Read and Run

2008-12-17T22:28:00.001-08:00

maybe I will.

Hardcore Book Club

2008-12-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

I started a book club. It's called the Hardcore Book Club. Hardcore members only. This means: no vampires, no church books (rude, sorry), no Oprah crap books...just some hardcore reading.

First book: A Tale of Two Cities. I've never read it, didn't choose it, but think it's probably pretty hardcore. If you want to read along.

2008-05-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

I've already read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Last summer. I think it was good even though it feels boring right now.
I'm the same with the reading ADD thing. I stopped reading Tess when the bad guy showed up in the last section. Didn't feel like dealing with that all the sudden.
What should we read?
I need a book even though i told Cam I was off books for a long time. I'd rather spend my time doing nothing productive and eating. Help.

2008-05-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

Where are you watching this fascinating show? Through your neighbor's window? I'd like to know so we can watch it, too. I like shows where contestants say balls. I challenge you to use this sentence with a stranger by Friday: I'd do it if I had the balls.

Shall we read a book together? I haven't really read a book since..........February? Sad. I have reading A.D.D. or something. Glad I'm not the only one unable to finish books. Forget Tess and the whole Stonehenge ending.

Remember Stonehenge on that movie, This is Spinal Tap? If not, ask Cam.

Or is it Stone Henge?

Have you read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn? If you want to start it, I'll pick it back up again. Or give me a title and I'll read it. Including what you have started on your own book...send it my way.

L took ten steps today.

2008-05-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

Cam and I are watching Ultimate Fighter the TV show where they all live in a house and swear. Its awesome.
Sort of like watching the OC.
or House.

They say things like "I get a lot of positive feedback. Now I just need the balls to use it." It's fight day and I am very nervous.

I has to stop reading Tess near the end because the bad guy just came back into the picture and I wasn't in the mood.

Next I want to read something. I don't know what. What should I read? What should we read? I also think that maybe I'm onto a new book. I need to send along what I have.

2008-04-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

Actually, Tess of the D's was one of my favorites. So tragic. Poor girl. I haven't read a classic....mmmmm....since college?

Can't find A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. It's around here somewhere...

Into Thin Air...read it. I forgot to leave it with my parents. You will not be able to get the images out of your mind. Teaser: Did you know that as you climb Everest you pass corpses all along the way? Just frozen, dead bodies. Oh wait, did I already tell you that?

In other news, Laisa bought me the coolest book for my birthday. It's an A-Z book on kids and how they died.

Examples:

B is for Basil assaulted by bears.

K is for Kate who was struck with an axe.

L is for Leo who swallowed some tacks.

I might buy it for you or I might forget.

2008-04-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

i AM READING Tess of the D'Urberville's. Don't ask me why. I just found it on the shelf and thought, ehh, why not. I like it and there are still notes I wrote so diligently from when I read it in college.

I've read a Tree Grows in Brooklyn and I waNT TO read Into Thin Air. V keeps hitting the caps.

I also made homemade graham crackers. Does that make me equal to you know who? I didn't take pictures though. Shoot.

Also, are Coleman and his wife getting a divorce or are they on Divorce Court just for show? Cam and I are not in agreement on this. Please explain. Also, also, I forgot to ask you about the Bachelor situation. I haven't watched the latest but plan to tonight (even though I already know who's off due to reading People, ugh). I'm actually pretty shocked.
Theend.

Three Months?

2008-04-08T13:57:00.001-07:00

We haven't blogged in three months! Quick update:

1. I baked meat loaf for dinner last night (Billy Joel's wife's recipe)(only the best around here)
2. I really liked Elder Ballard's talk on mothers.
3. I have started plenty of books lately, but only finished a few. Books I started:

Eat, Pray, Love
Wednesday Wars
Cut
Into the Wild

Books I finished:

Into Thin Air
The Other Boleyn Girl
I'm sorry; there are no other titles for this category.

4. Little L can climb all of our stairs now.

5. I'm currently reading, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

Whatcha reading?

2008-01-26T18:28:00.000-08:00

Tod has been out of town this weekend.
So I blogged a bit more than usual.
I spent (total over the entire two days) four hours on a blog.
She will not be named.

But...

She makes homemade cakes from scratch for her kids' birthdays.
She reupholsters furniture.
She paints animals to hang in her kids' rooms.
She uses whole wheat pasta when she cooks.
She makes all Halloween costumes herself.

So...

I finally turned off the computer earlier this evening. I had to stop. I turned it off and took a tour of my house. I searched for ONE OBJECT I'VE CREATED in this house. The only thing I could find that I'd made was the protein shake in my hand.

Well...

I am trying to figure out why I'm not creative. Why doesn't my mind scream ideas all day long? Why don't I break branches off of lemon trees so I can hang my paper mache blossoms to them and arrange them in vases I've hand painted? Why don't I think to buy vintage fabric at Joanne's, then wood at Lowe's so I can come home, stretch the fabric over the wooden frames I've built and arrange them in my guest rooms?

I'm going to go take a hot shower sitting on the floor.

Struggling

2008-01-20T19:54:00.000-08:00

I'm about 30 pages into E, P, L and so far it's okay. I understand the appeal and why people love it; she's clever and vulnerable and searching for spirituality. We've all felt lonely, we've all felt depressed, we've all wondered who we really are. However, I'm annoyed sometimes and not feeling motivated to finish. It's probably just me, resisting what a lot of people love.

I was the same with with Harry Potter.

I will finish and report my decision.

Next book:

2008-01-09T18:32:00.000-08:00

We are reading this next. Only because we want to.

Not because she told us to. Join us and we'll find out what the big deal is.

Triathlon Calendar

2008-01-08T09:21:00.001-08:00

Click here and put in your votes.

Moo goes the chicken

2008-01-07T19:39:00.000-08:00

We are cutting Cut. Our next book will be . . . tba by Holly. Until then, I just ate some brown bag popcorn and it was DELICIOUS. I also was going to go running/workout but Cam had to go back to work tonight. Will I ever get to workout and fulfill my dream of running more and more triathlons and being a calm energetic mom who says Moo goes the cow? That remains to be seen.

Rolanda...

2007-12-18T18:57:00.000-08:00

I read about 10 pages of Boy Toy and then I put it down for a week. That's how good it began. But I'm about to walk upstairs, get in my bed, and try to continue reading. Since then, I've been dabbling in these readings instead. Quite a spectrum, I know.

Hang in there and read 13 Reasons Why first. So we can talk. And maybe go for a walk although I've heard through the grapevine that you look super skinny. So maybe don't walk.

And I will see you next week! I want to try P712 with you! And get organized. Bye.

A love letter

2007-12-18T07:51:00.000-08:00

Dear ReadandRun,
I have not received any of my books yet. No 13 Reasons Why, no Boy Toy, no anything. However, I have read the Clique and A Christmas Carol and part of We Were the Mulroneys and part of My Brother the Dog while waiting. Please let my books come soon,
Love, Rolanda.

PS is Boy Toy worth the wait?
PPS I do not run
PPPS or exercise.

It's here! It's here!

2007-12-11T19:56:00.001-08:00

I will begin...tomorrow. Anyone else reading this with us?

P.S. I don't recommend searching for this book cover online unless you include the author's name. Whoops.

P.P.S. When is our next race? And where? And Katy...are you coming? I say yes.

2007-11-21T21:56:00.000-08:00

I'm impressed. Did Mel B. get kicked off?
I have to read Speak again for my class.
I'm also going to read Boy Toy.
Tomorrow I'm going to make cranberry sauce.
I should be writing about death.
Instead I'm trying to watch project runway online but it's not working.
What do you think about the bachelor?

2007-11-20T20:53:00.001-08:00

I don't want to take away from your scary story, but this story is sort of scary, too.

We were watching DWTS last night (figure it out) and Mel B. (Spice Girl) did the splits four times in a row.

Tod: Wow! That is hard!

Me: It's not that hard.

Tod: Can you do the splits?

Me: Sure I can.

Tod: Do it.

Me: Right now?

Tod: Yeah.

So I did. I broke into the right side splits right there on our bed. He nodded his head then kept watching the show. I am 98% certain I injured myself. I'm not sore today, just injured. This is a secret, though, because I need to be as good as Mel B.

I'm glad your little man is okay. And just count your blessings that your hamstring is in tact.

2007-11-19T06:59:00.000-08:00

My little baby almost died during Relief Society today. He started choking (really really really choking) on one of these little guys. I started bawling. He wasn't making any sound and I was hitting his back and I'd swiped his mouth and the lesson had stopped and everyone was sort of holding their breath and the pediatric nurse sitting right in front of me didn't grab him. Then he started sort of crying so I thought he was okay so I took him into the hall and then he started convulsing. I have to go now because he wants some yogurt but this is to be continued . . .

I'm back, so he was sort of convulsing and the first counselor had come out and was trying to take him from me and I was cry yelling "Get Carrie" (the pediatric nurse) but first counselor wasn't paying attention to my hysterics. Instead, she took him and she made a little knuckle and told me this is how you do it and she did the heimlich on him. A goldfish came out. In tact.

Later Carrie told me that's not how you do it for kids under a year and that you're supposed to do this other thing but I was sort of numb and so glad she did do it even if it was dangerous because then he could wail like he wanted to wail and then he hugged me but not really and then when I went in the mother's room to calm down he tried to get off my lap to see what the paper towel dispenser looked like from the bottom up.

After I got my druthers together and went back into the RS room to get my stuff, I told the Relief Society President that we should have an enrichment on CPR and choking techniques. I even said, "I think that's a lot more important than learning how to make bread." She agreed.

He slept that night from 5:00pm to 4:00am. He drank a little at 5:02 and then went back to sleep until 7:30. He was truamatized too.

Pump it up

2007-10-30T18:41:00.000-07:00

I just want to say I am very excited for the race. For several reasons. First of all, we were all pregnant last year and now we are racing! I am also excited to swim in this huge pool. Zig zag. I want to tell you to pump it up this week. When I say pump IT I mean the volume. Pump up the volume and tell everyone that Saturday is the day.

Good luck tomorrow with treats. I may eat a piece of candy but I honestly like to cut out crap the week before. Do what you can. I am adding an inspirational picture from last year's race. I took this picture. He is the real deal.

I hope this race will be the beginning of years of racing. Eventually the Ironman. Right, Ann Dee? Or maybe we could do it relay style. In Hawaii. See you Friday, ladies. I'm proud of you.

2007-10-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

DO you REALLY think she faked it? Does she really have it in her?
I can't wait to see you.
Even if I have to die to make it happen.
Die in the pool or on the road, it does not matter.
My last reeses will happen tonight. And maybe a late run.
Or maybe not.

Did you see the horror star flicks? Have you seen leprechaun? I'd like to watch it.

2007-10-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

Did everyone stop posting because of the new color scheme? Be honest. Ann Dee -- thanks for getting the bikes. Milli, thanks for commenting on our blog. I'd like to thank T for watching L while I run. Jog.

In other news, I think she faked it.

Update

2007-10-16T08:15:00.001-07:00

I biked yesterday and it was hard. Today I will try to run. No, today I will run. Here is the problem: I eat a lot of candy.

Here's another problem: yesterday at ROSS our cashier had 1. a beard (female beard)(but shaven), 2. bad acne, 3. a lazy eye AND 4. spoke with a severe stutter. Just having one of those is bad enough, but she had all four. Go back through the list and really picture this person. So those are my main problems right now.

2007-10-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

I didn't.
I will.
I think.
I walked around the block five and a half times.
I talked about swimming A LOT.
And I ate two brownies and some lasagna too!

2007-10-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

signed

today

did

you?

I also jogged half the loop today, walked around the block with L, climbed our stairs a few times, ate a piece of homemade cake, and had lasagna for lunch and dinner. Goodbye.

2007-10-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday

- jogged the loop
- more crunches

Today

- walked the loop with my little guy
- some lunges
- more crunches

This weekend

- we're flying to Seattle for a funeral so probably nothing. But a lot of eating. How are you? I'll post on Monday when we return.

2007-10-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

I was going to go around my block four times again (which would be around 2.something miles) but then I didn't. Even after i talked to Millie on the phone and told her to start exercising more better.
More better and better.
I am the loser.
But I won't feel guilty.
Instead, tomorrow, I'll run five times around the loop and I'll do some push ups.

I did walk around the block with V.
And he frustrated me a few times today and that took a lot of energy
Plus I ate cookies.

This is what I did

2007-10-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

1. Jogged the loop
2. 200 crunches when I got home
3. Walked out to get the mail

I am going to open this up to anyone training for our triathlon. Tell us what you've done. Millie, I'd like to hear from you specifically. I think it's helpful to report.

Yesterday

2007-10-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

I did nothing. I'm not going to lie. However, today I have hopes of jogging the loop. That's 3.5 miles. I will let you know how it goes but I wanted to post my goal so that I actually do it today. I'm glad you ran around the block four times. Like you said, start somewhere. Oprah says the best way to get motivated is to DO what you need motivation to do. I think we should all listen to Oprah more often.

I made cam sit on the porch

2007-10-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

and do his homework while I ran around our circle in the pitch dark night.
.6 of a mile.
I went around four times.
I almost got attacked.
Every time I passed our house I was huffing and yelled something like, I'm here. I'm not dead.
He'd nod and push a button on his calculator.

So that's me.
I'm tired and sore and it was only two miles.

Gotta start somewhere.
Triathlon, here I come.

Tofu and Pizza

2007-09-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

Bad news. I've been doing nothing. As in no biking, no swimming, no running, nada. I have no excuse. Except for the past three weeks I've been feeling like crap (headache, nausea, sore throat) so I started to think I was pregnant because it kind of always feels like I'm pregnant because feeling pregnant feels crappy but crappy for a reason so it's not SO bad crappy. But I'm not pregnant and I don't really want to be pregnant because I'd go nuts. I need at least six more months. At least.
So
I haven't been doing anything.
BUT I am feeling better, I know I'm not pregnant and I am committed to doing the triathlon whether I die at the end or not so I better get going.

In other news, I've read some of Middlesex and I wasn't so into it. I couldn't finish Consuming Kids either and I'm up for Into the Wild later. I bought the Kite Runner at Costco because a review on Barnes and Noble compared my book to it so I thought, why not.

I hope you're ready for this weekend.

V misses L.

Middlesex then Into the Wild

2007-09-22T10:20:00.001-07:00

I actually did NOT remove this blog from my account...I think I accidentally have two accounts, so it gets confusing. I'll explain one day when we have nothing to talk about.

I tried reading Consuming Kids and couldn't. I can read bits and pieces, but I couldn't get through consecutive chapters. Interesting info, but my attention span wasn't long enough.

I am beginning Middlesex today by Jeffrey Eugenides (Virgin Suicides). No, Oprah didn't tell me to, I wanted to on my own. After Middlesex I'd like to read Into the Wild. Sean Penn just wrote and directed a movie based on the book which is based on a true story of a boy who wandered the country to find himself and they found him starved to death weighing 68 lbs. Wanna join? I'm starting with Middlesex first, then the other. Then, I don't know. I couldn't find the underline button so I just italicized the titles. Was that wrong?

How's training? I'm focusing mostly on my running because that's what really kicks my butt. Tod made me run stairs the other day at the high school and it was painful. I'd like a tri-update, please. On everyone.

(This is a picture of the bus this guy lived in while he wandered around Alaska. These are his boots. That is his face.)(I find it fascinating)

What are you reading?

2007-09-17T19:28:00.000-07:00

Why did you take our blog off your profile? I mean it's fine, I'm just wondering if you got some unsightly comments or something.
Are you embarrassed by me?
Do you we had never created this little piece of heaven?
Do think Brit should be on the cover of Maxim?
That's all.

2007-09-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

Try this. You need to see it.

Also, why do you always remember embarassing things like how I saw her movie when I forget those things until you remind me?

I'll read the book but I am dragging through Meyer's last book. The first one held my interest, the second one was a little less fun and the third one is KILLING me. I want to finish it just so I can talk about how each book went downhill and know from experience. Plus, I've had it with all the typos.

If you want a playlist on this blog let me know because I've become a master webmaster and I can do lots of tricks in case you're interested.

2007-09-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

I tried to watch Britney at the VMAs on youtube because I don't have TV and because this is a major national crisis--I can't be one of the ignorant. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a decent video. I'm very worried but you should be more worried--you grew up with her, you watched her movie, you danced her dances. Are you okay? How can I help?

Also, I just finished Al Capone Does My Shirts. Newberry Honor. Boring.
I'm starting The Wet Engine by Brian Doyle. It's a memoir and I'm requiring it for my personal history class. Maybe you should read it. Or maybe not. I also need to read The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion.
And this Hugo Cabret book

Whaddya think?

2007-09-10T10:26:00.001-07:00

What happened to her?

2007-08-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

Lately I drink a protein shake for breakfast. It is delicious. The problem is, I'm supposed to use this much peanut butter:

Instead I sometimes use this much:

But it really is delicious and hey, protein...

2007-08-23T13:14:00.001-07:00

2007-08-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

Cam

2007-08-21T18:23:00.001-07:00

celebrity look alikes

2007-08-21T18:14:00.001-07:00

2007-08-19T18:05:00.001-07:00

Since you tagged me awhile ago, here are my eight facts. I am not going to post the rules because I'm breaking most of them:

1. This is the first time in my life that I've had real cleavage.
2. One time I crashed my grandpa's car. I was five. You were there and Katy saved me.
3. I made my first successful roast tonight.
4. I once started writing a book when I was 11 until I realized my plot was a combination of the movies MASK and MY GIRL.
5. I'm a very efficient person.
6. I secretly wanted the Relief Society basket all summer and today I got it.
7. I hate all animals except those found in the ocean.
8. One time I was showing you and Katy how I wiped the counters like on CHEERS and Katy told me I was totally wrong.

Tri update:

Last week I swam, jogged, did a Cindy Crawford workout DVD and walked a lot. I will try to up the jogging this week. I jogged for 20 minutes and it was hard.

Book update:

Ordered Consuming Kids. Will start when it arrives. Finished TWILIGHT and thought how much more I would've enjoyed it 12 years ago.

Baby update:

Lennon is now smiling a lot. And last night I fed him at 3 am and he threw it all up. So we started all over again.

2007-08-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

I read the Glass Castle right before I had the baby, so maybe you could read that while I read Consuming Kids? The Glass Castle was fascinating -- I couldn't put it down. So I'd say let's do both.

I swam 30 laps last night. Breaststroke, slow. Tonight no workout because I've decided to attend a ward activity - - Picnic in the Park. Is that a lame excuse? I think it's a pretty good/noble one.

Soon it will be cool enough to run outside when the sun is actually up.

Teachers have to be at work next week. I am so glad that doesn't include me.

I think I'll do the November tri with you so I'll have more time...however, I still don't get how you race in a pool...I need more info.

Have you been swimming?

Oh, and P.S. I haven't had any of this since Sunday...

...or any of these...

...but if I see any that look like this, I may cave in.

2007-08-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

What do you think?

Does my butt look big in these?

2007-08-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Just so you know, I've read two chapters of Consuming Kids and there's been a brutal assault on these guys:

If you feel any allegiance to them/want L to love them, you may want to steer clear of this book. I'm just saying . . .

And about the triathlon, I found this training schedule and it looks doable. I'm kind of excited. There's a TURKEY triathlon on November 3rd in Orem. It's a backwards triathlon and you swim in the Orem Rec Center pool at the end and people throw turkey (just the white meat, don't worry) at you when you finish. Would you consider coming and doing that one?

2007-08-14T14:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, I walked four miles the last two nights so tonight I will either try to jog the loop OR swim 30 laps. I will report tomorrow. Do you think you'll do this one with me?

And like I mentioned on the phone, I sort of missed the Shug boat so maybe I'll hop on the Consuming Kids one and we can discuss.

And I am nervous to try and jog a real route and don't get mad because it's been six weeks so it's legal and safe and normal now.

And yes, I could have emailed all this to you but I'm not ashamed of any information I post.

My Progress Thus Far

2007-08-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

I'm about 20 pages into Shug. It's pretty good . . . we'll see. I also ran 1.8 miles today. But there were two hills. Tomorrow I'm going to run, I don't know, 2.2 miles? We'll see.
AND
I'm going to try out my new GOGGLES I hope. Tonight. Double I hope.

2007-08-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

Just to clear things up, ANYONE and EVERYONE is invited to join Holly and me in our reads. We are starting Shug ASAP and I think it'll be good. Or not. But either way, it has a Popsicle on the front. You can comment too . . . if you want to . . . and if you care about reading and running and the welfare of people like Britney Spears.

Also, Holly has been pushing me to start training for a triathlon. I am scared. Very scared. BUT I'm going to at least try. Today I ran. I actually felt pretty good although I didn't go very far. I think the key was I got to bed early. Like 10:14. Seriously. It did my body good. Cam and I looked a swimsuits online. Then Cam measured my bust, waist and thighs to find out my REAl size. Sad. I didn't order a suit.
I also need goggles, a swim cap, and the guts to actually do this.

2007-07-31T18:58:00.000-07:00

Now you have to move back. Provo made people.com

2007-07-30T15:04:00.001-07:00

Shug, please. Now I have to go to the library. Let's race and see who gets it first. Doesn't count if you already have it and don't cheat like usual...

The prize for the winner is. . . TBA.

2007-07-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

What's your pick?

2007-07-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

What shall we read next? I just finished a true crimes Ann Rule book called Bitter Harvest. Actually, my version of finishing an Ann Rule book is getting to the part where the crime is committed. Then I stop reading. Why continue when I know who did what? So this is the second Ann Rule book I've stopped right in the middle. It's liberating; comparable to leaving a movie early just because.

So give me a title and we can resume.

Today while I was in the grocery store with Little L, I made an exit plan. He had been sort of fussy this morning so I became paranoid that he'd start screaming in the middle of the store. So I simply decided that if this happened, I'd abandon the shopping cart, walk straight out to the car and go home. I wouldn't even bother finishing the trip or purchasing the items. This alleviated a lot of stress and the trip was a successful one.

Sorry for jumping around on this one...that's what I get for not blogging in forever. P.S. today I had chocolate chips and a Crystal Light for lunch.

I am so excited to come out and visit V.

And yes, I am extremely worried about that girl, but Dina says her daughter is currently in a safe place. Thank goodness there are still girls with morals out there. Our poor sons.

Finally, this is how I plan to detract from my sagging belly. L and I are about to take a walk, too. Bye.

Cottage Cheese is very yummy

2007-07-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

I am very worried about this girl . Please advise.
Also, I'm tired.
Are you?
Can you get in the swimming pool yet?
I know you aren't reading Housekeeping but I am and it's taking me forever BUT it just started to get good.

I read your magazines every day.
Did you know JT insulted his fans? Why would he do that?
We should pick a YA book that will go fast for our next book.
I'll find one for us.

Please come here soon and bring your son.
This is what my legs look like:

This is what my chest looks like:

2007-07-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Except instead of nipples, my leaking breast pads show. And, she's outside, and I haven't done that much, either. And she's wearing a white shirt which I tried the other night and all I could see were breast pads and milk stains. So just the boobs look like mine. Is she in pain all day long?

Thanks for your last post. I miss you and can't wait to see you soon. And introduce Big V to Little L.

He's here

2007-07-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

I know you are still in the hospital holding your new baby soooooo you won't be responding to this soon but I just wanted to say . . . I am proud of you for the following things:

Getting your masters degree
Teaching people who jump out of moving cars and have kids before high school
Making those salads that one time for that one family that didn't end up eating any of it
Getting married before me
Becoming a real person before me
Not being scared of enduring the procedure pictured
Reading my books and telling me what to change
Wearing a Rainbow Brite nightgown
Having a swimming pool
Playing with baby while I Cam and I planted stuff
Being a sister
And most importantly, HAVING A BABY BOY!!!!

I love you, little miss!
THE END

p.s. I think we should read Marilynne Robinson's Housekeeping next.

Confessions...

2007-06-21T16:28:00.001-07:00

1. I quit reading To Kill a Mockingbird. I kept thinking, I've already read this, I've already read this. Sorry, couldn't do it.

2. I finished season II of Laguna Beach. R-I-V-E-T-I-N-G.

3. I'm now reading The Baby Whisperer. It is supposed to teach me how to meet my baby's needs without feeding it each time it cries. It cries for different reasons, you know.

4. I'm also reading Glass Castle.

5. My reading list became all askew when you left for Alaska. I hope the cruise was worth it.

6. I'm going to watch The Secret this afternoon at Tod's suggestion. I'd rather read it but my list is full these days.

7. I've only used my water weights and kickboard once this week. I'd rather just lay there.

8. This is what I want to eat all day, everyday (cherry lime flavor):

I miss you

2007-06-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

That woman SHOULD have been kicked off for breastfeeding a two year old. You'll be fine. P.S. I saw a Hooter Hider live and in person at the Cheesecake Factory yesterday. HAVE FUN!!

2007-06-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

I am going to have to nurse on the plane. Remember the lady who got kicked off her flight for breastfeeding? and then there was a national nurse in? I'm calling out the troops baby.

2007-06-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

I love the chair. What I love about it most is the color -- very you. And the pillow on it. My favorite picture is the one where baby is twisted in a seductive pose for the camera. What are you teaching him? My kid will NEVER roll under a bed. Good luck on the cruise.

I will miss you while you're gone. Even though I don't see you, I like to see your pictures and read about your day. I ran four errands today. Don't be mad, but one of them was picking up season II of Laguna Beach. It just happened. I've gotten to that point. I also went to the library and checked out the book. Let the reading begin.

2007-06-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

What, pray tell, would I do, with one eye open? I mean really? See the shark's teeth coming at me? Warn the captain to go starboard or whatever? Sheesh. And may I remind you, lil' missy, if we do go down, you become the matriarch of the entire leftover family. Good luck with that.

I would post a picture of my new old chair but I don't know how to work the stupid camera. I mean I've been taught on NUMEROUS occasions HOWEVER, this teaching has not, as they say, stuck. I know a cord is involved. I know pushing a few buttons is involved. I just don't know which cord or which buttons. I'd work harder at it but baby is sucking on the camera strap so it's really not possible.

BTW, baby rolled under the bed yesterday. If his head wasn't sticking out I never would have found him. I'm a fantastic mother. He also almost ate a price tag I left on his teddy bear. You should call Oprah.

ALSO, today I should be doing the wash, buying the diapers, making ready the house, preparing the book stuff, etc. etc. all for my departure but instead I am sitting in my bedroom watching baby suck on a camera strap.

I now am going to take a break from our sponsor and look for the cord thingy so I can show you my new chair because I'm kind of proud of it even though Shelby made it and then Kathy refurbished it and all I did was watch and say things like, Wow, that looks so cool.

Okay, it's now twenty minutes later. I'm back and I think I've got it all figured out. Here are some pictures of baby in his two favorite purple chairs*

*note: pics were inadvertently put at beginning of blog, suri

2007-06-12T12:48:00.000-07:00

Spent the morning in the pool. Thinking of all the different people I'd love to visit...but can't. I'd love to come see you and baby. I'd love to see family or friends who live in cool places. But I have to stay here. I feel like Paris when she was on house arrest for 15 hours. It's tough.

However, glad I have a pool, glad I have a moving baby inside, glad Tod is nice, glad you get to go on a fancy cruise this week. Just remember, sometimes they sink.

I'll go to the library today for Mockingbird. I swore I had a copy somewhere but can't find it. Maybe if I cleaned out the garage it would be there. I look at the garage each day, want to clean it each day, and then I get tired when I think about it and I sit down instead. I'm glad Kathy helped you with your room. I may start small and clean our bathroom first. I want to see a real picture of your new old chair. That's exciting!

More later, but just make sure you sleep with one eye open on the cruise...you never know when/if it's going down.

2007-06-11T22:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Lovely,
Are you cleaning out your garage? I'm not. Today Kathy helped me clean my room. That was nice. Now I feel better. I have a new used chair that I bought from Shelby. Kathy suggested we dye it. It now looks like this:I like it a lot.

I haven't started Mockingbird but I'm gonna. And I keep thinking about you and your house and your pool and your baby and your family.

Let's see . . . what else . . . I think that's all. I'm tired. My baby doesn't like to sleep and sometimes I laugh.

2007-06-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

We were egged last night. I said, Maybe it's because it was the last day of school. T said, No, it's because I used to egg people all the time in high school. I said, Oh.

Thanks for the video. I thought I'd return the favor by sharing the biggest and best news of 2007 thus far. We have a lot to be excited about.

I hope I can look like that after having a baby.

I had nightmares all night about teaching -- the kids wouldn't read, they kept leaving the classroom, they didn't like the book, they'd gang up on me, etc... I woke up and realized - I don't have to worry about this anymore. Now I worry about things like Lansinoh (sp?) and wipes and batteries for the bouncer and leaking amniotic fluid.

Lately, I've used the pool a lot. When my back hurts, I get in the water with my new workout equipment. That includes: two water weights and a kickboard. And then I feel better.

Now I have no school so I have a list of errands to run and maybe I'll organize a garage sale, then clean out the garage. Or maybe I won't do any of these things. Should I start TKAM?

Hooked

2007-06-09T06:21:00.000-07:00

Good morning. Because your husband is practically the Hoff, I thought this would brighten your day . . .

2007-06-08T19:47:00.001-07:00

Just thought I'd post these. Two of them are of you and two of them are of what you're going to look like after you have a baby. Good luck.

2007-06-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

Sounds good to me. I've actually only read it once so it will be a good review. I LOVE the bed and LOVE the bouncer even more. What did you get my baby? Babar will be up this week and I'll post pictures.

Also, how do I blog on Grandma's website?

Also, I am considering a blog for the baby when it comes. I may need help.

What secretaries say to me:

"Are you dilated?"

"That baby has DROPPED!"

"You look like you're ready to pop!"

"That belly doubled since Friday!"

Also, I took a tour of the maternity ward of my hospital and I saw these. And I got a little freaked out. I wish there was some other way...

Also, I want copies of your book to give to the English teachers at my school. I am also planning to send you powerpoints this week. Or next week. I think you'll enjoy them all.

Bye.

2007-06-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

True story as in that picture was a real WOMAN who was truly PREGNANT with five babies inside. True story. No kid, no boy -- a real woman. And sometimes, I feel that big. Sometimes.

You're right -- it was endearing that after years of taking the dead, Death stopped and examined human existence because of the Book Thief's life. Yes, and very ironic that Max survived while the healthy Germans in that town did not. Maybe we weren't supposed to ever know the mayor's wife.

I don't think it's shallow to take a long time to finish this book. I think it's laziness. It's easier for me to read a copy of Us Weekly than to pick up a book that means something. We're lazy. And a little shallow but only on the surface. Get it? Only on the surface?

Three more days with students.

Four more weeks until baby.

How many weeks until it will laugh like your baby?

How many weeks until it doesn't hurt to sit?

How many weeks before I figure out how to collapse a stroller while holding a kid and unlock the car door all at once?

2007-06-04T18:23:00.000-07:00

What do you mean a true story? The kid is pregnant? I don't understand. I also think it's weird you feel like a fat Asian boy.

Okay.

Here we go . . . I liked the foreshadowing too. It was actually genius in a lot of ways. Rather than wait, he just told the reader exactly what was going to happen--and of course if one of the main characters is going to die you have to find out the details. We thrive on stuff like that.

Ummm, Mayor's wife. I wanted more. I wanted to understand her. I guess it's okay.

Anne of Green Gables. Yeah. I could see it although Papa played a bigger part than Matthew.

I wished they would have kissed.

Ironic she saw Max again. He survived but no one else did? Interesting.

What about death? What is death like? I wondered where he takes them? I liked the point of view. Made me think about what a huge and sad job it would be and the Book Thief was the girl who made him stop and think.

What else, ummm, I wonder why it was so hard for me to get through. Your mom read it in like five days. I read the Boy Book and the Virgin Suicides in twenty four hours. The Book Thief took me about two months. Does that make me shallow? I think sort of.

Are you sitting on the shore of a lake right now?
Does your baby do somersaults?
I took Van to the doctor because he was coughing.
The doctor said he was fine.
So I took him swimming.
I think that's bad.

2007-06-02T11:06:00.001-07:00

That's funny...this is what I look like right now:

This picture is a true story by the way.

So about the Book Thief:

1. When you say foreshadowing, do you mean how we always sort of knew what would happen because Death told us first? I actually liked it because it made me pay closer attention to details so that when it did happen, I could put all the pieces together. Like Rudy's death. It was nice instead of an author trying to surprise us when everyone dies so we cry and cry because it's such a surprise.

2. Anne of Green Gables because a. orphaned girl b. hard-ass adoptive mother who softens and really likes having her around c. big hearted male figure who always cheers her up and then d. beating the odds by becoming the smartest, best reader ever...

3. The Mayor's wife whole leaving the window open with cookies sometimes was sort of Boo Radley-ish to me but still exciting. She was sad about her son and the war and her husband wasn't emotionally available? Or back then she just had to keep quiet?

4. Also, how did you feel about she and Max finding each other eventually? Sort of like yeah right but then great because he had been through a lot.

5. I loved the point of view, I liked the fact that she stole stuff, I liked Rudy but felt the saddest when he was dead and she'd never kissed him yet. That part probably made me the saddest.

I'm sorry Baby is sick but maybe it was your almond milk? I have no desire to make, drink or think about almond milk.

I'm picking up Babar pictures today framed so then I'll send pictures of the baby room. I like the powerpoint idea a lot -- or something like it. Some teacher assigns a project and you get to see into characters better by seeing what they come up with for the presentation. The funniest, too, is when horrible students use huge words they can't even pronounce.

Me: Mohamad, what does the word 'juxtaposition' mean?

2007-06-02T05:41:00.000-07:00

Sideways hugs? REally? Why?

This is what I look like right now:

I don't know why. It's weird. I just woke up and I was Bette Midler.

I think we should talk about the Book Thief before I forget everything.
I have some things:

What was going on with the Mayor's wife?
Did you like the foreshadowing in the book?
Kind of ironic, the whole thing, ehh?
Anne of Green Gables? But then everyone dies?
Would your students read this?
Did you like the ending?
Etc. etc.?

Also, I am making almond milk. I thought I'd try it . . . . because you know, I have nothing better to do. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Baby is sick. Coughing/hacking, sneezing, runny nose. So sad.
But he is still happy.

How's your baby?
How's the pool?
How's the lesbian powerpoint?
How's the lake?

Okay. Goodbye.

2007-05-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

Things I Love Today:

drive-through pharmacies

calendars

potato salad with extra salt

my couch

my air conditioning

sideways hugs

2 pm

2007-05-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Let's sign up.

2007-05-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

Things I want to do more:

sleep
swim
lay in the pool
sleep

2007-05-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

Things I don't want to do anymore
put on pants
clean toilets
pay bills
think of what to make for dinner
feel guilt about food storage
evaluate cellulite
wonder about book
listen to Kelly Clarkson
read TV guide

Things I do want to do more
whatever I want
go on walks with Baby
make stuff
make stuff and actually finish what I'm making
feel good about myself
feel good about how I'm taking care of my family
run
swim
bike
eat popcorn
read the scriptures
let me garden grow
laugh
make another book
see Winona

Things I Don't Want to do Anymore

2007-05-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

Grocery shop

Fill up car with gas

Refill prescriptions

Walk up stairs

Wake up at 5

Answer my students' questions

Make dinner

Any errands

2007-05-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe you'd never read VS. I will always love that book. I love the description of their bathroom, the obsession the boys have over that family, the dysfunction of the parents...and I especially love the party in their basement, and the final scene where one girl is dangling in the basement and it describes her shoes. So So So So morbid but sort of funny, too. I guess fascinating is a better word. I want to be in their neighborhood spying on them, too. Real life is never that interesting.

I like reading books with you. It's like we live close to each other but then not really at all.

Monday morning when I drove away, I daydreamed of the day I won't be driving to work at 6 am but starting on a walk with my baby in its Bjorn instead. Sigh.

Lamest excuse to see the nurse (as of today):

"I just stuck my pencil into my skin and now my hand's gone numb. I think I have lead poisoning. Can I go to the nurse?"

Me: "Sure, take your time."

Mostly because that kid is a pain the butt anyway so I won't mention I've seen this trick or that pencils are no longer made out of lead.

I loved having you both here, too. I wish you lived closer. I'll tell you when a house is up for sell nearby.

Maybe your house is a confetti house because you used all your energy cleaning mine.

2007-05-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

I have to admit it: I have read The Virgin Suicides. I read in in what, like two days? I started and that was it. There was NO turning back. I even skipped some paragraphs just to get to the end.
I'm not sure why.

Why?

I am now determined to finish the Book Thief ahora (that means NOW in Spanish--at least it used to). Also, me gusta nadar. Also, things are scattered around my house like confetti. I am the confetti house.

Why?

Baby and I want to say thanks for letting us come to your graduation. We also want to thank the people of Las Vegas and especially those of the UNLV graduating class of 2007. It was a special weekend for us (really and truly).

I'm worried about silly things. RU?

2007-05-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

You need to take Book Thief back to the library because you're finished or because you need to renew it? I have about 100 pages left. It made me cry today while I was reading. The part about the Jews walking through town and Hans. And then Max. I keep wondering how it will end.

Sorry you're in depression. I have felt like that in spurts throughout my pregnancy. The last spurt was the last five days. Finally today I went swimming and the water made me feel light and skinny and weightless. Maybe you're depressed because you're intuitively eating.

Three things that are important about Mr. J today:

1. He sneezed on me and I felt something wet land on my arm.
2. He raised his hand and asked if he could do his research project on religion because, "I was an explorer of religions back in the day..."
3. He asked if he had to do his powerpoint project on a computer.

One thing I need to say about Dojo Ed (the one with three girlfriends at his dojo):

1. Today when a couple boys started teasing him for saying "Hoooo-ahhh" in class (I guess that's some military thing) he told them they were just jealous because they weren't joining the Wolf Pack this summer.

The lesbians from 7th period are permanently separated.

We start reading Speak tomorrow.

I love you and can't wait to see you and the baby.

2007-05-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

I think I'm in depression. Not sure but I can't seem to do anything other than sort of get up in the morning and sort of go running and sort of walk around and sort of clean the house and sort of fold the clothes and sort of watch baby roll over and over and over and sort of watch TV on the internet and not even sort of write.

I don't know if he's hungry.
Cam just asked me and I said I don't know.
He probably is.
He looks cute. He laughs. I'm tired.
I am writng this with my head on the floor. NOt even looking at the screen. I am amzing. Is this the kind of hting peole do when they are in depression?

I need to take the Book Thief back to the library but I haven't picked it up in a week and now I owe money and I hate getting the oil changed in my car and I'm going to do a square foot garden but I don' know how. I am aznnoying.

2007-04-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if eating intuitively would work for me. I'd buy the warring foods...and eat them. I hope it works out for you and Baby. Let me know your progress. I need to come to your house for dinner...

Today in class I had to separate two lesbians (self proclaimed and proud of it) because they were playing with each other's hair. They may allow that on the softball bus but not in my class.

Thank goodness Sandra Bullock's husband is okay. They say the host of Monster Garage or whatever can't get run over. I say anything can happen so thank goodness it's over.

Of course he still loves her...

I defend my final portfolio on Wednesday.

I weigh 164 lbs.

Daniqua says if I keep putting my hands in the air the umbilical cord will wrap around the baby's neck and it will die. My doctor asked if she was from Texas when I told him. He also said NOT TRUE.

2007-04-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

I am very worried about Sandra Bullock and her husband. It's horrible. We have to refer to him just as SB's husband because he's not famous enough to get his own name in the People headline. It must be very hard. I can't imagine how hard that would be. Anyway, tragic story, really.

I also am quite distraught because I am trying to eat intuitively. That means I have to make peace food. PEACE not war, peanut M&Ms. PEACE not war, chocolate milk. PEACE not war, chips and salsa. Here's how you make peace with the foods you are fighting with

you buy lots and lots of the warring food.
you realize that you have lots and lots of it so it's not going to run out
you tell yourself that it's actually not bad and you can eat as much as you want and you shouldn't feel guilty
you eat it but only if you really want it
you eventually don't want to eat it so much because you can and because it's not bad and because it is now not so enticing
so basically intuitive eating is like dating--once you get the guy, it's not so interesting anymore and you don't really want him . . . unless of course you marry him which is a whole different ballgame because then you'd be married to peanut butter cups or burnt almond fudge ice cream but that would actually make sense because you know when you say you LOVE nachos and then your friend says, So why don't you marry it and then you say Okay, I think I will but then you never actually do it. maybe with intuitive eating you actually DO marry the food. I'll have to do more research.

my house is now full of food--everything mentioned above. And I am intuitively eating it, one peanut m&m at a time.

Mr. Baby stuck one foot in the warm water of the bathtub and immediately started peeing all over the place. Cam couldn't have been happier.

And finally, though I do get distracted by The Bachelor (and who can blame me for that), I have been reading the Book Thief.

Yard Work

2007-04-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

I became restless the other day and decided to trim bushes. For the first time. Here are some shots of my best work...

Sad part of the story...there was one bush that was particularly bushy and I couldn't really see where I was cutting. I trimmed, trimmed, trimmed and thought the yard looked great. Until T pointed out that I'd cut a bush from its root - meaning, it's now going to die because I can't trim bushes. Here's its final photo before wilting. Notice where the cut is...

On a lighter note, I'm about 130 pages into the book. This week may become crazy with graduating stuff but after that I'll have more time. I'm liking it, too. ESPECIALLY the story about Jesse Owens -- painting his face black. I loved that story.

2007-04-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

I'm about, ummmmm, sixty pages into BT and I get the Anne of Green Gables thing now. I'm definitely intrigued by the whole set up/death/random notes format although I felt the same way about Messenger and . . . well, we both know how that turned out. How far are you?

Today I thought about marijuana smoked in the back of a tenth grade classroom. How is that done? Without getting caught? I guess they did get caught BUT why did they think they wouldn't get caught?

Also, today I made strawberry jam. Yesterday I made chocolate cake and tomorrow I'm making whole wheat bread. Maybe. Oh, and I am trying intuitive eating so none of this will affect me.

What else, what else? Jude Law has a new girlfriend. Britney Spears is on a diet. The Bachelor is my new show and I found the link to the teenreads list that I wanted you to look over. See if anything catches your fancy. We need a queue.

2007-04-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

I just watched a really funny Will Ferrell video that our blog fans might enjoy.

2007-04-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

I just finished typing two papers due this week so I wanted to celebrate...and blog. Then I'll eat an ice cream sandwich on top of the peanut M&Ms I had for dinner.

I just wanted to say that one of my students has two regular stud earrings, then his second earring is a safety pin. I asked him today if he pierced it himself.

Him: (looking at me like I'm stupid) Yeaaaaaaaaahhhhh...

Me: Did it hurt?

Him: No.

Me: Did you clean it first?

Him: No.

Me: Do you think you contracted diseases from it?

Him: (looks at me like I'm stupid)

Me: So you didn't sterilize it?

Him: I burned it first.

Me: Ahhhhhh! See, then that's cleaning it! Good for you!

Today in Julius Caesar we read about how Portia killed herself by swallowing hot coals. I told my class that if they're thinking about trying it, maybe cut the coals into sections of four first...that way they'll go down easier and you can just pop 'em one by one.

This kid says out loud, "You're sick."

Singing

2007-04-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when I'm walking out to the parking lot, I pass a classroom with the lights off. Lights off, overhead on, the room is full of students.

They're singing.

They're reading words from an overhead projector and singing without instruments or music. Kids who don't have a place anywhere else come and sing in this classroom after school.

No cheerleaders.

No basketball players.

No student council.

Just kids whose place is in that classroom to sing with the lights off so no one can see their face when they sing loud.

Maybe I wish I would do stuff like that but never did and never will.

2007-04-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

Wolf Workshops. Take a few of those and THEN we'll talk.

I hope you're not exhausted because of the shower. I am so excited and appreciate it so much. I cannot wait to come this weekend. Got home today and the pizza I bought last night was gone. Those boys must've forgotten I'm pregnant and hungry most times.

There was a discussion and garage won't work in the summer when it's 115 degrees outside. It all boils down to saving $6,000 on renting a space. I agreed we needed to save but I did NOT agree to share my pizza.

I'm tired, too. Still need to share my post office story but my back hurts.

It's okay that you don't have the book thief yet. I won't read it all weekend. Tried to read more last night and it put me to sleep. Most things do. Right now it has sort of an Anne of Green Gables feel to it. You'll see soon. Kiss baby for me -- can't wait to talk to him this weekend about the paternity case, etc...

2007-04-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

Ellis warns those watching though that "it's very dangerous for people who haven't been trained, who think that they can just walk into a wolf pack and be accepted."
Crap.
So I can't just walk in? Can I crawl in? Scamper in?

Sorry about the office thing. Very sorry. Was there a discussion? Is there a way they can use only the garage? Like a garage office? Office garage?

I don't have much to say. I'm tired and sort of drained. It happens a lot these days. I think I have a couple of important stories but I can't exert the energy to type them right now. Too bad.

Maybe tomorrow. No copy of book thief yet.

2007-04-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

There is a documentary on National Geographic this month about a man who left his family to live with wolves in the wild. Now that's a good reason to order cable...

Custody Shmustody

2007-04-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

He'll get custody. As long as he's not a crack addict who's homeless without a job...those are the things he has to prove now and then the multi-million dollar baby is his.

Right now I sort of want to crawl into a tight space and cry. I am trapped in my house. T decided to turn our house into his office this summer to save money. So instead of conducting meetings, trainings, mail distribution, etc...in another place, it is happening at our house. Every day. Here's what this means for me:

no access to my kitchen while they're here
i come home to five cars crowding my driveway
no tv access
two rows of chairs where my kitchen table used to be
a huge white board blocking my way to the front door
my garage full of chairs, paperwork, huge maps of the city
working all day and coming home...to this

For some reason it's really upsetting me right now. I know T knows I hate it, but he's trying to save a six month lease on another space. So I think I'll just leave even though I'm tired and just want to watch Ellen.

I rarely answer my phone. I do have days like that. You feel like you don't want a conversation about anything. And sometimes, it's better to just let voicemail pick up so you can hear the reason they called and evaluate whether or not it's important enough to HAVE a conversation.

I'm like that about the mail, too. I think it's denial, but there are times when I let the mail sit and sit and sit because I don't want to read bank statements or newsletters for teachers. Sometimes I open just the bills and the rest stays in a pile that I stare at for weeks.

Does anyone read our blogs? Probably not. Maybe we need more pictures, but not of leftovers.

People in people.com that I don't care about:

Avril Lavigne
Beyonce
Kate Moss
Ashlee Simpson
any of the Desparate Housewives

I need to get out of this house.

2007-04-10T22:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, this whole paternity thing is quite distressing. I wonder what Howard was thinking. Of course I heard on the radio that paternity is one thing and custody another--just because Larry B. is the bio father, it doesn't necessarily mean he'll get the baby. Hmmm. Quite distressing.

Umm, do you have days when you can't return a phone call? Like it'd kill you to call anyone back. And you can't answer the phone so the list of needtocallbacks keeps getting longer and longer and longer and you keep getting deeper and deeper and deeper into the depths of nowaycanIcallanyonebackataller? I just could not, for the life of me, call anyone back or respond to any responsibilities. I don't know why. I just had to sit on my butt. Hold the baby. Watch TV on the internet. Eat chocolate chips. And NOT answer the phone. It didn't matter if it was my mom, my therapist (I don't actually have one but for the sake of explanation), my religious leader, or my neighbor, I could not answer the %*&* phone.

I am now officially watching the Bachelor.

I still don't have a copy of the Book Thief.

Writing Thief is weird.

My butt is getting bigger every day.

And finally, last but not least, do you think anyone reads this besides me or you? It'd be funny if they did because we are freaking hilarious.

Sassafrass?

2007-04-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

I just want to say that Dannielynn's eyes were a dead giveaway. Of course she is Larry Birkhead's daughter. What a slam on Howard K. Stern...and Anna. Not knowing exactly who the father is of a child? What a weird concept.

Also, why are you having a hard time getting back to people? You mean returning phone calls? Visits? Explain please.

I called that Leeza Gibbons would be eliminated from Dancing w/the Stars tonight. I was right, in case you care. I'm sure you knew just from reading your TV guide.

I have a sad story that took place at the post office but I'll have to post it later. Too tired, so tired.

2007-04-09T21:32:00.000-07:00

Try this, you sassafras. I suggest we start a queue like blockbuster or netflicks. We should get us a list and then work our way through it. This is causing me too much stress. Let's go for Book Thief although I don't have it yet and since it is being hailed book of the freaking year, it's hard to get my hands on it AND btw, it is huge--I'm with you there.

Also, why does Ashlee Simpson ever make people.com. Does anyone really care about her? I mean really? And what's with Anna's journals. Sad. So sad.

And finally, I am having a hard time responding to anyone these days. It's like everything takes so much effort. I'm trying to pull myself out of it.

Okay, hello, goodbye. I hope to post pictures soon.

You're Back

2007-04-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

I just saw your blog from a few days ago, so I wanted to comment on a few of your...comments.

First off, I agree -- why did he wait so long to fix each card?

Also, I had to read, then reread that whole shot in the air scene on the cliff...did he shoot him, was it just in the leg so he'd slowly die crawling to a highway, what happened? I finally figured it out but I hate when I feel like steps are skipped by the author. Or maybe I'm just slow...no, the author skipped a few steps.

I didn't realize it had won the prinz (sp?) award. Why didn't I know that? That sort of amazes me. Other teachers who have read it agreed it wasn't THAT that great. They all rave about Book Thief, though. In fact, one has it on her poster of "Book of the Year" she'd recommend to students. It's sitting on my desk and it looks so big and daunting and I keep getting scared there are more face cards I'll have to read about. I'm up for whatever but need a book soon. Now it keeps me sane as these days begin to drag by...

Also, how did he know to give that mom her own ice cream? I probably wouldn't have thought of that. Sort of annoying how he got all the clues right.

I agree; I was intrigued when Sylvia Plath was a clue but then all it led to was Bell Street. However, that movie man made me sort of sad. I did feel for some of the characters but it was almost too brief and spread too thin. Would it KILL Zusack to write a shorter book?

2007-04-09T15:09:00.000-07:00

Your crap link doesn't work. Try again, mama.

Also, I see the pattern...we have read all award-winning books. I guess I was looking for one I thought DESERVED an award and then RECEIVED an award. I may be looking forever. I'd go to your website but once again...your crap link...

I called you today to clarify on Angelina. I give her and Brad two more years -- TOPS. She is too much to handle. And now there's Pax and she truly went back on her word about being a stay at home mom and took a movie deal. Hypocrites shouldn't adopt kids.

Two new couples to watch for: Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds (ex-fiance of Alanis M.), then Jake Gyllenhall and Reese Witherspoon.

Apple pancakes from scratch? When are you making those for me? Sounds better than our Easter cereal dinner. T opted for Golden Grahams while I splurged with Lucky Charms.

2007-04-09T06:31:00.000-07:00

Everything we have read so far has won an award (monster, I am the messenger, looking for alaska). Maybe we should pick a book that hasn't won an award--we could decide which book SHOULD win an award. There's a bunch of books at this link . They are teen picks--so they haven't won any major awards (yet--I think) but they could. Why don't you peruse the titles and let me know what jumps out.

Uh yeah, it was easter yesterday but the bunny, bless his heart, skipped our house. I was extremely upset and had to come up with a story for baby because he was confused: Why didn't bunny didn't stop here? Was I bad? I tried to explain that bunny doesn't care if we're bad or good. He just drops off eggs and chocolate and missed our house this year.
But why?
I don't know, son.
I feel sad.
I do too.
Then we talked about momma's from-scratch apple pancakes and why that made up for the lack of eggs. YUM.

The shower will be pleasant.

DId you get my message about angelina jolie? I'm so confused. Please reply.

2007-04-08T20:32:00.000-07:00

No, I wouldn't recommend it to my students. I don't think it was engaging enough and the ending was not satisfying, either. My students want something that is interesting and something that leaves them with a bang. Someone dies, someone overdoses, someone cheats, etc...
I would like to read a book that has won an award. I don't care which one. I love books that use the word scrotum. So work from there.

My spring break is over but I'm not going to feel sad...I'm taking a long weekend for the shower and I'm actually really excited for the whole event! Will anyone show up? You and me...my mom...

So are you back on the internet? Welcome.

Today didn't feel like Easter, probably because we didn't cook anything.

2007-04-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

Umm, did we just post at the exact same time? That was weird.

So you finished the book. I finished it like a week ago and I can't remember who set him up and why. Obviously not too memorable. I'd ask you to recap it for me but it doesn't matter. One question though: would you recommend it to your students? Just curious.

Okay, what to read next, what to read next. There are a bunch of new novels out that are in this class of 2k7 group I heard about. There's also a lot of lists we could pull from--like the lists on teen reads or we could pick from the award list. There was huge controversy with the newberry this year because the word scrotum was on the first page. We could always read that. What do you think?

I Am the Messenger

2007-04-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

Finished the book last night and felt a lot like the way I feel when I watch a scary movie. It starts out and hooks me with some new or scary idea...the plot thickens...I start thinking this may be a pretty good movie...and then the story is taken too far, the characters get on my nerves, the twists and turns become unbelievable and the end is like a quick fix to finish off the movie before it goes over three hours.

Didn't think much of the book.

Somehow it was a page turner but I think the reason was simply because I hoped it would get good. Or better. In my last blog I said I'd throw up if the two of them got together in the end...that whole hallway scene was out of the blue and without reason. I also don't get who the guy was that orchestrated the whole card thing...it was so fuzzy and full of explanations through dialogue at the end that I was just struggling finish the book. I also don't like the whole bank robber coming back and making him look at a mirror. Bull-freaking-crap.

The saddest part is that this book had a lot of potential. In the beginning I liked the idea of this mysterious card and when he went to that first house with the raping, I thought the book may take a serious or relevant turn. A few of the people's stories were touching but in the end of the book...I didn't care.

So what? I finish the book and ask myself SO WHAT?

So, maybe we're supposed to learn that anyone can be who they want to be....mediocrity is not our only choice?

Or, maybe we're supposed to all relate to this average-Joe character and compare him to ourselves: "Hey, I'm just an average guy...maybe if I start helping people I'll get that girl to like me back" or "I don't have many talents, but maybe if I start checking my mail for face cards..."

The list goes on and on and on.

The book didn't touch me personally and I felt the ending was like this quick, abrupt, sloppy five pages to end an almost 400 page book...as quickly as possible. It was too calculated, too sequential for me. The idea is cool, though.

I'd like to hear your take in a million years when your internet is up and running again.

Until then -- what shall we read next?! I want a new author.

I'm back

2007-04-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, digis is my new internet provider and if I get five people to say "coco recommended digis" I can get five years free. So I'm finally back up and running. I haven't caught up yet although I did see that J. Lo would never be a size zero and that there is an investigation in to Anna's physician. I'll have to get reading and then I'll have more to say on that front.

Now, for messenger . . . first off, I was intrigued in the beginning. Like you, I found the premise fresh and interesting. I think the main character is likeable--what's his name again?--and all of them seem, you know, cool or something. The voice works and yeah, the dickhead thing and arse, pretty funny.

However, I agree, it got a little old. I was also like, huh? he can wait like weeks and weeks to do things for these people? How did he know that? He gets the first card and he takes a LONG time to get around to actually doing anything. AND when he has an address, like you said, he "just knows" what to do. Oh, and did you think he'd actually shot the edgar street guy? or I think for some reason I thought he'd shot in the air and the guy freaked out and fell off a cliff. In any case, I thought he was dead until he wonders if he hitched a ride back to town, etc.

Also, how did the someone who orchestrated this whole thing get accomplices? The guy he chases, Barry and Darryl (or whatever their names are) etc. We can discuss this more extensively when you've finished the novel.

Also also, there are a lot of plot points that felt a bit stretched. Fortunately they weren't SO annoying that I wanted to put the book down. I was still intrigued. Especially when Sylvia Plath was a clue. I liked the polynesian family but just some Christmas lights? And how did the guy behind the plan know he'd realize all this stuff about his mom and vice versa. Oh, and I knew from the beginning that the last card was going to be hearts and that his buddies would be the projects. It was inevitable. So, long story short, I understand why this won the printz. It's clever like you said, funny in parts, and has a nice message without feeling too messagy. However, it got a little stale mid-way through and was a bit predictable. Oh well.

I wonder what he did with The Book Thief. It's supposed to be amazing. Do you still want to read it next or do you want a chick read break?