere, but I just came across one that really looks interesting.  The blog Sarah Reads Too Much has started a simple Classics challenge.  The link goes directly to rules and sign up.  I am really looking forward to this.  I have been wanting to get back to some classics, and maybe cut down my TBR pile just a little, and this will be a great way to do it.  I know I have gotten away from leaving you info on my current reads, so hopefully this will give me a jump start. 

Better yet, it starts after Christmas, which you all know is my hell season, so it's like it was meant to be!!

Creative in the Kitchen

Got your attention in the title, didn't I????  Everyone knows I don't have any creativity in the kitchen, but last week I made something out of leftovers that was GREAT.  I had made some bone in chicken breasts Sunday afternoon, baked with BBQ sauce.  To go with it, I had stuff in the cupboard to make some cornbread style baked corn (what we usually make at Thanksgiving).  It was pretty good, but after the first set of leftovers, there was still alot left, so I got to thinking...

Took shredded chicken and added the leftover cornbread baked corn and wrapped in a tortilla.  I covered the tortillas with enchilada sauce and baked to heat through, adding cheese the last 10 minutes.  It was delicious!!! (Unfortunately it made for two more sets of leftovers.   This cooking for one is worse than for two).

Fellow Book Lovers

I AM NOT ALONE!!!  I know a previous post about reading really sounded like I was the only one, but I witnessed something today that made me smile in victory.

Sitting in traffic, (which has gotten worse this past week--thanks 41st street construction) I looked over to my left to the car next to me and what do I see?????????????  A young man READING HIS PAPERBACK BOOK.  Ha!  See, I knew I wasn't wierd.  What annoyed me was that I couldn't see what he was reading (the light was red, and we were just sitting there, so don't worry).  If his windows would have been down, I would have yelled "Hey, I do the same thing!"  ***Not really, just thinking I would have.

It is also my passion to see what other people are reading when I walk by, which is another reason I don't like those electronic readers (seriously, how do you know they aren't reading a porn mag???).  I always get a smile when it is a book I have read and enjoyed.  This is another reason why I check out the other titles on the shelves in the library that are next to my holds I am picking up.  For me, it's not what you are wearing, but what you are reading.

Sidenote:  Found a GREAT saying by Louisa May Alcott that I think I need on my tombstone.  Take note, please.  “She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain.”

9/11 Tenth Anniversary

Today's anniversary is always a hard day, one filled with sorrow, but also pride in being in a country where things happen that test people, who rise above the tragedy.  I am sharing a link to Boatlift, a documentary about the evacuation of people from the island of Manhattan as the planes hit the towers and eventually fall.  Over 500,000 people were evacuated, the largest ever in the history of the world, in the course of 9 hours.  Amazing, watch it when you have time to reflect.  It got me crying.

The Bloggess

Found this one on Twitter, and started following her blog and she is hilarious!  Check it out.

What You Might Hear

Kristen's recent post got me to thinking about what I hear all day at work.  I have the opposite problem that she does.  My hearing senses are constantly bombarded and I will at times just come home and sit in the quiet to try to decompress.  With the muzak, walkie talkie chatter, questions, babies/kids crying, and overhead announcements I can get quite overwhelmed.  Here are some examples from just the past week:

1. "oh, oh, oh"  Before your dirty minds start to "go there", think of a small puppy cry when hurt.  This is what I heard the other morning, what I think was before 5 a.m.  The other asst mgr, Dara, and I were putting out Christmas decor.  Because it was early and the store isn't open yet, we were in comfy attire, which for her are flip flops, because she is constantly overheated (I also think in menopause denial) and thinks it is cooler for her.  Literally, I thought a puppy was in the next aisle and had it's paw stepped on, it was that kind of whining.  She had dropped a ceramic Christmas tree on her toe, and you are right, it was the top point that went into her toe.  Suprised it was the whining and not the usual swearing she does, she said it hurt that bad.
2. The constant walkie chatter is normal, but what gets me is the "KEEELLLLYYYY" everytime Michael has to tell me something very important (or yell at me).  My response is always "MIIIICCCHHHAAAELLL????". 
3. "43 to Guest Services"  Our code for manager on duty is 43.  See, we don't want every guest in the store to automatically think something bad is happening when they hear "manager to Guest Services".  Sometimes it is good information, but 99.99% of the time it's not.  No one wants to get these calls, it's like a crap shoot, you never know how bad it is unless you answer it, and do you really want to know?  Sometimes, you can hear crickets chirping after that page, it becomes so quiet because noone wants to answer.  Worse call???? "43 to the Restrooms".  That is NEVER a good one.
4. "43 line one".  See reason behind not answering number 3.  It's always a complaint, employee calling in sick, or corporate calling to tell us to fix something.
5. "Did you hear???"  Our store personnel are normal when it comes to complaining about what is going on around the store.  We complain alot and all day.

Sausage, Snausage

I really don't like sausage.  Wierd huh?  I like spicy foods, so why don't I enjoy sausage?  Maybe I haven't found a decent type.  Maybe it's only cheap sausage I don't like.  When I say sausage, I am talking about the breakfast/pizza kind.  I will eat it, but will pick most of it off.  If I order something with it, I usually don't ask them to omit it, because I eat around it.  This morning I got off work at 10 a.m. (more on early mornings later) and was hungry, so went through the drive through.  I asked for a breakfast burrito and didn't pay attention (plus they didn't ask) that it was a choice of meat, so I didn't say anything and they gave me sausage.  Would have rather had bacon, but I ate it anyway, because it also had eggs and melted cheese.  Well, I am paying for it now.  Heartburn, yuck!

Empty Apartment

What a better way to go back to writing, than experiencing the fact my 18 year old daughter has left the nest.  I just had to sit an write this morning, after enjoying my morning addiction and reading in the sun for an hour. 

After dropping off Faith on Saturday, I wasn't hearing from her like I normally do.  She wasn't answering my texts right away, and when she finally did, it was a short, one word answer.  Not really an answer, but something that was quick and easy.  I was feeling like she had left me completely, not wanting to communicate at all.  I kept reminding myself that it was because she was too busy having fun and didn't want to talk, that she was doing just fine.  Didn't help, I was feeling lost.  I knew not to bother her too much, but still, I wanted to hear from her.

Well, after puttering around the empty apartment all day, I finally got a text from her without me sending her one first.  Yay!  She and her new friends were walking downtown to grab something to eat.  I was so happy, she just kept texting me throughout the whole meal, without too much prompting from me.  She then said she'd call me later.  I figured she'd forget, but I received that phone call last night.  We talked for 53 minutes!!!  I was so happy that she was so content in what had been going on.  She gets along so far with her roomie, really thinks that the two new girls she met are now best friends, said she spoke out during her floor meeting, hated work, has to go to the IT dept to get her computer internet ready (guess what Kris did wasn't working), mad that Kris hid her shoes, her phone fell off her loft in the middle of the night so missed her alarm and was almost late for work, her new boyfriend came up to see her (don't know how I felt about that), bought yogurt at the "Bump", the fire alarm goes off whenever someone cooks bacon in their microwave (they sell packages of it at the "Bump"), is going for coffee and a mandatory meeting in the morning, put out her huge bowl of suckers Kris got her and handing them out, went to the bonfire, on and on and on.

I think it was the longest we have ever talked on the phone, or even sitting across from each other.  I slept very soundly after that call, knowing that she is alright, loving what she is doing right now.  Thanks to my family for all of their support, for Mom, Dad and Kris helping me move her, and for Heather and Logan calling me to distract me from my slump of a mood yesterday afternoon.  Oh, she asked for mail!!! (so funny since she laughed at me a month ago when I asked if she wanted mail).  Her address is:
USD
702  E Cherry St.
Beede #117
Vermillion, SD 57069

(even a colored pic from Logan would make her day!)

Calvin Again

This is Why I Don't Review Publicly

I reviewed the book "Between Shades of Gray" on my Goodreads account, similar to what I had stated here previously.  I get a response to my personal review, that I probably meant "baltic" and not "balkan" region, right?  Then the commentor said "sorry".  It kind of pissed me off.  Sorry if I was wrong, sorry if I offended you, but you didn't even have the balls to leave your complete name.  I don't know why it angered me like this, but it did.  Guess I am not cut out to publicly review books, because I am sure that somewhere, someone in this big wide world would disagree with me.

Earthquake's Destruction

My last post mentioned a new site I was following, called Bookshelf Porn.  Funny name, but many of the pictures are ways to dream of an afternoon, enjoying being surrounded by books.  Here is a picture of what happens to a library when a major earthquake happens.  Just seeing this picture really made me feel sad.

Book Shelf Dreaming

A friend sent me a link on a new website that has me wishful thinking.  Wishing I was there looking through the stacks or sitting enjoying the scenery.  I laughed at the title: "Bookshelf Porn", and no, it's not dirty, but I did ask her what she was actually searching for when she came across it:)  Check it out!

I'm BAAACCCKK!!!

I know it had been awhile since my last post, and I'm sure you were overwhelmed with all of the book reviews.  I got a little behind, what can I say?  I meant to do some writing last weekend, but this spring cold has got me good, and I just read.  In fact, I've done nothing but reading. 

As you can tell, I had four books I just finished, and every single one of them only took me a few days because the plots were just that good.  So you know what that means.  I am scared to pick up a new book, because my chances are not good that the next one will be one I can't even finish.  I don't even have very many library books checked out, but there are some on the hold shelf I still have to pick up, so I am not sure what I am going to do.  Sounds like a terrible dilemma, huh?  I do have some that I own that I want to read, but not sure if that is the way to go either.  Decisions are not my strong point. 

Cross Fire

Yep, another Patterson, another Alex Cross.  **Spoiler Alert**  I know that most of my family who read this series already finished this installment so I know I am safe saying:

"YEAH Kyle Craig is FINALLY dead.  And WTH??? (didn't want WTF, just didn't seem right)  A detective named BOXER calls Alex at the end of the last chapter??  Are they actually going to meet soon???

Between Shades of Gray

I am so glad I follow some book blogs, or I would not have come across this new publication that is getting some great reviews.  When I read the plot summary, I knew it had to be something to read, and was so glad the library had it!

This historical fiction takes place in Lithuania in 1941.  A young girl and her family are arrested by the Russians, and transported to work camps.  This was a part of history I never knew about.  We learned about early Russia and heard about people being sent to Siberia, but never realized the fate of the people living in the Balkan region.  Many suffered just as the Jews did under Hitler's regime.  What is sad is that many of these people only had two choices, to suffer under Stalin or Hitler, and they had to choose the lesser of the two evils.

I always enjoy a great story where I can learn something about the world.  Glad I am getting some great ideas, especially about authors from different parts of the world.  If you have a chance, pick this one up, it's a great fast read.

Sing You Home

Glad to see another new one by a favorite author.  I had heard great things about this book, and that it included a music CD with lyrics written by the author that went with the story.  Unfortunately the library removed the CD.  I suppose it would have been very difficult to keep them together.

The good news is that the CD is not the focus of the book.  It is about a journey of a couple trying and failing to get pregent.  Picoult tells the story from both sides of the couple, later adding on a third perpective from a friend.

I always enjoy Picoult's books because the twists and turns she takes with plots that are currently in the headlines.  She has dealt with teen pregnancy pacts, Asberger's syndrome, school shootings, and organ donations, and will make you think of outside your norm.  In this book, we explore the fact that noone knows who you will fall in love with, and that labeling love is not the way to go. 

I agree with her viewpoint, but feel that the plot fell short.  I just didn't get the suprise ending I usually do, in fact I knew where the story would end up about half way through the book.  It was almost as if she was telling the story ending exactly as the public would want.  I remember hearing about the book "My Sister's Keeper" being made into a movie, and how that pressure got the ending changed from the book's final chapter.  I hate when that happens, I thought that the book ended the way it should have.  I really hope that this was just a fluke and she hasn't "sold out" to the masses.

Mercy Kill

Lori Armstrong does it again.  Mercy Gunderson's strong character and her jumps to conclusion make for a fun ride through a good story.  This time we find out a little about what makes Mercy act the way she does.  I can't wait to see more!

I always love when a South Dakota writer catches my attention and holds on to it.  Shows the world that even people in our state can write a good one!

Edge

Sorry to tell you, this is not another Lincoln Rhyme or Katherine Dance installment in Deaver's other famous series, but it was quite interesting anyway.  The main character, Corte, is a member of a special government agency that protects certain citizens from murderers sent to get information in anyway possible.

I wonder if there is such a division in our government.  Deaver never actually names the group, but it was scary to think that there would be a need for such a force.  These people needing protection are in danger because of information they may have that someone is paying to learn any way possible, even by torture.  I thought I had the answer figured out in the beginning, but was managed to be proven wrong, which was actually a good thing because that was the main reason I kept reading.  While it kept me on the "edge" of my seat at times (like how I threw that in there?) I really didn't like most of the characters.  I just felt like they were there to help the story along, not having the story about them. 

I did learn something interesting:  did you know that the tops of your toes are the most sensitive part of your body?  Want to know how I can tell you this?  The guy trying to get information would carry two things with him to get people to talk:  fine sandpaper and a small bottle of rubbing alchohol.  I'll let you imagine what he would do with that.

Murder on the Leviathan

Erast Fandorin, the sleuth first introduced in the Winter Queen, is back in fine form again.  (Sidenote:  this is the best name for any detective I have ever read about)  I had started reading the series by Boris Akunin after reading about a current publication, and because I have to read the series in order, started at the beginning.

This installment is a good, old fashioned who done it with the murder suspects all together in the same place, a ship sailing across the ocean.  The setting is in the early 1900's, so they are truely stranded without much for outside communication, and basic instints are used by Fandorin to discover who is the guilty subject.

I have never read any Agatha Christie, but this series would be similar to her stories, I suppose.  Basic who done its with good characters are a nice break from the "deep thoughts" some recent books have given me.  I look forward to the next one in the series.

Freedom

This novel by Jonathan Franzen was the talk of the blogs at the end of 2010.  It received alot of mention that it was a favorite read and their choice for best of the year, and I think Oprah even mentioned it.  I finally got a chance to sit down and give it a try.

It started out very well, the characters developing in to someone I would want to know about, but the story line was a little confusing for me.  It was about a young woman growing up, with her voice mainly being heard.  The problem is I am done with the book and it is returned to the library, and I can't remember her name.  Maybe I hated her so much I don't want to remember her at all.  She was whiny and needy, but not in a diva kind of way.  I'm not sure if she was supposed to have a mental problem, but it does bring up the fact that she goes through a depression through some point in her life.

We do get to follow other characters:  her husband Walter and his best friend, Richard, are two main ones, and I remember their names, so they must have been easier to like.  Walter's love for his wife is unconditional, even before she realizes he feels that way about her, and she only wants Richard. 

The main character and Walter have 2 children, and we really only follow the son the most, simply because the mother is smothering him as he's growing up.  The middle of the book took me a very long time but when I finally got to the last chapters things moved quicker.  I felt that it was too full of complaints about their pitiful lives that the characters created for themselves to be an enjoyable read.  I follow alot of different blogs to get the chance to experience new types of stories, but this time I feel it lead me in the wrong direction.

Ice Ice Baby

I had to post about this, in addition to my Twitter feed, because I am sure that some family members don't follow me (Kristen, now with the fancy phone, search for me:  blaschkekm and follow too!).

It was a beautiful day today, a little windy, but a taste of spring is in the air.  Driving home by myself, I open the moon roof (what is the difference between a moon roof and a sun roof anyway???) and turn up the radio because the Eagel's "Seven Bridges Road" is playing---a great song.  Guess what comes on next???  A little bit of original Vanilla Ice so I crank it even louder.  "Stop, collaborate and listen....".

I don't think I was any more of a nerd than the guy I drove by who had his windows down and NPR cranked.  He must have been hard of hearing, who in their right mind would crank up talk radio in there car with the windows rolled down?

Calvin's Suit

Play Dead

I've mentioned before how I like to read an author's publications in order, even if they are not a series.  I enjoy seeing the writer's journey.  "Play Dead" was republished by Harlan Coben recently, and he put a disclaimer at the front of the book.  He mentioned to the reader to not feel bad if they don't get through the entire story, it was his first book and below his current standards.

I really like Harlan Coben's books, so I delved in.  The story is a basic one, newlywed famous couple on their honeymoon and the husband dies mysteriously.  I usually can't figure out where Coben goes with his story, and never figure out the ending.  I love how he blows me away with where the story ends up.  Unfortunately, this was the typical first book.  The plot line has been done before, and I couldn't really get into the character's lives.  It was okay, and I only finished it because I felt I owed the author that respect, because I have enjoyed all of his other books.

In summary, it is a basic story with basic characters, and probably a good read to take on vacation.  The paperback is easy to carry around and interruptions are not a problem because the story is simple to follow.  I am glad I did get to read it, because it was a good start to his other stories.  Without this book we would not have anything else he has written to enjoy.

Goodreads Trivia

After messing around on the computer, I stumbled across a book trivia game on Goodreads.  I am currently at 60%, which isn't bad because there were alot of questions about novels I have not read.  I could choose to skip questions, thus improving my score, but just use the process of elimination and seem to get some of them right!  You can try it out for yourself here.  Good Luck!  And while you are there, "friend" me and I can see what you are reading.  I'm tempted to try out some of the book clubs, but we'll see.

Port Mortuary

I was excited to see a new edition of Kay Scarpetta published.  The last book I read in the series was finally back to the original versions, full of crime scenes and crime solving.  This current book delved into the past of the main character, Dr. Scarpetta.

I don't remember much from the beginning of the series, but wasn't aware that after medical school, Kay served in the military to pay off her massive school loans.  During this time, she was sent overseas to investigate the strange death of two young American girls.  She keeps flashing back, because the current case she is working on keeps reminding her of the past.  We are also introduced (or reintroduced if he had appeared early in the series) of Kay's mentor.

When I finished the book, I realized that it actually took place over just under 36 hours.  There were many points in the novel that the story drug on, but I understand it was only to let us know another intimate part of what makes Dr. Scarpetta tick.  Benton, Lucy and Marino all make an appearance, and once again I am frustrated in the dialogue between the characters.  It seems that Kay "skirts" around the issues that Lucy has, never really wanting her to actually say what her problems are out loud, not that Lucy would ever do that.  And her communication with Benton is annoying because they both have to keep priveledged information from each other due to their respective jobs.  It's like they are both talking in circles sometimes, and it did get confusing.

Kay does finally resolve her issues with her on again/off again assistant medical chief, Jack Fielding.  Unfortunately I did not remember much of the conflicts from previous stories, so this did get a little confusing.  If you want to read more about how the mind of Dr. Scarpetta works, this would be a great book to read (as long as you have read and remembered everything published before).  If you want a simple crime solving novel, this would not be the book for you.

Hobbes is Just a Cat, Afterall

Why do I love Calvin & Hobbes?  I really wish it was back in print!!

What the Night Knows

Dean Koontz is scary.  We all know that and accept it as a fact.  What I don't understand is why I read his books?  Sometimes they get a little "out there" and you wonder what in the world the author thinks about when he is in bed falling asleep.  Where do his ideas originate from?

This one wasn't any exception to the rule.  The main character was 14 when he lost his entire family to a sadistic, crazy serial murderer, who he ended up killing when he walked in on the ritual.  (I say ritual, because this murderer was crazy with a capital C).  That is not a spoiler alert, it actually tells you on the inside flap.  What is so scary is what happens to his family when he grows up and marries, having kids who are all special in there own way.

I couldn't sleep while reading this book.  There were alot of images of shadow people in the novel, and things seen in mirrors or out of the corner of your eye.  You know, like when you are just starting to fall asleep and suddenly think you see something but it is only a trick of your imagination.  One focus of the story was about children and animals "sensing" what adults refuse to admit to.  When the main character is at his wits end, he seeks out someone to do an exorcism, and believes a defrocked priest can help him.

The former Catholic priest, Abelard, is creepy in his own right.  He was kicked out of the church because of molesting children, and Koontz describes him exactly as you would imagine what someone who does that to children who would look like:  chain smoking with tobacco stained fingertips and hair, unwashed, and undernourished.  It really disgusted me when the priest showed John he wore two watches, one on each wrist, to explain how he handled his guilt over his own crime.  The one watch was just for telling time, like any other human would use.  The other didn't run, he merely kept it piece with the date feature set on a certain day, month and year.  He explained what the date meant, it was the last time he "sinned" with a child, which had been just a few weeks earlier.  It was to remind him of his sins.

The priest explains he can't do the exorcism because he is no longer allowed to practice, but gives him some advice:  "Abelard said, 'We don't live in Biblical times.  God doesn't appear in burning bushes and the like.  Angels no longer materialize in all their winged glory.  I think the divine has taken a few steps back from humankind, perhaps in revulsion, perhaps because we don't deserve to look directly upon holy beings anymore.  In my experience, when the divine enters the world these days from outside of time, it manifests discreetly through children and animals.' ".

Well, it is a clue to how the book ends.  As I am writing this, it is quiet in the house and dark outside.  Just mentioning this book gives me a little scare.  It doesn't help when your cat his running through the place in what appears to be playing with something I can't see (or is it someone)? 

Calvin's Day at School

Yesterday's was kind of serious, so I had to lighten it up a little with this one that made me laugh out loud.

Calvin's Deep Thought for the Day

"What book(s) would you like to see turned into a movie?"

The Crazy for Books blog introduced a new question on their blog hop.  While I don't participate by linking up, the question did immediately bring two authors to mind, whose works I adore and wish they would be made into a movie.  What books would you like to see turned into a movie?  Interestingly enough, both of the books I have in mind have had the rights purchased by the movie industry, but work is very slow and I have yet to see any production, so it's a good possibility it will never come to light.

The first one I am sure my family will agree on.  The world NEEDS to see Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum on the big screen.  We have talked about it, and her Facebook page is constantly asking who her fans would like to see play Stephanie, Manelli, and Ranger.  Oh and Bob, let's not forget about the dog!  Grandma Mazur would be the constant comedic relief, and I think we would all laugh until we cried.

Second on my list is the Big Stone Gap series by Adrianna Trigiani.  I can NOT get enough stories about this town and it's group of people, especially Ave Maria and Jack Mac.  There are many of her other novels I just love, especially "Lucia, Lucia" and the recent Valentine series, but this location in Big Cherry Holler would be the perfect setting for a love story that has it's ups and downs.  There are many of her novels that I have to ponder on after finishing, they move me that much.  I will admit that a few brought tears to my eyes at the end, but I love a great story I can immerse myself in, and I know that film goers would feel the same way if the movie was done correctly.

Now, dear family, what would you like to see made into something you could pay tons of money to see on the big screen?

Calvin as Stupendous Man

This is dedicated to Heather.  I hope Logan's super hero cape doesn't lead him astray like it does Calvin.

Girl In Translation

This was another book found on many listings and shared in different book clubs this past year, and it was a very good read.  I enjoy a good human interest story, but sometimes they can be too "wordy", when the author feels the need to over describe every little detail.  This book didn't, and the story was excellent in it's simplicity.  I liked how the author would have the main character, ah-Kim (or Kimberly, her Americanized name) would interpret what someone else was talking about in English.  She had been taught before arriving in the States, but there were still many things she didn't understand.  It made me think about what the person was saying, so it almost put me in her frame of mind, because she was also having that same difficulty.

It was a coming of age story, wrapped around the problems trying to survive in a new country, with a little lost love thrown in for good measure.  The novel fit nicely after reading the last book, which was constantly trying to get me to stop and think about my history and literature classes, so I could follow the story better.  If you are looking for what they typically call a "beach" read, something for the summer vacation, this would be a good choice.

Calvin & Hobbes Snowman Tales 2

Address Lables

I have alot of address lables, and it's not because I ordered them.  For some strange reason, alot of organizations think that if they send me address lables, I will make a donation. 

A few years back when the Lance Armstrong Live Strong bracelets were very popular with the kids, I ordered them online.  That is when it started because they must have sold my information to other organizations.  I have received lables from ASPCA, St. Joseph's Indian School, Breast Cancer Awareness, St. Jude's Children's Hospital (multiple times), some I can't remember who they are from, and for some reason American Family Insurance had been sending some to their clients frequently.

Why do they think it's a great way to earn money?  I only mail just a couple of bills, the rest I do online.  My rent has to have the address on the envelope when I drop it in the box, but that is only once a month.  I don't like to throw these out, thinking I will use them at some point, but it seems such a waste.  I won't be able to use them if I ever move, so what is the use? 

Queen Hereafter

Here was a new book I picked up after seeing it on a list for best historical fiction of 2010.  When I read the summary, I was excited because it was exactly what I like about this type of genre.  This particular publication was based on historical fact, Scotland royalty in the late 1070's, following Macbeth's ruling.

I remember the basis of the Shakespeare play, Macbeth, so I was intrigued.  The main character, Margaret, is an actual Saxon princess, who's brother and family were banished from England by King William, because her father, the King, was dethroned.  She and her family end up as guests of Scottish King Malcom, who is trying to keep his country safe from the invading English.  Malcom sees it as a benefit to his kingdom to marry Margaret, joining the two families into a powerful ruling dynasty.  Their descendants are all royalty, one of the more famous being Mary Queen of Scots.

I realized that after some discussion at supper last night, not many of my family know of my fascination with royalty.  I am not talking about Princess Diana and all of the current news (but I do follow it with some interest) but I have always read about historical royalty. The only movie out right now that I really would like to see is the King's Speech, because his story is quite fascinating, even though his daughter, Queen Elizabeth can be considered quite boring. 

This book took a part of historical royalty that I had never read about before and made it quite interesting.  It also took another fact that fascinates me, the role the Catholic church took in many of these family powers, which I learned about in Ken Follet's pair of historical fiction "Pillars of the Earth" and "World Without End".  I love when I get to experience the life of an actual figure of history.

Wet Pants

No, I did not pee my pants.  I am just frustrated being a height challenged individual who does not take the time to hem up my pants.  I hate when it is very slushy outside, and your pants tend to soak up all of the moisture you step into.  Today I ventured out and  by the time I got home my pants were wet from the bottom up to the back of my knees.  YUCK!  I don't understand how those kids with the low slinging pants (you know---pants on the ground) can stand it.  It is an absolutely disgusting feeling.  Then when I come home I am standing inside the front door wondering how I am going to get to the bedroom to change without dragging the slop across the carpet.  Yep, problem solved by just removing said pants.  Good thing I was alone, although the cat was looking at me kind of funny.

Great Finds

I never really talk about the food deals I manage to find on here, but I though I'd share some household deals I made today.  All of the winter bedding went 75% off today at the store, and because I was at work, I just happened to walk by.  Most of the throws that people buy for gifts were on there, as well as some down comforters, etc., so I had to look.  I brought home a full sized flannel sheets set and an electric throw and my total was just over $11.  Take that all you bargain shoppers!  I actually got my employee discount (which is now 30% thanks to my 20 years of service) on top of the 75% off. 

Here's the breakdown:
The sheets were originally 19.99 store price, on sale for 5.00, and I got 1.50 off that, so I paid 3.50 for a set of brand new sheets.

The electric heated throw (which is 50" X 62", washable, and an extra long cord) was store priced for 39.99, on sale for 10.00 and I paid 7.00.

Lucy's extra excited for the electric throw--she's always trying to get warm in my lap:)

Skippy Dies

The title caught my attention!  So simple, yet it gives away the ending, or beginning.  The picture is not the publication I read.  Mine was one complete book, and I heard about it from one of my numerous book blogs.

Even though the title gave away the premise of the book, and the first chapter has Skippy dying, it was very easy to fall into the story and enjoy the characters.  The book actually takes place in a boys school in Dublin, where some of the students are living in on campus dorms.  The boys are in their second year, which puts them in their early teens, and many passages had me actually laughing out loud to their antics. 

Teachers and Priests are part of the story, Seabrooke being a Catholic school.  The sadness comes in when there are hints of the child abuse that is surrounding the church these days.  Skippy and a fellow student Carl are caught up in some psychological problems that started at home, and both struggle to understand their problems.  The ending was the expanded version of the first chapter, and how the students each deal with the unfortunate events surrounding Skippy's death. 

The book did take me a whole week to finish, but I'm glad I stuck with it. 

Twenty One Books????

I HATE it when this happens.  Every single book I had on hold at the library became available during the past two weeks.  Why?????  It's not like I sat down and requested them all at the same time, in fact some were added before Halloween.  I'm stressing out a little bit, and about half of them are due in two weeks.  I tried to spread out the due dates by only picking up the books that were going to have their hold expired on the very last day possible.  Some books I will be able to renew, but most will have to go back, and I HOPE they will all be read. 

I do have to admit that I was a little impressed that there was almost an entire shelf with just my holds on it at the library (we have self checkout on our holds).  I almost took my phone out to take a picture, but that would be a little noticeable in the library, and a little strange.

Oh, and then I get the news that my favorite second hand book store in town is having a half off sale tomorrow.  Oh the JOY:)

Chekhov's Gun

I learned about a new term today, thanks to one of the many book blogs I follow.  I can't remember which one it was, but I guess it is a well known term, because I found the meaning in Wikipedia, as described:

Chekhov's gun is a literary technique whereby an element is introduced early in the story, but its significance does not become clear until later in the narrative. The concept is named after Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, who mentioned several variants of the concept in letters. Chekhov himself makes use of this principle in Uncle Vanya, in which a pistol is introduced early on as a seemingly irrelevant prop and, towards the end of the play, becomes much more important as Uncle Vanya, in a rage, grabs it and tries to commit homicide.
The phrase "Chekhov's gun" is often interpreted as a method of foreshadowing, but the concept can also be interpreted as meaning "do not include any unnecessary elements in a story." Failure to observe the rule of "Chekhov's gun" may be cited by critics when discussing plot holes.

This phrase exactly describes another of my reading pet peeves, when the author describes too much detail that doesn't even apply to the theme of the story.  I never had a term for it, I just knew it bothered me.  I really don't care about the color of the neighbor's house if the character never interacts with said neighbor.  I have issues hearing all about the doll the character received as a child when their problems are not caused by any childhood trauma.  I'm suprised I never heard this term during any of my college lit classes (especially Dr. Basile's, he was the typical English prof with the tweed jacket with patched elbows, and the big furry beard). 

I love reading something and just thinking that is exactly right!  I also love when I can discover a very intelligent sounding term for one of my pet peeves.

Caleb----Whoops, Calvin Shoveling Snow

For some reason, today's strip made me think of Caleb.  Maybe it was the way he made that crazy loop for Cena to run through in the backyard when the snow is deep, but for some reason this would be exactly what I could see him doing to his mom.

Calvin & Hobbes Snowman Adventures

I follow a comic strip site that has daily postings of Calvin & Hobbes, which is where I get my daily fix.  Here's another funny snowman one I had to share. 

Don't Blink

Another James Patterson crossed off my list.  Sadly, this was not part of the Alex Cross series, but there are two new releases I have to check into that might meet my fix!

A new character was introduced, this time a newspaper writer.  What do action packed newspaper writers always get mixed up in?  The mob, of course!  While the characters were okay and the storyline plausible, it was a book I only rated 3 out of 5 stars on my Goodreads list, it was a fast read.  That is why I pick up every James Patterson book.  I feel refreshed when I encounter the very short chapters.  These seem like a break to me when the books I normally read have chapters that are long, and difficult to stop except during those breaks. 

His books are the ones I read at stoplights and in drive thru lanes.  Scary, I know, but what else is there do to when the light changes three different times and you hardly move?  I don't pick up my classic novels--I can't keep an eye on my surroundings with those.  I recommend to anyone with toddlers that these books are perfect to take with you because you can watch the kiddos and enjoy a story.

You also get the sense of Patterson's narcissistic tendencies when you reach the end of the book and turn the page, finding the complete listing of his "works".  I think this last book it was three pages long and said he held the Guinness record for most books published.  I guess I would want to be known for that single most well written novel than being a factory of publishing.  But I can't really criticize if I've never attempted at writing a book.

Biblioz

Thanks to a blog I read (What Red Read) I got a link to a way to find out the bestsellers that were out the day you were born.  Cool, huh?  And I also wish I thought up that name for my blog!


http://www.biblioz.com/best_sellers.php?a=0&i=43622970

Here's my list, can't say I've read any of them.

Fiction 1 AIRPORT Arthur Hailey  author info

Fiction 2 VANISHED Fletcher Knebel  author info

Fiction 3 MYRA BRECKINRIDGE Gore Vidal  author info

Fiction 4 THE CONFESSIONS OF NAT TURNER William Styron  author info

Fiction 5 TOPAZ Leon Uris  author info

Fiction 6 THE TOWER OF BABEL Morris West  author info

Fiction 7 CHRISTY Catherine Marshall  author info

Fiction 8 THE EXHIBITIONIST Henry Sutton  author info

Fiction 9 THE PRESIDENT'S PLANE IS MISSING Robert J. Serling  author info

Non-Fiction 1 THE NAKED APE Desmond Morris  author info

Non-Fiction 2 BETWEEN PARENT AND CHILD Haim G. Ginott  author info

Non-Fiction 3 NICHOLAS AND ALEXANDRA Robert K. Massie  author info

Non-Fiction 4 "OUR CROWD": THE GREAT JEWISH FAMILIES OF NEW YORK 4 "OUR CROWD": THE GREAT JEWISH FAMILIES OF NEW YORK, Stephen Birmingham  author info

Non-Fiction 5 GIPSY MOTH CIRCLES THE WORLD Francis Chichester  author info

Non-Fiction 6 RICKENBACKER Edward V. Rickenbacker  author info

Non-Fiction 8 TOLSTOY Henri Troyat  author info

Non-Fiction 9 THE ECONOMICS OF CRISIS Eliot Janeway  author info

Non-Fiction 10 THE DOUBLE HELIX James Watson  author info

2011 Reading Goals

I know it's the middle of January, but I want to share my link on my Goodreads reading goal.  There was a way to type in your desired goal of read books for the year, and it keeps track as you enter them.  My goal this year is 60.  I've never kept track of this, but thought I'd give it a try this year.

2011 Reading Challenge  I will keep you posted on my progress through the year!

The Winter Queen

Here's another book based in Russian history and takes place during the winter.  I did not plan on reading this book so soon after Russian Winter  (I figured out how to link my blog!  Yeah for me) but because I had so many library books checked out, The Winter Queen was due and I wanted to read it, so here we go.

I've mentioned before that when an author starts a series of books featuring a the same main character, I have to read in chronological order.  This is a series with Erast Fandorin, a young up and coming Russian police officer (that's not the official title, I learned in late 19th Century Russia there were more complex titles).  This was a fun read, because Erast is a very loveable, bumbling character who turns his mistakes into success.  He had many close calls with death, but managed to survive, and this is going to be a little wierd, but many of the situations almost reminded me of Stephanie Plum's antics.  He didn't have a strange sidekick, but his zest for life and many mistakes along the way were similar in fashion.  I know that reader's of Evanovich will understand exactly what I mean.

Although the flowery language sometimes made the story a little boring, I will definitely pick up the next book in the series because of the main character.  I also enjoyed the fact I was reading another book translated from another language (the other books were by Stieg Larsson which I think were the first type of translated books I had ever read).  This shows that I am growing in my selection of reads.  What I also discovered was that many Russian words/terms used in Russian Winter were similar to ones used in The Winter Queen.  It shows that just reading fiction can expose you to new things.

Happy 45th Anniversary Mom & Dad!!

Wow, 45 years.  That is a long time.  Sorry, I don't mean to make it sound bad, it's a great thing when you hear someone has been married for 45 years!

I know that over the years you both worked with one simple goal in mind, to give us a good home filled with love and happiness.  I want you both to know you accomplished just that.  All three of your girls are out on their own, doing what they love to do (I say that now because the holidays are over and comp time is being used:)).  We all have families of our own, but know that because of the fact that 45 years ago today, you joined together to give us that oppurtunity, and I thank you so much for everything.

We always say our family is crazy, maybe even a little wierd, but it's our family and I don't think any of us would want to change anything growing up.  Yes, we had to walk beans (except for Heather) and yes, we had to stack wood (except for Heather) and we even had to go to CCD every Thursday night (except for Heather) but I know we wouldn't change a bit.  (Sorry, Heather, I'm feeling a little goofy and had to put that in--love ya sis!)  I want to list some of my favorite family memories, please add some if I missed any:

• Spending time in the car Sunday mornings waiting for Heather to get done with Sunday school.  We would sit reading the paper and not doing much, but for some reason it was a good time.
• All of us driving down to G & G Blaschke's to cut and load wood for the winter.  Sorry we give you such a bad time, Heather, but because all of us were there it was fun, even though I'm sure Mom and Dad just remember us complaining the entire time.
• The road trips:  need I say more?  The singing (Christmas and top hits!).  The Gambler, Chocolate Ice Cream Cone, Islands in the Stream.  I also remember the radio shows, the top hits from the fifties, "The Shadow Knows", I really miss those drives!!
• Vacations in the Black Hills.  Your love of that area was passed on to us.
• The family pets:  Max, Buffy, and all of those cats.  Yes, I even remember Kraut.
• Running the Fireworks stand.  It was hot, but we were the cool kids who had all of that ammunition!
• The variety of vehicles we would drive.  I don't know if any kid in our school had as many options as we did.  They may not have been pretty, but they were unforgettable!
• The sleepovers!  I remember that many of my friends loved staying at our house.  We lived in the country and couldn't go many places, but I think they liked staying there because our parents were pretty cool.  (And when I run into them today, they always remember to ask about you!)

I could sit here all day to think of more.  Thanks Mom and Dad for such great memories.  You're dedication to family has paid off and you can sit back and reap those rewards (but you have to wait for the money until your grandkids make their fortunes!)  Love you lots!

HELP!

After finishing my last book, I was excited to start a new one.  I had gone to the library Sunday to pick up my latest batch of holds.  (The hold expired Sunday, so even though the weather was bad, out I went).  I have since over the past 2 days picked up 4 different books and put them back down again.  I think the one book I actually got to page 11 before tossing it aside.  I HATE it when this happens.  I'm sure they are very good books.  In fact all four of them were from blog recommendations that received high ratings.  For some reason, I just could not do it. 

So, I've been catching up on my shows instead.  I'm down to 87% capacity on my DVR.  That's the lowest it's been since before Halloween of last year.  I'm making some progress, huh?

Earl Grey Tea

Everyone knows my coffee obsession.  It is strange how as I age, my tastes in foods and beverages have evolved, and I have become very particular on what I consume.  I do enjoy a cup of hot tea every now and then, and the tea I keep on hand at home is Earl Grey.  I discovered it when I had received a gift of assorted teas, and this one I really enjoyed, especially sweetened with honey.  I now purchase it caffeine free, because I think I get enough caffeine from my other daily beverages.  I don't know if there is a particular brand of Earl Grey that is better than the other, it just happens to be the Bigelow brand I pick up when at the store. 

This gets even stranger when my favorite cold tea is just sun tea made with two standard tea bags and one peppermint tea bag.  That is what I drink cold, without any sweetener at all.  I make that all year long, just using hot water and letting it seep overnight.  It is very refreshing when thirsty, and tastes better than water, which would be better for me.  I guess it just makes me seem very picky.

Bad Blood

I reached my goal on my three day weekend.  To finish the book I had just started.  It was very easy to sit inside and read when it is cold and snowy outside, the only problem was this book's location was in Minnesota in the winter.  Didn't warm me up at all.

I have read some other books by John Sanford, but only one of the Lucas Davenport series.  I couldn't get into that series, but enjoy the Virgil Flowers books.  You can tell that Sanford is local, he writes like so many around here talk, quick and to the point.  The only thing about this book is the premise was a little creepy and sickening, without going into any details.  Don't want to spoil it for you!  It was a good read, but my only suggestion is wait until it is hot and humid outside.  I'm cold and reading about the characters being cold doesn't help at all!

Calvin & Hobbes Sunday #2

Funny New Blog

Have you ever hit the "next blog" key when you are reading a current blog?  I have occasionally, and there are some weird things out there.  When I was reading one that came up by an English teacher, she had a link for a blog she was recommended and said it was the funniest thing she had ever read.  So, I clicked on it.  After all, it's been a long boring day and I was up for a little excitement.  She was right, it is hilarious!  You have to check out the recent post.  I was laughing the entire time!

http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/12/year-kenny-loggins-ruined-christmas.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Hyperbole-and-a-half+%28Hyperbole-And-A-Half%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Russian Winter

Before the end of  the year, I voted on a website for favorite books of 2010.  I can't remember which site it was, but it had many different categories, and this book was listed as a choice.  I actually have a new list from that site, but this is the first I read.

I was drawn to it because it was historical fiction, and about a new topic I had not approached.  It's background was the Russian ballet in the late 1940's, early 1950's and the ballerina today.  There was many flashbacks to her background, but not enough to satisfy my needs.  It was very interesting to get that glimpe into that world of beauty surrounded by the fear of governmental control.  Their very lives were centered around if they would be the next to "disappear" into the night after being reported on.  The current story was centered around an auction on this ballerina's jewelry and the people involved in her current life. 

While it was interesting to read about a new subject, I felt that the story really dragged on.  It was one of those books that you wanted to stop reading, but something new would come up and you had to continue.  Sometimes I felt that it tried to be classical literature, and then a romance, followed by history. 

Kelly's Goodreads

After messing around with the blog, I figured out a way to list my current books.  It doesn't start at any certain time, but the link will bring you to my page of Goodreads.  If you ever want to check it, go for it!

Happy Birthday Heather!!!

You are one year older today!  Yeah!  Okay, that doesn't sound as exciting as when it is said to your son, but just think, you have one more year you get to say goodbye to.  After reading about your goals for the upcoming year, sounds like you will be glad to start over. 

I know it's not fair you have to celebrate your birthday right after Christmas, but you can just blame Mom for that every year (sorry Mom--Love ya too!).  You are still the best part of the holidays!  Every time we are together, I just marvel at the person you have become.  You are no longer that nasty head biter (sorry, just read Kristen's post and couldn't resist it) and now a person I wish I could become.  You are that all around great woman that so many of us try to be and fail.  You are a mother who works outside the home, but yet manages to keep your family grounded.  You are the sewer, crafter, and photographer I always wish I was, but yet don't make anyone feel like you are better than them.  What more can I say?  You are the best (or should I say one of the best) sisters a girl could ask for!  Love you lots and miss you more!!!  (Bet you thought I'd post that pic of you in the pink cowboy hat didn't you)

Calvin & Hobbes Snowman Tales

The Calvin & Hobbes strips with the snowmen will always be my favorite!

Calvin & Hobbes Today

Kelly's Best Reads of 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I said I would compile my own list of favorites I experienced this year. They are not in any order, but I enjoyed them all! I'm not really good with the link part of my own blog, so if you want the review again, you will have to look it up yourself. *Sorry!

• The Help -wasn't sure about picking it up to read it because it wasn't my normal format, but sure glad I did!
• The Fall of Giants-can't resist a great historical epic novel!
• The Room-kind of creepy the way the author could write like a little boy talked, but an amazing read.
• Under the Dome-Stephen King, what can I say? Thanks for allowing me to believe in you again!
• Ape House-thanks Sara Gruen for letting us into the amazing world of the Bonobos.
• Burn-Anna Pigeon, I want to grow up to be you some day.
• All of Stieg Larsson-may he rest in peace.
• Sizzlin Sixteen and Dead in the Family-gotta love my Stephanie Plum and Sookie Stackhouse. They are also on my list of who I want to be when I grow up.
• Nowhere to Run-Joe Pickett, I want to marry you!
• Angel Time-Ms. Rice, you have done it to me again.

I'm ready for a new year with some new reads!