Mousetales

Let me tell you a story: 

It begins on a normal Saturday afternoon, with a quiet, semi-adult, not-a-girl-yet-does-not-feel-like-a-real-woman determined to rearrange her backroom after thinking about possible spatial arrangements all week. So she begins to do so, moving books and the like. As she does so, she happens to faintly notice a bit of a strange smell, but it is not so overpowering that she doesn't think much of it. As she reaches for some books that were previously arranged on the floor, she happens to peer into a corner where a few years ago a mouse trap had been set. To her abject horror she finds that said trap is now occupied - for how long, she knows not - for really it does not matter the length of time that it has been occupied - it is the fact that there is now a deceased mouse in it. And it is huge. Gigantic mouse proportions huge. 

This semi-adult woman screams at the top of her lungs and gags at the sight. Distraught she calls her father. No answer. Not that she was really expecting one, for she knows that he is most likely in a tree stand, but was hoping against all hope that perhaps he would come dispose of the dead creature. No such luck - he instead texts her, telling her to put on some gloves and deal with it. She tries to follow her father's advice - truly. But the sight of this huge dead mouse keeps causing her to gag and almost throw up. She then texts her best friend for moral support, who is admirable in her advice and encouragement. Yet, this semi-adult woman just can't do it. Out of options, after calling her mother and brother with no luck, she phones her dear friends the Griffins, who come to her rescue and get the creature and dispose of it. All can finally return to "normal", and the girl returns to rearranging and winterizing her broken window, stuffing & duct taping & plasticing off cracks in case that is how the mouse somehow got in.

As she enjoys the new room arrangement and watches a few movies, time passes into the dead of night. Since she is a semi-adult, she stays up to watch a movie (plus, she wasn't that tired and was having trouble breathing so couldn't sleep anyway). Fast forward to 1:30-1:45am, and she starts to move towards her bedroom, when all of the sudden to her utter disbelief and horror SHE SEES ANOTHER HUGE MOUSE WITH A HUGE LONG TAIL SCURRY ACROSS THE FLOOR IN HER FRONT LIVING ROOM!!!!!!!!!!! Involuntarily letting out a scream, she watches as the mouse quickly does an about-face and DISAPPEARS!

What does she do???? What can she do??? She can't call her parents because it's now 2am. She can't go to her parents house, because it's 2am and her father would probably mistake her for an intruder and shoot her. She certainly can't go to sleep with the knowledge that there is a mouse on the loose with no traps to catch him! So the most logical thing to do is to go to Walgreens, which is open 24/7 and pray to Jesus that they have mousetraps. 

In the dead of night, off she goes, zooming down the road to Walgreens, thankful no one can hear the words coming out of her mouth in almost a mantra. The woman on the register is a bit surprised to see someone dash into the store at that hour. Frantically searching the aisles, the semi-adult woman cannot see a mousetrap anywhere, so consumed by fear that her eyes can't work. She finally has to go get the staff person to help her find some, and this kind staff person calmly points them out to her. After checking out, with a good luck from the Walgreens lady, the semi-adult woman makes her way back fearfully into her apartment. She shakingly sets the traps, prays to God the mouse is caught, and climbs into bed, unable to fall asleep because of fear and a bad stuffy nose. Fretfully she turns on her fan and noise machine app so that she won't be woken by the sound of a trap snapping in the night, turns out the light and tries to sleep, which somehow she does. Yet when she wakes in the morning, she is now afraid to get out of bed because what if the mouse was caught?? Worse, what if it still wasn't?!?

She finally musters her courage and gets out of bed, stomping her feet and banging the walls to make loud noises to scare any mice away. She goes outside to grab her shovel just in case there is either a dead body to dispose of or a live one to dispatch. She peers down the hallway where the traps were set, and they are all empty!! This is not a relief because while there is not a dead body to dispose of, it also means there is still a live body somewhere. 

And so now she must go through the day, poking piles of laundry and clothes on the floor (because she is a semi-adult), with a broom, praying to sweet Jesus above that the next time the mouse is sighted, it will be dead. Right now, there exists a detente in the former peaceful hobbit hole with the semi-adult woman contemplating how she can construct a Maginot Line/WWI trench like warfare in her apartment to defend against this intruder. 

She asks for your kind thoughts. She knows on a scale of 0-10 of the troubles of this world and the current real things her forever friends are dealing with, this might be a 0.005, but when fears of fleas and ticks and furry bodies crawling on you in the dead of night with their mouse fangs are real possibilities, it jumps to at least a 5 in the amygdala portion of her brain. She dreads the moment of the mouse being caught as much as it not being a caught - a classic Catch-22, lose/lose situation.

Book Review: Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table

Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table, with Recipes by Shauna Niequist
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first Shauna Niequist book that I have read. I came across a recommendation from a blogging friend (Annie B. Jones) who enjoyed it and decided that I too wanted to read this book. Part of what was compelling was the fact that there were recipes included throughout the book and the promise that they were fairly simple to make - something that I am constantly looking for.

And I wish I could put a finger on it about what is so compelling about this book, but the proper words elude me. Maybe it is it's sweet simplicity - great vignettes throughout with great recipes. Maybe it is the joy that Niequist is wonderful at conveying about the act of creating a meal and then sharing it with loved ones. Whatever it is, it has inspired me immensely and gotten me in the kitchen, actually cooking for myself. That sounds like it shouldn't be that big of a deal - after all, cooking isn't that new of a thing or some great novelty. But for me, a single woman who comes home most nights, after solving problems or navigating stressful waters with clients or coworkers all day and only a few hours to go before falling asleep, somehow cramming in time with friends or high school girls - cooking has remained something just out of my grasp. It's not that I can't cook or follow a recipe - it's that it is the last thing I want to try to do and wait to eat until 9pm after a long day at the office (and also why all working mothers have my utmost admiration).

Anyway, this book has been very inspiring and gotten me in the kitchen, creating meals - and I love it. It's gotten me thinking more about actually planning meals and stocking my kitchen so that there are things to eat. I have felt more adventurous about trying new things and being ok if they don't turn out great - it's all part of the process. Which is exactly what I think Shauna herself would say.

It's a great book about love and cooking and has some really great recipes. Honestly what more does one need?

View all my reviews

Book Review: Quiet

Quiet: The Power Of Introverts In A World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I strongly believe that this is an important book for people to read. I was pretty hesitant myself before picking it up - I had seen Susan Cain's TED talk, which was interesting, but I wasn't sure if it would be interesting enough to hold my attention through an entire book. I was very wrong though.

Through research and interviews that Cain compiles, she makes a compelling case for introverts everywhere and provides a voice to people who the world thinks are just "different" or "shy". And because (especially in America) we are conditioned to hear the loudest voice in the room, these people are unconsciously written off because of their personality. Introverts are cast as "anti-social" and not liking to be around people, which is one of the many myths that Cain dispels about this segment of our population - which, according to which research you believe makes up either a third or half of our population.

Part of what the book so interesting to me was the many different approaches and topics that were addressed in the book: Introverts in the workplace & space - how can they survive in the new "open" work environments (something that I myself have struggled much with); Introverts in modern-day evangelical churches - Are churches set up in a way that only allows for extroverts to worship; Introverts and biology - can you tell whether a child will be an introvert or extrovert soon after they are born?; Introverts and personal relationships - how to navigate different personalities in relationships; and Introverted children and how they do (or don't) succeed in school and how parents can help them.

If there's any complaint that I would have about the book, it would be the style with which it is written - it read like a Malcolm Gladwell book to me - lots of overarching statements with some compelling antecedent research. However, when flipping through the appendix, you do find that this book was well-researched and thoroughly thought out.

Again, I think this is an important book for people to read because of the understanding of different personalities it will provide you - which will help you in relations with coworkers, parents, children, friends, and spouses. And if you are an introvert or are not sure, you'll learn more about what makes an introvert and what makes an extrovert from this book.

View all my reviews

#MalalaDay

This is an incredible speech by a beautiful girl. It is well worth the time to listen.

Book Review: Life of Pi

Life of Pi by Yann Martel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Haunting.

If I had to sum up this book in one word, that is the word I would use. A week later, and every time I think about it, a gamut of emotions is conjured - confusion, awe, wonder, disbelief. This book marries beautiful writing with an incredible story, that sweeps you up in the end and leaves you feeling a bit breathless, because you can't quite believe what you have just read.

The author, as I said, has a way with words. His ability to craft together words and string sentences piece by piece into a beautifully woven tale allows you, the reader, to simultaneously enjoy and reject the journey that he is taking you on. You reject it because it is so horrific what the main character, Pi, experiences - and the art lies in the fact that you never quite understand the stark horror he lives in until the closing of the book, because of the way the story is told. It is a remarkable and impressive feat to capture this boy's journey is such a masterful way.

And if anyone can help me to understand the line, "And so it goes with God", I will be very grateful. Highly recommend this book.

View all my reviews

I Know Why There Are 10 Men for Every 1 Woman in Alaska

It is freezing in Virginia. Bone-chilling, sensitive-teeth-hurting, should-have-worn-socks-today-but-they-wouldn't-have-gone-with-my-cute-shoes, unbelievably freaking freezing. I'm lucky I didn't morph into an immediate icicle the moment I walked out of my office door, because it felt like I was going to. I swear I got frostbite on my toes in the ten minutes it takes to walk from my office to my apartment. It is wicked, horrid, awful cold.

And as I was walking home as fast as my ice-cube feet could glide along the sidewalks (on which was yet again spotted another pile of loveliness, evoking memories of certain Christmas parades) the thought occurred to me that I, as a woman, have been handicapped and rendered ill-equipped by society and culture to handle the cold. Because I am required to remove all bits of hair off of my body in order to conform with proper grooming expected of women, I have no coat of fur on my limbs or hairy hobbit feet to cope with the awfulness of the bitter cold air cutting straight through my clothes and directly to my bones. In a flash of understanding, I realized why women would never dare to voluntarily choose to live in a place where 33 F is a warm day - they are hampered by societal norms from being able to evolve and adapt to such frigid conditions.

And yes, I know that during winter us girls are more prone to letting that leg hair grow - but you still find yourself having to shave some of the time - and all those years of shaving have stunted your hair follicle's growth (at least that's what I've been led to believe), so I maintain there's no way you can grow it to a suitable length in order for it to give you a layer of protection against the biting blast of the cccccoooolllllddddd (that's me shivering just typing about it).

It occurs to me as I sit here typing, I now also understand why Russians are always portrayed as a moody, somewhat depressed, tumultuous people who are prone to drinking too much and wearing lots of black and fur - it's because they are always friggin' freezing! If I was living in a constant winter, I would wear black all the time, so that I could attract whatever precious rays of sunlight were available directly to my body. I would buy all the furs I could afford to wrap all my limbs and extremities in and I would drink all the time because it would make my insides feel warm for at least a few minutes - and help me to forget that I was oppressively depressed by the frozen tundra that I was surrounded by. And no wonder their national symbol is the bear - because they are the smart ones and hibernate during the freaking winter! I wish I was a bear!

The worlds of understanding that can be mined through misery - it never ceases to amaze me. Now please excuse me - I have to go wrap myself tightly in a blanket to combat the hypothermia that my body is succumbing to. It's so bloody cold!

Les Mis

Can words describe how excited I am for the new Les Mis? Would it help you to know that I keep serenading my coworkers with bits and pieces from the muscial? True story, it was sprinkling and I came in singing "A Little Drop of Rain".  So this little gem of recorded video between Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe in a club singing "The Confrontation" is an instant "this is DEFINITELY going on the blog" piece of magic.

(LBH, I don't know about Russell Crowe as Javert - I am so used to the powerful pipes of Philip Quast of the 10th Anniversary Concert - but I am willing to have an open mind :))

To Put You in the Christmas Spirit

Too fun to not share! Enjoy!

Civic "Duty"

Picture this:

You are a dedicated citizen to a your small town. You've lived there the majority of your life and you love its traditions. So you are very happy in a small-town-type-of-way for the annual Christmas parade. You position yourself on the street so that you can see the whole parade and as it commences, you enthusiastically wave to all the parade participants wishing them a Merry Christmas and waving as they go by.

And while the Jazzercize ladies did not make an appearance, you're happy with the parade - the Shriners are there zipping in their little cars. The high school bands all make an appearance, along with unicyclists, baton twirlers, the local dance studios, a tank, and the most random Ghostbusters camo bus.

As the parade goes on, the local SPCA comes along with their cute puppies. And then this scene unfolds:
One of the dogs pops a squat and does his "duty". While doing so, his handler is petting him. Once done, the dog is ready to go on. His handler looks at one the other handlers, shrugs, and walks on. LEAVING A STEAMING PILE OF DOG POOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARADE!!!! There are still MANY more people to come along, and the dog has literally pooped in the absolute MIDDLE of the road, in the absolute MIDDLE of the parade.

What do you do? Do you just stand there and let this injustice persist? The firemen/police volunteers aren't doing anything - they aren't even bothering to warn the other parade participants about the steaming pile they are about to step in (poor boy scout troop).

No - You can't take it. As incredulous as you are that the SPCA did not bother to bring any bags with them to pick up after their dogs, you quickly scout and find a plastic bag, run into the middle of the street, pause the parade, scoop it up, and then quickly make your exit. It took a total of 30 seconds, but was 30 seconds too late for the boy scouts.

So dear SPCA, in case you - of all organizations - do not already know this rule, I would like you to memorize it and keep the streets of my town clean:

"It is a truth universally acknowledged amongst all who take care of pets, that if thy pet shall poop it, THOU SHALT SCOOP IT." Bring a bag with you if you're walking your dog in a public space! ESPECIALLY in the middle of the CHRISTMAS PARADE!

Orphan Sunday

It's been a long time since I have posted anything in this sphere, so I don't know how many people actually may read this. But for the few that may stumble upon this space, I hope that you will read this story by a friend. I have followed her blog, Every Bitter Thing is Sweet, for years now and the wisdom and love for the Lord that she shares is so inspiring and refreshes my own faith. The story that she shared today though takes my breath away...to see the way that the heart cry/prayer of an 8 year old adopted daughter who has prayed so boldly for her friend that was left behind, that her friend may find a family...to the prayers of Sara's own friend for a child...it literally brings tears to my eyes to see the framework of this story that God has woven together. It is a testament to Him, to His love, to His redemption, to His immeasurable glory and hugeness - that the small boxes that I compartmentalize my faith into are burst asunder in the face of such a Love.

Please read this story and consider sharing. I know it is one story of many of the amazing things that our God does, but I ask that you would consider sharing all the same. Many thanks.

Oz 2012

Click here to view these pictures larger

Book Review: Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldredge

Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus by John Eldredge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read John Eldredge's latest book earlier this spring but am just now getting around to reviewing it.

I know that there are a lot of critics of John's books and his style of writing. However, in my opinion, there isn't another writer out there that makes the heart of Jesus more accessible. Beautiful Outlaw is Eldredge's examination of the personality of Jesus, which he purports often gets overlooked by Christians. I would have to agree, especially in the way that Eldredge presents it. By re-examining passages in the Bible, he points out different aspects of Jesus's personality - his playfulness, cunning, humility, extreme generosity, captivating honesty and authenticity. And best of all, how all of these personality traits are still evident in our own life. Eldredge asserts that if we allow Jesus to live within our lives, these traits become more and more apparent to us.

I really loved this book. It is a very easy read - the writing won't blow you away - but its content is so powerful. You can't read this book and come away without being affected and wanting to know more about this amazing Son of Man, Son of God, Jesus.

View all my reviews

Come On and Kiss De' Girl Ducky! 5 Thoughts for Monday's "Bachelorette"

I know that I haven't been keeping up with the new season of "The Bachelorette" on here, but I have 5 thoughts from this past Monday's episode.

1 - When One F Jef, or "Ducky" as I refer to him, and Emily were in the Eye and all he could keep talking about was kissing Emily and how much he wanted to, but then the moment was passing by, all I could thing of was that if he had had a trusty crustacean to sing "Sha-la-la-la, kiss de' girl", he might have had more confidence to go for it before the ride was over. At least they finally shared a kiss that night.

2 - "I'mma 'bout to go all West Virginia, backwoods, hood rat on his a$$" has got to be one of the best lines uttered on reality television. Ever. Especially since Emily is the furthest thing from a redneck, trailer park, backwoods West Virginian that there could be. Maybe she applies the same logic that I do when singing along with "Redneck Woman" in my car, dressed in pearls and a popped collar. 

3 - One F Jef/Ducky's outfit for the first part of his one-on-one was priceless. Light grey knit blazer. With arm patches. And a skinny tie. And folded square pocket square. Tight khakis/jeans. Wingtip shoes. It was a thing of hipster beauty.

4 - Ryan's scarves were about the most d-bag things I have ever seen. It literally made my skin crawl each time he came on screen wearing a scarf. I mean, really???

Come on, Really??? That scarf?? UGH

5 - I am sad that I will no longer get to sing "Ale-Ale-jandro, Ale-Ale-jandro, Alejandro, Alejandro" every time that the Californian mushroom farmer Alejandro is on screen.

I predict that Sean, Arie, and One F Jef make it to the final Three. I think Doug and Ryan will be in the top five, unless either is surpassed by Travis (which I hope so! Come on Madison, MS!). I believe we'll be saying "Adios" to Wolf Boy and young buck Chris in the next few episodes. What about you? Who do you think will make it to the final three? 

To Brighten Grey Days

Three things to brighten these oppressive grey days that we've been having in Wton:

1 - Rex Grossman's advice to RGIII is enough to fill a whole afternoon - many thanks to The Onion for this hard-hitting piece of news.

2 - John Stewart on the mess in Europe - and how Germany has actually won the war.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

3 - And the last 45 seconds of this Stephen Colbert interview with Andy Cohen is priceless - not a word is said and it's soooo funny!

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Ear Candy

I love to spread news about new music loves and these are some that I have downloaded recently that I am playing on constant repeat:

1. Alex Clare - "Too Close"

I came across this song through the new commercial that they are running for Internet Explorer - this guy is kind of really awesome. His album isn't available in the US yet (darn it) but this single is, and I hope that the full album comes soon, because the stuff that I have heard is great.

2. Goyte - "Save Me"

It took me a while to dive in and purchase this album, but after seeing someone Tweet about it, I decided to give it a chance. I am so happy I did - this album hits the perfect mix between alternative/lite rock. As one reviewer said on Amazon, "it's a strangely appealing mix of Beck, George Michael, and Seal".  There are definitely some tracks that I love more than others, but it is all in all a really great album. The song above is one of my favorites so far.

3. Taylor Swift ft. The Civil Wars - "Safe and Sound"

It's almost sacrilegious for me to post something positive about Taylor Swift - I usually can't stand her music (and I know I'm in the minority there, but I am just. not. a. fan. at. all.). But this song is hauntingly beautiful (which I credit T Bone Burnett and The Civil Wars for). I'm really excited about "The Hunger Games" movie AND soundtrack - there are some really amazing artists (like The Civil Wars) on it and I'm hoping for more of the same along these lines.

4. Starfield - "Innocence and Other Things Lost"

Starfield is a Christian band that I stumbled upon a couple of years ago and I liked them immediately because they actually had good music - not just lyrically, but musically - something that didn't sound like it belonged in a church on a Sunday. That is, until a couple of albums ago in which the whole album bent toward that direction and I was sad because, while there's nothing wrong with that music, it doesn't grab me. Thankfully on this new album, Starfield seems to have found a little bit of that musicality that I loved about them at first place. This is one of the songs that drew me in.

Let me know what you think or if you've come across anything new lately that I need to know about :)

Final Thoughts for the Finale

1. It seems like Lindzi is trying to channel Ben with her grey, neutral outfit choices. Which we all know is to no avail. The Bachelor never picks the one we want him to pick.
   
2. I swear that is not Ben's mom. She was not a blonde on Ashley's season! One of the two is a hired actor, I am sure of it.
   
3. Ben's sister needs to watch all the innuendos that she keeps saying - talking about getting Lindzi to "open up" and "release the floodgates" - I'm not making this up - she really said those things!
   
4. The Matterhorn is really spectacular. I may have to put that on my "leap" list (and by "leap" list, I mean bucket list, because a leap list is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of and I'm convinced was something made up by Honda's marketing department, which also strategically got their Honda's placed on The Bachelor this season, which I'm sure led to a huge spike in sales).
   
5. Ben's sister, who I was hoping would be as awesome and rude (aka, honest) as Ashley's amazing sister was to JP, TOTALLY let me down with how easy she let Courtney off the hook. I mean, really? Not even one little hesitation or inkling that she may not be the most authentic person in the world?
   
6. *Yawn* *Fast Forward* Sorry - that was me fast-forwarding through Ben and Lindzi's date - I'm done listening to Lindzi talk about how she is opening up in this relationship. There's only so many times during a season that I can take that line.
   
7. *Yawwwwnnn* *Fast Forward* Sorry - that was me fast-forwarding through another helicopter ride and how it is symbolic of Ben and Courtney's relationship soaring to new heights - there are only so many times I can take that metaphor - and I am WAY past it this season - seriously, they used that metaphor and scenario SOOOOO MANNYYY TIMES. I'm through with rappelling, jumping out of helicopters, rope courses, and zip lines being used as metaphors for relationships.
   
8. Courtney definitely had the cooler balcony to have a balcony scene on.
   
9. OMG, ABC has incorporated Disney into the series by now having the Bachelorettes dressing as Disney princesses, complete with cloaks (and climbing into helicopters to make them hike in heels up the Swiss Alps)! This is my comparison for each:
   
   
   Poor Lindzi.
   
   
   
   And this would be my depiction of Courtney and Ben.
10. Oh my gosh - so shocking (not) - Ben chose Courtney! Didn't see that one coming!! (see Number 1)

It's been real all my rose-loving friends. Thank goodness this is now over so we can mentally prepare ourselves for Emily Maynard (aka Melanie Wilkes from Gone With the Wind) by watching "The Voice"!

PS - You need to check Jimmy Kimmel Live's spot with Chris Harrison from tonight - priceless!!

10 Thoughts for This Week's Bachelor

I know I've missed a few weeks, but I couldn't let this episode go without saying something. So in no particular order...

1. I seriously thought we were going to witness the first helicopter crash in Bachelor history during Nikki and Ben's date when they were going over the glacier.


2. If I was on a date in the Swiss Alps, you better believe I would be singing "The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music..."


3. Did the helicopter just drop them off on the set of the Lord of the Rings? It totally looked like that mountain was one of the Beacons of Gondor.


4. Poor Lindzi - nothing says "I like you" like continuing to terrify your significant other with dates that incorporate their biggest fears into them.


5. How come Courtney never is on the terrifying dates? All they do is go on picnics, skinny dip, and make out.


6. Oh Lord - I don't know how I will make it through the next season of The Bachelorette with constant references to "Mah daughter, Ricky. Ah'm so ready to meet someone, because when she goes to bed at 7:30pm, ah get lonely. Ah'm ready to meet mah husband."


7. Emily also just went down about 10 notches in my book, if she is seriously taking style advice from Ali and Ashley - two of the worst dressed Bachelorettes in the history of the Bachelorette.


8. Oh course Ashley compared her love with JP to Jack and Rose. Of course. I wonder why Ali didn't make any references to her great love? OH RIGHT - They broke up.


9. I almost thought that Kacie B. was wearing a Darth Vader mask, she was breathing so hard before knocking on Ben's door.


10. Cursing in front of Chris Harrison, Ben!?!? Sacrilege!!!

Two Bonus Thoughts:

1. Of course he picked Courtney. Of course.
2. Ben's hair is seriously the worst hair of ever. E-V-E-R.

Book Review: Catching Fire

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I delayed reading this book for a long time. I read The Hunger Games in 2009 and was mesmerized by the dystopian story, as well as its fast-paced plot. And I feel like Catching Fire captures some of the same pace of The Hunger Games with unexpected twists and turns coming at you with the turn of a page.

What I found the most engaging about this book was the further development of the relationship between Katniss and Peeta, which stopped so abruptly at the end of The Hunger Games. I could feel Katniss falling for this man who is good and loves her unconditionally, two things which she wishes were true of her (when it comes to her relationships with Gale and Peeta).

The true purpose of Catching Fire,in my opinion, is to lay the foundation for the next book. By touring through all the Districts on the Victory Tour, Katniss and Peeta show the reader the unrest that is lurking beneath the surface of the country, Panem. As they travel through the Districts, it becomes clear that they have solidly become symbols of defiance against the Capitol and its evils, (which is represented the most by the Hunger Games) but it is only a foreboding of the story that will fully unravel itself in the final and third book, Mockingjay.

In all, I found Catching Fire very engaging. It broadened the scope of Collins' story, setting up the third book, and it's own plot twists and new batch of characters provided for an entertaining read.

View all my reviews

Celebrating Thirty Years

Source: iloveswmag.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Birthdays are so important. On our birthdays we celebrate being alive. On our birthdays people can say to us, "Thank you for being!" Birthday presents are signs of our families' and friends' joy that we are part of their lives. Little children often look forward to their birthdays for months. Their birthdays are their big days, when they are the center of attention and all their friends come to celebrate.

We should never forget our birthdays or the birthdays of those who are close to us. Birthdays keep us childlike. They remind us that what is important is not what we do or accomplish, not what we have or who we know, but that we are, here and now. On birthdays let us be grateful for the gift of life.

~ Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, entry on February 13th 

Here's to celebrating thirty years of life thus far!! I have many hopes and dreams for this year (like maybe I can start becoming a real adult?) so am extending my birthday "day" into the entire year. Because why not? :) So happy birthday to anyone else who's birthday is today, to all my fellow Aquarians, and anyone who else who will celebrate a birthday this year. Truly, celebrate it!

Book Review: The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had the idea to re-read this book in the hopes of being able to join in Out of Print's twitter book club - but I was too late in actually reading it to do so. But for some reason instead of putting it back on the shelf, I decided to crack open this book that I hadn't looked at since high school.

Fitzgerald's prose blew me away. The lyricism, the rhythm, and the contempt - yet care - that he has for his characters makes for a work of art that I never could have comprehended when I was seventeen. I was blown away during this reading.

What was most surprising about this story in reading it now is how similar i found Fitzgerald's commentary on the American society in the "Roaring Twenties" to be to our own current society. The mannerisms of the characters, the descriptions of the party scenes at Gatsby's mansion - these elements bear a striking resemblance to our own culture in its present state. It made me wish I was in a high school or college English class so that a discussion about its intricacies could have taken place and further enlightened me to appreciate the words I was reading.

And I have to admit that in reading this I was imagining the cast of the new Gatsby film being done by Baz Luhrman. I can only imagine what that movie will be like in his hands. It's almost guaranteed that most will hate it and few will love it.

All in all, I am so glad that I dusted this book off the shelf and read it again. It has inspired me to want to dust off more classics and enjoy the carefully crafted words between their pages.

View all my reviews