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Wednesday, 03 June 2009

A Half A Year in Books

Here is a slightly snazzier version than my usual half-year book posting. Out of the nine books I read in the past year I would only recommend steering away from 2. Those are some pretty good stats.

The Kite Runner-
Khaled Hosseini (5 Stars)

I can't believe this was his first book. It was wonderfully written and a compelling story. It was too real and produced some serious tears. I know a lot more about Afghanistan now. The movie actually followed pretty losely (which of course I only watched after finishing the book).

Silent Spring-Alice Walker (Four Stars)
Very few people can say they have written books that have altered the course of history. Although Carson didn't live long enough to see it, her writing changed, and arguably created, the environmental movement in this country. This book read like a text book and was sometimes hard to get through, but it offered well-researched facts and amazing insights. I learned a lot and was quite frightened by this book.


	In the Time of the Butterflies- Julia Alvarez (4 Stars) An absolutely lovely and heartbreaking work of historical fiction. This book tracks the lives four sisters who were revolutionaries during the Dominican Revolution. Even though the book was a work of fiction, it provided a lot of historical background to something I knew nothing about. It is lyrical and beautifully written.
	Still Life With Woodpecker - Tom Robbins (4 Stars) This book was funny. It was written around 1980, but it was fresh, different and honest. It wasn't presumptuous, in fact it was quite humble. I recommend it for an easy yet intriguing read. It's a little perverted though, not that such is a bad thing.
	Far From the Madding Crowd- Thomas Hardy (3 Stars) I have discovered Hardy is better known for his poetry than his fiction. He allegedly wrote fiction as a ways to financially survive. After reading this book I definitely want to read his poetry. He is at times burdensome with his descriptions, I can see how he would make a good poet. The story line of this romance was interesting. It is always interesting to see how women were viewed in earlier times. This book took place in the mid 1800s. To me, one of the most intriguing things is how women writers portrayed women and how male writers portrayed them. I think Hardy was a lot better about writing about women than other authors of his era were.
	The Complete Stories Franz Kafka (1 Star) I actually couldn't even read this one. I gave four stories a chance and literally found it tortuous. It's supposed to be essential fiction, but I will certainly be doing without it.
	The Color Purple Alice Walker (5 Stars) A sad and eye opening tale. We can only grow as women if we know our roots. I may not be African American, but as a woman I can certainly share in the experiences put forward in the novel (although I know I have it approx. 1000 times better). Well worth the read and I loved the end.
	Listening is An Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from The Story Corps Project- Dave Isay (Various Authors) (5 Stars) This is a book for anybody. I would recommend it to the staunchest liberal or conservative. Anyone will profit from reading this book. It consists of real stories from real people and it's really moving. Just one more reason I love NPR.
	Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH- Robert C. O'Brien (3 Stars) This is one kid's book I really think I would have enjoyed more as a child. This was one of my favorite movies growing up. The book was actually less interesting and eventful. The book had very little strife in the plot line. It was just a simple story, but that can be intriguing in itself.

Thursday, 21 May 2009

Yum, Warmth and Housing

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow."- Helen Keller

Today is a gorgeous day here in CNY. Since I'm at work, I figured I might as well catch up on some blogging.

Brandon and I are in the process of getting our first home. We are hoping to close in June. I can't wait to have my own place. It's in Chittenango and is lovely. I will have a washer and dryer, which will eliminate the necessity of doing laundry in a paid public place. I could have three washers for what I've spent at laundry mats. I am also looking forward to not doing my laundry in mysteriously hair-infested machines and carrying baskets a quarter of a mile. We will also be able to hang things on walls, paint and decorate to our hearts content. We will no longer have to hide our grill, as it will be "legal" to have on our own deck. That's just the beginning.

In my time here on earth I have had 14 addresses. This new home will be my 15th. I'm really looking forward to have a place to rest my head and even more excited to share it with Brandon, our kitties and one day a family. Speaking of families, Brandon and I are planning on bringing home a new kittle. That will bring our brood to five. Some people may think us crazy, but we have the room and the love. We already have him selected (and have for years) and are hoping to get in our new home so he can find his forever home.

So here is hoping all goes well and we actually get this place. Stay tuned for a housewarming/engagement party.

Monday, 20 April 2009

Milestone

For those of you who haven't heard, Brandon and I are engaged. It's very exciting. The wedding will be sometime next summer and outdoors (obviously we have some hammering out of details to do). It's fabulous to be betrothed to the man I've loved for years.

In honor of this event, I will post these two pics of my soon-to-be legal family, though in my mind they've been my family for quite sometime.

This is Harry. Harry is the owner-proclaimed James Dean of kitties. He is quite wonderful.

This will be my father-in-law. I believe he is mimicking a sheephead, though I hope for the sake of my dignity I have wrongly identified the fish.

Wednesday, 04 March 2009

Cat pics guest edition

Harry still likes giving hugs

Gmork, I mean Ivy

Double long paws

Too fat to fit in the hole

Thursday, 19 February 2009

You call that work ethic?

Why do people come to work sick? Seriously. Especially when nothing at all is going on. Right now there are probably three or four people in my office who have come to work notably sick. My office mate was nice enough to go home when she thought she might be infecting people. People, no one is that important. Get yourselves well for yourselves and those around you.

The evidence is out there, going to work sick decreases productivity on a larger scale. Do yourself and everyone around you a favor and give your body some time to recuperate.

That is all.