Compromise

It's been awhile since I have written, mostly for the reason that I started a new job at the beginning of May, but also because I have been lazy. Lazy when it comes to not only reading, but keeping up on this blog. Today, President Obama held a special news conference that seems to be about ways that we need to tackle the deficit. While I did not catch the beginning of the press conference, I did catch a little bit about President Obama speaking about compromise that needs to take place between the parties. This is a subject that needs to take place not only in our Congress and in our government at all levels, but also in professional sports, especially the NFL and NBA with their current lockouts while they work on collective bargaining agreements. It lead me to think -- is it truly possible that our Congress can put aside their differences long enough to do something that will benefit almost everyone in our country? There are always going to be those who aren't happy and there are always going to be those who disagree with the opinions and ideas of others. But is it possible that money (in the case of the NFL and NBA) can be the secondary of issues while putting fans as the number one priority? Without fans, do they really think that they are going to make money, or at least as much as they could? Is it possible that money (in the case of Congress) can be taken seriously to help our country realize that we need the mentality that we shouldn't spend more than we can afford? The questions blur together, but always come back to one thing, one of the seven deadly sins: greed.

While I wanted to get that opinion out, since this blog is supposed to be about more than just books, I did recently finish a book. "Loser Queen" by Jodi Lynn Anderson. What makes this book pretty cool is that when she was first writing this book, she took most of it to the web, creating a webpage where at the end of every couple of chapters, she would let the readers chose what direction the story went in. The majority of votes would be the direction that the book went in. She would then post the next couple of chapters within a week or two, and the process continued. But she didn't divulge the entire book (why would people buy it then), leaving most of us anxiously waiting for the release of the book. When it finally came out, months later, I bought it and read it from the beginning, even though I had already read (and helped decide) most of the plot. But finally getting the entire story made me feel like the wait had been worth it. While I am no longer a teenager, and it does take place in the teenage years, it was an enjoyable read - one that I would recommend to teenagers and adults alike. Definitely a book worth an A+.

Peace and Love

Chirp Chirp

As I sit here writing this, I can hear the song of birds outside my window. I have faintly heard their songs for the last couple of days, but didn't really pay any attention to it until this morning. For some strange reason, the sound of birds chirping away invigorated me. It hit a part of me that I didn't expect it to. I'm not really sure if it is the reminder of warmer weather, of a beautiful spring, or if it is something more - maybe the sound reminds me of a new beginning.

I've been trying to figure out a lot of things in my life for quite some time, and it only recently became crystal clear what I want to do as far as a career: psychology. I have applied to go back to college, although getting some transcripts sent over could present a slight problem, but the fact that I finally have something concrete in my mind that I want to do is something huge for me. During the last four years or so, very few things have felt concrete. My relationship with my boyfriend is one of those things and now a career path. I think that I am learning that there is more that I can control in my life than what I cannot. I can't control my migraines, but I can control what I can and cannot do while I have them. I've been learning that while this is something that I am living with, and it does take over a huge part of my life based on what I am able to do or not do until we find a successful treatment, I can control how I treat myself and others while I have them. I shouldn't be beating myself up over them (since I have no control) and I shouldn't take my frustrations out on others either.

I think the sound of chirping birds has given me a little clarity this morning. For some reason, the sound gives me hope. The songs that they sing remind me of the detail and precision with which God created them (and everything else in our world). So many stresses and complex things happen throughout our lives, but sometimes, it's the simplest of sounds that remind us that things will work out if we just have a little faith and hope.

Over a flippin month!

Alright, I have to admit that I didn't think that I would possibly go this long without writing. My head is running with thoughts as usual, wondering and contemplating things that don't really matter. As much as I think about things that I can't control, isn't it a good thing that we can sometimes (or at least I can sometimes) think about things that just don't make any sense or have nothing to do with anything going on with anything. While I have spent some time watching the wonderful series of Sex and the City, I've noticed that a lot of the dating situations that can take place in someone's life are nothing like what has happened in mine. I can't say that I have ever been in an actual "dating" situation. I'm dating of course, but it's a serious, long term, monogamous relationship where I am actually part of a couple - not a situation where I am just getting to know someone and am actually going out on dates. I feel like I could be living vicariously through the character of Carrie Bradshaw. Watching that show and thinking about how my life has been with relationships, it has made me wonder: What is the dating norm these days? Is there a certain way that we are suppose to date someone or are we all so completely different from each other in our dating rituals?

Ha ha

So much for trying to write every day - it's been a week. Near the end of last week (I think), I finished yet another book: "Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously" by Julie Powell. Now most of you might think that this is like watching the movie Julie & Julia, but you would be wrong. While parts of this book and information from Julia Child's writings were used to create that movie, this book goes far deeper than that. With more in depth stories, and a slightly humorous undertone, Julie Powell is a tremendous writer. She is completely open, swearing and yelling almost as if you think she is in the room with you - this book made me want to read her blog, even though it has been years since it was created. Reading both this book and her blog (or at least where I am on that thus far) has made me want to learn to cook and maybe even try out some recipes from "Mastering the Art of French Cooking". Either way, if you enjoy food (in any capacity), humor, real-life stories, and a book that you won't want to put down, then this is the book for you - A+.

I am actually picking up a book from the Library today and received another one in the mail, so stay tuned for some more great books...

Peace and Love!

It's always about books...

It seems that I have used my personal blog only to discuss the books that I have been reading, but I haven't really done any other writing as I thought I would. In the book I am currently reading, there was mention of a man who wrote in his diary every day for nine straight years. Since blogging has become a thing of the present, I would consider myself more of a blogger rather than a diarist, but either way, a writer is still a writer, right? (LOL). I was just thinking about how selective I tend to be when I think about coming online and opening myself up - it's like having a virtual diary that could be read by potentially anyone - or no one at all. I also have a tendency to talk about pointless subjects and ramble on about things that don't matter or make a difference or make sense even. But I always seem to feel a little bit better when I am finished ranting and writing. Plus, it's kind of hilarious to be able to go back and read those entries months or years after they have been written.

With all of the above being said, I guess that's a long way of contemplating and saying that I am going to try and write on my blog (in my blog) as much as I can - hopefully every day. Now, I should offer a disclaimer: I am probably not that interesting, so don't expect fireworks or anything spectacular every day. I want to be able to interact and learn more about me, about those who read my stuff, about everything. So feel free to comment, question, suggest, etc. Hopefully, I'll be able to experience something refreshing from this experience.

Peace and Love!

Books 5 and 6 of 2011

So as you can tell, reading has been something that I've been trying to do more of at this point in the year than I did last year. While my migraines are still taking place every day, I try to read at least a couple of chapters of whatever book I am reading at the time. I recently finished two books by the amazing author Mary Higgins Clark. If you haven't heard of her, she writes suspense novels - novels which I have a hard time putting down once I start to read them. "Nighttime Is My Time" is a book that takes place during the weekend of a 20th class reunion, in which five classmates who sat together at lunch during high school had all died within those 20 years. I felt like I was kind of playing the game of clue with this one - trying to figure out who did what throughout the book. It was beautifully written and her intensity to be able to capture the reader and bring them into the story is genius.

"Just Take My Heart" takes place mostly in a courtroom as a man is tried for the murder of his wife. But he is not the only person being accused of murder. While the prosecutor of the case is the protagonist of the story, she becomes such a likable person that you feel like she could be one of your friends. While she struggles with a couple of intense feelings throughout the novel, you can tell that her instincts are what she follows most. When she finds out the secret identity of a neighbor, her life completely changes.

Both of these books are excellent reads - both get an A+ from me. I am going to try and read all of Mary Higgins Clark's books (which is at least 20-30 I believe) before delving into her daughter's books. That's right - her daughter Carol Higgins Clark is a suspense novelist as well. I can't wait to see what continues to unfold in the books that follow. Books like this make me remember why reading is one of the greatest hobbies of all time.

Peace and Love

Book 4 of 2011

I've been horrible at writing on my blog thus far this year - I tend to forget that it is something that I am striving to do more of. I just finished reading "No Wonder They Call Him the Savior" by Max Lucado. This book focuses more on the great things that Christ did near the time of his crucifixion on the cross. It was great to see that someone was willing to forgive a man who had probably spent his entire life defying rules and engaging in thievery. People seemed to only understand who Christ was when he was nearing his death. It was a great book - another A+ from me.

As for what else is going on, my migraines are continuing to be a problem - they are continuing to be consistent, but I am trying to be optimistic about my next appointment with my neurologist coming up. As for other news, it's been extremely cold here in my neck of the woods for about the last week - right now, it's 3 degrees F out with a wind chill of -12 degrees F. Pretty darn cold. I've been doing alright with my goal for living healthier. Not doing as much exercise as I should be, as I have been slacking off for the last three days, but Monday starts another week of exercise so I've got another chance to get back in it. Food tracking has been going well - in fact, if anyone is looking for a healthy living website, or a community filled with people trying to lose weight, check out sparkpeople.com. This website is phenomenal. It doesn't cost a thing to sign up and there are tons of message boards and profiles of people who are trying to live healthier and lose weight - they offer inspiration and motivation and the whole community of people just tries to encourage and help other stay on track - this is especially helpful for someone like me who doesn't have anyone here working on this with me. Make sure you check it out.

Peace and Love