Home | Links | Site Info. | Books | Contact
Home | Links | Site Info. | Books | Contact
Goodness it is quiet here. Doesn't anyone comment anymore? Am I the only one with blank comments? How sad. 
Made that hummus yesterday. (Chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, cumin, tahini, lemon juice and salt.) I'll tell ya, it was much easier with my KitchenAid Mixer. Yes, yes. I chopped up the chickpeas in my mini chopper, and then threw all the ingredients in there to mix them up.
Voila!!
To Do Today:
Garsh, I know there's more... my brain can't function!! Help me.
Is Sean Hannity the King of Comedy? The article mocks Hannity's interview style. I'm not a big fan of Hannity & Colmes. I watch some of it, occasionally if I'm too lazy to change the channel. If I ever watch it, it is for the entertainment value.
I don't find it the most informative show, and find both hosts somewhat annoying. More annoying, now, that we are so close to an election. A year or so go I could listen to Hannity on the radio, occasionally, but once he started this full-throttle campaigning, it is more of the same each day.
Iraqi authorities have discovered the bodies of 44 Iraqi soldiers and four drivers after they were ambushed and killed overnight near the Iraq-Iran border, an Iraqi military commander said Sunday. [link]
I saw this on the news today, and thought it was American soldiers at first. Not that it makes a big difference who it was. Ugh.
Interesting. Just saw a commercial for the new Anti-viral KLEENEX.
"Only KLEENEX® Anti-Viral Tissue has a moisture-activated middle layer that is scientifically proven to kill cold and flu viruses. When moisture from a runny nose, cough or sneeze comes in contact with KLEENEX® Anti-Viral Tissue's special middle layer, cold and flu viruses are trapped and killed."
I like the sound of that. I'll have to get a purse pack and arm myself with it when I go to the kid's school.
We went grocery shopping today. Gosh, it is such a different experience when it is just my husband and I and NOT our entire family. We took our time, I had a chance to study labels and load my cart in an orderly fashion. He wandered off and got items for me, and I found him browsing in the isles a couple times. Just... taking our time.
It was nice.
It was not the horrid, horrid chore that I have become accustomed to. I think we will be shopping when the kids are in school more often. The bill came to $250. Not bad. A full-scale shopping event always breaks $300 for us. A quick run is usually about $100.
By the end of the week I'll probably make a trip to Sams and stock up on some of our bulk items.
Ooh - a cool link to all kinds of Halloween treats: Monster Munchies. Link found here. Thanks!!
by Jill Smolinski
I picked this light read up at the dollar store in Minnesota. It is about a woman going through a divorce, meeting another man, and trying to hold down a job (she studies volcanoes). Single mom, too.
I was at least halfway through the book before I even took the slightest bit of interest in any of the characters. Like I said, though, it is a very light, semi-entertaining read. So light, apparently, that I'm having a tough time recalling anything about it.
(Sigh)
Ah well. Kelly (the main character) is getting divorced. She's got a kid, a crush on her ex, and a new love interest. And she's keeping tabs on a soon-to-erupt volcano.
Nope, I wouldn't read it again. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
Finished: Sept. ??, 2004
Gosh it sucks when I'm pouring candles and can't even smell them. My nose is plugged, my sinuses are having a traffic jam... wah. I've got the kind of cold that, when I get on the phone, people always ask, "Are you sick?"
I sneeze. A lot. Took a roll of toilet paper to bed with me last night. I don't even realize I blow my nose in the middle of the night, waking up to a landmine of white, wadded up balls on the floor. Apparently I can't hit the garbage in my sleep. Ah well.
by Dave Peltzer
Fascinating. Almost unbelievable. I can not begin to understand the pain this child endured. And with such strength. Through everything else, it amazes me how he kept his faith throughout his painful childhood.
This was a true story. Unispiring for me, though, in a weird way. I wish I knew what happened to the mother, what went "wrong" and if she was ever punished.
I would maybe read this again. It was pretty painful to read. I would definitely reccomend this book. I read it in one day - I couldn't put it down.
Date Finished: December 29, 2000
by Aphrodite Jones
This is a true crime story about a girl who wanted to be a boy. She lived as Brandon, a playboy, very popular messed-up man. He had many girlfriends and many problems.
This book kept me very interested. It gave a lot of background for the major "characters." I liked that. I really got into the story and felt familiar with the people.
There are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding the life/death of Brandon. I wish he were alive so I could talk to him. I look foreward to seeing the movie (note: saw it, the actress who plays Brandon won an Acadamy Award, for the role, I think). I'm sad the book/his life ended like it did. I also found myself wondering why so many (seemingly) hetero women dated/had sex with him, loved and defended him knowing he was a hermaphrodite. These are small town girls, mind you. He must have had an extremely engaging personality.
I would maybe read this again. Maybe once is enough. Depressing story.
1/2
Date Finished: June 13, 2000
by Herman Melville
I enjoyed this short story of a Spanish ship that was overtaken by the slaves. I used the dictionary on nearly every page of the book; it helped me to comprehend the story. I felt more compassion for the slaves than either captain of the ships. It was a bitter irony.
Captain Delano's extreme stupidity was aggravation, but such a brilliant way to tell the tale - like a fabulous horror movies. Speaking of movies, this story would make an intriguing film.
I think I would maybe read this story again. I am interested in reading / finding out more about it.
Date Finished: November 11, 2001
by Oscar Wilde
This was required reading for a 20th Century Literature class that I took. I enjoyed Wilde's prose. The story is about a man, Dorian, who makes a wish for eternal youth.
In the story, there is a character named Henry. He is a mentor to Dorian, leading him down the path of destruction. Henry is a very interesting person. He spoke often about life in ways that were intriguing to me, using paradox after paradox. I love the way Henry (or rather Oscar) speaks, revealing hidden meaning in even the simplest small sentances. This story was a treat to read.
I would possibly read this again, but more than likely I will read more of Wilde's work. I have his book of fairy tales, now and look foreward to that book.
Date Finished: December 08, 2001
by Mary Shelley
It took me a while to get into this story but after I did, it became interesting.
There were a lot of ethical and moral questions and themes underlying this tale. Victor was the man playing God by creating the creature. The creature blamed his horrific actions of Victor and society. Bla, bla, blablabla.
It was an interesting yet annoying book. Annoying as any horror story is when you want to scream at the character's stupidity. And interesting because of the moral issues it dealt with.
I could probably pick up even more if I re-read the book but I am doubtful that I would ever do so. Yeah. Very doubtful. I'm glad to have read it once, though...just to say that I've read it, I suppose.
1/2
Date Finished: September 26, 2001
by Susanna Kaysen
This book was about a teenage girl who, for 2 years, redided in a mental institution. She was "borderline personality." I saw the movie after reading the book and as usual, there were differences. I enjoyed the book more, of coarse. It was a quick easy read, interesting and thought provoking. I also enjoyed the movie, though. But that was mainly because I love Winona Ryder.
I would possibly read it again sometime. I read it after being unable to complete Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson. Ugh. I couldn't even get through that book.
1/2
Date Finished: June 13, 2000
by Jane Green
I really liked this book. I read it in a few days time, looking forward to picking up the book whenever I had a chance. It was very easy and entertaining reading. It read like a romance movie, and gave extra tidbits of information because it is a book.
It is about an overweight woman, Jemima, who dreams of being thin and attractive - as if that held the key to everything. She's secretly in love with a coworker (who has no clue) and is having an online relationship with a "perfect" man she's never met.
The only thing that bothered me was that the author didn't really seem to have a "true" handle on what it's like to be overweight. Jemima is 200 pounds, and at 200 pounds some of the things that happen to her because of her weight are a little far-fetched. But, I was able to ignore that aspect and enjoy the book anyway.
Date Finished: Oct 13, 2002
by Laurie Halse Anderson
I read this book after it was reccomended to me by someone. It is targeted for teenagers, but I still enjoyed reading it because it reminded me what it was like when I was a teen. Aaaaand, also it gave me a little insight to what kids might be reading these days.
Melinda is the main character. She hardly talks because (spoiler ahead) she was raped by a senior. She has no friends and hardly any confidence. I could relate to her sort of in her eating habits and such. In the end, Melinda finds courage. I liked the book pretty well. It was short, though I wish I had more info on her former and later life.
Good book, I'm not sure if I would read it again or not. Nor am I sure I'd reccomend it to a young girl. I guess it's a pretty popular book, but...eh. I don't think I'd add it to my child's "Must Read" list.
Date Finished: November 13, 2000
by Stephen King
This book was a refreshing change for me. I always enjoy a good Stephen King book and it has been a while since I've read one. This one was about a young girl who is lost in the woods. She imagines Tom Gordon (the baseball player) is in the woods with her, a companion to help her through. Also in the woods is It, the thing that is bad and scary.
Chill factor for this book wasn't to high. There were some scary images, but nothing that really kept me up at night. The scariest thing, I think, is the realism. The thought of being in the woods alone and imagination getting the best of me. It reminded me of like a scary story told around a campfire.
I'm considering if it would be okay for one of my kids to read. I would maybe read this book again. It was quick and it kept my interest throughout.
** Update: my daughter started reading it and was bored right away. Oh well.
1/2
Date Finished: July 28, 2001
by Frank McCourt
Well, after reading Angela's Ashes, I really wanted to read the follow up to the book. So I found myself racing to the store to get it. I am sad to say I was dissapointed. 'Tis lacked the humor and, I donno, uncurbed optimism that Angelas Ashes had. Frank as a young man was not as interesting. And I got very tired of hearing about his classes and teachings. Personally, I wanted to know more about him.
I'm glad I read the book, but I would reccomend getting this one from the library or borrowing it from a friend.
Date Finished: May 16, 2000
by Barbara Kingsolver
I highly anticipated reading this book because I've heard good things about it. It was my favorite Kingsolver novel. Narrated by 5 female characters, it tells a story of a Baptist family who missions in Africa and how that changes their lives. Their strong-willed father (a Baptist minister) will stop at nothing to "save" and baptize the Africans. Even if he puts his family in danger.
My favorite narrator was Adah, who was a twin that suffered from a birth defect. I found her the most interesting and looked forward to reading her chapters.
This would be an excellent book club or lit class book, because there is so much to discuss - so many things to dissect. I guess there is also a reader's guide you can buy to accompany the book.
I will definitely share this book, and at some point may pick it up again.
Date Finished: January 19th, 2003
by Eric Redding, D'Eva Redding
I read this book because of my interest in Anna Nicole Smith. It was similar to reading one, long article on her life. Written by a photographer and his wife, though, it is clear that writing is not their forte.
It was a fast read - and interesting enough (how could anything about this woman not be). I learned more about Anna, but there are still questions unanswered. A lot is left up to the reader to decide if it is fact or fiction.
I got this from the library. More than re-read this particular book, I'd like to read a different account of her life story. She's an interesting person.
Finished: December 27, 2002
by Jane Green
I had fun reading this book. I was entertaining, funny and interesting.
Basically, Libby, the heronie, is faced with the choice of "loving" for love itself, or money. Just like Jemima J (by the same author), the book reads like a movie. I got a little involved with the character adn had enough information on each person to feel like I knew them well enough.
I'd definitely reccomend this book. It's a great "beach" read. Jane Green is on my Favorites List.
Finished: December, 2002
by Patrick Sanchez
Basically, I bought this book because the cover looked interesting and it seemed like an entertaining read.
It involves 3 (main) characters - Gina, Linda and Cheryl, and their small circle of friends. They are all dating, looking for love and getting tangled in each other's webs.
The chapters were short, simple to read and fast. This made it a nice escape book to just pick up and read a chapter in a couple minutes. It was okay, gave some background / personality to the characters, but I didn't necessarily race to read it all the time. It's just another book, really. It served it's purpose by entertaining me, though.
I wouldn't re-read it, but I'd definitely share it. In fact, I did. I sent it off to a friend :)
Finished: November 30, 2002
by Todd Solondz
This is the screenplay for the movie. I read it in one sitting.
Since I loved the movie, I thought the book would be interesting to read. I didn't know it was the actual screenplay and not a novel. Once I started reading it, though, I didn't want to stop. It was exactly the same as the movie, of coarse, but reading it was different than watching it.
My only complaint is that it was over so quickly!! I'd love to read this story in a big, fat, novel-length book. That would be wonderful. It's a fantastic, dark comedy that reminds me of being in junior-high.
I probably would pick this one up again. It would be great for a car ride, or a lazy day read.
Finished: January 21, 2003
by Lynne Murray
I got this book from a friend. She had read it, then passed it along. I have to admit, it drew my interest in because of the plump heroine. It's true. I'm a sucker for fat chicks. What can I say? Now, I'm not usually the murder/mystery book reader, but hey, why not give it a try? After all, I dig James Patterson.
The first 2/3 of the book, I really felt kind of bored. I wasn't sucked in at all. The prose was choppy and the characters (especially the heroine, who I wanted more depth) were underdeveloped. I don't know. I was just feeling mediocre about it. But, then that last 3rd of the book, it started to flow a little better. The storyline picked up and held my interest.
All in all, I liked the idea of the book's (fat, sexy, smart) heroine. But, it didn't flow well for me or make me want to rush to read it. I wouldn't re-read this book and I doubt I'd pick up another of the author's books. Just not my cup of tea. (I did pass it along, however)
1/2
Finished: February 1, 2003
by Rosie O'Donnell
Rosie's memoir. She doesn't know it, but she actually wrote this purely for me to read. Ha. The book focuses on her losing her mother to cancer as a young girl and how it affects/ed her life. How she grew to feel a need to mommy/save others.
She talks about a woman with MPD who she identifies with, and, as well as giving to her, she receives. (She identifies most with one of the woman's personalities)
I. Loved. This. Book. I adore her down-to-earth prose, her thoughts, the way she thinks, her words on life... It just really "spoke" to me. Corny? Yeah. But, at the end, I just cried. I did. I even wrote her a letter (that she'll probably never see or read). Yuppers, I did. Even though I don't know her, I feel like I do.
Definite re-read for me.
Finished: February 3, 2003
by Jodee Blanco
This book was about a girl named Jodee, who was relentlessly picked upon throughout junior-high and high-school. It's a true story, told by the author.
I really identified with her and her pain. It brought back a lot of memories for me. She was physically and verbally tortured by her classmates, which led to her depression.
The good thing is that she is positive and the book ends on a positive note. It is an inspiration, albeit sad and angering to read. I passed this book on to my daughter, who is 11 and she loved it. She said the same thing that I did. That all kids should read it. Especially bullies.
I really enjoyed reading this book and would like to find others like it. Amazing story.
Finished: March 22, 2003
by Cedric the Entertainer
Funny, funny book. A lot of it was his stand up (that I have already heard), with some life moments thrown in. It was kind of like a behind-the-stand-up story.
There was nothing too dramatic or crazy about his life, it was pretty uneventful. But it was interesting nonetheless. I like him, so I was happy to learn a little more about his childhood.
The stand up parts, though, as I said, I've heard a lot of it in his acts. But it was still funny to read. If you like certain jokes, you can hear/read them over and over and still laugh.
I'm sure I'll pick this up again and re-read a chapter here and there. It's got great, short, titled chapters. It was would be great for a quick read.
1/2
Finished: March 14, 2003
Presidential Debate Musings...
I'm watching the presidential debate right now and am noticing, once again, the jaw-jutting nervous tick President Bush has. His jaw rocks out to the side while he listens and waits to respond. And actually, I don't think it is a nervous thing, it is an irritation thing.
Sometimes my eye will twitch when I'm mad. It is rare, but it happens and I just hate it because I think it makes me look like a raging maniac.
I really don't notice anything like that with Kerry. His eyes are always saggy and vacant, not giving many clues to what is going on inside there.
Does Bush wear contacts? He blinks a lot.
Ooh, I found this fantastic South Beach Diet resource: MizFrog's Pad. It has lists from Phase 1, 2 and 3.