Wednesday, July 30, 2008

P.S. I love you


I loved this book. I am a hopeless romantic and love, love, love romance novels. I mean, real romance, not trashy- explain every detail -pornographic-harlequin- types. If I wanted that, I would get a subscription to the Playboy channel (which if you know me, you know that I don't.) This was just a fun book to read. There is not any real deep, thought provoking, controversies for me to talk about. It is your typical "chic book" However, the ending was surprising and not what I expected. I can usually predict how these kind of books will end and I was pleasantly surprised. If you are looking for a fun book to read and like romance, this is a good one. I may or may not watch the movie.
I am back from my PartyLite conference. I am on a mission to re-vamp and re-build my business to where it was a while ago. It was the best decision I made. I am now more organized with my time with my office hours and homeschooling. I am pretty much unavailable Mon-Thu all day but Fridays are my free days and I need it or I would lose the little bit of sanity I still have. There is no rule that says children have to be in school 5 days a week and with homeschooling I have the freedom to take every Friday off. I also get the joy of sleeping at the time most parents are getting their children up and ready for school. I can truly say I do not miss the battle of pulling three children out of bed at a time that is not natural for them to get up. This family is not a family of morning people and we would all sleep until past 8:00 most days. (I paid my dues with breast feeding three children at all hours of the night and I am enjoying this time of not having to get up thank you very much) I do not miss the threats of "IF you do not get up now, I am going to..." or having to run out the door, in my jammies, hair all disheveled, throwing cheerios into a sandwich bag for breakfast because my alarm did not go off at the horrible hour of 6:30 a.m. I also save money on hot lunches and groceries because I don't have to pack a lunch for them. I also enjoy not having to spend the hundreds of dollars on school supplies for my child, but alas, they are for the whole class to use. (I home school for about a 100.00 the entire year for all three children) I also don't have to drive to pickup my children from the bus stop in the middle of the afternoon. In August, we will start around 8:30 and be done by 12:00. I just want you to think of me (while you are doing all the things I used to)in my bed and slowly getting up at 7:00, taking my time to get coffee and read my bible (he he he) In case you are wondering, my children are very well socialized and not sheltered little robots. They have lots of friends that are not home schooled and will be doing various activities in the fall(provided the funds are available) Most likely Janessa will do soccer, Abby will do gymnastics, and Hannah, well, she is five and changes her mind every other day of what she wants to do.
I do not want to say that homeschooling is for everybody and I don't feel that everybody should or can do it. I was one of those who said,"I could never do that" I believe that a lot of people could, but fear of the unknown stops them. That was my fear. I had no idea where to start. But, with help from friends and the Internet we had a pretty good first year. It is a commitment and sometimes a struggle with the battle of the wills but I enjoy every minute of it.
I am currently reading All the King's Men. I will blog on that when I am finished. It is a tough read. It goes a little slow for my taste.

Monday, July 14, 2008

CANCER SUCKS








CANCER SUCKS



It takes away family members before their time so grandchildren can never know their grandpa or grandma. It takes away the right for a daughter to have her dad walk her down the aisle, to miss out on a father daughter dance at her own wedding or to miss the birth of grandchildren or another daughter to not have the joy and privelge of growing up with her Dad to help her through those difficult teenage years.



CANCER SUCKS



It causes unbearable pain sometimes for months, even years. It takes life away before you are expecting it to. It can take away your right to say goodbye in a proper way and can leave some regretting words they have said when they get the call in the middle of the night



CANCER SUCKS BUT...



There are those that get cured and find complete healing through toxic drugs and radiation being put into their bodies so that those they come in contact with can be blessed more than they realize. Survivors show us that all is not hopeless.



CANCER SUCKS BUT GOD IS BIGGER...



God takes us to places to make us stronger and ultimately in the end, for those that know Jesus, Cancer has no victory. Healing comes whether it is here physically or "home" with Him. Heaven has no place for pain, suffering, or sadness. Those that have gone home to be with the Lord feel no more pain, have their voice back, and would never want to come back here for one second. They know that those of left behind that know Him will get to spend eternity together....and eternity compared to the short time here is the biggest blessing of all.

This is dedicated to all who have had to deal with cancer in one way or another. Especially my two friends who just passed away, Debbie and Pam, Sat July 12th. Also, my grandfather, who I never knew and my grandma who passed on in 1992. Also, to my survivor friends Dana and Debbie.






Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Lord of The Flies


Please click link for a synopsis :Lord of The Flies I absolutely loved this book. This was a very easy read and finished it in about three days. I do not have any complaints. It is a book I always have wanted to read but have never had the opportunity. This is also a book that is usually required reading in high school but once again was never required in the classes I was in. You must be thinking to yourselves "Did you read anything?" I can answer yes, I did and you must be kept in suspense until I get to those books on the list. There are a couple that are not on the list but will be reading such as"the Scarlett Letter", "Jane Eyre" and lots of Shakespeare: There is one thing that completely amazed me with this book is the fact that a bunch of kids actually survived for as long as they did by themselves. (There are many of the male species I know who have to call their wives to find out where the can opener is so this book proves that they actually could survive without us...until they all die off because let's face it we are needed to create new life) It also shows that there needs to be order to things and some sort of government to keep things from getting out of control and turning into savage beasts. (I am not completely anti government just anti-communist/socialist) This really does show that once it comes to survival with no rules...the stronger shall survive. We also need laws to show us and guide us to what is right and what is wrong. We may live in a day where there are "no absolutes" (which really is an oxymoron because those that actually believe in "no absolutes" are "absolutely" sure they are right) but in reality laws are what keep things running smoothly, for the most part. I believe that most people are "good" (this is on a human standpoint...spiritually is a whole other blog altogether and I am always happy to share my beliefs) and want to do the right thing, and I believe it is because of rules and laws. It is also the fact that 99.9% of people are born with a conscience (not necessarily common sense) and do know what is right and what is wrong. However, in this book it shows that adults are needed to guide those that are younger so complete chaos does not take over.
This will be the last blog for a few days. I need to get through the next book I am currently reading and then you will hear more from me.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Catcher in the Rye




Please click the link to get a synopsis:Catcher in the Rye There are two reasons I picked this book. One it is on the list and I plan to read all the books on the list. The other is because I have heard and read that this book was very controversial. I, of course, then had to read it on that basis alone. This point in my life, being in my thirties, I have learned that I need to form my own opinions on my knowledge alone not based on what other people have told me or what they think I should do. (oh, if I only learned this in my twenties, the heartaches I would have saved myself) I really did enjoy this book. It was vastly entertaining. However, on that note, I soon found out what the controversy is. The phrase G_ D___ is used all over the place. Also towards the end, another word is used, that to me, is vastly offensive (another word used to describe the act ofpro create to put it mildly) I totally believe a good book can be written without having to actually have these words be used. That being said, I do realize that words are really just words and depending on what culture you live in, the people in that culture have decided what words are "bad" words. In this country there are words that we consider "bad" and that is just the way it is. I can even say the d word comes out, under my breath, more than I like to admit ( I blame having children that like to make me crazy all day long) However, I always say God does not have a last name and we in this country just throw His name around like it has no meaning and that is wrong. This book has been given for reading in high school English classes around the country, and this is where the controversy lies. Luckily, I had teachers who thought of the minds they had an impression on and were very careful as to what we should read and not. I did go to a high school which, back in that time, was pretty conservative. Parents were also more involved when I went to school (and really when I think about it was not that long ago--unless you are a teenager reading this than you probably think I am as old as dirt. 16 years is a very short time for things to change as much as they have) and did not just rely on the teacher to educate but actually got involved in one way or another. I also had parents who thought that if there was going to be any damage done physically or emotionally that would go up to that classrooom faster than you could even say the title of the book I am writing on. Most of the parents of the kids I went to school with were like this and I believe that makes a world of difference in what is taught in our schools. I would not allow my teenager to read this in the high school years due to the language and also the sexual references throughout. This is one of the things I love about homeschooling, I get to monitor what they will read. I will never be one of those parents who just sits back and says "Well ,I heard it was good so read it" or "Well, the teacher picked it so it must be o.k." If my children were in the public school system then I would be reading what they were reading right along with them. Now that i have gotten off my soapbox, I really enjoyed getting into the mind of the main character on his three day journey and the things that he endured along the way. It also gives some insight into the mind of a teenage boy and the way their brains work. I also got out of it, a lot of what is mentioned above. It is our job as parents to raise our children, not hope that somebody else can take care of the problem elsewhere with an education in another place. It also shows that just because you have money does not mean that there are less problems. Kids face the same issues whether they are from money or not. Sometimes there may even be more issues.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Brave New World




Please click to get a synopsis :Brave New World I believe that this is a book teachers require for reading in some high school classrooms. I, however did not get the chance to. I was required to read other novels and plan to read them again since most are on the list mentioned in the first blog. I will try to remember all of them, but that was a while ago. I really did enjoy this book. It was a slow start but it soon got rolling and I could barely put it down. I really only have one thing to say after reading this... When it comes to the government, I am all for the "less is more" concept. I don't actually think that this story will actually happen, but then again I never thought that gas would be $4.00 a gallon. (let's not go there..I would have to create another blog on that alone.) We already do have the capabilities of creating people without actually having to do it the way God intended and all of you know what I mean. I also am under the belief the government wants to have as much control over us as they can....I mean, come on, look at the tax laws. Who actually knows them all? There are too many to mention. I can honestly say those will be some books I will never read (unless I feel the need to die from boredom) Plus, from what I understand there is not one single human being who can even understand all of it...yet I digress. Another point of control, are the regulations on, well, how can I say this....everything!!! We have laws on everything. Heck, there are probably laws that I am breaking posting this blog. That was sarcasm by the way. I do believe that every government in the entire world would love nothing better than to be able to control the minds, actions, and thoughts of every person out there all in the name of the "better good". You can probably tell by now that I am a conservative and registered republican. (although I am not very happy with some of the people in that party either) I am in now way shape or form a liberal. I also do not want the government to be in so much control of my life that I can not even think for myself and be able to function, work, and raise my family as I see is best. I believe that the forefathers would turn over in their graves, come out and slap everybody in charge if they knew where this country has gone. Yet, I am still thankful to be able to write my own opinions without having to worry about somebody coming in and taking away my computer because I may cause people to think. I am 100% proud to call myself an American and I am so grateful that I live here where I have the freedom to be able to open my bible and read it and proclaim proudly that I am a born again Christian and believe the bible is 100% true. You may not agree with me and that is o.k. that is the beauty of this country, you are allowed to disagree and not be shunned for it.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

The First Post

Wow!! My first post...How exciting!!! Well, it is to me anyway. I have dabbled a little into blogging on Myspace (please see my links to connect to mine). However, what inspired to actually start strictly a blog is my good friend Dana. We share a great love for giant cups of coffee and great books. I decided to write about the books that I have read and share my thoughts on them. I also plan to share things that go on with me and my world...but mostly books. It has recently become an obsession of mine to soak into my brain as much reading as I can as I have come to discover that television is just mindless entertainment that I can really do without. (Except when Grey's Anatomy comes on...then don't call, don't plan anything)

So my plan right now is to read the following books from the
modern library 100 best. I have highlighted the ones I have already read just in the past month. I have read some before this but will post about each one in future blogs.

ULYSSES by James Joyce
THE GREAT GATSBY by F. Scott Fitzgerald
A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG MAN by James Joyce
LOLITA by Vladimir Nabokov
BRAVE NEW WORLD by Aldous Huxley
THE SOUND AND THE FURY by William Faulkner
CATCH-22
DARKNESS AT NOON by Arthur Koestler
SONS AND LOVERS by D.H. Lawrence
THE GRAPES OF WRATH by John Steinbeck
UNDER THE VOLCANO by Malcolm Lowry
THE WAY OF ALL FLESH by Samuel Butler
1984 by George Orwell
I, CLAUDIUS by Robert Graves
TO THE LIGHTHOUSE by Virginia Woolf
AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY by Theodore Dreiser
THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER by Carson McCullers
SLAUGHTERHOUSE-FIVE by Kurt Vonnegut
INVISIBLE MAN by Ralph Ellison
NATIVE SON by Richard Wright
HENDERSON THE RAIN KING by Saul Bellow
APPOINTMENT IN SAMARRA by John O'Hara
U.S.A. (trilogy) by John Dos Passos
WINESBURG, OHIO by Sherwood Anderson
A PASSAGE TO INDIA by E.M. Forster
THE WINGS OF THE DOVE by Henry James
THE AMBASSADORS by Henry James
TENDER IS THE NIGHT by F. Scott Fitzgerald
THE STUDS LONIGAN TRILOGY by James T. Farrell
THE GOOD SOLDIER by Ford Madox Ford
ANIMAL FARM by George Orwell
THE GOLDEN BOWL by Henry James
SISTER CARRIE by Theodore Dreiser
A HANDFUL OF DUST by Evelyn Waugh
AS I LAY DYING by William Faulkner
ALL THE KING'S MEN by Robert Penn Warren
THE BRIDGE OF SAN LUIS REY by Thornton Wilder
HOWARDS END by E.M. Forster
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN by James Baldwin
THE HEART OF THE MATTER by Graham Greene
LORD OF THE FLIES by William Golding
DELIVERANCE by James Dickey
A DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF TIME (series) by Anthony Powell
POINT COUNTER POINT by Aldous Huxley
THE SUN ALSO RISES by Ernest Hemingway
THE SECRET AGENT by Joseph Conrad
NOSTROMO by Joseph Conrad
THE RAINBOW by D.H. Lawrence
WOMEN IN LOVE by D.H. Lawrence
TROPIC OF CANCER by Henry Miller
THE NAKED AND THE DEAD by Norman Mailer
PORTNOY'S COMPLAINT by Philip Roth
PALE FIRE by Vladimir Nabokov
LIGHT IN AUGUST by William Faulkner
ON THE ROAD by Jack Kerouac
THE MALTESE FALCON by Dashiell Hammett
PARADE'S END by Ford Madox Ford
THE AGE OF INNOCENCE by Edith Wharton
ZULEIKA DOBSON by Max Beerbohm
THE MOVIEGOER by Walker Percy
DEATH COMES FOR THE ARCHBISHOP by Willa Cather
FROM HERE TO ETERNITY by James Jones
THE WAPSHOT CHRONICLES by John Cheever
THE CATCHER IN THE RYE by J.D. Salinger
A CLOCKWORK ORANGE by Anthony Burgess
OF HUMAN BONDAGE by W. Somerset Maugham
HEART OF DARKNESS by Joseph Conrad
MAIN STREET by Sinclair Lewis
THE HOUSE OF MIRTH by Edith Wharton
THE ALEXANDRIA QUARTET by Lawrence Durell
A HIGH WIND IN JAMAICA by Richard Hughes
A HOUSE FOR MR BISWAS by V.S. Naipaul
THE DAY OF THE LOCUST by Nathanael West
A FAREWELL TO ARMS by Ernest Hemingway
SCOOP by Evelyn Waugh
THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE by Muriel Spark
FINNEGANS WAKE by James Joyce
KIM by Rudyard Kipling
A ROOM WITH A VIEW by E.M. Forster
BRIDESHEAD REVISITED by Evelyn Waugh
THE ADVENTURES OF AUGIE MARCH by Saul Bellow
ANGLE OF REPOSE by Wallace Stegner
A BEND IN THE RIVER by V.S. Naipaul
THE DEATH OF THE HEART by Elizabeth Bowen
LORD JIM by Joseph Conrad
RAGTIME by E.L. Doctorow
THE OLD WIVES' TALE by Arnold Bennett
THE CALL OF THE WILD by Jack London
LOVING by Henry Green
MIDNIGHT'S CHILDREN by Salman Rushdie
TOBACCO ROAD by Erskine Caldwell
IRONWEED by William Kennedy
THE MAGUS by John Fowles
WIDE SARGASSO SEA by Jean Rhys
UNDER THE NET by Iris Murdoch
SOPHIE'S CHOICE by William Styron
THE SHELTERING SKY by Paul Bowles
THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE by James M. Cain
THE GINGER MAN by J.P. Donleavy
THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS by Booth Tarkington

It is only 100 books. I am not giving myself a time limit. However, my very type A personality will make me read every single book on this list. Yet, I am not so plan oriented that I will not deviate form this list when the occasion arises. I currently am going to be reading two books. The first is "P.S. I love you " the reason being is I really want to see the movie but have decided that if a movie was made from a book already written than I will read the book first. The other is The first book in "The Spiderick Chronicles", which I am reading to my eldest daughter. AS you can see ...they are not on the list. I also tend to get a little obsessive and think that if I want to read a book than everybody wants to so I check out 5-10 at a time from the library...which i love, love, love!!!! I will post tomorrow on the books I have recently read and give my very humble (hehehe) opinion on them.