tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224494002024-03-13T06:30:52.471-05:00nothing of importance (my everyday blog)Sometimes it might be important to me, I suppose...but even that's not guaranteed.Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.comBlogger980125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-56703157072336138882009-12-10T08:28:00.000-05:002009-12-10T08:28:25.051-05:00a final postTaking deep breath. Okay.<br />
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It's sort of with mixed feelings that I say good-bye to this blog after almost four years. When I started this blog, I didn't actually even intend on blogging. I just set it up so I could comment on other blogs (yes, I really thought then that you had to do that). And then, once I did start blogging, I never really intended to be a book blogger.<br />
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Okay, truth be told, I've never considered myself a book blogger anyway. But...I met so many incredible people in the book blogging world. And some of the most enormous blessings of my life are the close, loving friendships I've made in this community. And I am most certainly not saying goodbye to those friendships!!!! But I am saying goodbye to the book blogging world. At least in a sense.<br />
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I could list the 154 reasons that have precipitated this decision, but honestly it doesn't matter. Bottom line, I just have never felt quite like I belonged, and even more importantly, I just want a fresh start. So, I'm going to be blogging at a new blog...not a book blog. Really, it's a good thing for me.<br />
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This doesn't mean I won't be reading any of your blogs though. Come on, I'm not into masochism...I love reading book blogs...and I'm not going to go cold turkey here. But I do need to shrink the number of blogs in my reader, for sanity's sake. Just know that if I'm still reading your blog, I DO NOT expect you to read mine. I've never quite bought into that idea that someone should be reading my blog just because I'm reading theirs. Seriously, if I'm reading your blog, it's because I enjoy reading it...I'm already getting my reward.<br />
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This is the hard part...in a way, I feel like I should leave a link to my new blog. But see, the last thing I want is for people to follow me over there because they feel like they "should." So, I think I'll just make this goodbye.<br />
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Thanks for the awesomely fun ride everyone! I'll miss you!Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-39291205466155796372009-12-09T13:43:00.000-05:002009-12-09T13:43:31.668-05:00Santa was here! When I awoke this morning, all was looking and feeling Christmas-y. We had a beautiful new coating of the white stuff on the ground and the tree was lit and looking festive in its multi-colored glow. Unfortunately, as the sun began to come up, we saw that someone had not been in the holiday spirit last night...that fresh new coating of snow had obviously caused them to slide off the road and drive through the edge of our front yard taking out our mailbox in the process. Jerk! And I don't say that because they slid off the road...anyone can have a mishap driving on slippery roads. No, I say that because they didn't bother to stop. *sigh*<br />
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But, hey, that was not going to ruin my day. Annie volunteers at the library on Wednesday mornings, and I love just hanging out there working on school stuff (and browsing :D) until she's done. So, after a few snowballs thrown with the boys at the bus stop, Annie and I got ourselves ready to go. And when we left the library to come back home, I was a happy camper...as my browsing led to quite a wonderful haul of library loot! <br />
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And did the smile end there? No way! Because upon our arrival home, I found, in the mailbox that Rich had managed to precariously balance, at quite an awkward angle, in its hole, my <a href="http://holidayswap.wordpress.com/">Holiday Swap</a> package!!!<br />
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Oh my goodness...talk about major spoilage here! I probably should have admitted when I signed up for the swap that I really hadn't been that good a girl this year. ;) I've never heard of the book, <i>A World I Never Made</i>, but I am ridiculously excited to read it...it definitely sounds like one I will enjoy. And of my, I wish you could see the little Jane Austen journals better...they are so adorable and I am utterly addicted to little journals. And dark chocolate...mmmmm...no promises that it lasts until Christmas though. And the napkins...how clever is that?!! And the too, too cute post-its and clip-tabs. This was just tooooooo fun for words, I tell you!!!<br />
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Honestly, I feel so utterly spoiled here. Many, many, many thanks to the most awesome Secret Santa ever: <a href="http://bfishreads.blogspot.com/">Beth Fish</a>!!!! May every day of the holiday season bring you smiles as big as those you brought me today!<br />
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Many thanks, also, to <a href="http://www.thingsmeanalot.com/">Nymeth</a>! I've had a glimpse at how much work she puts into the Holiday Swap, and frankly, I'm in awe. Thanks, too, to all her wonderful little elves!<br />
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Happy Holidays, everyone!Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-81477320164707355982009-11-30T09:22:00.000-05:002009-11-30T09:22:51.585-05:00our holiday weekend--a visualI'd planned to try to jump back into the blogging world today with some mini book babble and whatnot, but life (or at least this damn virus, which technically isn't living) had other plans. I seem to have gotten the flu. :( I honestly can't remember the last time I actually had the flu...but I'm pretty sure that's what this is...fever of over 102, alternating between uncontrollable shivering and being thoroughly drenched in sweat, feeling as if my body was hit by an eighteen-wheeler and one of those wheels is still resting squarely atop my head, wheezing that reminds me of Annie in the midst of an asthma attack. Put simply, I feel like crap. But as mothers everywhere know, there's no such thing as a "sick day." Just figures that the boys don't have school today and tomorrow, huh?<br />
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Okay, okay...enough bitching and whining. Brain is not up to thinking. But hopefully I can handle uploading a few pictures from our long holiday weekend. It was a bit subdued this year...missing a dear friend and worrying about another...but we still managed to have a lot of family fun.<br />
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</div>Cooking, and crafting, and wrapping. Oh my. (Started making Christmas cards, but yikes, I've got a long way to go. And I got my <a href="http://holidayswap.wordpress.com/">Book Blogger Holiday Swap</a> gifts wrapped and ready to mail, but I'm thinking a trip to the post office is not going to happen for me today.)<br />
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</div>The trees, big and small, went up. (The kids each have their own small tree in their bedrooms.)<br />
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Oh, how I love that sweet, angelic face to the right...despite the fact that "angelic" is quite misleading. ;)<br />
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And to this mom's eyes, this girl's beauty far outshines the tree itself. <br />
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</div>Our "big" tree is decorated solely in ornaments made by family and friends. :D It's such fun chatting every year about who made each one. Even the pipe cleaner garland was created by Gray a few years back. And which I have to admit I thoroughly love...and not just because I adore its creator. <br />
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</div>And tree decorating wouldn't be tree decorating without eggnog and Christmas music.<br />
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</div>Baker singing along. This dog freakin' loves Christmas! (Especially opening presents.)<br />
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</div>But he's not the only one who has been caught under the tree.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cats, thus far, have stayed out of the tree. However, thanks to Lucky, we have had our first holiday mishap of the year, as evidenced in the before and after shots above.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I managed to get a lot of other decorating done, too. Though I'm far from finished.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Here's to a happy holiday season for all.<br />
</div>Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-71893972334812414892009-11-25T09:28:00.001-05:002009-11-25T09:41:14.609-05:00a year without youI just don't have it in me today to write the words that deserve to be written about you, Dewey. I guess I'll never have the words. And that's not simply because my talents don't fall under the heading of eloquence. It's because you were both larger than life, and so very down-to-earth and human all at the same time. You were a sort of glue that held this community together. But not just any old glue...no, it was like the magical fairy dust version or something. :) Because you were such an incredible classy person. Nothing about the love of books was ever a competition for you. Nothing about blogging was ever about popularity for you. Things have changed since you died. And of course, change is the stuff of life. But I don't like so many of these changes, Dewey. And fair or not, I can't help but think how things might be different today in the blogging world if you were still here. <br />
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And honestly, as much as all that crap eats at me, it doesn't compare to the incredible void that stills haunts me because my friend Dewey is gone. I miss you so fucking much that sometimes I just can't stand it. I miss our e-mail chats. I miss your advice. I miss every damn thing about you. I'm so grateful to have Ana and Eva and Chris in my life. People who love you and miss you as much as I do. Friends that don't tire of sharing "Dewey stories." You're still such a part of our daily lives. I couldn't begin to count the amount of times we've said, "Oooh, I'd love to hear Dewey respond to that" (because we could always count on you for your incredibly intelligent and sarcastic insights) or how many times we've said, "I remember what Dewey said about that book" or how many times we've said, "Oh, how I wish Dewey had had the chance to read this book." <br />
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You know, I don't believe that you can actually hear me. And I know that you didn't believe it either. And yet somehow, I can't stop talking to you. And you know, I know you wouldn't even make fun of me for it. Well, if you did, it would only be with kindness and friendship behind it. ;)<br />
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Dewey, I love you so very much.Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-62252661543413509382009-11-19T07:30:00.000-05:002009-11-19T07:30:57.748-05:00The Challenge That Dare Not Speak Its Name (GLBT 2010)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/SwGX6RGNMPI/AAAAAAAAEg0/OuQaX8m9ing/s1600/woolfbutton.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/SwGX6RGNMPI/AAAAAAAAEg0/OuQaX8m9ing/s200/woolfbutton.jpeg.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><a href="http://zenleaf.blogspot.com/">Amanda</a>, one of my very favorite people, is again hosting <a href="http://glbt-reading.blogspot.com/2009/11/glbt-challenge-2010.html">The Challenge That Dare Not Speak Its Name</a>. And this year, it's bigger and better than ever.<br />
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From the official blog:<br />
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<blockquote>The basic idea of this challenge is to read books about GLBT topics and/or by GLBT authors.<br />
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The challenge runs year-round, and there will be three levels of participation:<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lambda Level:</span> Read 4 books.</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pink Triangle Level:</span> Read 8 books.</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rainbow Level:</span> Read 12 or more books.</li>
</ul>You don't need to choose your books right away, and they can change at any time. Overlaps with other challenges are fine.<br />
</blockquote> I'm going to shoot for the Rainbow Level. Since I am trying to cut down on the number of challenges I'm joining for next year, it leaves me room to go hog-wild with the challenges I really love, right? Yeah, in theory anyway.<br />
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Okay, since I cannot stand being beholden to a specific list of books to read, I'm just going to make a large, lovely pile of choices to choose from. <br />
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Ones I already own:<br />
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*<i>Define "Normal"</i> by Julie Anne Peters<br />
*<i>Girl Goddess #9 </i>by Francesca Lia Block<br />
*<i>The Bermudez Triangle</i> by Maureen Johnson<br />
*<i>Middlesex</i> by Jeffrey Eugenides <br />
*<i>Fun Home</i> by Alison Bechdel <br />
*<i>Me Talk Pretty One Day</i> by David Sedaris<br />
*<i>Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim</i> by David Sedaris<br />
*<i>Freak Show</i> by James St. James<br />
*<i>Among Other Things, I've Taken Up Smoking</i> by Aoibheann Sweeney<br />
*<i>Hard Love</i> by Ellen Wittlinger<br />
*<i>Orlando</i> by Virginia Woolf<br />
*<i>Fingersmith</i> by Sarah Waters<br />
*<i>The Perks of Being a Wallflower</i> by Stephen Chbosky<br />
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Ones I'm hoping the library has, or I may break down and buy:<br />
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*<i>Wide Awake</i> by David Levithan<br />
*<i>Hero</i> by Perry Moore (thanks to Ana)<br />
*<i>The House You Pass on the Way</i> by Jacqueline Woodson<br />
*<i>grl2grl</i> by Julie Anne Peters<br />
*<i>Luna</i> by Julie Anne Peters<br />
*<i>Between Mom and Jo</i> by Julie Anne Peters (thanks to Amanda)<br />
*<i>The Picture of Dorian Gray</i> by Oscar Wilde<br />
*any Mary Oliver I haven't read (or even books I have read :D<br />
*<i>The Meaning of Matthew: My Son's Murder in Laramie, and a World Transformed</i> by Judy Shepard<br />
*Girl Meets Boy by Ali Smith (thanks to Ana) <br />
*<i>Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers</i> by Lillian Faderman (thanks to Eva)<br />
*<i>My Heartbeat</i> by Garret Freymann-Weyr (thanks to Amanda) <br />
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Ones I can't resist from other people's lists (to be added to liberally, I'm sure): <br />
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*<i>Seeking Sara Summers</i> by Susan Gabriel (from Amanda)<br />
*<i>Absolute Brightness</i> by James Lecesne (from Amanda)<br />
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Yes, I know, I'm supposed to be selective here when it comes to these reading challenges, but I swear, I am...this is just one I really want to do. Along with Women Unbound. And probably the Science Challenge if it's around again next year. And the World Citizen Challenge, if Eva hosts it again. And the Non-Fiction Five. And Becky's End of the World Challenge. And of course, Carl's Sci-Fi Experience, Once Upon a Time, and RIP. And some of the perpetual ones I've signed up for, like the Printz Project. I know, I know...that still sounds like a lot, but compared to the past couple years, it's not so bad at all. ;)<br />
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*sigh* I'm still fighting with Google Reader. Nothing I've tried seems to work. After fighting with it yet again this morning, I finally got it to let me "mark all as read"...I'm hoping clearing it out will somehow do something. Yeah, I know, that seems mighty unlikely, but I'm desperate here. :( <br />
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Anyway, I figured it was a good time for a "marked as read" click anyway. I'm going to take a few weeks off from blogging here. I'm just so swamped right now. Hoping in a couple weeks, I'll have my act a bit more together and can come back full of vim and vigor and ready to celebrate the holidays with all of you!!!! :D<br />
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Hope you all have wonderful November! And Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who will be celebrating! As for what I'm thankful for...all my incredibly wonderful blogging friends!!!!Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-89607269470761837732009-11-18T08:32:00.001-05:002009-11-18T08:33:17.501-05:00Christmas dreams...Max just came and asked me, "Mom, what's it called when you can see through things?"<br />
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I answered, "I'm not sure--do you mean x-ray vision?"<br />
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Excitedly, he answered, "Yeah, that's it. Thanks Mom!" And ran right out of the room.<br />
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My curiousity peaked, I followed, and found he was working on his Christmas wish list.<br />
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Santa didn't come through last year when Max asked for lasers that shoot out of one's eyes. But that doesn't seem to have dashed his hopes for a superpower Christmas this year.Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-6916230813831509072009-11-16T09:14:00.002-05:002009-11-16T10:18:58.878-05:00a bit of blame...Before I hand out the first points of this latest round, I've got a quick question--has anyone else been having trouble with their Google Reader lately??? It's been driving me crazy! It will show me that there are updates, but won't actually let me see them or let me click over to the blog. If I shut down Firefox and restart it will let me read one, maybe two, blogs before it starts acting up again. Sorry to bug you all with my computer-ignorance, but the whole process of constantly having to restart my browser is taking up way too much of my severely limited blog reading time...and that is making me very sad, as I haven't had time to catch up with most people for such a long time as it is.<br />
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I'd actually like to spend these few minutes blog reading instead of posting, but as it is my goal to get our bedroom, the boys' bedroom, and Annie's bedroom super-cleaned this week so I can start Christmas decorating, I need to pass out the blame for these books so I can put them away and not have them sitting here on the desk.<br />
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Okay, here's the books that have entered my home during the last few weeks:<br />
<br />
*<i>The Great Gatsby</i> by F. Scott Fitzgerald. No blame here. I got it from PaperbackSwap because Annie and I are going to be reading as part of our history through literature unit.<br />
<br />
*<i>The Wild Things</i> by Dave Eggers. Now despite the fact that this was a special, out-of-blue gift from my dear, wonderful friend <a href="http://www.dreamstuffbooks.com/blog">Chris</a>, I'm still going to saddle him with a point. Sorry, Chris! :) But it immediately went to the top tier wish list when you started telling me about how special this book was. So, had he not so very sweetly bought it for me, I would have bought it myself.<br />
<br />
*<i>The Cactus Eaters</i> by Dan White. Another point I feel sort of bad shouldering a friend with, as I won it from her. Heehee--<a href="http://leafingthroughlife.blogspot.com/">Megan</a>, I'm sorry, but really I don't feel all that bad. ;) This is because I've had this book on my wish list ever since I read her review months and months ago. <br />
<br />
*<i>The Professor's Daughter</i> by Joann Sfar & Emmanuel Guibert. Point for <a href="http://zenleaf.blogspot.com/">Amanda</a>. I immediately went to our library's website and requested it, because Amanda's review left me so intrigued.<br />
<br />
*<i>Eating Animals</i> by Jonathan Safran Foer. Luckily, I have a husband who likes to spoil me. He ordered this for me, after I heard an interview with Foer on NPR. I obviously wasn't very good (not that I tried to be ;) ) at hiding the fact that I desperately wanted this book. Guess a book buying ban isn't such a hard thing to handle when you've got a husband who breaks it for you. Anyway, point for NPR. <br />
<br />
OMG. Can you believe it?!! No points for <a href="http://www.thingsmeanalot.com/">Nymeth</a>!!! Or <a href="http://astripedarmchair.wordpress.com/">Eva</a>!!! Something is obviously afoul in the universe...<br />
<br />
*****<br />
Oh, and one more thing I wanted to mention. I've given up on this year's reading challenges. I just couldn't even keep up with keeping track of what I'd read for what. Yeah, I'd joined far too many challenges, huh? <br />
I am going to start over again next year. And be far more selective in what I join...so that I hopefully have a better chance of completing them. And that I definitely have a better chance of keeping track of them. ;)Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-53919743431603850932009-11-14T19:08:00.000-05:002009-11-14T19:08:19.396-05:00catching up with bookish mattersI feel like I shall never catch up. *sigh* I kept track--77 hours on homeschool stuff this past week. And of course, there's still three sweet munchkins that need me for all the normal things unrelated to school. Not to mention laundry and cooking and cleaning. Oops--scrap cleaning...I didn't really do any of that. ;) I know, I know...what a whiner I am!!!! And I hate being this way. I really do. After all, who isn't busy?!! We're all busy. All the time. So why I am feeling so utterly depressed and out of sorts these days is beyond me. And I apologize for all the bitching and complaining.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I figured if I didn't soon do a bit of book babbling, I'd never get around to it. So, the quick, itty bitty version:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/Sv6ftJksZvI/AAAAAAAAEgc/Sbs7kMGvRpc/s1600-h/where-the-wild-things-were.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/Sv6ftJksZvI/AAAAAAAAEgc/Sbs7kMGvRpc/s200/where-the-wild-things-were.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><i>Where the Wild Things Were</i> by William Stolzenburg.<br />
<br />
There are so many issues in this world to care about, so many things that deserve our attention. So many things that literally cause me to lose sleep at night as I tumble them around in my head. But for me, the loss of biodiversity stands near the top of the list. And because of this, I want to thank William Stolzenburg for writing this book, a book that captures a piece of the story of biodiversity. I already had a halfway decent understanding of ecology and already understood the concept of trophic cascade. I already knew about many of the examples Stolzenburg discussed in this book, and yet I still found this book so very worthwhile. It was engaging, and it was heartbreaking. <br />
<br />
Why do we need these predators we've historically been so eager to eradicate? The answers go so much deeper than many people realize, or care to admit. Honestly, I wish everyone would read this book. Everyone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/Sv7AFzXRA8I/AAAAAAAAEgk/HcQIS6BRcEE/s1600-h/MonstersAreAfraidOfTheMoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/Sv7AFzXRA8I/AAAAAAAAEgk/HcQIS6BRcEE/s200/MonstersAreAfraidOfTheMoon.jpg" /></a><br />
</div> <i>Monsters are Afraid of the Moon</i> by Marjane Satrapi.<br />
<br />
Okay, as silly as it sounds, this book sort of relates to the one above. It's the story of a little girl who "changes nature" by stealing the moon to scare away monsters in her room and the catastrophic consequences that occur. It is such a cute little picture book! Here's what Max had to say:<br />
<br />
Me: Verdict? Did you like the book?<br />
<br />
Max: Yes.<br />
<br />
Me: Care to elaborate? What did you like most?<br />
<br />
Max: Cats! And monsters. <br />
<br />
Me: And monsters are good?<br />
<br />
Max: Well, I like monsters. <br />
<br />
Me: Did you like everything about the book?<br />
<br />
Max: NO!!! I didn't like it when the cats got hurt! Or that the rats took over the town. I wish the cats had taken over the town instead! <br />
<br />
Me: Anything else you want to say about the book?<br />
<br />
Max: I like the pictures! And the Cat King.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/Sv2pzWQsQTI/AAAAAAAAEgU/9jphrGML70U/s1600-h/green+angle" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/Sv2pzWQsQTI/AAAAAAAAEgU/9jphrGML70U/s200/green+angle" /></a><br />
</div><i>Green Angel</i> by Alice Hoffman.<br />
<br />
Been weeks since I read this (back during the read-a-thon), but it has stuck with me. I absolutely adored this book. Everything about it. It had a very fairy tale quality about it (well, I thought so anyway). It was dark and sad and unsettling. And it was beautiful and hopeful and human. It is the story of a somewhat introverted, somewhat solitary teenage girl who looses all she ever knew and loved in the world. It's the story of how she tries to lose herself as well, but finds that she has more strength and courage and life within her than she ever could have imagined. <br />
<br />
Really, I loved this little book so much that I'm already eager to read it again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/Sv9A30kzrbI/AAAAAAAAEgs/aLfUHoXaTXI/s1600-h/living-dead-girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/Sv9A30kzrbI/AAAAAAAAEgs/aLfUHoXaTXI/s200/living-dead-girl.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><i>Living Dead Girl</i> by Elizabeth Scott.<br />
<br />
Whew. This one is about as far from a "happy" book as you can get. If I had to choose one word, it would have to be "disturbing." But please don't think that I'm equating that with a judgment call of bad or good...I'm not. To be perfectly honest, I can't even decide if I liked it. I thought that maybe time would help me sort it out, but I read it back during the read-a-thon, which was weeks ago, and I still haven't got a handle on my feelings. I can say this without question--it was compelling! It most definitely kept me turning the pages. And a different ending (while I really "wanted" it to end differently!) would have ruined it entirely. I think the ending was the only realistic ending possible. Actually, I guess there's another ending that would have worked, but it would have been even more depressing. Gee. I'm oh-so-helpful, huh?<br />
<br />
Anyway, I am definitely not one to keep Annie from reading books she wants to read. And I wouldn't stop her from reading this one either. But honestly, I won't recommend it to her. I know it would upset her. And while I sometimes "assign" her books for school that I know will upset her, there's always a reason or something to be gained from it. With this book, I'm just not sure what that might be.<br />
<br />
*****<br />
Well, crap. I've been trying to get this post finished for the past two days. I still haven't caught up on my book babbling. And I still have a bit of blame to dole out. But I fear if I don't just post this, it may never get done. But we'll just try another post later, I suppose.Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-89265342652228172842009-11-12T10:45:00.000-05:002009-11-12T10:45:30.480-05:00this week I am......missing all my wonderful friends immensely, and hoping you'll all remember me when life calms down enough to start blogging again.<br />
<br />
...inundated in homeschool prep. Completely buried.<br />
<br />
...elated over finishing quarter one's progress report (homeschool paperwork). And a day early at that. And grateful that Rich has volunteered to deliver it to district office tomorrow.<br />
<br />
...making numerous lists of holiday prep work to be done. So many lists.<br />
<br />
...pleased with the few gifts I've managed to get made so far.<br />
<br />
...annoyed that just after I finished up with all my dental work, my front tooth chipped. Pretty big, jagged chip. Boys told me it looks like "an ugly old witch's tooth"...gee, thanks guys. ;)<br />
<br />
...missing you all so very much. Yeah, I know I said that already. But it's just oh-so-true. And has me feeling oh-so-sad.<br />
<br />
...hoping life is treating you all wonderfully!!!!Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-56345753959359016232009-11-05T21:00:00.002-05:002009-11-05T21:26:25.400-05:00family book club 1We were supposed to have our first family book club meeting last week...but well, last week turned out to just be way too busy. (Lucky for our reluctant reader, as he hadn't finished his book yet.) So, tonight was the night. We headed out to Great Northern Pizza Kitchen. And while I brought the computer to tape a vlog of our interviews, I, uh, well, I couldn't remember how to work the video. So, Rich and I took turns trying to type our conversation. Frankly, written out like this, it seems pretty darn boring. So seriously, feel free to skip it. At the bottom is a horrendously embarrassing vlog of us, which we made when we got home and I had relearned how to do it. It announces our picks for next months family book club (and lets the world see what a total idiot I married ;) and how idiotically I tend to giggle and how red my face gets when I'm nervous). Again, feel free to skip it. In fact, I highly encourage skipping it.<br />
<br />
***** <br />
<b>Rich chose <i>Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone</i> by JK Rowling for Gray.</b><br />
<br />
Rich: Who was your favorite character?<br />
<br />
Gray: Hagrid.<br />
<br />
Rich: What did you like about him?<br />
<br />
Gray: He's funny. And he did something illegal.<br />
<br />
Rich: What about what he did to Dudley?<br />
<br />
Gray: You mean putting the pig tail on him? Yeah, that was funny. But I liked that he had a dragon.<br />
<br />
Rich: Was there anything scary in the book?<br />
<br />
Gray: No.<br />
<br />
Rich: Not even the face on the back of the head?<br />
<br />
Gray: No. That was funny.<br />
<br />
Rich: Did you like when Ron had to play wizard chess?<br />
<br />
Gray: Yes, because Ron blew up.<br />
<br />
Rich: Would you like to read any more of the Harry Potter books?<br />
<br />
Gray: No.<br />
<br />
Rich: Why?!!<br />
<br />
Gray: I don't want to read anything. (Gray is in a very crabby mood this evening.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Gray chose <i>Space Chimps: Mission to Malgor</i> for Max.</b><br />
<br />
Gray: Was your favorite character Ham III?<br />
<br />
Max: No--Titan.<br />
<br />
Gray: Why?<br />
<br />
Max: Because he went flying on the treadmill. I want to have a treadmill so I can go flying.<br />
<br />
Gray: I want to go flying, too. Who was your least favorite character?<br />
<br />
Max: Guess.<br />
<br />
Gray: Luna.<br />
<br />
Annie: Why? Because she's a girl?<br />
<br />
Max: No. Because she's not as funny as the other ones.<br />
<br />
Debi: Is she the smart one?<br />
<br />
Gray: Yes. My favorite character is Ham III, because he's the funniest. Did you like the book, Max?<br />
<br />
Max: *shakes head yes*<br />
<br />
Gray: Then how come you never wanted to read it?<br />
<br />
Max: Because I always wanted to do other things.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Max chose <i>The Warriors Graystripe's Adventure</i> series of graphic novels by Erin Hunter.</b><br />
<br />
Max: Who was your favorite character?<br />
<br />
Annie: I liked Millie because she was really practical, and she took care of Graystripe when he was hurt. Plus she could really stick up for herself in a fight.<br />
<br />
Max: Which of the three books was your favorite?<br />
<br />
Annie: I liked the second, <i>Warrior's Refuge</i>, the best. It had the most interesting plot line, and it really kept me reading.<br />
<br />
Debi: Do the graphic novels mirror the novels?<br />
<br />
Annie: No, they tell different stories.<br />
<br />
Max: Who was your favorite leader?<br />
<br />
Annie: Well, they weren't really mentioned until the end.<br />
<br />
Max: What was your favorite part of the series?<br />
<br />
Annie: In the second book, when Millie and Graystripe taught the humans and the dogs to coexist with the barn cats.<br />
<br />
Max: Did you like the books?<br />
<br />
Annie: Yes, I really did enjoy them, Max.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Annie chose Dramacon Ultimate Edition by Svetlana Chmakova for Debi.</b><br />
<br />
Annie: Did you enjoy these books?<br />
<br />
Debi: Actually I enjoyed them quite a lot. It surprised me how much I liked them.<br />
<br />
Annie: So you didn't think you were going to like them much?<br />
<br />
Debi: No, I just didn't think I would like them as much as I did...romance just isn't my thing, you know.<br />
<br />
Annie: Who was your favorite character?<br />
<br />
Debi: Probably Cristi. I also liked Beth. <br />
<br />
Annie: Why did you like Christi?<br />
<br />
Debi: She was sweet...a little naive...talented...genuinely a nice person. What did you like about her Annie?<br />
<br />
Annie: That's pretty much why I liked her, too. Why did you like Beth?<br />
<br />
Debi: She reminded me a little bit of me, except I'm not talented like her...she was super talented. But she tended to put other people's needs in front of her own. She was a people pleaser. Actually, I think that came out wrong...that's not so much why I liked her, but more about how much I related to her. And it made me all the more happy for the way her story turned out.<br />
<br />
Annie: Did you like Emily?<br />
<br />
Debi: No...<br />
<br />
Annie: Was there anyone's personality that you didn't like?<br />
<br />
Debi: Derek. Not much to like about a rapist.<br />
<br />
Annie: Which of the three books was your favorite?<br />
<br />
Debi: I'm not sure which of the books...but the story line with Beth and her Mom was one of my favorite parts of all.<br />
<br />
Annie: What did you think of the scene with the scene with the confrontation between the kid and Lida?<br />
<br />
Debi: I found that pretty interesting...I don't know how to say this...that kind of snobbery when it comes to books drives me crazy. He made it even worse by turning it into this racist thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Debi chose<i> The Knife of Never Letting Go</i> by Patrick Ness for Rich.</b><br />
<br />
Debi: Okay, one word.<br />
<br />
Rich: Intense.<br />
<br />
Debi: Yep. That's the perfect word. Are you glad I chose this for you?<br />
<br />
Rich: Yeah, I enjoyed it. Definitely different than any book I've ever read. And it kept me awake for the read-a-thon.<br />
<br />
Debi: Will you be reading the sequels?<br />
<br />
Rich: Yeah, I think so. It's the kind of book that makes you want to go out and buy the sequel on the first day it comes out.<br />
<br />
Gray: Did you have a favorite character?<br />
<br />
Rich: Ben. And Manchee. He was such a good dog.<br />
<br />
Debi: He reminded me so much of Bake. Well, the way Bake is with you anyway. So how many times were you surprised, or caught off guard, during this book?<br />
<br />
Rich: Too many times to count.<br />
<br />
Debi: Aside from "the" scene that rips your heart out, were there any others that really, really stand out? That are vividly etched in your mind?<br />
<br />
Rich: Yeah, the end. And the one with Todd and the Spackle.<br />
<br />
Debi: What about the noise?<br />
<br />
Rich: That whole concept is just crazy, you know. Kind of bizarre. Like your worst nightmare, having your thoughts being transmitted.<br />
<br />
Debi: To me, the thought of having to listening to everyone else's thoughts was far worse than having anyone be able to read mine. Just all that noise...I seriously was almost sick just reading about it.<br />
<br />
Rich: Yeah, it reminded me of Musicophilia. There are people who hear loud music in their head ALL the time.<br />
<br />
Debi: So, are you going to trust me if I should get your name again?<br />
<br />
Rich: Sure. You didn't lead me astray this time. I loved the book you picked for me.<br />
<br />
*****<br />
(Sorry, the video is cut off again, you actually can see poor Annie if you click and watch it on youtube instead.) <br />
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<br />
New picks:<br />
<br />
--Gray got Max again, and is giving him: <i>Diary of a Wimpy Kid</i> by Jeff Kinney.<br />
--Debi got Annie, and is giving her: <i>Looking for Alaska</i> by John Green.<br />
--Rich got Gray again, and is giving him: <i>Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets</i> by JK Rowling.<br />
--Annie got Debi again, and is giving her: <i>The Golden Compass</i> by Philip Pullman.<br />
--Max got Rich, and is giving him: <i>Space Chimps: Mission to Malgor</i>.Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-23553903611147321032009-11-05T06:42:00.004-05:002009-11-05T09:19:25.479-05:00The Best of John Bellairs...random thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/SvHLiIGgeFI/AAAAAAAAEgI/IXo2uNbHbIc/s1600-h/DSC07067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/SvHLiIGgeFI/AAAAAAAAEgI/IXo2uNbHbIc/s400/DSC07067.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><span style="font-style: italic;">The House With the Clock in Its Walls</span>.<br />
<br />
Me: What did you guys think? Did you like it?<br />
<br />
Max: Yeah.<br />
<br />
Gray: Me, too.<br />
<br />
Me: Enough to try the next one?<br />
<br />
Gray and Max: Yes!<br />
<br />
Gray: Can we start it now?<br />
<br />
Me: Maybe. What did you like most about it?<br />
<br />
Gray: It was spooky.<br />
<br />
Me: How spooky would you say it was? Too spooky? Not enough spooky? Or just right spooky?<br />
<br />
Gray: Just right spooky. Too spooky equals scary. And scary gives me bad dreams.<br />
<br />
(I personally have to agree with Gray. It really is "just right spooky"! Actually, I was afraid at times it might be too much for them, but they loved every second of it.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>The Figure in the Shadows</i>.<br />
<br />
Me: Verdict? Was this one as good as the first one?<br />
<br />
Max: They were almost the same good.<br />
<br />
Gray: I liked <i>The House With the Clock in Its Walls</i> more. But that was a really hard decision, because they were both really good.<br />
<br />
Me: I liked this one, too, but for me I definitely liked the first one better. So, who's your favorite character?<br />
<br />
Max and Gray, enthusiastically and in unison: Uncle Jonathan!<br />
<br />
Max: No, wait. I liked the ghost in the last one.<br />
<br />
Me: You did, huh? Would you like him so much if you had to meet him?<br />
<br />
Max: No!<br />
<br />
Me: So why Uncle Jonathan?<br />
<br />
Max and Gray, again in unison: He's so funny!<br />
<br />
Gray: Yeah, and it doesn't hurt that he's a wizard.<br />
<br />
Me: Yeah, that is a bonus, isn't it? My favorite character is Mrs. Zimmerman. She's a spunky one. And she's always bringing everyone homemade chocolate chip cookies.<br />
<br />
Max: Can you make some chocolate chip cookies?<br />
<br />
Me: Hmmm...I sort brought that one on myself, didn't I?<br />
<br />
Max and Gray: *grin*<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>The Letter, The Witch, and the Ring </i><br />
<br />
Me: Okay guys, for me, this one was by far my favorite!!! What about for you?<br />
<br />
Gray: Tie. This one and the first one.<br />
<br />
Max: Mostly the first.<br />
<br />
Me: This book had some pretty scary moments, but there were also some times when you two monkeys were giggling away. What made you laugh in this book?<br />
<br />
Gray: Gert Bigger!<br />
<br />
Max: The chicken! (We can't discuss this avenue any further for fear of spoilers.)<br />
<br />
Me: Gert Bigger was a mean old bag, wasn't she? But sometimes you did just have to laugh at her. What parts did you think were the scariest?<br />
<br />
Gray: Gert Bigger!<br />
<br />
<br />
*****<br />
Okay, so we didn't give you much of a review here. ;) But let me just say how much all of us enjoyed these three books. They were perfectly wonderful!!! Definitely a bit scary (especially the last one, in my opinion). At times humorous. With a bit of an old-fashioned feel (and I mean that in the very best of ways). Filled with wonderful characters, all of whom are slight misfits...the adults (Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmerman) content and truly happy in their oddity, while the children (Lewis and Rose Rita) struggle a bit with not fitting in. Truly, I love them all.<br />
<br />
And you know what, it might sound silly, but I really think that <i>The Letter, The Witch, and The Ring</i> is a great book for the <a href="http://womenunbound.wordpress.com/">Women Unbound reading challenge</a>. :D This book focuses mainly on Mrs. Zimmerman, a wonderful role model, and Rose Rita, a girl just reaching those teen years, struggling because she doesn't feel she fits in. She'd rather play baseball than date the baseball players. But she learns her inner strength, and becomes a bit more confident and trusting in who she really is. Yep, I love both these ladies!Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-1496299859344674592009-11-04T05:07:00.004-05:002009-11-04T08:08:28.600-05:00Jar of Fools...random thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/SvBPvWxJzQI/AAAAAAAAEgA/Aqwu-2REF2s/s1600-h/Lutes_Fools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/SvBPvWxJzQI/AAAAAAAAEgA/Aqwu-2REF2s/s200/Lutes_Fools.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><i>Jar of Fools</i> by Jason Lutes.<br />
<br />
This was a total impulse pick up at the library a couple weeks ago. Had never heard of it and didn't know what to expect from it. But it turns out that <a href="http://www.thingsmeanalot.com/">Nymeth</a> bought this book at about the exact same time as I stumbled across it in the library...so if I hadn't stumbled upon it on my own, it soon would have made my wish list...that's just what happens nearly every single time Ana reviews a book! ;)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I read <i>Jar of Fools</i> during the read-a-thon. And as I told Ana, I honestly couldn't figure out if I even liked it or not as I was reading along. At least not at first. But it wasn't really that I was actively disliking the book either. Yeah, I know, I'm totally not making myself clear here, and I apologize. See, it's not a happy book. But you know, I usually don't mind a sad book. In fact, I usually love sad books...when there's a glimmer of hope mixed in somewhere. And I think at first, I wasn't catching any glimmers here.<br />
<br />
It's the story of Ernie Weiss, a down-on-his-luck, stage magician. He is haunted by the death of his brother. Ernie wants to understand his brother's death...in fact, this overpowering need to understand really sits at the root of the disintegration of all the other pieces of his life, from his career to his relationship with his girlfriend. And all the people that touch Ernie's life have problems of their own...from his ex-girlfriend, Esther, who struggles with their break-up as much as Ernie himself does...to his escaped-from-the-nursing-home mentor, Al, who is facing a life slipping further into senility...to a con man, Nathan, who sticks to this life of petty crime to provide for his daughter. For a short time, this sad little crew form a sort of a family.<br />
<br />
Okay, so I said that at first I couldn't figure out if I liked this book. By the end of it, however, I knew. I knew I loved it. Yes, there were eventually a few of those glimmers of hope. But ultimately, I'd have to say that it remained a very sad book. A book about these very human people, people with flaws, people who hurt, people who love. <br />
<br />
I wish I was better able to tell you about this book; I feel like I'm stumbling all over my words here. But I do feel better knowing that Ana will surely be reviewing it soon, and then you all will be able to get a better feel for what a wonderful book this is. <b>Edited to add: </b>Ana posted <a href="http://www.thingsmeanalot.com/2009/11/jar-of-fools-by-jason-lutes.html">her totally fabulous, and much more insightful, review</a> today, too. :DDebihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-4735992683377659762009-11-03T06:15:00.003-05:002009-11-03T09:25:37.621-05:00October wrap-up<b>Read:</b><br />
YA fiction: <br />
*<a href="http://dastevens.blogspot.com/2009/10/dangerous-angelsrandom-thoughts.html"><i>Cherokee Bat and the Goat Guys</i>--from <i>Dangerous Angels</i></a>--by Francesca Lia Block<br />
*<a href="http://dastevens.blogspot.com/2009/10/dangerous-angelsrandom-thoughts.html"><i>Missing Angel Juan</i>--from <i>Dangerous Angels</i></a>--by Francesca Lia Block<br />
*<a href="http://dastevens.blogspot.com/2009/10/dangerous-angelsrandom-thoughts.html"><i>Baby Be-Bop</i>--from <i>Dangerous Angels</i></a>--by Francesca Lia Block<br />
*<i>Green Angel</i> by Alice Hoffman<br />
*<i>Living Dead Girl</i> by Elizabeth Scott<br />
<br />
Fiction in graphic novel form:<br />
*<i>Dramacon Ultimate Edition</i> by Svetlana Chmakova <br />
*<i>Jar of Fools</i> by Jason Lutes<br />
<br />
Adult fiction:<br />
*<a href="http://dastevens.blogspot.com/2009/10/all-quiet-on-western-frontrandom.html"><i>All Quiet on the Western Front</i></a><i></i> by Erica Maria Remarque<br />
<br />
<b>Watched:</b><br />
On TV:<br />
*<i>Project Runway</i><br />
--"The Sky is the Limit"<br />
--"A Fashionable New Beginning"<br />
--"Sequins, Feathers, and Fur, Oh My!"<br />
--"Around the World in Two Days"<br />
--"The Best of the Best"<br />
*Penn-State/Illinois game<br />
*<i>House</i><br />
--"The Tyrant"<br />
--"Instant Karma"<br />
*<i>Criminal Minds</i><br />
--"Reckoner"<br />
--"Hopeless"<br />
--"Cradle to Grave" <br />
<br />
On DVD/Video:<br />
*<i>The Two Towers </i><br />
*<i>Rothko's Rooms</i><br />
*<i>Return of the King</i><br />
<br />
<b>Created:</b><br />
Too lazy for photos this month. Crocheted one more cthluhlu (using <a href="http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.com/">this incredibly talented woman's</a> pattern), crocheted eleven more pumpkins (using <a href="http://www.planetjune.com/">this incredibly talented woman's</a> pattern, and designed one scrapbook page.<i><br />
</i>Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-9861600523833158142009-11-02T07:13:00.001-05:002009-11-02T07:14:28.590-05:00in the holiday spirit?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/Su7KbYFKRYI/AAAAAAAAEf4/9qOD7xHORkU/s1600-h/bookbloggerholidayswap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/Su7KbYFKRYI/AAAAAAAAEf4/9qOD7xHORkU/s200/bookbloggerholidayswap.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Guess what time it is...yep, time to go get yourself signed up for the <a href="http://holidayswap.wordpress.com/">Holiday Swap</a>!!!! It's hard to believe how quickly the holidays are coming, isn't it? But coming they are...so don't delay...sign-ups end November 12th.<br />
<br />
Many thanks to <a href="http://www.thingsmeanalot.com/">Nymeth</a> for bringing us this fun-filled event for the third year running!<br />
<br />
<br />
Btw, is that button not just the cutest thing imaginable?!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*****<br />
And speaking of the delightful <a href="http://www.thingsmeanalot.com/">Nymeth</a>, guess who won round three of the Blame Game. :D She seems to be unbeatable, doesn't she? But I must say that <a href="http://www.dreamstuffbooks.com/blog">Chris</a> certainly gave her a run for the money this round. And I'm afraid if I ever cut loose and throw this book buying ban out the window for a day, <a href="http://astripedarmchair.wordpress.com/">Eva</a> will be in big trouble.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I sent you an e-mail, Ana...when you get a chance, let me know how you'd like your punishment dished out. ;)<br />
<br />
Blame Game 4 starts immediately, and will last through January 31st.Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-69482937810471729332009-11-01T13:31:00.000-05:002009-11-01T13:31:37.690-05:00our spook day in photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/Su3QZj8D-6I/AAAAAAAAEeo/kdmlCcltqBY/s1600-h/DSC07018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/Su3QZj8D-6I/AAAAAAAAEeo/kdmlCcltqBY/s400/DSC07018.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope everyone had a howlingly, hauntingly happy Halloween! <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-42723542423508430742009-10-31T23:02:00.002-05:002009-10-31T23:02:00.679-05:00All Quiet on the Western Front...random thoughts<i>All Quiet on the Western Front</i> by Erich Maria Remarque.<br />
<br />
You know all that complaining I do about how much work it is homeschooling Annie? How about some counter-argument? Well, aside from the joy it is to get to spend so much time with her as she's growing up, and the blessing it is that we're able to give her an education suited to her needs, there is the added bonus for me personally of getting to learn and/or relearn so many things, experience new things, and read books I likely never would have read otherwise. <i>All Quiet on the Western Front</i> is the perfect example. I know for many people this is required reading in high school, but it never made any of my assigned reading lists. And while I've long wanted to read it on my own, if I'm being honest, I have to admit that I likely never would have gotten around to it. If not for homeschooling.<br />
<br />
And I really can't tell you how grateful I am that I finally did read it. While it is certainly one of those books where using the word "enjoyable" to describe your reading experience doesn't seem quite appropriate, I can definitely say that I think it is a wonderful, powerful, important book.<br />
<br />
Many times I found myself reminded of <i>Band of Brothers</i> (the mini-series, not the book which I haven't yet read). Yes, I realize we're talking different wars, different times, and even different "sides," but in part, I think that was part of what made it so powerful to me. While <i>All Quiet on the Western Front</i> is a fictionalized account, Remarque did himself serve in combat in WWI, and was in fact, wounded several times. And yet despite the differences, there are some undeniable, and horrifying, similarities. Because both are told from the perspective of the soldier.<br />
<br />
<i>All Quiet on the Western Front</i> is told by Paul Baumer, who at the time he enlists with his classmates, is a mere 18-years-old. He and his friends did not enlist in the war because they believed in it, but because it is what they're expected to do. It is the older generation, in particular, their teachers, who deliberately make them feel that it is their only choice, that to not enlist would be disloyal.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>For us lads of eighteen they ought to have been mediators and guides to the world of maturity, the world of work, of duty, of culture, of progress--to the future. We often made fun of them and played jokes on them, but in our hearts we trusted them. The idea of authority, which they represented, was associated in our minds with a greater insight and a more humane wisdom. But the first death we saw shattered this belief. We had to recognize that our generation was more to be trusted than theirs. They surpassed us only in phrases and cleverness. The first bombardment showed us our mistake, and under it the world as they had taught it to us broke in pieces. <br />
</blockquote>And as the war goes on, as their experiences in the trenches become their new norm, they come to realize that even if the war eventually ends and even if they survive it, they will never, ever be the same.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>Albert expresses it: "The war has ruined us for everything."<br />
<br />
He is right. We are not youth any longer. We don't want to take the world by storm. We are fleeing. We fly from ourselves. From our life. We were eighteen and had begun to love life and the world; and we had to shoot it to pieces. The first bomb, the first explosion, burst in our hearts. We are cut off from activity, from striving, from progress. We believe in such things no longer, we believe in war.<br />
</blockquote><br />
This is such a completely human book. I know that I can never, ever possibly understand, or come anywhere close to understanding, through books or documentaries or anything else, what it feels like to live the life of a soldier in combat. But as with others whose shoes I've never had to walk in...those living in complete and abject poverty, those persecuted simply because they were born, etc....I don't want to shy away from their stories. There are vivid images in this book that I fear will haunt me...a scene involving wounded horses, a scene of a battle fought in a cemetery...and to me, they are but scenes in a book. What must scenes like this, viewed with one's own eyes, do to a person? I realize that empathy is still far from experience, but I still think it brings us closer as people to at least try to understand the lives of others.<br />
<br />
This book though, while obviously very sad, and sometimes gruesome, does have lighter moments. Moments that even bring a smile to one's face. It's as if you come to very much appreciate the little things, as these soldiers must. And the closeness that the soldiers feel with one another is a very strong, and beautiful, part of this book.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>We sit opposite one another, Kat and I, two soldiers in shabby coats, cooking a goose in the middle of the night. We don't talk much, but I believe we have a more complete communion with one another than even lovers have.<br />
</blockquote><br />
You may have noticed in the passages quoted, that the language is not fancy and flowery. It is certainly well-written and easy to understand. And I found myself very much appreciating its simple beauty.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>Monotonously the lorries sway, monotonously come the calls, monotonously falls the rain. It falls on our heads and on the heads of the dead up in the line, on the body of the little recruit with the wound that is so much too big for his hip; it falls on Kemmerich's grave; it falls in our hearts.<br />
</blockquote>Like I said, I am very thankful that circumstances finally "made" me read this book. I can definitely see why this book is considered a classic. It's a book that will stay with me. And though I know I've already inundated you with passages, I'm going to leave you with just one more. It is taken from the time when Paul receives two weeks leave and returns home to visit his family.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>My mother is the only one who asks no questions. Not so my father. He wants me to tell him about the front; he is curious in a way that I find stupid and distressing; I no longer have any real contact with him. There is nothing he likes more than just hearing about it. I realize he does not know that a man cannot talk of such things; I would do it willingly, but it is too dangerous for me to put these things into words. I am afraid they might then become gigantic and I be no longer able to master them. What would become of us if everything that happens out there were quite clear to us?<br />
</blockquote><br />
*****<br />
What others had to say:<br />
<br />
*<a href="http://fyreflybooks.wordpress.com/2008/03/06/erich-maria-remarque-all-quiet-on-the-western-front/">Fyrefly's Book Blog</a><br />
*<a href="http://bookpsmith.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-review-all-quiet-on-western-front.html">Book PSmith</a><br />
*<a href="http://shelflove.wordpress.com/2009/10/05/all-quiet-on-the-western-front/">Shelf Love</a><br />
*<a href="http://kimbofo.typepad.com/readingmatters/2006/01/all_quiet_on_th.html">Reading Matters</a><br />
<br />
If I've missed your review, feel free to leave a link in the comments, and I will happily add it here. Thanks.Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-6542821784418127072009-10-30T09:01:00.001-05:002009-10-30T09:07:03.280-05:00a happy distraction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/Sury-2PwuPI/AAAAAAAAEeg/4YdQEmGk_UE/s1600-h/unbound4smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/Sury-2PwuPI/AAAAAAAAEeg/4YdQEmGk_UE/s320/unbound4smaller.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>No, I am not supposed to have anything to do with the blogging world this week. In fact, I am supposed to be avoiding the computer as much as possible. But dammit, when I heard about <a href="http://womenunbound.wordpress.com/">the Women Unbound reading challenge</a>, it was just far too tempting. Last night when I first caught wind of it, I allowed myself to go look on-line and see if I could find a biography of one of my all-time favorite women. That satisfied my urge for that moment, and I was then able to get back to typing up today's EnviSci lecture. But then this morning, I had this wonderful, enthusiastic, and utterly contagious e-mail in my inbox from <a href="http://astripedarmchair.wordpress.com/">Eva</a>, and I found myself completely powerless to resist...I simply had to go start pulling books from the shelves. (Okay, I'm such a dork...since I have an absolutely unconquerable list of things to do today, I timed myself. Yes, for real. I gave myself 1 minute to grab books for my reading list for this challenge. Which means, of course, the future will probably see me changing and adding to this list, but at least I got the fun of putting a list together. :D Hopefully, this post will get this out of my system, and I'll be able to concentrate on the things I'm supposed to be doing. Until Sunday, anyway, when I hopefully will be able to get back to bloggging and find out what you all have been up to this week.)<br />
<br />
So here's what I've come up with for my tentative list:<br />
*a biography of Rosalind Franklin, probably either <i>Rosalind Franklin: The Dark Lady of DNA</i> by Brenda Maddox or <i>Rosalind Franklin and DNA</i> by Anne Sayre <br />
*<i>Nobel Prize Women in Science: Their Lives, Struggles, and Momentous Discoveries</i> by Sharon Bertsch McGrayne (a book I stumbled across last night in my search for a Rosalind Franklin bio)<br />
--and then these are the ones I grabbed this morning (meaning that they won't be breaking my book buying ban like the ones above will :D)<br />
*<i>Subject to Debate: Sense and Dissents on Women, Politics, and Culture</i> by Katha Pollitt (Will likely be my first read for the challenge as I currently have it out from the library. It's a collection of essays, and I want to thank <a href="http://www.thingsmeanalot.com/">Ana</a> again for introducing me to it.)<br />
*<i>Promiscuities: The Secret Struggle for Womanhood</i> by Naomi Wolf <br />
From the back cover: In this provocative and highly personal book, bestselling author Naomi Wolf explores a subject that has long been taboo in our society: women's sexual coming-of-age. <i>Promiscuities</i> brazenly exposes the truths behind the conflicting messages directed at young women during and after the sexual revolution. Drawing on surprising examples from the ancient and recent past, along with vivid recollections of her own youth, Wolf show how our "liberated" culture still fears and distorts female passion. She also shares fascinating true stories that illustrate the fantasies and sometimes overwhelming realities women pass through on their way toward erotic and emotional discovery. A landmark book, <i>Promiscuities</i> is a call to women of all ages to reclaim and celebrate their sexuality.<br />
*<i>The Maternal is Political: Women Writers at the Intersection of Motherhood & Social Change</i> edited by Shari MacDonald Strong (I've been wanting to read this one ever since <a href="http://www.deweymonster.com/">Dewey's</a> review. She loved it, and I just know I will, too.)<br />
From the back cover: The saying is true: The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world. And the world has never needed mothers more. World and national leaders can't agree on how to educate our children or empower us to feed our families, on how to join together as a global community or keep us safe. Fortunately, mothers--the most underestimated and unsung political group--hold the future in their arms and hands. Whether they're starting ambitious movements by taking on urgent matters that affect millions or speaking quietly within their homes and communities, the mothers in this collection are, like mothers everywhere, making a difference one person, one issue, one wrong-that-needs-righting at a time. For moms who are willing to fight the that good fight, <i>The Maternal is Political</i> is a comfort, an inspiration, fuel for the fire, and a roadmap to better future...for us and for all of our children.<br />
*<i>The Road of Lost Innocence</i> by Somaly Mam <br />
From the back cover: Born in a village deep in the Cambodian forest, Somaly Mam was sold into sexual slavery by her grandfather when she was twelve years old. For the next decade she was shuttled through the brothels that make up the sprawling sex trade of Southeast Asia. She suffered unspeakable acts of brutality and witnessed horrors that would haunt her for the rest of her life--until, in her early twenties, she managed to escape. Unable to forget the girls she left behind, Mam became a tenacious and brave leader in the fight against human trafficking, rescuing sex workers--some as young as five and six--offering them shelter, rehabilitation, healing, and love, and leading them into new life. Written in exquisite, spare, unflinching prose, <i>The Road of Lost Innocence</i> is a memoir that will leave you awestruck by the courage and strength of this extraordinary woman and will renew your faith in the power of an individual to bring about change. <br />
*<i>Another Day in the Frontal Lobe: A Brain Surgeon Exposes Life on the Inside</i> by Katrina Firlik<br />
From the back cover: Katrina Firlik is a neurosurgeon, one of only two hundred or so women among the alpha males who dominate this high-pressure, high-prestige profession. She is also a superbly gifted writer--witty, insightful, at once humane and refreshingly wry....<br />
*<i>Grotesque</i> by Natsuo Kirino (Wasn't entirely sure if some fiction was "required" for the challenge, but this sounded like a great one to throw in.)<br />
From the back cover: ...Natsuo Kirino, celebrated author of <i>Out</i>, seamlessly weaves together the stories of these women's struggles within the conventions and restrictions of Japanese society. At once a psychological investigation of the pressures facing Japanese women and a classic work of noir fiction, <i>Grotesque</i> is a brilliantly twisted novel of ambition, desire, beauty, cruelty, and identity by one of our most electrifying writers. <br />
*<i>Fearless Girls, Wise Women & Beloved Sisters: Heroines in Folktales from Around the World</i> by Kathleen Ragan (Because, well, doesn't this book just sound utterly wonderful?!!)<br />
<br />
Many, many thanks to the three incredible women hosting this challenge, <a href="http://astripedarmchair.wordpress.com/">Eva</a>, <a href="http://aartichapati.blogspot.com/">Aarti</a>, and <a href="http://bkclubcare.wordpress.com/">Care</a>!!!!!!<br />
<br />
Okay, break over.Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-28775521012868936052009-10-26T06:27:00.001-05:002009-10-26T13:52:24.639-05:00let the whine-fest begin...Just from the title, I'm sure you realize that it might be wise to just skip this post, right? Seriously, highly recommeded strategy.<br />
<br />
Well, another read-a-thon has come and gone. And as much fun as it was, I now begin to pay the price for blowing off all the work I should have been doing instead. I'm not sure if I'm more exhausted from the read-a-thon and the exciting, draining, and ultimately sucky football game last night or from the thought of the week ahead. (BTW, <a href="http://www.dreamstuffbooks.com/blog">Chris</a>, I still sort of think that going out and celebrating by buying three books is somewhat akin to rubbing salt in my wounds! Oh hell, you know I love you anyway.)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I may be a tad scarce this week. Which totally sucks, as I actually finished books (shocking, I know) that I could be talking about. Just going to be "one of those weeks."<br />
<br />
Monday afternoons this semester are always a tad hectic...I have just enough time to throw together a very simple supper after picking up the boys from chess club so that Rich has enough time to eat it after arriving home from Annie's flute lesson before he has to run out the door to teach his night class. Today we also have to throw in Baker's birthday. Happy 7th birthday, Baker!<br />
<br />
Tuesday is Gray's birthday!!!! Tomorrow, he shall be turning 9. Or so says the calendar, but I'm still somewhat in denial. Yes, that whole they grow up too fast thing rearing its ugly head. Am not ready at all, as in I haven't even wrapped his presents. Or even bought them all. <br />
<br />
Wednesday should be fun...Annie volunteers at the library in the morning, and she'll have to just wait there and do some schoolwork when she finishes, because I will be in the dentist's chair having three more fillings replaced. Then that evening I'll be taking her back to the library for teen game night while Rich takes the boys to swimming lessons.<br />
<br />
Thursday's pretty slow...Annie just has art class. Oops, and the boys check-ups.<br />
<br />
Friday...if things ever get worked out, Gray will be having a friend sleep over. (They've been playing phone tag all weekend.)<br />
<br />
And Saturday, of course, is Halloween. No, we don't have our pumpkins or candy or even all of Annie's costume. My parents are also coming to visit. We will be celebrating Gray's birthday with them. And Annie has to be at the library again, as she's helping with the Halloween party they're throwing for the little ones. And since my parents are coming, I actually need to clean, which believe me, at this point is a far bigger task than it should be...this place is currently a dump of epic proportions!<br />
<br />
Okay, so I could deal with all of that. Not happily (I hate having so much running around to do), but I could deal and be fine. No, what has totally sent me over the edge here is the fact that I've reached the end of all the school prep I did over the summer...from here on out, it's a matter of just trying to stay one step ahead. And major #momfail this weekend. I honestly had no business blowing off all responsibilities. Because now I don't have today's EnviSci lecture/discussion plan finished, nor do I have today's history prep done. We'll get through the other subjects, and then I'll set Annie loose to just work on some of her long term assignments, but I will still be feeling incredibly guilty for dropping the ball. And I will be scrambling like hell, trying desperately to get us caught back up before this quarter ends and I have to write the damn quarterly report in a few weeks. Seriously feeling like my head's going to explode here.<br />
<br />
So...end of bitching and complaining. Except to say that I'll be missing you this week, since I likely won't have much computer time. Have a fabulous week, everyone!!!!Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-6776239219208888362009-10-25T07:11:00.000-05:002009-10-25T07:11:02.646-05:00Dewey's Read-a-thon 5 Final Update<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/ScJJ4A1bvvI/AAAAAAAADig/6urONjhfBFI/s1600-h/deweys-readathonbutton.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314891736896225010" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/ScJJ4A1bvvI/AAAAAAAADig/6urONjhfBFI/s200/deweys-readathonbutton.jpg" style="float: left; height: 144px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 108px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Since last post:</span><br />
<br />
On the clock: <br />
<br />
--Reading: 65 minutes<br />
<br />
--On computer (blogging, commenting/cheering, mini-challenges): 20 minutes<br />
<br />
--Other (pet care, dealing with little boys, etc.): 0 minutes<br />
<br />
--Sleep (shame on me!) 0 minutes<br />
<br />
Between the covers:<br />
<br />
--Number of pages: 39 (graphic novel) + 37 (fiction) = 76 total<br />
<br />
--What I read: finished <i>Living Dead Girl</i> by Elizabeth Scott, started <i>Fables: The Mean Seasons (Vol. 5)</i> by Bill Willingham<br />
<br />
Down the hatch:<br />
<br />
--Food: piece of coffee cake<br />
<br />
--Drink: two small cups of coffee<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Cumulatively:</span><br />
<br />
On the clock:<br />
<br />
--Reading: 830 minutes<br />
<br />
--On computer (blogging, commenting/cheering, mini-challenges): 460 minutes<br />
<br />
--Other (pet care, dealing with little boys, etc.): 80 minutes<br />
<br />
--Sleep: 155 minutes<br />
<br />
Between the covers:<br />
<br />
--Number of pages: 797 pages (graphic novel/manga) + 63 (non-fiction) + 287 (fiction) = 1147 (total)<br />
<br />
--What I've read: <i>Dramacon Ultimate Edition</i> by Svetlana Chmakova, <i>Green Angel</i> by Alice Hoffman, <i>Jar of Fools</i> by Jason Lutes, <i>Living Dead Girl</i> by Elizabeth Scott, <br />
and started both <i>Where the Wild Things Were</i> by William Stolzenburg and <i>Fables: The Mean Seasons</i> by Bill Willingham<br />
<br />
Down the hatch:<br />
<br />
--Food: bowl of fruit salad, 2 pieces of coffee cake, 1/3 of a large cheese sub, 8 pieces of chocolate, slice of cheese pizza, 3 mozzarella sticks<br />
<br />
--Drink: 5 small cups coffee, one big glass of water, one small frozen coffee, one glass of ice cold cola, glass of Fresca<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Miscellaneous comments:</span><br />
Well, this was the most I ever slept during a read-a-thon, and the most pages I ever got read during one (because I read so many graphic novels). It was fun having the whole family here this time, but definitely more distracting, too.<br />
Congratulations to everyone who participated! Thank you to all the cheerleaders, and thank you once again to all those who worked so hard to keep Dewey's vision alive!Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-13029392444400213022009-10-25T05:40:00.000-05:002009-10-25T05:40:37.979-05:00Dewey's Read-a-thon 5 Update 7<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/ScJJ4A1bvvI/AAAAAAAADig/6urONjhfBFI/s1600-h/deweys-readathonbutton.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314891736896225010" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/ScJJ4A1bvvI/AAAAAAAADig/6urONjhfBFI/s200/deweys-readathonbutton.jpg" style="float: left; height: 144px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 108px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Since last post:</span><br />
<br />
On the clock: <br />
<br />
--Reading: 0 minutes<br />
<br />
--On computer (blogging, commenting/cheering, mini-challenges): 15 minutes<br />
<br />
--Other (pet care, dealing with little boys, etc.): 0 minutes<br />
<br />
--Sleep (shame on me!) 125 minutes<br />
<br />
Between the covers:<br />
<br />
--Number of pages: 0<br />
<br />
--What I read: nothing<br />
<br />
Down the hatch:<br />
<br />
--Food: nothing<br />
<br />
--Drink: nothing<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Cumulatively:</span><br />
<br />
On the clock:<br />
<br />
--Reading: 765 minutes<br />
<br />
--On computer (blogging, commenting/cheering, mini-challenges): 420 minutes<br />
<br />
--Other (pet care, dealing with little boys, etc.): 80 minutes<br />
<br />
--Sleep: 155 minutes<br />
<br />
Between the covers:<br />
<br />
--Number of pages: 758 pages (graphic novel/manga) + 63 (non-fiction) + 250 (fiction) = 1071 (total)<br />
<br />
--What I've read: <i>Dramacon Ultimate Edition</i> by Svetlana Chmakova, <i>Green Angel</i> by Alice Hoffman, <i>Jar of Fools</i> by Jason Lutes, and started both <i>Where the Wild Things Were</i> by William Stolzenburg and <i>Living Dead Girl</i> by Elizabeth Scott<br />
<br />
Down the hatch:<br />
<br />
--Food: bowl of fruit salad, piece of coffee cake, 1/3 of a large cheese sub, 8 pieces of chocolate, slice of cheese pizza, 3 mozzarella sticks<br />
<br />
--Drink: 3 small cups coffee, one big glass of water, one small frozen coffee, one glass of ice cold cola, glass of Fresca<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Miscellaneous comments:</span><br />
Oops. Slept a little longer than I meant to. Oh well...no going back now, is there? Rich got back up with me though, so I guess after I go visit a few people, I'll head back in with him and read peacefully.Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-60836918419111032332009-10-25T03:16:00.000-05:002009-10-25T03:16:50.144-05:00Dewey's Read-a-thon 5 Update 6<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/ScJJ4A1bvvI/AAAAAAAADig/6urONjhfBFI/s1600-h/deweys-readathonbutton.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314891736896225010" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/ScJJ4A1bvvI/AAAAAAAADig/6urONjhfBFI/s200/deweys-readathonbutton.jpg" style="float: left; height: 144px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 108px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Since last post:</span><br />
<br />
On the clock: <br />
<br />
--Reading: 30 minutes<br />
<br />
--On computer (blogging, commenting/cheering, mini-challenges): 70 minutes<br />
<br />
--Other (pet care, dealing with little boys, etc.): 0 minutes<br />
<br />
--Sleep (shame on me!) 0 minutes<br />
<br />
Between the covers:<br />
<br />
--Number of pages: 25<br />
<br />
--What I read: still reading <i>Living Dead Girl</i> by Elizabeth Scott<br />
<br />
Down the hatch:<br />
<br />
--Food: nothing<br />
<br />
--Drink: nothing<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Cumulatively:</span><br />
<br />
On the clock:<br />
<br />
--Reading: 765 minutes<br />
<br />
--On computer (blogging, commenting/cheering, mini-challenges): 405 minutes<br />
<br />
--Other (pet care, dealing with little boys, etc.): 80 minutes<br />
<br />
--Sleep: 30 minutes<br />
<br />
Between the covers:<br />
<br />
--Number of pages: 758 pages (graphic novel/manga) + 63 (non-fiction) + 250 (fiction) = 1071 (total)<br />
<br />
--What I've read: <i>Dramacon Ultimate Edition</i> by Svetlana Chmakova, <i>Green Angel</i> by Alice Hoffman, <i>Jar of Fools</i> by Jason Lutes, and started both <i>Where the Wild Things Were</i> by William Stolzenburg and <i>Living Dead Girl</i> by Elizabeth Scott<br />
<br />
Down the hatch:<br />
<br />
--Food: bowl of fruit salad, piece of coffee cake, 1/3 of a large cheese sub, 8 pieces of chocolate, slice of cheese pizza, 3 mozzarella sticks<br />
<br />
--Drink: 3 small cups coffee, one big glass of water, one small frozen coffee, one glass of ice cold cola, glass of Fresca<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Miscellaneous comments:</span><br />
I hate to do it, but I just read the same paragraph in the neighborhood of ten times and I still have no clue what I read. Think I'll take a nap. Rich's alarm clock is set to go off in about an hour anyway, so I'll try to drag my lazy butt out of bed then. Annie gave up about 15 minutes ago and hit the sack, too.Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-59408905379350738822009-10-25T01:40:00.000-05:002009-10-25T01:40:17.116-05:00Dewey's Read-a-thon 5 Update 5<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/ScJJ4A1bvvI/AAAAAAAADig/6urONjhfBFI/s1600-h/deweys-readathonbutton.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314891736896225010" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/ScJJ4A1bvvI/AAAAAAAADig/6urONjhfBFI/s200/deweys-readathonbutton.jpg" style="float: left; height: 144px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 108px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Since last post:</span><br />
<br />
On the clock: <br />
<br />
--Reading: 85 minutes<br />
<br />
--On computer (blogging, commenting/cheering, mini-challenges): 110 minutes<br />
<br />
--Other (pet care, dealing with little boys, etc.): 5 minutes<br />
<br />
--Sleep (shame on me!) 0 minutes<br />
<br />
Between the covers:<br />
<br />
--Number of pages: 68<br />
<br />
--What I read: still reading <i>Living Dead Girl</i> by Elizabeth Scott<br />
<br />
Down the hatch:<br />
<br />
--Food: 2 pieces of chocolate<br />
<br />
--Drink: glass of Fresca<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Cumulatively:</span><br />
<br />
On the clock:<br />
<br />
--Reading: 735 minutes<br />
<br />
--On computer (blogging, commenting/cheering, mini-challenges): 335 minutes<br />
<br />
--Other (pet care, dealing with little boys, etc.): 80 minutes<br />
<br />
--Sleep: 30 minutes<br />
<br />
Between the covers:<br />
<br />
--Number of pages: 758 pages (graphic novel/manga) + 63 (non-fiction) + 225 (fiction) = 1046 (total)<br />
<br />
--What I've read: <i>Dramacon Ultimate Edition</i> by Svetlana Chmakova, <i>Green Angel</i> by Alice Hoffman, <i>Jar of Fools</i> by Jason Lutes, and started both <i>Where the Wild Things Were</i> by William Stolzenburg and <i>Living Dead Girl</i> by Elizabeth Scott<br />
<br />
Down the hatch:<br />
<br />
--Food: bowl of fruit salad, piece of coffee cake, 1/3 of a large cheese sub, 8 pieces of chocolate, slice of cheese pizza, 3 mozzarella sticks<br />
<br />
--Drink: 3 small cups coffee, one big glass of water, one small frozen coffee, one glass of ice cold cola, glass of Fresca<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Miscellaneous comments:</span><br />
Soooooo tired. Gray read for a couple more hours, but went to bed about midnight. Rich went to bed a little while ago, set the alarm for 5:30 (we'll see if he actually gets up). Annie is the only one who seems to be going strong.Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-24470838273503267952009-10-24T22:43:00.001-05:002009-10-24T23:13:07.106-05:00Dewey's Read-a-thon 5 Dewey Mini-ChallengeI knew Eva was going to host this mini-challenge again, and I kept telling myself that I should get my act together and decide what I wanted to write about ahead of time so I wouldn't sit here during the read-a-thon crying trying to put something coherent to "paper." But I didn't, and I'm sitting here crying, still not sure what to write about.<br />
<br />
I miss Dewey so much. Every day. In a lot of ways. I think the book blogging world has changed a lot without her here. I think she was this sort of anchor, sort of an ideal. Not that she tried to be any such thing. She was just who she was. And who she was was someone very special indeed.<br />
<br />
But as much as I miss her in the book blogging community, I miss her infinitely more as Dewey the friend. I miss our e-mail chats. Chats about everything under the sun. From homeschooling (she was always so supportive of me homeschooling Annie, and had great advice as she'd had homeschooled her son for a while) to pregnancy (we both suffered through difficult pregnancies, including both having had preeclampsia). From Thanksgiving turkeys to organic dark chocolate. From house guests to computers. Oh, and of course, books. :) One of the most treasured e-mails I ever received was just about a week before she died...she sent me a link to a slide show of photos she took during a walk through the woods with her husband. I felt as if I was getting a glimpse at her world through her eyes. I promised her we would come see those sights with her in person one day. But of course, that day will never come. <br />
<br />
I miss you, Dewey. And I love you.Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-41229155701955887672009-10-24T22:37:00.001-05:002009-10-24T22:38:19.736-05:00Dewey's Read-a-thon 5 Update 4<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/ScJJ4A1bvvI/AAAAAAAADig/6urONjhfBFI/s1600-h/deweys-readathonbutton.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314891736896225010" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/ScJJ4A1bvvI/AAAAAAAADig/6urONjhfBFI/s200/deweys-readathonbutton.jpg" style="float: left; height: 144px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 108px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Since last post:</span><br />
<br />
On the clock: <br />
<br />
--Reading: 80 minutes<br />
<br />
--On computer (blogging, commenting/cheering, mini-challenges): 90 minutes<br />
<br />
--Other (pet care, dealing with little boys, etc.): 10 minutes<br />
<br />
--Sleep (shame on me!) 30 minutes<br />
<br />
Between the covers:<br />
<br />
--Number of pages: 54<br />
<br />
--What I read: <i>Where The Wild Things Were</i>--chap. 3--by William Stolzenburg, started <i>Living Dead Girl</i> by Elizabeth Scott<br />
<br />
Down the hatch:<br />
<br />
--Food: nothing<br />
<br />
--Drink: small cup of coffee<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Cumulatively:</span><br />
<br />
On the clock:<br />
<br />
--Reading: 650 minutes<br />
<br />
--On computer (blogging, commenting/cheering, mini-challenges): 225 minutes<br />
<br />
--Other (pet care, dealing with little boys, etc.): 75 minutes<br />
<br />
--Sleep: 30 minutes<br />
<br />
Between the covers:<br />
<br />
--Number of pages: 758 pages (graphic novel/manga) + 63 (non-fiction) + 157 (fiction) = 978 (total)<br />
<br />
--What I've read: <i>Dramacon Ultimate Edition</i> by Svetlana Chmakova, <i>Green Angel</i> by Alice Hoffman, <i>Jar of Fools</i> by Jason Lutes, and started both <i>Where the Wild Things Were</i> by William Stolzenburg and <i>Living Dead Girl</i> by Elizabeth Scott<br />
<br />
Down the hatch:<br />
<br />
--Food: bowl of fruit salad, piece of coffee cake, 1/3 of a large cheese sub, 6 pieces of chocolate, slice of cheese pizza, 3 mozzarella sticks<br />
<br />
--Drink: 3 small cups coffee, one big glass of water, one small frozen coffee, one glass of ice cold cola<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Miscellaneous comments:</span><br />
I can't believe I already gave in and took a nap. And I have to admit it hasn't perked me up one iota. Is it time for me to admit that I'm just too old for this? I know, I know, that's such a cop-out, huh? I'm not going to give up yet, but I'm beginning to think this may finally be the read-a-thon when I just throw in the towel and go to bed at some point.Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22449400.post-25046288647540367442009-10-24T18:51:00.001-05:002009-10-24T19:52:47.938-05:00Dewey's Read-a-thon 5 Update 3<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/ScJJ4A1bvvI/AAAAAAAADig/6urONjhfBFI/s1600-h/deweys-readathonbutton.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314891736896225010" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lIVXyIQcPHk/ScJJ4A1bvvI/AAAAAAAADig/6urONjhfBFI/s200/deweys-readathonbutton.jpg" style="float: left; height: 144px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 108px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Since last post:</span><br />
<br />
On the clock: <br />
<br />
--Reading: 205 minutes<br />
<br />
--On computer (blogging, commenting/cheering, mini-challenges): 45 minutes<br />
<br />
--Other (pet care, dealing with little boys, etc.): 20 minutes<br />
<br />
Between the covers:<br />
<br />
--Number of pages: 167<br />
<br />
--What I read: <i>Where The Wild Things Were</i>--chap. 2--by William Stolzenburg, <i>Jar of Fools</i> by Jason Lutes<br />
<br />
Down the hatch:<br />
<br />
--Food: one slice of pizza, 3 mozzarella sticks, 2 pieces of chocolate<br />
<br />
--Drink: one glass of ice cold cola (such a treat, as we normally don't buy pop)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Cumulatively:</span><br />
<br />
On the clock:<br />
<br />
--Reading: 570 minutes<br />
<br />
--On computer (blogging, commenting/cheering, mini-challenges): 135 minutes<br />
<br />
--Other (pet care, dealing with little boys, etc.): 65 minutes<br />
<br />
Between the covers:<br />
<br />
--Number of pages: 758 pages (graphic novel/manga) + 50 (non-fiction) + 116 (fiction) = 924 (total)<br />
<br />
--What I've read: <i>Dramacon Ultimate Edition</i> by Svetlana Chmakova, <i>Green Angel</i> by Alice Hoffman, <i>Jar of Fools</i> by Jason Lutes, and started <i>Where the Wild Things Were</i> by William Stolzenburg<br />
<br />
Down the hatch:<br />
<br />
--Food: bowl of fruit salad, piece of coffee cake, 1/3 of a large cheese sub, 6 pieces of chocolate, slice of cheese pizza, 3 mozzarella sticks<br />
<br />
--Drink: 2 small cups coffee, one big glass of water, one small frozen coffee, one glass of ice cold cola<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Miscellaneous comments:</span><br />
It's waaaaaay too early to be this tired.Debihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.com13