I am going to go out on a limb and open the thread for discussing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Will anyone be terribly angry if I switch it up on you and go early with the book club? Several of you have emailed to discuss and I realized - why wait? Why type the SAME email over and over? Also, I went out to a site yesterday that was discussing Harry Potter and there were hundreds of comments - I felt silly putting my thoughts out there amongst an ocean of other comments with folks I didn't even know. I realized I would rather discuss this amongst my friends.
Therefore, let the spoiling begin - for THIS POST ONLY. Please, please do NOT put Harry Potter comments in any other post.
I will update the date on this post periodically to keep it near the top and to keep it fresh, okay? I will continue to do this until August 5th so the folks who are still finishing the book won't feel left out. I am also planning to re-read the last 90 pages or so and will be coming in with more thoughts on that.
Also, is anyone else a little sad now that it is over? Is anyone else suffering a bit of withdrawal after all the hype and excitement? I need to pick up another book to read, but can't decide which to read so I am sticking to magazines and some non-fiction for now. NO fiction looks worthy right now. Sniff.
Showing posts with label Let's Go Clubbing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Let's Go Clubbing. Show all posts
July 29, 2007
June 25, 2007
If there's an exception to every rule, is there
an exception to that rule as well?
Breaking News!
NO, I am not having that baby yet. It's even better!! A new James Lileks book, Gastroanomalies: Questionable Culinary Creations from the Golden Age of American Cookery, will be coming out this fall. I am SO exited by this new development. The only really sucky thing is that it doesn't come out until NOVEMBER and to pre-order now is just taunting me. I was extremely grateful that he released Mommy Knows Worst shortly after my 1st child was born (i.e. JUST when I needed such a book), but Lileks just burnt all his goodwill with this one. Because I'm sure he had a say in the publish date, right?
TRUST SNAPE
It's official - The Cerebral Venus Online Book Club will be discussing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on Monday, August 6th. The post itself will be spoiler-free, but the comments will be ROTTEN. Yee haw!
Visitors
So, Goofy Girl and I have been discussing the whole "visiting a new mother in the hospital" thing. We were both of the opinion that a new mother would rather be left alone in the hospital. My sister, on the other hand, actually wanted visitors. The question is - why aren't people asking the new mother if she wants visitors? There seems to be some sort of decorum where folks think they must visit and the mother thinks she can't say no. I wonder if it extends from the "olden" days when a mother was in the hospital for an extended period of time - visitors would have made more sense. However, with Arun, he was born on a Sunday evening and we were home by late Tuesday afternoon. This left Monday as pretty much the only day for visiting. Don't get me wrong - I've been incredibly touched by all the folks promising to visit me in the hospital with Anjali, but honestly? I would be completely exhausted if everyone who said they were going to come by actually came by. The scary thing is that all these years, I've assumed new mothers didn't want visitors - I tended to wait until the mother got home. Now, I am left wondering how many friends I have offended over the years by not visiting them in the hospital. Yikes! Am I over-thinking this??
Snappity Snap, Snap.
Gemstone Eyes
NO, I am not having that baby yet. It's even better!! A new James Lileks book, Gastroanomalies: Questionable Culinary Creations from the Golden Age of American Cookery, will be coming out this fall. I am SO exited by this new development. The only really sucky thing is that it doesn't come out until NOVEMBER and to pre-order now is just taunting me. I was extremely grateful that he released Mommy Knows Worst shortly after my 1st child was born (i.e. JUST when I needed such a book), but Lileks just burnt all his goodwill with this one. Because I'm sure he had a say in the publish date, right?
TRUST SNAPE
It's official - The Cerebral Venus Online Book Club will be discussing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on Monday, August 6th. The post itself will be spoiler-free, but the comments will be ROTTEN. Yee haw!
Visitors
So, Goofy Girl and I have been discussing the whole "visiting a new mother in the hospital" thing. We were both of the opinion that a new mother would rather be left alone in the hospital. My sister, on the other hand, actually wanted visitors. The question is - why aren't people asking the new mother if she wants visitors? There seems to be some sort of decorum where folks think they must visit and the mother thinks she can't say no. I wonder if it extends from the "olden" days when a mother was in the hospital for an extended period of time - visitors would have made more sense. However, with Arun, he was born on a Sunday evening and we were home by late Tuesday afternoon. This left Monday as pretty much the only day for visiting. Don't get me wrong - I've been incredibly touched by all the folks promising to visit me in the hospital with Anjali, but honestly? I would be completely exhausted if everyone who said they were going to come by actually came by. The scary thing is that all these years, I've assumed new mothers didn't want visitors - I tended to wait until the mother got home. Now, I am left wondering how many friends I have offended over the years by not visiting them in the hospital. Yikes! Am I over-thinking this??
Snappity Snap, Snap.
Arun Bob
Official Redneck Nickname, courtesy of my dad.
Official Baby Belly, courtesy of YoYo Baby Yogurt.
Official Farmer's Tan, courtesy of X.
Official Baby Belly, courtesy of YoYo Baby Yogurt.
Official Farmer's Tan, courtesy of X.
Gemstone Eyes
GJune 22, 2007
Care to dip a toe in my baby pool?
Baby Pool
I know, I know........I keep mentioning this whole “I’m having a baby thing” like a tiresome broken record - I'm obsessed. I am due to give birth in less than 2 weeks and by 7/13, at the very latest, I should have a wee one exacting her revenge. As such, I thought it would be fun to have a Baby Pool, so I have set one up over at the BoobLog - details are over there. I apologize for the fact that I am WAY too lazy to set up a 2nd contest over here.
Ketchup
I did very well this weekend - I sent out a slew of emails and made quite a few phone calls. I read quite a bit and even knitted a bit on the NewKid's blanket. I also caught up with a TON of family, so I feel pretty good. It was a Great Aunt and Uncle Bonanza, let me tell you. Although, I have to admit it made me a little sad to think of us potentially moving. Here I was with my Resolve All Stiffened Up, and then I watch Arun gleefully hugging and kissing my great aunts and uncles - to their sheer delight, of course. It made me a little sad to think of my children not knowing my grandma's siblings as well as I do. My great aunts and uncles were very important to me growing up and Arun's middle name is that of my oldest great uncle.
A Magically Delicious Cerebral Venus Book Club Meeting?
Um, I had a CRAZY idea over the weekend. What would everyone think of discussing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows for our next book club meeting? I was thinking this - the book is released July 21st, we could discuss it Monday, August 6th. That is a little over 2 week's worth of reading time which even includes 3 weekends. What do you think? Be honest if you are not down with it.
I know, I know........I keep mentioning this whole “I’m having a baby thing” like a tiresome broken record - I'm obsessed. I am due to give birth in less than 2 weeks and by 7/13, at the very latest, I should have a wee one exacting her revenge. As such, I thought it would be fun to have a Baby Pool, so I have set one up over at the BoobLog - details are over there. I apologize for the fact that I am WAY too lazy to set up a 2nd contest over here.
Ketchup
I did very well this weekend - I sent out a slew of emails and made quite a few phone calls. I read quite a bit and even knitted a bit on the NewKid's blanket. I also caught up with a TON of family, so I feel pretty good. It was a Great Aunt and Uncle Bonanza, let me tell you. Although, I have to admit it made me a little sad to think of us potentially moving. Here I was with my Resolve All Stiffened Up, and then I watch Arun gleefully hugging and kissing my great aunts and uncles - to their sheer delight, of course. It made me a little sad to think of my children not knowing my grandma's siblings as well as I do. My great aunts and uncles were very important to me growing up and Arun's middle name is that of my oldest great uncle.
A Magically Delicious Cerebral Venus Book Club Meeting?
Um, I had a CRAZY idea over the weekend. What would everyone think of discussing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows for our next book club meeting? I was thinking this - the book is released July 21st, we could discuss it Monday, August 6th. That is a little over 2 week's worth of reading time which even includes 3 weekends. What do you think? Be honest if you are not down with it.
June 18, 2007
Better?
Yes. Better. I will return late Wednesday/Thursday with your regularly scheduled Lamentations of My Exceedingly Sheltered Existence (Subtitle: I Am Spoiled, Hear Me Whine.)
So.... for June, we are discussing Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi! I found this book a little difficult to read. Some of the discussions of various novels were way too troublesome to sort through. I wanted to know more about the author herself and her experiences navigating such troubled waters during a time of political, religious and social upheaval. And those sections? Did not disappoint and made this a worthwhile read.
Oddly enough - despite the fact that I went to grade school in a teeny Kansas town (population 1,000 and I could ride my bike easily from one end of town to the other) and only had 40 students in my class, during the Iran Hostage Crisis I had a classmate of Iranian heritage (her father was Persian, her mother American). Despite everything going on with the hostages, despite the letters my 3rd grade class painstakingly wrote to the hostages, I knew that Iranians were not evil, cold people that the newspaper depicted. I knew this because Jennifer H. wasn't evil - she was a sweet girl and I still remember her goofy grin and laugh to this day. And I knew she loved her father. And she told fun stories about her visits to Iran (they ate their meals on the floor! How cool was that?). Over the years in college, I had the opportunity to meet many more Persians from many, many different stances and religions and I learned that the Persians have a colorful history and mix of personalities. For me, reading this book set during such a volatile time was simply fascinating.
Here are the "standard" reader's guide questions I came across for the book. Please feel free to add YOUR own as well. I don't think it is necessary that each and every question be answered, I would consider these to be "starters".
So.... for June, we are discussing Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi! I found this book a little difficult to read. Some of the discussions of various novels were way too troublesome to sort through. I wanted to know more about the author herself and her experiences navigating such troubled waters during a time of political, religious and social upheaval. And those sections? Did not disappoint and made this a worthwhile read.
Oddly enough - despite the fact that I went to grade school in a teeny Kansas town (population 1,000 and I could ride my bike easily from one end of town to the other) and only had 40 students in my class, during the Iran Hostage Crisis I had a classmate of Iranian heritage (her father was Persian, her mother American). Despite everything going on with the hostages, despite the letters my 3rd grade class painstakingly wrote to the hostages, I knew that Iranians were not evil, cold people that the newspaper depicted. I knew this because Jennifer H. wasn't evil - she was a sweet girl and I still remember her goofy grin and laugh to this day. And I knew she loved her father. And she told fun stories about her visits to Iran (they ate their meals on the floor! How cool was that?). Over the years in college, I had the opportunity to meet many more Persians from many, many different stances and religions and I learned that the Persians have a colorful history and mix of personalities. For me, reading this book set during such a volatile time was simply fascinating.
Here are the "standard" reader's guide questions I came across for the book. Please feel free to add YOUR own as well. I don't think it is necessary that each and every question be answered, I would consider these to be "starters".
- On her first day teaching at the University of Tehran, Azar Nafisi began class with the questions, "What should fiction accomplish? Why should anyone read at all?" What are your own answers? How does fiction force us to question what we often take for granted?
- Yassi adores playing with words, particularly with Nabokov’s fanciful linguistic creation upsilamba (18). What does the word upsilamba mean to you?
- In what ways had Ayatollah Khomeini "turned himself into a myth" for the people of Iran (246)? Also, discuss the recurrent theme of complicity in the book: that the Ayatollah, the stern philosopher-king, "did to us what we allowed him to do" (28).
- Compare attitudes toward the veil held by men, women and the government in the Islamic Republic of Iran. How was Nafisi’s grandmother’s choice to wear the chador marred by the political significance it had gained? (192) Also, describe Mahshid’s conflicted feelings as a Muslim who already observed the veil but who nevertheless objected to its political enforcement.
- In discussing the frame story of A Thousand and One Nights, Nafisi mentions three types of women who fell victim to the king’s "unreasonable rule" (19). How relevant are the actions and decisions of these fictional women to the lives of the women in Nafisi’s private class?
- Explain what Nafisi means when she calls herself and her beliefs increasingly "irrelevant" in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Compare her way of dealing with her irrelevance to her magician’s self-imposed exile. What do people who "lose their place in the world" do to survive, both physically and creatively?
- During the Gatsby trial Zarrin charges Mr. Nyazi with the inability to "distinguish fiction from reality" (128). How does Mr. Nyazi’s conflation of the fictional and the real relate to theme of the blind censor? Describe similar instances within a democracy like the United States when art was censored for its "dangerous" impact upon society.
- Nafisi writes: "It was not until I had reached home that I realized the true meaning of exile" (145). How do her conceptions of home conflict with those of her husband, Bijan, who is reluctant to leave Tehran? Also, compare Mahshid’s feeling that she "owes" something to Tehran and belongs there to Mitra and Nassrin’s desires for freedom and escape. Discuss how the changing and often discordant influences of memory, family, safety, freedom, opportunity and duty define our sense of home and belonging.
- Fanatics like Mr. Ghomi, Mr. Nyazi and Mr. Bahri consistently surprised Azar by displaying absolute hatred for Western literature — a reaction she describes as a "venom uncalled for in relation to works of fiction." (195) What are their motivations? Do you, like Nafisi, think that people like Mr. Ghomi attack because they are afraid of what they don’t understand? Why is ambiguity such a dangerous weapon to them?
- The confiscation of one’s life by another is the root of Humbert’s sin against Lolita. How did Khomeini become Iran’s solipsizer? Discuss how Sanaz, Nassrin, Azin and the rest of the girls are part of a "generation with no past." (76)
- Nafisi teaches that the novel is a sensual experience of another world which appeals to the reader’s capacity for compassion. Do you agree that "empathy is at the heart of the novel"?
- How has this book affected your understanding of the impact of the novel?
May 9, 2007
Does a Kangaroo have a mother, too?
Update #1: Quick note - a reminder that the Book club is open to EVERYONE. You don't even need to be a regular reader, just drop by for the book. I don't mind - this is a club, NOT clique. The purpose of the book club is to provide an easy and convenient reading outlet for busy, smart, literate (and Hottie Hot Hot) gals like us.
Update #2: Also - awhile back, someone asked that I email them because they wanted advice on baby products - I canNOT find your email address. I swear I was not dissing you and I apologize. Please email me at cagey333(at)gmail(dot)com for questions.
There's a sweet theme going around where mothers are supposed to unabashedly proclaim they are good mothers. Bravo! We need to see more of that around here because this whole "I'm such a bad mother, laugh at my mistakes!" blogging scam is getting a little old. I am not shy to admit that I think I am a good mother. Because I AM. My kid is healthy, happy, learning new things everyday and generally, is very excited about exploring his world. What more could a mother want? So yeah, I'm pretty confident in my sMothering Skillz. Furthermore......Honestly? All the gals in my Blog Life and Real Life are good mothers, too! I don't know a truly bad mother - Not A One. Sure, I don't necessarily agree with everyone's parenting decisions (as they probably don't agree with mine), but in the end, everyone I know wholeheartedly loves their kid(s) and are just trying to do right by them. In my book, that's what makes a GOOD mother.
Adventures in Babysitting
We did test run the New Babysitter last week. Um, judging from the way that Arun followed her to the door as she left, then proceeded to BANG ON THE DOOR and CRY as she walked away to get (er, escape) in her car, I would declare her to be a resounding success. This week, when I came home ALL of the toys were picked up. I wonder if she would be creeped out if I just asked her to move in? The only downside is that like all teenagers, she doesn't want to babysit too much and is only available for 2 hours a week. However, my little eyes spy the Neighbor Girl across the street who is turning 13 next month. The same girl whose mother is going to have her take a babysitting course offered at our hospital. The same enterprising, responsible girl who has begged me two winters in a row to shovel my driveway for cash.
Dear General Public,
If you notice a very pregnant woman furiously waddling after a Runaway 18 Month Old, I kindly ask you look away as you laugh hysterically. While you're at it, avoid eye contact with the food stains on the BACK of my shirt. The aforementioned toddler likes to give me hugs from behind while I am sitting on the floor and he likes to rub his face on my back as we both giggle. And seriously, who the hell would discourage THAT?
The Name Game
Someone asked in the comments how to pronounce the name "Anjali". I've been meaning to post an entire post about my kidz' uneek naymes, but will answer the question quickly here. Anjali is pronounced "ahn-ja-lee". The "j" is a J sound just like in English (like the name James or Jill). It's not a "zh" sound like in French or whatever that is when White People try to make a J fancy-sounding. To my knowledge there is no "zh" sound in Hindi. The name Anjali means "offering with both hands" and has been one of my very favorite girl's names since long before I met a guy named X. It was mere convenience on my part to marry an Indian so I could give my baby girl that name, eh?
Won't Power
Wow - I was very humbled by some of the comments in that last post. I am so NOT a bastion of will power here. My weight gain is a combination of luck and semi-responsible eating. It is fairly easy for me to resist a Krispy Kreme because I don't have a strong sweet tooth. Furthermore, I HAVE to keep my weight gain down to 25 or less because I was ALREADY overweight when I got pregnant. That's nothing to be proud of, quite frankly.
Cerebral Venus Book Club
Here are the selections, vote in the comments! Voting ends Sunday, May 13 at Midnight. Assuming I am not giving birth, we will discuss on June 18th - yes, that is 5 weeks out, but I hate to push it too close to NewKid's due date.
Oh, Snap.
It makes me chuckle when folks are apologetic about posting pics of their kids. I figure, I'm doing my friends a FAVOR. I have emailed very little Kiddie Spam to my friends - maybe a few in the beginning, but overall, I just save it for the blog. If folks don't like seeing snaps of my kid, then look away.....look away. I post snaps at the end of the blog for a reason. Furthermore, If I am taking the time to read your blog, then yes, I would LOVE to see snaps of your kids and pets, too. Don't apologize! I sure the hell am not.
Puddle Jumper
Help me GOD. Puddles are like a tractor beam these days. And there is a world of difference between a mud puddle and a water puddle. WORLD of difference.
Introspective
Probably trying to plan his next attempt at avoiding a diaper change.
Bye, Bye.
Waving "bye, bye" to all the passing "ghaaars".
Sitting Still, For Now.
Gone in 60 Seconds, for sure.
Update #2: Also - awhile back, someone asked that I email them because they wanted advice on baby products - I canNOT find your email address. I swear I was not dissing you and I apologize. Please email me at cagey333(at)gmail(dot)com for questions.
There's a sweet theme going around where mothers are supposed to unabashedly proclaim they are good mothers. Bravo! We need to see more of that around here because this whole "I'm such a bad mother, laugh at my mistakes!" blogging scam is getting a little old. I am not shy to admit that I think I am a good mother. Because I AM. My kid is healthy, happy, learning new things everyday and generally, is very excited about exploring his world. What more could a mother want? So yeah, I'm pretty confident in my sMothering Skillz. Furthermore......Honestly? All the gals in my Blog Life and Real Life are good mothers, too! I don't know a truly bad mother - Not A One. Sure, I don't necessarily agree with everyone's parenting decisions (as they probably don't agree with mine), but in the end, everyone I know wholeheartedly loves their kid(s) and are just trying to do right by them. In my book, that's what makes a GOOD mother.
Adventures in Babysitting
We did test run the New Babysitter last week. Um, judging from the way that Arun followed her to the door as she left, then proceeded to BANG ON THE DOOR and CRY as she walked away to get (er, escape) in her car, I would declare her to be a resounding success. This week, when I came home ALL of the toys were picked up. I wonder if she would be creeped out if I just asked her to move in? The only downside is that like all teenagers, she doesn't want to babysit too much and is only available for 2 hours a week. However, my little eyes spy the Neighbor Girl across the street who is turning 13 next month. The same girl whose mother is going to have her take a babysitting course offered at our hospital. The same enterprising, responsible girl who has begged me two winters in a row to shovel my driveway for cash.
Dear General Public,
If you notice a very pregnant woman furiously waddling after a Runaway 18 Month Old, I kindly ask you look away as you laugh hysterically. While you're at it, avoid eye contact with the food stains on the BACK of my shirt. The aforementioned toddler likes to give me hugs from behind while I am sitting on the floor and he likes to rub his face on my back as we both giggle. And seriously, who the hell would discourage THAT?
The Name Game
Someone asked in the comments how to pronounce the name "Anjali". I've been meaning to post an entire post about my kidz' uneek naymes, but will answer the question quickly here. Anjali is pronounced "ahn-ja-lee". The "j" is a J sound just like in English (like the name James or Jill). It's not a "zh" sound like in French or whatever that is when White People try to make a J fancy-sounding. To my knowledge there is no "zh" sound in Hindi. The name Anjali means "offering with both hands" and has been one of my very favorite girl's names since long before I met a guy named X. It was mere convenience on my part to marry an Indian so I could give my baby girl that name, eh?
Won't Power
Wow - I was very humbled by some of the comments in that last post. I am so NOT a bastion of will power here. My weight gain is a combination of luck and semi-responsible eating. It is fairly easy for me to resist a Krispy Kreme because I don't have a strong sweet tooth. Furthermore, I HAVE to keep my weight gain down to 25 or less because I was ALREADY overweight when I got pregnant. That's nothing to be proud of, quite frankly.
Cerebral Venus Book Club
Here are the selections, vote in the comments! Voting ends Sunday, May 13 at Midnight. Assuming I am not giving birth, we will discuss on June 18th - yes, that is 5 weeks out, but I hate to push it too close to NewKid's due date.
- Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
- Portrait in Sepia by Isabel Allende
- Waiting by Ha Jin
Oh, Snap.
It makes me chuckle when folks are apologetic about posting pics of their kids. I figure, I'm doing my friends a FAVOR. I have emailed very little Kiddie Spam to my friends - maybe a few in the beginning, but overall, I just save it for the blog. If folks don't like seeing snaps of my kid, then look away.....look away. I post snaps at the end of the blog for a reason. Furthermore, If I am taking the time to read your blog, then yes, I would LOVE to see snaps of your kids and pets, too. Don't apologize! I sure the hell am not.
Puddle Jumper
Introspective
Probably trying to plan his next attempt at avoiding a diaper change.
Bye, Bye.
Sitting Still, For Now.
Gone in 60 Seconds, for sure.
March 20, 2007
What was I thinking?
Innernets, I Have an Announcement.
A few weeks back, I added Rancid Raves to X's Google Reader. Big mistake because FUCK, now he's reading my blog on regular basis. Anyway, he was um, "concerned" that I gave the vibe that we have no money for all the recent home-related calamities that have befallen us. Rest assured, Innernets, we do have the money to pay not only for a roof over our head, but also a floor underneath our feet and an appliance to wash our dishes. It just sucks to have to pay for such crapola when we are trying to tighten our purse strings. Bah. So, I apologize profusely for any mistaken impressions that I may given that alluded to any states of destitution that in reality, don't exist. Ahem.
Actually, it's you. Not me.
Well, Cousin J has been marked for elimination. She has been very flaky in the past few months, but since I know her situation and she is family, I've given her a lot of leeway. Too much, actually. Last week was the last straw. She came on Monday and I paid her for the week - then she blew me off for the rest of the week with very little notice or on a few days NO notice. It was the worst week possible because I had lined up a TON of errands, household chores and some yardwork that I was going to slam out during those precious, precious hours of babysitting. And this week, she hasn't shown up at all - I suspect she is out of town on spring break, but hello? Some notice, maybe? Am I just being picky? I've had mixed feelings about her coming for awhile because the babysitting wasn't as necessary as when Arun was younger and for many afternoons, the past few months have found me just wandering around Target, trying to think of useful shit to do during that 2 hour timeslot. However, I wanted to keep her around for the options when NewKid arrives and also, it looks like I will be doing some work with X on the Big Idea. I am very disappointed in her, quite frankly.
Boy, Girl, Kung Fu Fighting Hamster?
This Friday is the ultrasound and we'll verify a variety of things - like making sure that the NewKid doesn't have a partner in crime. Hopefully, we'll find out the gender, too. If it's a girl, I hope she likes dinosaurs and wild critter themes, because I have an ADORABLE wardrobe all ready to go. As soon as her brother is done with it. And if it's a boy? I can promise he'll get a kick ASS train set for Christmas because then I will combine Christmas budgets. Or truthfully, even if it's a girl, there'll still be a train set because I loved playing with trains as a girl. Anyway.......I mean, I've got the important things all figured out, right?? People, it's all about priorities. Anyway, I'll definitely post on Friday the results. Also, my dad, step-mom, mom, sister, and X will all be crammed into that tiny room with the technician and me - hell's bells. You'd think I'd be able to scrape together some sort of post from that trainwreck. It KILLS me whenever my parents insist they "don't have a problem" with each other and that everything is A-okay. Um, yeah. When they utter such crap, I feel like asking, "Then why the hell did you get divorced?" Good divorce, my ass. What an oxymoron. Whatever. Good for them, maybe. And don't even get me started on why they ALL are going to be there. It involved hefty doses of Potential Guilt. The worst kind.
Let's Go Clubbing!
Well, the votes for the Online Book Club's April selection are in and the winner is Tripping the Prom Queen by Susan Shapiro Barash. I am very excited about this read. I will update my sidebar in the next few days to include a section for the Club. Again, this is open to ANYONE. We will be discussing this book via the comments section on April 30th. Yippee!
It's been reported that Cagey is suffering from "dehydration and exhaustion".
Okay, maybe not the dehydration but I am absolutely exhausted this week and I am not sure why. Oh sure, I've done some yardwork and God Almighty, I'm washing dishes by hand these days, but it's not like those things are particularly taxing. I feel like I've been run over by a truck so posting may be light this week.
A few weeks back, I added Rancid Raves to X's Google Reader. Big mistake because FUCK, now he's reading my blog on regular basis. Anyway, he was um, "concerned" that I gave the vibe that we have no money for all the recent home-related calamities that have befallen us. Rest assured, Innernets, we do have the money to pay not only for a roof over our head, but also a floor underneath our feet and an appliance to wash our dishes. It just sucks to have to pay for such crapola when we are trying to tighten our purse strings. Bah. So, I apologize profusely for any mistaken impressions that I may given that alluded to any states of destitution that in reality, don't exist. Ahem.
Actually, it's you. Not me.
Well, Cousin J has been marked for elimination. She has been very flaky in the past few months, but since I know her situation and she is family, I've given her a lot of leeway. Too much, actually. Last week was the last straw. She came on Monday and I paid her for the week - then she blew me off for the rest of the week with very little notice or on a few days NO notice. It was the worst week possible because I had lined up a TON of errands, household chores and some yardwork that I was going to slam out during those precious, precious hours of babysitting. And this week, she hasn't shown up at all - I suspect she is out of town on spring break, but hello? Some notice, maybe? Am I just being picky? I've had mixed feelings about her coming for awhile because the babysitting wasn't as necessary as when Arun was younger and for many afternoons, the past few months have found me just wandering around Target, trying to think of useful shit to do during that 2 hour timeslot. However, I wanted to keep her around for the options when NewKid arrives and also, it looks like I will be doing some work with X on the Big Idea. I am very disappointed in her, quite frankly.
Boy, Girl, Kung Fu Fighting Hamster?
This Friday is the ultrasound and we'll verify a variety of things - like making sure that the NewKid doesn't have a partner in crime. Hopefully, we'll find out the gender, too. If it's a girl, I hope she likes dinosaurs and wild critter themes, because I have an ADORABLE wardrobe all ready to go. As soon as her brother is done with it. And if it's a boy? I can promise he'll get a kick ASS train set for Christmas because then I will combine Christmas budgets. Or truthfully, even if it's a girl, there'll still be a train set because I loved playing with trains as a girl. Anyway.......I mean, I've got the important things all figured out, right?? People, it's all about priorities. Anyway, I'll definitely post on Friday the results. Also, my dad, step-mom, mom, sister, and X will all be crammed into that tiny room with the technician and me - hell's bells. You'd think I'd be able to scrape together some sort of post from that trainwreck. It KILLS me whenever my parents insist they "don't have a problem" with each other and that everything is A-okay. Um, yeah. When they utter such crap, I feel like asking, "Then why the hell did you get divorced?" Good divorce, my ass. What an oxymoron. Whatever. Good for them, maybe. And don't even get me started on why they ALL are going to be there. It involved hefty doses of Potential Guilt. The worst kind.
Let's Go Clubbing!
Well, the votes for the Online Book Club's April selection are in and the winner is Tripping the Prom Queen by Susan Shapiro Barash. I am very excited about this read. I will update my sidebar in the next few days to include a section for the Club. Again, this is open to ANYONE. We will be discussing this book via the comments section on April 30th. Yippee!
It's been reported that Cagey is suffering from "dehydration and exhaustion".
Okay, maybe not the dehydration but I am absolutely exhausted this week and I am not sure why. Oh sure, I've done some yardwork and God Almighty, I'm washing dishes by hand these days, but it's not like those things are particularly taxing. I feel like I've been run over by a truck so posting may be light this week.
March 16, 2007
Why do we thank God on Fridays? Shouldn't we be thanking Him on Sundays?
Let's Go Clubbing: So, as promised, I am doing the online book club thingiemabob. This came about because I noticed a trend when I'd mention that I am in several book clubs and I would receive wistful comments from folks wishing they were in a book club. Well, here's your chance. This how it will work. I am throwing out 3 book suggestions - the one the gets the most votes by Midnight, Central Time, Monday, March 19th is the selection. We will discuss the book via comments April 30th (I will throw out a post that day with some questions to get things going). I'd like this to be a No Holds Barred discussion - except for flaming or name calling, everyone should feel free to express themselves. And I do mean "everyone" - this is open to anyone who wants to join. I've seen other online book clubs before but, they've always seemed to be compromised of people who actually belonged to the blog itself. For this one, all you have to do is leave a comment. So, here are the selections:
Gooooooooooals: I've often been asked how I find time to read. Not to sound obnoxious or obvious, but I make time for books. Since Arun began his coup d' tat on our lives, several of my hobbies flew out the window. I don't make jewelry any longer. I don't do raku or pottery. I don't watch as much TV (which I don't miss because seriously? How many people can Jack Bauer torture before it becomes ho hum?) I don't knit nearly as much as I used to. I really don't read as much, either. But I still do read. I would feel stagnant, if I didn't and I don't know how else to explain that. I suspect once NewKid joins forces with Arun in obtaining complete World Domination, I will have even less time to read - at least for awhile until we work out some sort of Peace Treaty (aka Nap Schedule). So, to make myself feel better that I won't have as much time for books, I've compiled my list of books to read before the NewKid arriveth. They are:
The Guy Not Taken by Jennifer Weiner (started last night)
Atonement by Ian McEwan
Rules of the Wild: A Novel of Africa by Francesca Marciano
Bookends by Jane Green
Daughter of Destiny: An Autobiography, by Benazir Bhutto (I just realized this is an autobiography, so I am not counting on any impartiality from this. Very disappointed, actually)
Waiting by Ha Jin
The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult
Portrait in Sepia by Isabelle Allende
Back When We Were Grownups by Anne Tyler
The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell
The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman
For me, this list is pretty ambitious because it doesn't include spontaneous reads I'll pick up along the way nor does it doesn't include any book club selections. I guess I am hoping by putting this in print, that will spur me to keep my nose to the grindstone and not get lazy. Also, I noticed that quite a few of these had "A Novel" in their titles. Why? What's the point? What's the difference between a book and a novel? And how did I come by these titles? I have a revolving door built just for me at the Dusty Bookshelf in Lawrence KS - I read books, sell them there, then buy some more. Most of these selections are ones I had lying around and most of them are authors that I have read before and particularly enjoyed.
A Fine Balance, A Fine Read: I just finished A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry last night. Wow. Let me rephrase that. WOW. Beautiful. Haunting. Sad. Compelling. Interesting. Educational. This book covers the stories of four characters living in India during the mid-70s during a time in which Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declares a State of Emergency and in its name, countless human rights violations were committed. I am not sure I can say much that would do this book proper justice. It certainly had what I refer to as The Linger Factor. After I finished it, I sat thinking about it for awhile. When I woke up at 5 am and couldn't get back to sleep, I thought about it some more. I thought about it AGAIN while in the shower. Then later, while I was doing my hair and makeup, I pondered even more points, turn of events and the title (which had so much meaning). This book was not an easy read. The author delves into deep detail on each of the main characters back stories. It was tough going because these people did not live happy lives. However, it was important to the overall theme of the book that you truly get inside each of the characters heads so that you fully understand the reasoning and the extent of their actions and choices. To not give the full history on each of them would have made some of the events appear to be melodramatic and it would have been all too easy to paint certain characters as selfish or even villainous in their choices. Instead, it was heartbreaking, because you understood and could feel the humanity of these characters. You knew them and your heart sank and soared with each various plot point. As in life, nothing was black and white with this book. Again with the "wow".
- Tripping the Prom Queen by Susan Shapiro Barash
- The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf
- Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture by Ariel Levy
Gooooooooooals: I've often been asked how I find time to read. Not to sound obnoxious or obvious, but I make time for books. Since Arun began his coup d' tat on our lives, several of my hobbies flew out the window. I don't make jewelry any longer. I don't do raku or pottery. I don't watch as much TV (which I don't miss because seriously? How many people can Jack Bauer torture before it becomes ho hum?) I don't knit nearly as much as I used to. I really don't read as much, either. But I still do read. I would feel stagnant, if I didn't and I don't know how else to explain that. I suspect once NewKid joins forces with Arun in obtaining complete World Domination, I will have even less time to read - at least for awhile until we work out some sort of Peace Treaty (aka Nap Schedule). So, to make myself feel better that I won't have as much time for books, I've compiled my list of books to read before the NewKid arriveth. They are:
The Guy Not Taken by Jennifer Weiner (started last night)
Atonement by Ian McEwan
Rules of the Wild: A Novel of Africa by Francesca Marciano
Bookends by Jane Green
Daughter of Destiny: An Autobiography, by Benazir Bhutto (I just realized this is an autobiography, so I am not counting on any impartiality from this. Very disappointed, actually)
Waiting by Ha Jin
The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult
Portrait in Sepia by Isabelle Allende
Back When We Were Grownups by Anne Tyler
The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell
The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman
For me, this list is pretty ambitious because it doesn't include spontaneous reads I'll pick up along the way nor does it doesn't include any book club selections. I guess I am hoping by putting this in print, that will spur me to keep my nose to the grindstone and not get lazy. Also, I noticed that quite a few of these had "A Novel" in their titles. Why? What's the point? What's the difference between a book and a novel? And how did I come by these titles? I have a revolving door built just for me at the Dusty Bookshelf in Lawrence KS - I read books, sell them there, then buy some more. Most of these selections are ones I had lying around and most of them are authors that I have read before and particularly enjoyed.
A Fine Balance, A Fine Read: I just finished A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry last night. Wow. Let me rephrase that. WOW. Beautiful. Haunting. Sad. Compelling. Interesting. Educational. This book covers the stories of four characters living in India during the mid-70s during a time in which Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declares a State of Emergency and in its name, countless human rights violations were committed. I am not sure I can say much that would do this book proper justice. It certainly had what I refer to as The Linger Factor. After I finished it, I sat thinking about it for awhile. When I woke up at 5 am and couldn't get back to sleep, I thought about it some more. I thought about it AGAIN while in the shower. Then later, while I was doing my hair and makeup, I pondered even more points, turn of events and the title (which had so much meaning). This book was not an easy read. The author delves into deep detail on each of the main characters back stories. It was tough going because these people did not live happy lives. However, it was important to the overall theme of the book that you truly get inside each of the characters heads so that you fully understand the reasoning and the extent of their actions and choices. To not give the full history on each of them would have made some of the events appear to be melodramatic and it would have been all too easy to paint certain characters as selfish or even villainous in their choices. Instead, it was heartbreaking, because you understood and could feel the humanity of these characters. You knew them and your heart sank and soared with each various plot point. As in life, nothing was black and white with this book. Again with the "wow".
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