Some fiction books I read last year...

and whether they are worth it to read:

By far the best book I read last year was: "The Time Traveler's Wife". I still think about this book sometimes. I loved the characters, I loved the premise. It was just a stunning book.

"Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" by Susanna Clarke: long long long book. very good in some parts, and the premise was great, but not very good with character development.

"Wicked" by Gregory Maguire: started out great and I really really liked the main character (an imagining of the Wicked Witch of the West). But, towards the middle, it fell apart and it just was a let down in the end.

"Watership Down": frickin classic

"The Poisonwood Bible"
"Star of the Sea" by Joseph O'Connor: Very very interesting books, both of these dealt with cultures and time periods that were peripheral histories to me...and to their credits they both made me want to learn more about the historical time periods that they were placed in.

Books that I read that were pleasant reads, but now that I look at the list I can not remember so much about them (still, they are good to read for the enjoyment in them):


"Behind the Scenes" at the Museum by Kate Atkinson

"Daughter of Fortune" by Isabel Allende

"The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Kidd Monk

"The Dirty Girls Social Club: A Novel" by Alisa Valdes-Rodriquez

"The Golden Compass"

"The Passion of Artemisia" by Susan Vreeland

"The Probable Future" by Alice Hoffman


Wonderful books about terrible subjects:

"Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold

"The Bondwoman's Narrative"

"Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens

Whatever...

So, I opened this post with the full intention to write wonderful prose on some such topic...but had to close the window of the browser to do other things...

Now I have forgotten what I was going to write about. It was going to be something about Hunter S. Thompson's passing and how I feel like the U.S. is slipping into dangerous times again and how I wish that the right people should see and grasp the implications of various signs and portents...well, whatever.

Splitting Up

So, the partners at the law firm I work for have decided to split up (amicably) and the world has wrought many decisions into my life now, specifically as they have decided that the administrative staff (me and the office manager) should be left to our own choice. Should I stay with Partner A or Partner B, should I try to look for another job (I have made faint attempts, and even been interviewed, and getting the oh so unsatisfying reply that "You were our second choice") or should I just flip a coin? I know for a fact I am underpaid, however I have had flexible hours and a family friendly environment, so I am torn between the comfortable and the unknown, the pressures and the flexibilities...at the moment I am in freefall, and I think I know where it will end up--just not sure if that is where I want to be.

Hello, Out there! or how things echo

I hate "reality shows". And not for the obvious reasons (contrived, stupid and moronic, often times staged and altered). Not because they are blaring NON-reality based, but because so many people believe the "reality" that is shown on them. For example, last night on Wife Swap (or Swap Wives or whatever) (an aside--where is this reality based?), they had switched a lesbian couple's wife with a wife of a conservative "interacial" couple (note that the producers felt that this was important to point out, like "Hey, we are not racist, and let me show you how we are not racist!" Anywho...one can guess the obvious issues generated with this...and one would hope it would be dealt in, if not the most deft manner, at least in one that showed the pros and cons of each life style. But essentially for an hour you got the conservative wife blasting on the "life style" of the lesbian couple and essentially calling the woman a sexual predator. And the lesbian wife who was swapped sounded whiney and insignificant. It did not really show either side in any rational light whatsoever and did not explore the motivations of each side (okay, so this is not PBS). Basically, what really bothers me is that I know that the show was edited heavily and that there were two sides here at odds with each other in basic ways that would make for sensational viewing but not for "reality" per say. However, as the recent election showed, 51% of the population might not make such a conclusion. And so this show was basically preying on the fears of that 51% and not necessarily showing them anything conclusive to base a real understanding on.

An Addendum by Salon: Salon Wife Swap Article

Christmas Songs for the Athiest

Some of my favorite Holiday songs are one's that express the sentiment of peace and love and togetherness... here are some lyrics from some songs I especially love:

The Christmas Wish (Wheetman)

I don't know if you believe in Christmas,
or if you have presents underneath the Christmas tree.
But if you believe in love, that will be more than enough
for you to come and celebrate with me.

For I have held the precious gift that love brings
even though I've never saw a Christmas star.
But I know there is a light, I have felt it burn inside,
and I can see it shining from afar.

Christmas is a time to come together, a time to put all differences aside.
And I reach out my hand to the family of man
to share the joy I feel at Christmas time.

For the truth that binds us all together, I would like to say a simple prayer.
That at this special time, you will have true peace of mind
and love to last throughout the coming year.

And if you believe in love, that will be more than enough
for peace to last throughout the coming year.
And peace on earth will last throughout the year.


Another one comes from Dar Williams:

The Christians and the Pagans

Amber called her uncle, said "We're up here for the holiday
Jane and I were having Solstice, now we need a place to stay"
And her Christ-loving uncle watched his wife hang Mary on a tree
He watched his son hang candy canes all made with red dye number three
He told his niece, "It's Christmas eve, I know our life is not your style"
She said, "Christmas is like Solstice, and we miss you and it's been awhile"

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able
And just before the meal was served, hands were held and prayers were said
Sending hope for peace on earth to all their gods and goddesses

The food was great, the tree plugged in, the meal had gone without a hitch
Till Timmy turned to Amber and said, "Is it true that you're a witch?"
His mom jumped up and said, "The pies are burning," and she hit the kitchen
And it was Jane who spoke, she said, "It's true, your cousin's not a Christian"
"But we love trees, we love the snow, the friends we have, the world we share
And you find magic from your God, and we find magic everywhere"

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able
And where does magic come from, I think magic's in the learning
Cause now when Christians sit with Pagans only pumpkin pies are burning

When Amber tried to do the dishes, her aunt said, "Really, no, don't bother"
Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked like Tim and like her father
He thought about his brother, how they hadn't spoken in a year
He thought he'd call him up and say, "It's Christmas and your daughter's here"
He thought of fathers, sons and brothers, saw his own son tug his sleeve saying
"Can I be a Pagan?" Dad said, "We'll discuss it when they leave"

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able

Lighting trees in darkness, learning new ways from the old, and
Making sense of history and drawing warmth out of the cold.

Predjudice Rarely Survives Experience

"Predjudice Rarely Survives Experience" as seen on a Bumper Sticker this afternoon. Thought it was very appropriate for this day, the year anniversary of the Mass. law accepting Gay Marriage. Happy Anniversary!

I wish I could say that it was not a big deal, cuz in so many ways who one marries is not and should not be a topic for discussion. You love who you love. However, it seems predjudice runs deeply in this country, as the recent election shows. I hope all predjudice people have a chance to "experience" how gay marriage affects them and their relationship to their god and their lives. How it directy hurts their chances of getting health care and social services. In the end, marriage is a HUMAN right, and should be acknowledged as one.

Angel Related...

My favorite site of Death has done an article on Glenn Quinn (Doyle on "Angel"). Here's the site: http://www.findadeath.com/
(Sorry, posting at work, so can't get it to html--just cut and paste in browser).

Been watching some "Angel" lately...actually, watched some Season 4. While the ick factor with ConCord was still there, I did like Angelus being brought back and I esp. liked Faith fighting him. Season 4 has some good episodes, if only the writers could have actually delivered on an actual resolution that stayed in character for all involved..

Who's the more foolish: The fool, or the fool who follows him?" - Obi-Wan Kenobi

I feel very disheartened that Americans have chosen to be the fool. However, I do feel that many many people have done outstanding jobs trying to get voices heard. I personally have done so very very much during this process--from doing Meet Ups for Clark, to making calls for Kerry, to the many donations to Democratic causes...all I can say now is that I am proud of Massachusetts for going to Kerry and proud of Massachusetts for gay rights. I feel Kerry ran a good campaign, and considering how close it was, I am proud of it.

Kerry was not my first choice. However, I grew to like him and I thought he would make a much better president than Bush.

I guess what we can do is keep the opposition on there toes. We can make a difference, this campaign has shown me that much at least.

Time to go mope...leave comments!

Kinda Old News, but very Timely

Jon Stewart Takes on Crossfire NY Times article

Man, its sad commentary on the state of the world when Jon Stewart has to be the voice of reason on a comedy show.

Christopher Reeve Died

I am shocked. When the accident happened nine years ago, I remember being at work, listening to the radio, basically being on a death watch. Then, he recovered and showed such strength and character, more than some (I am sure) would have given an actor credit for. He was a good actor, but an even better human being and advocate.

http://www.christopherreeve.org

In-decision

I just don't get the whole "undecided" voter thing. I am sure there are people out there that want more information, and while I am all for being more informed, its not like the information is going to come to YOU. There are internet sites a 'plenty, there are newspapers, magazines, books and local politians coming out of the wood work. The debates are happening as I post---so, come on...DECIDE already!!!!!!

Yes, I am biased, BUT at least I have decided who I want to run my country.

Debate and Fact Checking

This is a good link of a transcript of the Edwards/Cheney Debate, with fact checking links, etc.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/debatereferee/debate_1005.html

(Doing this at work, so you will have to copy and paste into browser).

Why I like the Fitness Room at work

I try to get a work out at work about 2-3 times a week. One thing I really like--my bosses put a 30 inch t.v. with Direct T.V. on it (you have to know that one of my bosses is going to be doing the Iron Man Competition in Hawaii in October--so he is a SERIOUS fitness guy). SO, what to my wandering fingers do appear---BUFFY! And last week, the Original Star Trek!!! Makes you really really want to just stay there working out!!

Yesterday, Buffy was the Thanksgiving ("Pangs") one when Angel drops in (in the background). I watched until I got to see him for a bit...YUMMY....

So, I think I will now time my work outs for my shows!

Lord of the Turtles: The Return of the Turtle

My son found the TURTLE! And he was ALIVE! Wow, a week and 1/2, and the Congo is back among us...(he was under a Spongebob inflatable chair, a logical place to be---Spongebob is from the sea after all). And when I came home---one of the chinchilla's cage doors was opened...

luckily, chinchilla's are easier to find.

To learn more: TURTLES

The Buffy

Always good to see someone acknowledge that Buffy was better than most of the drek that is on t.v.

http://www.salon.com/ent/feature/2004/09/17/the_buffy/index.html

Tales of the Lost Turtle

So, I have become a stereotype. I have lost my son's pet turtle. I was cleaning the turtle's cage, I put him somewhere that I thought he couldn't escape from...and he did a Houdini (or is that a Hoffa?). It gets worse. I was cleaning the cage while my son was at his second day of Kindergarten. So, I had to pick him up at the bus stop and tell him. AND he said: "Why didn't you put him in a chest or somewhere he could not escape from?"

Now, granted, a turtle is not as cuddly as our Chinchilla's.


Delenn (one of our chinchillas) 


Or as well loved as my son's dear departed mouse (Snowki).


But, if you see him (he looks something like this)...


WANTED: DEAD (EWW) OR ALIVE (?) 

Let me know.

First Day of Kindergarten

The rush of it all made me not really think about it as much as react to it.

As he has learned from dad, procrastinating in the morning is an art form. Push push push. And then off to the bus. In the rain. Of course. Bus late.

Bus coming 

And then, rush rush rush to the school to meet the bus. And wait. And wait. And starting to get panicky. Where is the bus? Am I standing in the right place? Okay, calm down...the bus was late and it had more places to go and pick up. BUT WHERE IS IT? School is about to start! Did I miss it? I know he is expecting me to meet his bus...tears for the first and only time this morning of mornings are starting to well up... Oh good...the BUS!

As it pulls up, he sees me and his excitement and happiness to see me there is so wonderfully warm inside me.

Arrival 


And here it is--time to start letting go. Off to the class room..hmm...up to the second floor per instructions---ooops, wrong instructions, as I hold a little girl's lunch for her (a new friend at the bus stop, whose parents have missed her, she comes with us). Down the stairs---Ahh, my friend who's on the PTO! She knows where to go! She helps us to the class room--and helps the little girls fears by bringing her to her classroom.

Now I deposit my one and only, and my heart starts to sing and sink at the same time. Will he remember his snack is in his back pack? Will he listen to his teacher? Will he have fun? Will he learn? Will he fit in? Will he be his own wonderful individual self? Of course.

Hello Ken tuck ee!

Hope all is going well over there in Kentucky, thinking of you and wishing you were at home--even though the past few weeks that has meant that you were in the kitchen working away on a lap top and I was in the living room reading/vegging. I still miss ya!

Many squished bugs await you upon your return!

Kids Stuff

Spent some time playing with instant zoo animals in the tub with my son! Those things are so fascinating in such a simple way...you know the ones, the capsules that you put into water and the plastic melts and then you have a small sponge object in the shape of something...yep, sometimes the most simple things can keep your kid fascinated for hours.

Spongefun! 

One small thing my son got into was Nak Naks. There is a game involved, but as with most small things, he is more into collecting them.


;

Right now he is starting to get into "Mighty Beanz" which look like Mexican Jumping Beans (and they act like them too, with magnets providing the movement).

Mighty Beanz Offical Website

Another thing that is always interesting to note is that my husband and I always are finding the "Official Websites" for these toys.

A really cool small toy that my son was into (Okay, being honest, my husband and I were into them more than my son):
Hero Clix

The Flume and the Fun

On Sunday, I took a trip with my friend and my son to The Flume Gorge in New Hampshire. The last time I had been there, was about 10 years ago with my husband.


The river at the end of the Flume Gorge 

Ten years ago, I did not take pictures (our camera was a disposable one and it was broken).

Now I use a digital camera.


The river and the start of the gorge 


Ten years ago, the 2 mile (mostly up-hill) walk to the Flume seemed so easy.

Now, my calves hurt.


Inside the Flume 

Ten years ago, I thought I was in love in the most profound way and there was no way it could get better.

Now, it is even better...

And I have more people to share that with:


Under a Glacial Boulder