Monday, June 30, 2008

A Book Meme

Taken from Lair of the Dragon Mage.

The Big Read reckons that the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books they’ve printed.

1) Look at the list and bold those you have read.

2) Italicize those you intend to read.

3) Underline the books you love.


1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien

3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte

4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling (some of them)

5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

6 The Bible

7 Wuthering Heights

8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell

9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman

10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens

11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott

12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy

13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller

14 Complete Works of Shakespeare (a few)

15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier

16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien

17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks

18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger

19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger

20 Middlemarch - George Eliot

21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell

22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald

23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens

24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy (most of it)

25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams

26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh

27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky

28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck

29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll

30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame

31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy

32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens

33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis

34 Emma - Jane Austen

35 Persuasion - Jane Austen

36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis (this IS part of the Chronicles of Narnia which is listed above at #33)

37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini

38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres

39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden

40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne

41 Animal Farm - George Orwell

42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown

43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving

45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins

46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery

47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy

48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood

49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding

50 Atonement - Ian McEwan

51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel

52 Dune - Frank Herbert

53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons

54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen

55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth

56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon

57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens

58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley

59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon

60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck

62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov

63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt

64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold

65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas

66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac

67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy

68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding

69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie

70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville

71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens

72 Dracula - Bram Stoker

73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett

74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson

75 Ulysses - James Joyce

76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath

77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome

78 Germinal - Emile Zola

79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray

80 Possession - AS Byatt

81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell

83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker

84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro

85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert

86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry

87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White

88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom

89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton

91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad

92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery

93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks

94 Watership Down - Richard Adams

95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole

96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute

97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas

98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare

99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl

100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo


This list does not even begin to encompass all the books I have read or loved. I admit to being a bit of a bibliophile. I have gotten better over the years, I used to not be able to part ways with any book. While I still love to read and own books, I have given away and sold many of mine in the past year. I am trying to overcome my pack-rat mentality.

Children's literature is a particular favorite. So often there is so much more "meat" to it, than first glance (or read) reveals. Reading to my grandchilren is heavenly.





Saturday, June 28, 2008

Plagiarism

I am such a copy-cat. I admit it, there is not one original thought in this post. I have been reading blogs and I was so excited by this that I just had to post it here, even though I did not think of it on my own.

This video was posted on Adrienne's blog, and then reposted on Gillette's blog, because she liked it so much. I am reposting it here, because I love it. It makes me smile and like Gillette, I about started crying. You know, like years ago when people got all teary eyed and felt all warm and fuzzy over the I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing, Coke commercials.




This is Matt, he was a video game designer who quit his job, and now he dances (badly) all over the world. Click here to visit his website. Below is an interview with him.



Here's the Coke commercial. Yeah, I like Matt better too.



So...the next time someone tells you, "Don't quit your day job," think of Matt.

Friday, June 20, 2008

You can't escape your past

I am a single mom. I divorced my son's father when he was a baby. My ex has a lot of issues, not the least of these is a history of drug abuse. He was never a part of my son's life, that was his choice not mine. I few years ago, my son decided he wanted to pursue a relationship with his father. He was almost an adult and he stated that he didn't want to go through life not knowing his father at all. He also told me, "People change, Mom." I understood and supported his decision, but it broke my heart. I did not want him to open himself up to the possibility of being hurt by his father. Of course I knew that had already happened, simply due to his father's absence in his life. I also did not want to have to have any contact with his father (there had been abuse issues in our marriage). My son has made a good attempt at things. The relationship between them has been shaky and tenuous. I have survived the few brief contacts with my ex that have occurred.

My son has a cell phone, so I have not always been aware of the number of times they have talked. This direct line to my son has also spared me from having to talk to my ex. Yesterday, my son came to me and asked to change his cell phone number. He told me that his father has been calling several times a day to ask him for money. When he has refused, his father has, at times, been verbally abusive. It broke my heart knowing that, yes, he had finally gotten to know his father. And he has realized that his father is not worth knowing. I used to hope, that someday, my son would understand my decision to divorce. That by knowing his father's true nature, he could protect himself from being used. I now wish that he had never found out how his father could be. I wish I could still be the fall guy for the divorce. It was easier to take the blame than it is to see him be hurt.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Grand Funk Railroad and CCR

These two bands are coming to my small town next month for a free concert in the park. I can't think of a better way to relive my youth. Two of us "past 50" gals are going together. It's been forever since I've been to a concert, I'll have to see if I still have my "I'm with the band" t-shirt.



Saturday, June 14, 2008

sidewalk chalk and popscicles

I had class Saturday morning, but the evening was been spent with my grandchildren. They are an education in themselves. I love stepping back and viewing the world through their eyes.

We created sidewalk masterpieces that will only last until the next rain. Then we wore ourselves out playing hopscotch, kickball and jumping rope, at least I am wore out. When I suggested popscicles would help us cool off, they told me to "bring the whole box out, Mommy and Daddy always let us have three each." After eating one apiece, we had green, blue and red tongues, respectively. By the time baths were done and pajamas were on, we (I) were all ready to collapse in the bed.

This morning has been pancakes, eggs and walking the dogs. Playdoh is out now, but we have more flowers to plant later. Little people have to stay busy at my house, I don't have that electronic babysitter that too many folks use. If the house is not too hot later and I am not too tired, we'll bake muffins or cookies for dessert. Grandchildren are my reward for surviving their father's teenage years.

I will have to practice, these dogs jump rope better than I do.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Friday the 13th and the law of karma

Years ago, I worked for a doctor who wouldn't leave his house on Friday the 13th. The rest of the office staff had to report, making Friday the 13th a bad day for me. (Try telling the patients the doctor will not be available until Monday the 16th.) I am not superstitious, but considering how some things have been going lately, I wondered what today would bring.

Today, however, was lovely. I have been able to secure some financing to complete the much needed repairs around the house. I also bought a new washer and dryer (my washer has been broken for at least 6 months). The new appliances were supposed to be delivered yesterday, only they never came. The washer had not come in and no one called to reschedule. I was a tad miffed, but quickly got over it when I was offered a 10% discount and a free upgrade to a better washer they had in stock. Today, the delivery guys were very apologetic as they explained that the dryer I ordered had been damaged in the warehouse and they had to bring a better dryer too, also at no extra cost. I was certainly very forgiving of having to wait an extra day and receiving something other than what I ordered.

For the past year, certain things in my personal life have been crap. We have had more car problems than I can recount. Those problems led to severe financial difficulties, which have seemed to plague me. Though at times I became resentful and depressed, I have tried to maintain a hopefulness that my luck must certainly change. That has finally happened. In the past month I have been able to obtain the means to replace the roof, furnace, and windows. I am getting estimates now. Getting a deal on the washer and dryer. plus being upgraded, was a pleasant surprise. My oldest son has been working steadily, easing my worry and my finances. I will be getting a new assignment at work soon, one that I am quite happy about. Over the past few weeks, I have gotten two raises, both small, but still more money coming in.

Today, I also found out that the mechanic who cheated us out of $5000 is now in the penitentiary, I am not sure what the conviction was. Not that I wanted revenge, but it is somewhat satisfying to know that some of his evil deeds have caught up with him. It is nice to know that maybe some of my good deeds are returning to me as well.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Things I like/love/make me happy/content

Okay, so lists are the blogging cop-out. They are fast, easy, and don't require much thought. This one is really my cop-out, because I should be doing homework.

I love to cook and I am a great cook. My favorite is cooking while hanging out in the kitchen with friends and family.

Camping with friends, tents, no electric. The best is sitting around the fire in perfect camping weather (warm enough to wear shorts, but cool enough to wear a sweatshirt).

A good intellectual debate, preferably with someone a little smarter than me so I have to really think and be on my toes. Ken and Sue are my favorite debate partners.

Having crossword puzzle races with Ken.

Dancing around the house with the grandkids, being really silly and listening to them laugh like crazy.

Taking the dogs to the dog park on a cool day and watching them run in the pack while I talk to the other dog "parents".

I love Christmas! I love to decorate-I sometimes put up 6 trees (no that isn't a typo, I have one for every room). I love to cook and bake and wrap presents. Hate the shopping part.

Snow! I love snow, I like to watch it, play in it, just not drive in it.

Laying on the beach, listening to the surf.

The mountains, Smokeys or Rockies, doesn't matter. The air is crisp, the view is great, I feel close to God.

Finishing a really long research paper and feeling like I nailed it.

Hiking Glen Helen in Yellow Springs with my son and the dogs.

Swimming, when it's really hot and the water is cool. Doing laps and then floating around and chatting, usually with my sister.

Road trips. Picnicing at rest areas, stopping at stupid little tourist traps and historical landmarks.

Muscle cars. A bit of nostalgia? Love car shows, going for rides when I have a chance and reminiscing about drag racing on Interstate 275 before it was completed.

Farmers markets. Browsing, shopping, talking to the people.

The state fair. Always loved to take the kids and now the grandkids.

Eating Sunday brunch at the Palm Court in the Cincinnati Netherland Hilton. Can only afford this one about once a year.

I love rowboats. Just peaceful, being on the water and I love to row.

Singing loudly to rap music (preferably with nasty lyrics) in the car with my son, just to annoy him and make him smile. "My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard...."

Gardening (though you would never know it from the looks of my garden) planting, pulling weeds, getting dirt under my nails.

Really good sex. The kind where you really work at it and are lost in it and end up exhausted, content, and completely relaxed.

A good scary movie (preferably, a psychological thriller).

Playing cards and board games with very competitive friends.

Learning hard concepts, having to think until my brain hurts and realizing that I will never totally get it.

Writing...stories, poems, papers, family history, journaling, blogging.

Having someone else wash my hair. The best part of going to a salon.

Getting and giving massages.

Sitting at the table predawn (when no one else is up) in pajamas with a cup of coffee and a cigarette.

Snuggling a baby in a rocking chair. This was really great when the boys were babies and I would nurse them (no other connection like it).

Realizing that he knows me better than I know myself. Being able to tell him anything, because I trust him completely.

Falling asleep naked, my body pressed close to his.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Time to unite

The primaries are over. We are are now standing at the edge of the chasm of change that our country so deperately needs. It is time to unite and put Obama in office. It is time to unite and bring the soldiers home. It is time to unite and regain the trust and respect of the world.



He is more than his words, he can unite the country. But I believe in words, words can change the world. Words can avoid and resolve wars. Words can educate and give children a future.

Look at the power of words.

Buddha said ~ All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.

Ghandi said ~ You must be the change you want to see in the world.

Jesus said ~ For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Mohammed said ~ To overcome evil with good is good, to resist evil by evil is evil.

We can be the change.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Music

I have always listened to a very wide array of music. There are very few types of music that I cannot appreciate. Music is the soundtrack of the times. Each culture, each era, each struggle is reflected in the music of that time. Music allows us to express our emotions and desires. Love, grief, rebellion, celebration, injustice, lust, angst, all of these are reflected in song.

If I were a teenager now, this is what I would be listening to. Oh wait, this is what I listen to.

The sexual revolution will never die as long as teenagers exist.


Nor will their quest for finding themselves and independence.




If you're wondering where the protests of the 60's and 70's went;


Not everyone's cup of tea I know, but the songs do manage to make their point. When my sons' were teenagers, we never fought over what was playing on the car radio. We only argued about how loudly I was allowed to sing along.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Ted Kennedy

Recently, Ted Kennedy was diagnosed with cancer. He has a tumor in his brain. He has undergone surgery and will follow up with Chemotherapy, but will likely be facing death in less than a year. Tragedy has become commonplace for the Kennedy family. For all of their affluence and power, they have not been able to stem the tide of catastrophic events. I cannot imagine weathering all of the sudden and horrible circumstances that they have had to publicly face. Senator Kennedy has never been able to hide behind closed doors as he has had to deal with many hardships of a personal nature. His life and his personal demons have all played out in he public eye, up to and including his imminent death.

In light of this latest blow to Ted and his family, many public officials have extolled Senator Kennedy's virtues. This one by Robert Byrd has certainly been the most replayed. This is certainly a loving heartfelt tribute, but it comes from a racist and a former Klansman. Politics does make strange bedfellows.






While I am not trying to make light of this terrible news, I do have some things to say, both good and bad about Ted Kennedy. In many ways, Ted Kennedy has had an illustrious career. He is the second most senior member of the Senate, outranked only by Robert Byrd. He has continually held his Senate seat for the greater part of 46 years. He is revered in his home state of Massachusetts. He has become a liberal icon and has worked hard as a legislator, especially in the areas of education, healthcare, and raising the minimum wage.

His hard work and accomplishments aside, he also has a notorious past. His first stint in Harvard ended in expulsion after he was caught cheating on an exam. He was readmitted two years later and graduated in 1956. He originally secured his Senate seat (vacated by his brother John), after John called in favors to hold the seat open until Ted turned 30 and became eligible to run. His personal life and political career have been haunted by the Chappaquiddick incident, which occurred in 1969. This incident was where Kennedy drove a car off of a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island, the accident resulted in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne, who was the only passenger in the car. Kennedy left the scene of the accident and did not report it for nine hours, he turned himself in the next morning, after the police had already found the body and connected him to the car. The following is a link to his explanation of the events and his behavior. (embedding is not available)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0hdhLG0g6A

It is the typical, "I cannot remember" defense, but he does have the audacity to wonder if "some kind of curse, hangs over all the Kennedys." While we have all wondered at times if such a curse exists, I find it reprehensible to shirk the blame for the consequences your own irresponsible actions by specualting on some kind of curse. Especially, by linking or comparing your own poor judgement to the untimely and tragic deaths of your three brothers. This was certainly a low point of Ted's life and it likely cost him any hope of ever being President. Worse, it cost a young woman her life.

In a more admirable vein, Ted took it upon himself to be there for his brothers' children, after they lost their fathers. He also experienced great trials and hardships from the loses in his life. All three of his brothers were killed in their prime. He also suffered the loss of his nephew John, whom he had been a surrogate father to. He has delivered the eulogies of his brother Robert, his mother and his sister-in-law Jackie.

Eulogy for Bobby


Eulogy for Rose

He faced public grief with dignity and honor. He took up the torch and continued fighting for the causes that his brothers held in importance. He remained a loving brother, son, and father.

Though I am not a particular fan of Ted Kennedy, he has had the courage to go on in the face of great tragedy, he has championed the causes that were important to him, and he has shown us a very human side of the very public figure that he is.