A few weeks ago, my mom had to go to a hospital to get something checked out. Don't worry, she's fine it was just a follow up. Anyway, she asked if I wanted to go along with her because she knows how much I love spending time in hospitals. Maybe its the whole future doctor thing, maybe I just like big buildings with a lot of things going on in them. Well after she was checked out and everything we walked across the street to go to the big library.
When we got there, it so happened that my moms friend Robin (who is the mother of one of the lovely little girls in my Sunday School class) works there. So naturally we went and said hi, and after some talking, Ms. Robin recommended Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. I had heard of Geraldine Brooks, she wrote a really good book called March about the father in Little Women. But since I haven't finished Little Women I have never read March because well its just not something I do. But I had only heard amazing things of her, and being the risk taker I am, I checked out Caleb's Crossing.
After a while, I started reading the novel. And I fell in love. No Caleb's Crossing did not draw me in and make me read and read till very late at night. Yes there would be days where I would have to force myself to read it. But over all Caleb's Crossing was still amazing. It was based off a true story, and the transferring through different time periods was fantastic. It also shows, it simplistic clarity, the traps and confusions of convictions. There are a few different characters with different points of view and to see them both see and think why they are right and being so confused of the others points of view is just beautiful. Especially because the people whose minds are slowly opening are children. To see the prejudice slowly fade is so sweet and innocent. If only people could be like that now.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Oddest phone call ever
As you guys know by my last post, yesterday was the one year anniversary of a young girl named Abby. Her little sister is in my little sisters class, and I have seen her mom around the school. Of course, I never have any idea what to say. For you people who don't know me, although most of you do, I am a generally awkward person. I'd love to play it off and say that it is just part of me being a teenager but lets be honest its really just who I am.
But one thing that I really do like is that I am willing to be as awkward as it takes to do something that I think is right. And that is how I found myself on the kitchen phone one night calling up the mom of my former classmate and best friend of Abby's mom to find out what kind of cake she preferred. Yes that's right I was going to make a cake for a woman who lost her child exactly a year ago. I don't really know how that idea got into my mind, but once it did it stuck.
Her best friend never did call me back, so I just settled on baking a regular white cake. Easy right? Wrong! First I spilt flour all over the place. Being clumsy and baking isn't a good combo, so you'd think I'd stop doing it. I never learn. Then, just as I thought things were going well, I realized we had four eggs. The cake demanded it have eight, so off the to the store my dad and I went. But it was pretty smooth sailing from then on out, the cake baked in 25 minuets which was nice and my dad and I sat around the kitchen table and read the New Yorker waiting for it to finish. It sat in the spring form pan covered with a plate cooling overnight.
The next day (i.e. yesterday) I frosted the white cake with chocolate frosting to have a sort of yin yang kind of things. The recipe for the icing also came from Joy of Cooking, a kind of two birds one stone kind of thing. It was a real simple icing, chocolate bars and peppermints, and it spread nice and easy. I tried doing some decorations but the icing was too thin, so it just ended up being very chocolaty. Which really isn't a big problem.
But one thing that I really do like is that I am willing to be as awkward as it takes to do something that I think is right. And that is how I found myself on the kitchen phone one night calling up the mom of my former classmate and best friend of Abby's mom to find out what kind of cake she preferred. Yes that's right I was going to make a cake for a woman who lost her child exactly a year ago. I don't really know how that idea got into my mind, but once it did it stuck.
Her best friend never did call me back, so I just settled on baking a regular white cake. Easy right? Wrong! First I spilt flour all over the place. Being clumsy and baking isn't a good combo, so you'd think I'd stop doing it. I never learn. Then, just as I thought things were going well, I realized we had four eggs. The cake demanded it have eight, so off the to the store my dad and I went. But it was pretty smooth sailing from then on out, the cake baked in 25 minuets which was nice and my dad and I sat around the kitchen table and read the New Yorker waiting for it to finish. It sat in the spring form pan covered with a plate cooling overnight.
The next day (i.e. yesterday) I frosted the white cake with chocolate frosting to have a sort of yin yang kind of things. The recipe for the icing also came from Joy of Cooking, a kind of two birds one stone kind of thing. It was a real simple icing, chocolate bars and peppermints, and it spread nice and easy. I tried doing some decorations but the icing was too thin, so it just ended up being very chocolaty. Which really isn't a big problem.
Doesn't that look yummy
So originally I planed on dropping off the cake before seeing Breaking Dawn with my friend Aaron. Yea I know why would I spend my hard earned money, OK my dad's hard earned money, on such drivel but if it makes you feel any better I wore my robes, he wore a Diggory Hufflepuff sign and we made fun of it the whole time. I think that the entire theater hated us by the end of the movie. But anyway back to the story. After the movie my dad and I ran some more errands before dropping the cake off at the families house. In the interest of discretion I won't say their names.
Look at what the mitzvah fairy dropped off
Sunday, November 27, 2011
If I Die Young
Its been a year today, since she passed away. Abby wasn't in my class, she was years younger then me and although we had passed in the hall from time to time, neither one of us had any significant presence in each others lives. Well imagine my surprise when a few days after Thanksgiving everyone on Face book was talking about how she had recently been in an accident. I saw these posts right before I left my aunts to go to the airport and fly home. For some crazy reason I thought nothing of it until I got home and saw what was really going on. Everyone was saying things about how she had recently passed. I was so confused, but soon the truth was clear. Abby had been in a horrible ATV accident and was no longer in this world.
School was different that Monday. Somehow there was a hole in everything, like the sunshine was missing. It was weird how someone I didn't really know could cause such an immense difference in the atmosphere of the school. The funeral was Tuesday. Almost the entire school was there, there church was filled to the rafters and overfilling into a back room where the preachers words were said over a speaker. At least 20 or more girls from my school sat on the floor in front of the pews. I was one of those girls. I sat right in front of the family and diagonal from the coffin.
I will never forget that day. Just talking about it brings tears to my eyes. Hearing her family morn the loss of someone taken from this earth far to young will resonate in my mind forever. Her father "walked" her coffin up the isle because he never would get to at her wedding. Her godfather talking about this girl that I had never met, but wish that I had. They decided to play the song If I Die Young by the Band Perry at her funeral. To this day when ever I hear that song, it reminds me of her. Of hearing her older sisters raw jagged sobs as the song started to play.
It started to rain as the coffin was taken into the hearse. It seemed as though even the sky was weeping for a girl taken from a family that loved her far too soon. I didn't go to the burial. I had to get back to school, because I had missed so much that year. I wasn't even planning on going to the funeral because of my illnesses. But as soon as it was made clear that no one would be left at school, and all classes would be a study, I called my mom and asked her to give me and a few other girls rides.
A few days later, thinking of Abby I decided to listen to If I Die Young. And when I looked at the comments this is what I saw.
School was different that Monday. Somehow there was a hole in everything, like the sunshine was missing. It was weird how someone I didn't really know could cause such an immense difference in the atmosphere of the school. The funeral was Tuesday. Almost the entire school was there, there church was filled to the rafters and overfilling into a back room where the preachers words were said over a speaker. At least 20 or more girls from my school sat on the floor in front of the pews. I was one of those girls. I sat right in front of the family and diagonal from the coffin.
I will never forget that day. Just talking about it brings tears to my eyes. Hearing her family morn the loss of someone taken from this earth far to young will resonate in my mind forever. Her father "walked" her coffin up the isle because he never would get to at her wedding. Her godfather talking about this girl that I had never met, but wish that I had. They decided to play the song If I Die Young by the Band Perry at her funeral. To this day when ever I hear that song, it reminds me of her. Of hearing her older sisters raw jagged sobs as the song started to play.
It started to rain as the coffin was taken into the hearse. It seemed as though even the sky was weeping for a girl taken from a family that loved her far too soon. I didn't go to the burial. I had to get back to school, because I had missed so much that year. I wasn't even planning on going to the funeral because of my illnesses. But as soon as it was made clear that no one would be left at school, and all classes would be a study, I called my mom and asked her to give me and a few other girls rides.
A few days later, thinking of Abby I decided to listen to If I Die Young. And when I looked at the comments this is what I saw.
And on the bathroom wall at school someone scratched in ASN forever. For people who don't know ASN are her initials.
Abby loved to run, and on her birthday someone organized a first annual run. I have the shirt from it, and when ever I feel like I need inspiration. Seeing how many people morned the loss of this young girl made me realize how little impact I have had in my life. I've vowed to live my life in a better way for Abby. She would have done amazing things in this word, and although I can never measure up to her, I can try to make a difference. For Abby. Because only the good die young. And she was amazing.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Be Prepared to Cry
I'm sure every teen girl reading this has heard of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. The books were in every book store for a while, especially air ports and the movie swept the country. I read every book in the series, as did all of my friends and we all use to wonder what happened to the girls after the series ended and (spoiler alert) the pants were lost. So when I went to the library and saw that there was a new one out, I was elated. Finally a change to see what happened to these girls that I had grown to love like sisters. Sisterhood Forever by Ann Brashares takes place ten years after the last book ends. As always, I don't want to give to much away, but this ones a heart breaker. I'm not really one to cry during books, but after such a long journey with these women, I feel like I am right in the story.
Sisterhood Forever doesn't sugar coat things. Our favorite group of girls has grown up, and the plot line of the book follows that. Don't try reading this amazing novel if you don't have time to spend reading it in order, because it will suck you in. I stayed up late trying to finish because I just had to know what happens. It'd be great for a long plane ride or drive, because I can tell you right now, if you have been with the Septembers since the beginning, you will have to know what happens. Or even if you haven't.
There is a mystery wrapped into Sisterhood Forever, and that is what will draw in readers that haven't necessarily been with the girls since the beginning. And that is why I am recomending this book to everyone, no matter what. Its my personal conviction that everyone should read the whole series before reading the last book, but really Sisterhood Forever is so well written that you dont have to. But still read the whole series, it will make the last book so much more enjoyable.
Sisterhood Forever doesn't sugar coat things. Our favorite group of girls has grown up, and the plot line of the book follows that. Don't try reading this amazing novel if you don't have time to spend reading it in order, because it will suck you in. I stayed up late trying to finish because I just had to know what happens. It'd be great for a long plane ride or drive, because I can tell you right now, if you have been with the Septembers since the beginning, you will have to know what happens. Or even if you haven't.
There is a mystery wrapped into Sisterhood Forever, and that is what will draw in readers that haven't necessarily been with the girls since the beginning. And that is why I am recomending this book to everyone, no matter what. Its my personal conviction that everyone should read the whole series before reading the last book, but really Sisterhood Forever is so well written that you dont have to. But still read the whole series, it will make the last book so much more enjoyable.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
The Power of the Written Word
Last Friday my temple had a Shabbat Movie dinner thing for the little kids. So my Dad and little sister went, and my mom and I stayed home and decided to watch a movie. She has been a die hard supporter of my blog, I think most of the page views are from her, and so she suggested that we watch one of the movies from my list. So after dropping my baby sister off at temple, and picking up some yummy wings for dinner, we settled down on the couch and I started reading out movies from the list.
Obviously we didn't get very far before settling on Atonement. My friend had read the book a few years ago, and it sounded fascinating. I suggested it to her, and it turns out my mom had read the book also, so we started to watch and eat. Honestly, I loved Atonement. Yes, it was very explicit at times, and not always just sexually. There were some pretty intense war scenes. And yes, sometimes it was a little complicated. But really if you just kept watching, all would have been reviled. It was really funny because as my mom and I were watching, my dad and baby sister came home during one of the more explicit scenes. We started scrambling around for the remote, and it seemed to take forever for it to power up. In reality it took about 3 seconds, but with my baby sister walking up the stairs, it seemed like the remote would not power up fast enough.
Over all, I adored Atonement. But don't watch it if you arnt ready for some of the stuff that happens. Honestly, its worth the wait to see it, because its a beautiful movie. Its artsy but in a way that I enjoyed and the music is just phenomenal. I'd really recommend it, because watching this movie took my breath away at some points.
Obviously we didn't get very far before settling on Atonement. My friend had read the book a few years ago, and it sounded fascinating. I suggested it to her, and it turns out my mom had read the book also, so we started to watch and eat. Honestly, I loved Atonement. Yes, it was very explicit at times, and not always just sexually. There were some pretty intense war scenes. And yes, sometimes it was a little complicated. But really if you just kept watching, all would have been reviled. It was really funny because as my mom and I were watching, my dad and baby sister came home during one of the more explicit scenes. We started scrambling around for the remote, and it seemed to take forever for it to power up. In reality it took about 3 seconds, but with my baby sister walking up the stairs, it seemed like the remote would not power up fast enough.
Over all, I adored Atonement. But don't watch it if you arnt ready for some of the stuff that happens. Honestly, its worth the wait to see it, because its a beautiful movie. Its artsy but in a way that I enjoyed and the music is just phenomenal. I'd really recommend it, because watching this movie took my breath away at some points.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
What is Going on Here?
I think everyone has seen the ads for World Vision. It breaks my heart every time I see them, and in June I decided to break in my debit card by making what I thought was a one time donation. Well fast forward to November, and as I am balancing my check book, I realized that everything wasn't adding up. Now, as a dyslexic, I am notorious for miss adding things, however I keep all my receipts because of that, and after checking and rechecking my additions and subtractions, it just wasn't adding up. And then I remembered that my bank offers an online portion, and after logging on and hunting around, I found that I had been donating $35 dollars a month since June, adding up to a whopping $175.
Now I know that $175 isn't a whole lot of money in the long run, but with what I make it is. I'm really surprised I didn't notice till now, but I chalk that up to my being away for a long time this summer and honestly not using my card that much. My dad, the saint that he is, called World Vision for me and figured out how to cancel it. And then he offered to reimburse me. And I was shocked. Yes it was an accidental donation, but it was to a good cause and so I really didn't mind that much. So obviously I refused very adamantly. But from this, I learned my lesson, always make sure its not a reoccurring donation unless you want it to be.
Has this ever happened to you?
Now I know that $175 isn't a whole lot of money in the long run, but with what I make it is. I'm really surprised I didn't notice till now, but I chalk that up to my being away for a long time this summer and honestly not using my card that much. My dad, the saint that he is, called World Vision for me and figured out how to cancel it. And then he offered to reimburse me. And I was shocked. Yes it was an accidental donation, but it was to a good cause and so I really didn't mind that much. So obviously I refused very adamantly. But from this, I learned my lesson, always make sure its not a reoccurring donation unless you want it to be.
Has this ever happened to you?
Friday, November 18, 2011
That and a Dollar Will Buy You a Cup of Coffee
Anyone who has ever been to my house knows that I live across the street from a park. Now most of you have never been to my house, but let me describe the park. It has a beautiful fountain in it, and a rope swing that has provided hours of entertainment to myself and my friends. It also is a very popular spot for people who have no where else to go. A few years back, there would be a lot of people sleeping in the park, but these days everyone seems to be gone by 10 at night. During the day however, you never know who your gonna meet. I know that sounds kinda weird but I have lived by the park my entire life, and it really doesn't bother me.
A few days ago, I went out with my dog and a good book to let him run around and play. I sat down on one of the benches and started to read. A little while later, a man came over and asked if he could sit on the other side of the bench. I of course said yes, he looked like he might not have a home, but looked like he had it all there. I continued reading my book, some what on edge, but honestly there was a lot of families in the park and the school near by was just getting out. He asked me what I was reading, and if it was fiction or non fiction, and that started off a conversation.
I found out that his name is Steven, and that he had a degree in trumpet performance. He was surprised of my age, and was filled with some really interesting sayings. I told him that I wanted to be a doctor, and later on that I was going to major in history. He started laughing and said "That and a dollar will buy you a cup of coffee." That made me chuckle, because its true. Degrees like history or music degrees really only help you if you want to teach or do research. Luckily, I don't need to major in anything in particular to be a doctor, but still it got me to thinking about life and how important going to college really is. Steven said to me that I need to just do it, and go through college no matter what because its incredibly important. As the daughter of two academics, that is something that has been ingrained in me from day one, but to hear him saying that, it really hammered in the point. And that is why I am adding getting a college degree to my list, to honor Steven and because really, its important.
A few days ago, I went out with my dog and a good book to let him run around and play. I sat down on one of the benches and started to read. A little while later, a man came over and asked if he could sit on the other side of the bench. I of course said yes, he looked like he might not have a home, but looked like he had it all there. I continued reading my book, some what on edge, but honestly there was a lot of families in the park and the school near by was just getting out. He asked me what I was reading, and if it was fiction or non fiction, and that started off a conversation.
I found out that his name is Steven, and that he had a degree in trumpet performance. He was surprised of my age, and was filled with some really interesting sayings. I told him that I wanted to be a doctor, and later on that I was going to major in history. He started laughing and said "That and a dollar will buy you a cup of coffee." That made me chuckle, because its true. Degrees like history or music degrees really only help you if you want to teach or do research. Luckily, I don't need to major in anything in particular to be a doctor, but still it got me to thinking about life and how important going to college really is. Steven said to me that I need to just do it, and go through college no matter what because its incredibly important. As the daughter of two academics, that is something that has been ingrained in me from day one, but to hear him saying that, it really hammered in the point. And that is why I am adding getting a college degree to my list, to honor Steven and because really, its important.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Her Eyes
Its no secret that everyone loves Princess Di. Its been over a decade since her death, and it seems like I can't go a week with out hearing about the British Royal Family and some connection to her. Now I know the press must have been absolutely awful to live with, which ironically is where I heard that from. Anyway The Untold Story by Monica Ali is about Diana. It shows her faking her own death and moving to the states, after some intense plastic surgery of course. Obviously it wasn't after the car crash that actually killed her, in the book there is a different story. I'm not going to say to much, because you guys know how I feel about spoilers. However what I will say is that The Untold Story is so confusing. I think its because I know the Diana story so well but still, I am almost 100% sure that Diana's name is never mentioned inside the actually novel. I checked the front flap, and it does say her name there, but my assumption is that Ali just figures that everyone can puzzle the peaces together.
Well for now, everyone can puzzle together what is going on in The Untold Story but I honestly don't think it will stand the test of time. Its well written sure, interesting plot twists and nice characters, there is even a nice little sub plot with good morals. But the complete absence of who Lydia once was, if it was for copyright purposes or just an over site, is what is going to be one of the reasons why The Untold Story will not stand the test of time. But hey, if your reading my blog in present day, go ahead and read it, its not so bad.
Well for now, everyone can puzzle together what is going on in The Untold Story but I honestly don't think it will stand the test of time. Its well written sure, interesting plot twists and nice characters, there is even a nice little sub plot with good morals. But the complete absence of who Lydia once was, if it was for copyright purposes or just an over site, is what is going to be one of the reasons why The Untold Story will not stand the test of time. But hey, if your reading my blog in present day, go ahead and read it, its not so bad.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Something Beautiful
Hi y'all, I'm here to interrupt your regularly scheduled programing to bring you something that has really touched me. The following video is made by my friend Jonathan. Jonathan and I go way back, farther then either of us really wish to share, and although I don't see him as much as I use to, we are both in the same youth group. Well I went to our second big conclave meeting this year, and he showed me the video that I am about to show you. And let me just say, that had I not been in public, I would have started bawling. Jonathan managed to convey something that I have been bottling up for a long time. The feeling of being labeled and different. And how that leads to depression and feeling alone. Well, my depression was both situational and chemical but that is neither here nor there.
Anyway, hats off to you Jonathan this is truly a work of art. I see great things in your future with a talent like this.
And without further ado, the video. Grab your tissues it is really incredibly beautifully touching.
Anyway, hats off to you Jonathan this is truly a work of art. I see great things in your future with a talent like this.
And without further ado, the video. Grab your tissues it is really incredibly beautifully touching.
Monday, November 14, 2011
And One More J Makes... 20!
So I heard on the news this week that the Duggars are expecting their 20th child. Well, I would like to send out my congratulations to them, because in all honestly they are completely self sufficient, what they do with their lives is honestly none of my business. And since all babies are miracles, whether they are number one or number twenty. I hope the baby and Mrs. Duggar are healthy and happy come April, when he/she is due and there are no unforeseen complications.
In other news, the dress like a Duggar challenge is going pretty well. I haven't been as militant about it, but most of the time things have being going well. I have gotten a few comments about my dress choices, but other then that no one has really noticed. It is very nice that I am not so look focused and that I don't really have to worry about my shorts being to short. Over all, I am really liking it. Should be a fun year!
In other news, the dress like a Duggar challenge is going pretty well. I haven't been as militant about it, but most of the time things have being going well. I have gotten a few comments about my dress choices, but other then that no one has really noticed. It is very nice that I am not so look focused and that I don't really have to worry about my shorts being to short. Over all, I am really liking it. Should be a fun year!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
My Word!
Recently I went and met up with my Girl Scout troop leader, Ms. Hahne. As you, my dear readers, can tell I am looking into getting the Girl Scout Gold Award. Although it is often referred to as the Eagle Scout award of Girl Scouting, honestly, it doesn't have the same publicity. Anyway, I have been a girl scout on and off since brownies, but recently myself and a few other girls started up a troop and although we are not very active, we are picking up the pace.
Anyway, I was listening to a podcast about a year ago talking about the Girl Scout Gold Award, but before that I had never heard of it. However the concept and I really agreed with each other, and it spurned me to get more into the Girl Scouting community. Eventually, I got it together enough to go and talk to my troop leader about getting started, and she was really on board with the idea. Another girl in my troop is going to go for the Gold Award also, and so we are going to be doing a whole lot of pre req stuff together. Ms. Hahne and I looked at some of the things that are needed online, and lemme say, its a lot of work. I knew it was going to be but wow, its a good thing I have a few years to do all of this. Anyway, I'll keep y'all posted on whats going on with it.
Have any of you achieved the Girl Scout Gold Award or became an Eagle Scout?
Anyway, I was listening to a podcast about a year ago talking about the Girl Scout Gold Award, but before that I had never heard of it. However the concept and I really agreed with each other, and it spurned me to get more into the Girl Scouting community. Eventually, I got it together enough to go and talk to my troop leader about getting started, and she was really on board with the idea. Another girl in my troop is going to go for the Gold Award also, and so we are going to be doing a whole lot of pre req stuff together. Ms. Hahne and I looked at some of the things that are needed online, and lemme say, its a lot of work. I knew it was going to be but wow, its a good thing I have a few years to do all of this. Anyway, I'll keep y'all posted on whats going on with it.
Have any of you achieved the Girl Scout Gold Award or became an Eagle Scout?
Friday, November 11, 2011
11/11/11
So Eric reminded me that I haven't posted about 11/11 yet. There has been all this hype about the most powerful wish being today. I'm not going to lie, I made my wish. Will it come true. I hope so, but unlikely. But really, why does it have to be 11/11/11 at 11:11 for us to realize our dreams. Theodor Herzl once said "If you will it, it is no dream." And that's true. You should spend your life thinking about your wildest dreams, and then making them a reality. So enjoy your 11/11/11 guys, and as cheesy as it sounds, make your dreams come true. Dear God its like I'm swimming in fondue or something.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Over 4,000 Miles on a Bike? You Must Be Crazy!
On Columbus Day my dad and I went on a bike ride. My baby sister and mom went to chuck-e-cheeses and we rode and got burritos. Why did I go on a bike ride on my Monday off school? Well let me start with a back story. Its somewhat long so hold tight y'all.
When my dad was growing up, he lived in Carmel. And Carmel has some amazing bike trails. And hills. Basically its all New Orleans doesn't have. And this breed a love of biking. When I was little he use to tell me he would bike up hill both ways to school every morning in 2 feet of snow. Now that's mostly not true, but the biking part is. And when he was 16, he and his three best friends rode across the country on their bikes. How crazy is that?
Well so crazy that he would always tell me stories about that trip. And jokingly say that one day we would do it together. Well, when I was coming up with things to put on my list this summer at camp, and the very first thing I could think of was to bike across the country. My friends thought I was crazy, but also how cool it was. My dad never thought I was serious, in fact the night after I told him I wanted to start training, I heard him talking to his high school friend Belle and said that he would be pretty surprised if I actually meant what I said.
And boy have been proving him wrong. We have been going on 15 mile bike rides on the weekends, and I have been learning all about what it takes. I've started to really love my bike, and meld into it. I can't even describe the amazing feeling of just getting on a bike and riding. And because of all this training, I have also realized that I love to run, so that is another plus. I'll be going across this great nation of ours in two summers, and I can't wait!
When my dad was growing up, he lived in Carmel. And Carmel has some amazing bike trails. And hills. Basically its all New Orleans doesn't have. And this breed a love of biking. When I was little he use to tell me he would bike up hill both ways to school every morning in 2 feet of snow. Now that's mostly not true, but the biking part is. And when he was 16, he and his three best friends rode across the country on their bikes. How crazy is that?
Well so crazy that he would always tell me stories about that trip. And jokingly say that one day we would do it together. Well, when I was coming up with things to put on my list this summer at camp, and the very first thing I could think of was to bike across the country. My friends thought I was crazy, but also how cool it was. My dad never thought I was serious, in fact the night after I told him I wanted to start training, I heard him talking to his high school friend Belle and said that he would be pretty surprised if I actually meant what I said.
And boy have been proving him wrong. We have been going on 15 mile bike rides on the weekends, and I have been learning all about what it takes. I've started to really love my bike, and meld into it. I can't even describe the amazing feeling of just getting on a bike and riding. And because of all this training, I have also realized that I love to run, so that is another plus. I'll be going across this great nation of ours in two summers, and I can't wait!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
It Took My Breath Away
I think everyone has heard of Jodi Picolt. That movie based on My Sisters Keeper swept through the nation, and made women cry from sea to shining sea. But obviously before there was a movie based on her books, there were the books themselves. And what amazing books they are. I'm not totally sure when I discovered Jodi Picolt but I think it was in 7th grade. I was chilling in the locker room after school, and started talking with my friend MB about what else but books? It turns out that she was reading this book called The Pact by guess who? Jodi Picolt! So little 12 year old me scampered upstairs to the library and checked it out. And promptly fell in love with her writings.
Sing You Home is Jodi Picolt's newest book. Its been out for a couple months now, and I think I saw in in an airport book store at one point or another, but never bought it. But when I saw it at a library last week I figured, what the hay. So I checked out Sing You Home, and actually started reading it in the car. However when I realized that there were other books due before it, Sing You Home was put back on the shelf. But when it came closer and closer to its due date, off it came from the shelf, and I started reading. And like the title said, Sing You Home took my breath away.
I really can't tell you too much about Sing You Home because, well the plot is so fantastic that I couldn't bare to spoil it. But please trust me, Jodi Picolt is an amazing writer. Her novels read so quickly, but have so much depth and heart. Sing You Home is worth buying because of her literary powers, and reading again and again and again. What are you doing still on my blog? Go get the book!
Sing You Home is Jodi Picolt's newest book. Its been out for a couple months now, and I think I saw in in an airport book store at one point or another, but never bought it. But when I saw it at a library last week I figured, what the hay. So I checked out Sing You Home, and actually started reading it in the car. However when I realized that there were other books due before it, Sing You Home was put back on the shelf. But when it came closer and closer to its due date, off it came from the shelf, and I started reading. And like the title said, Sing You Home took my breath away.
I really can't tell you too much about Sing You Home because, well the plot is so fantastic that I couldn't bare to spoil it. But please trust me, Jodi Picolt is an amazing writer. Her novels read so quickly, but have so much depth and heart. Sing You Home is worth buying because of her literary powers, and reading again and again and again. What are you doing still on my blog? Go get the book!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
What a beautiful shawl
Recently I read The Wedding Shawl by Sally Goldenbaum. I'm not sure what made me pick it out off the shelf at the library, but something compelled me too. Its been slowly getting colder here and the bright colors probably made me think of the spring and the warmer days to come. None the less, I did and got to reading.
Chick lit mysteries have never really been my thing. I've always been easily scared by things and so mystery novels have never really been my thing. However The Wedding Shawl was the much looked for murder mystery that didn't make my hair curl and hear every creak in the house at night. Not only that, but it was filled with beautiful sea side imagery. Right now, it is starting to get colder, and so reading The Wedding Shawl brought me into a world of warm sand and clicking knitting needles. I was out in the park with my dog running around and sat up in a tree, bundled in a coat, and read. I don't know how long I stayed immersed in that book, but when I reemerged my noes and toes were frozen.
And so accordingly, I would recommend you would read The Wedding Shawl by a fire during the holidays. It'll warm you right up, and with the smell of turkey roasting in the back round well how picturesque is that?
The whole premise of The Wedding Shawl is about a group of women in a mystery knitting group knitting a shawl for one of their friends wedding. At the back of the book it gives you a link to find pictures of what inspired the shawl, and a pattern to knit it. Its an absolutely beautiful shawl, and has become my dream project. Its my goal to be good enough at knitting to knit that shawl, because like I said it is beautiful. And maybe one day, I'll be able to make it.
Chick lit mysteries have never really been my thing. I've always been easily scared by things and so mystery novels have never really been my thing. However The Wedding Shawl was the much looked for murder mystery that didn't make my hair curl and hear every creak in the house at night. Not only that, but it was filled with beautiful sea side imagery. Right now, it is starting to get colder, and so reading The Wedding Shawl brought me into a world of warm sand and clicking knitting needles. I was out in the park with my dog running around and sat up in a tree, bundled in a coat, and read. I don't know how long I stayed immersed in that book, but when I reemerged my noes and toes were frozen.
And so accordingly, I would recommend you would read The Wedding Shawl by a fire during the holidays. It'll warm you right up, and with the smell of turkey roasting in the back round well how picturesque is that?
The whole premise of The Wedding Shawl is about a group of women in a mystery knitting group knitting a shawl for one of their friends wedding. At the back of the book it gives you a link to find pictures of what inspired the shawl, and a pattern to knit it. Its an absolutely beautiful shawl, and has become my dream project. Its my goal to be good enough at knitting to knit that shawl, because like I said it is beautiful. And maybe one day, I'll be able to make it.
Friday, November 4, 2011
The Solice of the Library
Right now I am sitting typing at a computer at a library. Yes a library. Yes books still exist. I know, with all of the Internet being used these days its surprising. Oh wait I forgot you couldn't hear sarcasm online. Crud!
Anyway, I am sitting at a library using this dinosaur of a computer with keys so loud I am surprised I have not been kicked out yet surrounded by my favorite things in the world. Books. When I was little, asking my mom to read to me was the only sure fire way to get her to drop what she was doing and spend time with me. As I grew up, my love of books and stories helped diagnose me with Dyslexia because it was weird that reading would be a daily struggle because I loved books so much. Books have been my constant companions since childhood, and every day I feel that love growing. They have honestly saved my life, by providing an escape when life itself got too hard.
Library's, being filled with the one thing I love most, are my favorite places in the world. And the only reason I have yet gone bankrupt. If it weren't for libraries I would have never been able to read as many books I have read without out spending every cent I have. And I know what you are going to say, but I want to own my books and be able to read and re read them when ever I want. Well I do too! And if I love a book enough I will buy it. And then read it so many times that it will fall apart and I will have to buy another copy. Yes that has happened before. But for the most part, I read a book once and am done.
Having access to a library opens up another world for me, and I am sure it does for other people. And that I why I want to open a library where one is needed, to bring stories to people and open them up to the wonderful world that is reading. I mean, who doesn't love a good book right?
Anyway, I am sitting at a library using this dinosaur of a computer with keys so loud I am surprised I have not been kicked out yet surrounded by my favorite things in the world. Books. When I was little, asking my mom to read to me was the only sure fire way to get her to drop what she was doing and spend time with me. As I grew up, my love of books and stories helped diagnose me with Dyslexia because it was weird that reading would be a daily struggle because I loved books so much. Books have been my constant companions since childhood, and every day I feel that love growing. They have honestly saved my life, by providing an escape when life itself got too hard.
Library's, being filled with the one thing I love most, are my favorite places in the world. And the only reason I have yet gone bankrupt. If it weren't for libraries I would have never been able to read as many books I have read without out spending every cent I have. And I know what you are going to say, but I want to own my books and be able to read and re read them when ever I want. Well I do too! And if I love a book enough I will buy it. And then read it so many times that it will fall apart and I will have to buy another copy. Yes that has happened before. But for the most part, I read a book once and am done.
Having access to a library opens up another world for me, and I am sure it does for other people. And that I why I want to open a library where one is needed, to bring stories to people and open them up to the wonderful world that is reading. I mean, who doesn't love a good book right?
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tzadakah? Wait is that how that's spelled?
I don't know how many of y'all know this, but I am Jewish. I guess the whole joining the IDF is a give away, but I was raised Jewish, and have been Bat Mitzvahed and Confirmed. My Dad is Unitarian, so we to to church every Christmas, but I made the choice sometime along the way to follow in the Jewish faith.
Anyway, this year at camp, we talked a lot about Tikiolam or repairing the world. Tzadakah has always been a very important thing in reform Judaism, or really Judaism in general. In fact, my therapist (who is also Jewish) and her family just won the Tzadakah Award at the Jewish Federation recently.
When I was little, every time my mom or dad would drop me off at Sunday school, they would give me two dollars. I'd put that money into a little Manila envelope because that was what I was told to do. I didn't really know what it was for until the end of the year, when the money was totaled up and given to charity. Someone came in and told us what the money would be used for, and that was that. I don't remember where we donated it too, or what it was used for, but I do remember how good it felt to do a good thing. Cheesy right?
Anyway, I know that I do well with goals. Heck that's why I have this blog in the first place. I have so many dreams, so much stuff that I really want to do with my life, but I am also very forgetful. And I don't want to get to the end of my life and realize that I didn't do everything that I want to do. And one of the things I really believe in is spending a lot of time serving others. I'd like all the time I have spend volunteering add up to a year. Or 365 days. So far, it adds up to just about three days. So I have a lot of time ahead to serve the less fortunate and make the world a better place!
Anyway, this year at camp, we talked a lot about Tikiolam or repairing the world. Tzadakah has always been a very important thing in reform Judaism, or really Judaism in general. In fact, my therapist (who is also Jewish) and her family just won the Tzadakah Award at the Jewish Federation recently.
When I was little, every time my mom or dad would drop me off at Sunday school, they would give me two dollars. I'd put that money into a little Manila envelope because that was what I was told to do. I didn't really know what it was for until the end of the year, when the money was totaled up and given to charity. Someone came in and told us what the money would be used for, and that was that. I don't remember where we donated it too, or what it was used for, but I do remember how good it felt to do a good thing. Cheesy right?
Anyway, I know that I do well with goals. Heck that's why I have this blog in the first place. I have so many dreams, so much stuff that I really want to do with my life, but I am also very forgetful. And I don't want to get to the end of my life and realize that I didn't do everything that I want to do. And one of the things I really believe in is spending a lot of time serving others. I'd like all the time I have spend volunteering add up to a year. Or 365 days. So far, it adds up to just about three days. So I have a lot of time ahead to serve the less fortunate and make the world a better place!
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