All last weekend.
I was offered sugar products three times, and I said yes every time.
Sigh.
I had been doing well. Except for fruit bars, I had not been eating sugary foods. I was drinking my protein shakes, and I was happy. Feeling good. I wasn't missing my sugary snacks like I thought I would.
But when I was offered sugar, I ate it with only a little hesitation. On Friday night, my friends that I was spending the weekend with brought me a chocolate milkshake from Sonic. We were having a late take-out dinner, and the milkshake was a beverage designed to keep me from getting too hungry before the food arrived. The fact that it was a pre-meal snack was helpful, because it meant I didn't drink the whole thing, so I wouldn't get too full. But damn, it was good. Too delicious.
Then I spent time with my mom over the weekend, and she gave me belated Valentine cookies. My mom is famous for her sugar cookies, and she makes them four times a year: for Hanukkah/Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, and Halloween. She gives them to family, friends, co-workers, doctors and dentists. They are made with real butter and either sprinkles or icing, and they are truly sinful. I asked her to give me a small bag because I am trying to cut down on sugar. I ate three cookies last weekend. I guess it could have been worse. I could have consumed the whole bag.
So far at work I have walked away from multiple bags of candy. But the real test came on Monday, when someone brought in donuts. I had wondered if I would be able to resist donuts. I got my answer: a resounding NO! Well, maybe I would have, but a co-worker brought me one because I didn't know they were there. And I couldn't be rude and say no, right? I couldn't tell her to take it away after she had been so kind to think of me. But really...I would have run right over and taken one myself if I had known about them. I think there would have been very little hesitation. It was a busy, stressful day, and I wolfed that thing down like I had been wandering in the desert for a week.
But since then I've been back on track. I had protein shakes on Monday night and last night. I still need to find a substitute for the fruit bars. But I feel like I'm back on the wagon. I'm not too upset with myself. I never claimed I was giving up sugar entirely. I know there will be times when I eat something sugary. I think I'm just upset that it happened four days in a row. But still, cutting down on sugar has been easier than I expected.
librarianintx
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Friday, February 19, 2016
Survivor Season 32 - Episode 1
The Survivor top brass has figured out that medical drama creates interest and gets people watching and talking, so although the main theme of this season will be another installment of "Brawn vs Brains vs Beauty," the secondary theme will be "Medical Drama."
We were "treated" to two illnesses on the premiere episode of Season 32: Brain tribe member Aubry suffered through an anxiety attack exacerbated by heat exhaustion, while Brawn tribe member Jennifer experienced a thin but long bug burrowing itself in her ear canal, which caused bleeding and great discomfort. Luckily, both women pulled through their difficulties without needing medical assistance, and they each performed well in the combined immunity / reward challenge.
There are six members in each of the three tribes, but I'm scratching my head over where three of the eighteen participants have been placed. Former Big Brother contestant Caleb is undoubtedly a good looking dude, but I think he belongs in the Brawn tribe, not the Beauty tribe. Alecia is a wisp of a girl that I would have put in the Beauty tribe, not the Brawn tribe. And no offense honestly, but Tai in the Beauty tribe? I would have put him in the Brain tribe. As someone who grew up in Thailand, he will probably be the most equipped to deal with surviving in this remote part of Southeast Asia.
The first challenge was grueling, especially considering that only the Beauty tribe had fire, so water must have been a concern for the other two tribes. The challenge involved diving for paddles, then turning a boat into a truck, then solving a puzzle. Brawn and brains were required for this event, and the Brain tribe came in first, winning immunity and a big basket of fire-making products. Brawn was sent to tribal council, mainly for two reasons: Darnell dropped the goggles at the beginning of the challenge, and Alecia was like a deer in the headlights when it came to solving the puzzle. So their tribe mates put the two of them on the chopping block. The first vote ended in a tie, but Darnell's torch was snuffed out in the re-vote. I think the tribe made a mistake. True, Darnell dropping the goggles was a costly error. But the Brawn tribe needs brawn, both at camp and in the challenges. Alecia is by far the least brawny person in that tribe.
librarianintx
We were "treated" to two illnesses on the premiere episode of Season 32: Brain tribe member Aubry suffered through an anxiety attack exacerbated by heat exhaustion, while Brawn tribe member Jennifer experienced a thin but long bug burrowing itself in her ear canal, which caused bleeding and great discomfort. Luckily, both women pulled through their difficulties without needing medical assistance, and they each performed well in the combined immunity / reward challenge.
There are six members in each of the three tribes, but I'm scratching my head over where three of the eighteen participants have been placed. Former Big Brother contestant Caleb is undoubtedly a good looking dude, but I think he belongs in the Brawn tribe, not the Beauty tribe. Alecia is a wisp of a girl that I would have put in the Beauty tribe, not the Brawn tribe. And no offense honestly, but Tai in the Beauty tribe? I would have put him in the Brain tribe. As someone who grew up in Thailand, he will probably be the most equipped to deal with surviving in this remote part of Southeast Asia.
The first challenge was grueling, especially considering that only the Beauty tribe had fire, so water must have been a concern for the other two tribes. The challenge involved diving for paddles, then turning a boat into a truck, then solving a puzzle. Brawn and brains were required for this event, and the Brain tribe came in first, winning immunity and a big basket of fire-making products. Brawn was sent to tribal council, mainly for two reasons: Darnell dropped the goggles at the beginning of the challenge, and Alecia was like a deer in the headlights when it came to solving the puzzle. So their tribe mates put the two of them on the chopping block. The first vote ended in a tie, but Darnell's torch was snuffed out in the re-vote. I think the tribe made a mistake. True, Darnell dropping the goggles was a costly error. But the Brawn tribe needs brawn, both at camp and in the challenges. Alecia is by far the least brawny person in that tribe.
librarianintx
Thursday, February 18, 2016
The Grammy's
I really enjoyed watching the Grammy's this year, and have for the past several years. I am kind of an awards show freak. I say "kind of" because I don't watch all of them, and I don't have the time to watch the red carpet arrivals like I used to. My favorite award shows are the Emmy's, because I watch so much television, and the Grammy's, because I like music. I also like the Golden Globes, because it's about movies and tv, and I like watching tipsy celebrities trying to navigate their way through the maze of tables to ascend the stage.
I don't consider myself an entertainment whore, but I like to see who arrives with who, and what everyone is wearing. Even though Joan is gone and the show isn't the same, I watch the Fashion Police to see if I agree with their best and worst dressed at the awards shows.
Some of my favorite aspects of the Grammy's show:
1) I like how the Grammy's often have singers or groups perform together. Sometimes its someone new on the scene singing with a legend, like Sara Bareilles sharing the stage with Carole King. Sometimes they pair two new performers. And sometimes its about about a bunch of powerhouses coming together to create magic, such as when Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams, Daft Punk, and Nile Rogers got everyone on their feet and dancing to "Get Lucky." This year the audience was grooving to a medley of Music Cares Person of the Year Lionel Ritchie's songs, performed by John Legend, Meghan Trainor, Demi Lovato, Luke Bryan, Tyrese, and the man himself.
2) The Grammy's introduces me to performers and songs that I might not have listened to otherwise. I think I am much more open-minded than I used to be about music. I know that I'm not a fan of most rap or country, but I watch every performance on the Grammy's, and I'm often surprised by what I like. This year I really enjoyed Little Big Town's rendition of "Girl Crush," and it has played in my head off and on all week.
3) It warms my heart to see industry people celebrating each other. I know a lot people think celebrities are vapid and don't deserve the fame and money that they have, but I don't necessarily agree. Sure, some celebrities are assholes. But lots of regular people are assholes too. I think singers and musicians work very hard, and they deserve to enjoy the money that they earn. I like seeing people celebrating each other's accomplishments and achievements, and appreciating each other's music. It was great to see someone like Dave Grohl smiling and swaying to "All Night Long," for example. And I know a lot of people think Taylor Swift is a spotlight grabber, often jumping out of her seat and going crazy when someone else wins, or dancing energetically in the audience. But I like that she is so enthusiastic. She doesn't just sit in her seat and look bored. She is fun to watch. And she is close friends with Ed Sheeren, so she was genuinely thrilled when he beat her for Song of the Year on Monday night.
4) The Grammy's in particular used to be quite out of touch with the people who buy and listen to music. I'll never forget when Jethro Tull won the Grammy in 1988 for Best Hard Rock / Metal album. But now I think the Grammy's are much more in tune, pun intended. Rapper Kendrick Lamar was the big winner of the night, and Taylor Swift won Album of the Year. In addition, one of the most popular songs of 2015, Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk" won Record of the Year.
The Grammy's telecast is always a long show, and I went to bed slightly past my bedtime. But it was worth it.
librarianintx
I don't consider myself an entertainment whore, but I like to see who arrives with who, and what everyone is wearing. Even though Joan is gone and the show isn't the same, I watch the Fashion Police to see if I agree with their best and worst dressed at the awards shows.
Some of my favorite aspects of the Grammy's show:
1) I like how the Grammy's often have singers or groups perform together. Sometimes its someone new on the scene singing with a legend, like Sara Bareilles sharing the stage with Carole King. Sometimes they pair two new performers. And sometimes its about about a bunch of powerhouses coming together to create magic, such as when Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams, Daft Punk, and Nile Rogers got everyone on their feet and dancing to "Get Lucky." This year the audience was grooving to a medley of Music Cares Person of the Year Lionel Ritchie's songs, performed by John Legend, Meghan Trainor, Demi Lovato, Luke Bryan, Tyrese, and the man himself.
2) The Grammy's introduces me to performers and songs that I might not have listened to otherwise. I think I am much more open-minded than I used to be about music. I know that I'm not a fan of most rap or country, but I watch every performance on the Grammy's, and I'm often surprised by what I like. This year I really enjoyed Little Big Town's rendition of "Girl Crush," and it has played in my head off and on all week.
3) It warms my heart to see industry people celebrating each other. I know a lot people think celebrities are vapid and don't deserve the fame and money that they have, but I don't necessarily agree. Sure, some celebrities are assholes. But lots of regular people are assholes too. I think singers and musicians work very hard, and they deserve to enjoy the money that they earn. I like seeing people celebrating each other's accomplishments and achievements, and appreciating each other's music. It was great to see someone like Dave Grohl smiling and swaying to "All Night Long," for example. And I know a lot of people think Taylor Swift is a spotlight grabber, often jumping out of her seat and going crazy when someone else wins, or dancing energetically in the audience. But I like that she is so enthusiastic. She doesn't just sit in her seat and look bored. She is fun to watch. And she is close friends with Ed Sheeren, so she was genuinely thrilled when he beat her for Song of the Year on Monday night.
4) The Grammy's in particular used to be quite out of touch with the people who buy and listen to music. I'll never forget when Jethro Tull won the Grammy in 1988 for Best Hard Rock / Metal album. But now I think the Grammy's are much more in tune, pun intended. Rapper Kendrick Lamar was the big winner of the night, and Taylor Swift won Album of the Year. In addition, one of the most popular songs of 2015, Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk" won Record of the Year.
The Grammy's telecast is always a long show, and I went to bed slightly past my bedtime. But it was worth it.
librarianintx
Sunday, January 31, 2016
I said no to a cookie!
Last Sunday I bought a container of chocolate chip cookies for a co-worker's birthday. For the rest of that day, those cookies were in my apartment, hidden in a re-usable grocery bag, yes, but I knew they were there. I could have easily swiped a cookie without anyone knowing. But I didn't.
On Monday morning, I put the container, total number of cookies intact, on my co-worker's desk with the card that we had all signed. A few minutes later, I noticed that the cookies had been placed in the communal snack area, by the printer in the office services section of our department. Usually when someone has a birthday we bring in treats to share, and that's where they go, so you can grab a cookie or a handful of goldfish or a piece of Godiva chocolate as you pick up papers from the printer, or grab a stack of envelopes, or a notepad, or a new pen that doesn't leak.
My work for the day necessitated several trips to Office Services. I had printed documents from the Internet and Microsoft Word. I had sent addresses to the label printer from our patron database. I had to make some copies. At least four or five times I found myself in that area, staring at those cookies. Some had disappeared, but definitely all. In the blink of an eye, one of them could have found its way into my hand, then in my mouth, on the way to my stomach. But each time I said no, and kept on walking.
At the end of the day, I went back to my apartment, and I made myself a sugar free chocolate protein shake. I was very proud of myself for avoiding the cookie.
Several months ago I wrote a blog post about sugar. My decision at that time was that I enjoyed my sugary snacks, and I didn't want to give them up. My afternoon cookies or brownies were one of the highlights of my day. Sugar is a staple of the average American diet; can it really be that bad for you?
But since then I have read more, especially about the link between sugar and metastatic breast cancer. Now, I am on a birth control pill, so I am already at a higher risk for breast cancer. I will probably have to go on hormone replacement therapy when I achieve menopause, so that will also increase my risk. And even though I am trying to reduce my sugar intake, I believe I will never completely eliminate sugar from my diet. So why am I trying at all?
I guess I'm hoping that reduction is at least better than no change at all. Since I started to reduce my sugar intake in early January, I think I've only had a sugary snack three times. I had nutella once, a cookie once, and yesterday I indulged in chocolate cake when I took a friend out to lunch for her birthday. The cake was amazing, and I did enjoy it - but not as much as I would have before this new year. I feel better about myself when I avoid eating something high in sugar.
I have been pretty successful with the daily treats. I actually like the taste of the sugar free shakes. I also like the taste of honey in tea instead of sugar. But I am struggling with giving up my daily fruit bar, which has a lot of sugar in it. I haven't found a worthy substitute. I also like yogurt, but I am trying to eat cottage cheese instead.
I miss the carefree days of ignorance. But making healthy eating choices is beginning to feel as satisfying as that chocolate chip cookie hitting my taste buds. I know I won't always say no to a cookie or a piece of cake or scoop of ice cream. But if I can limit sugary treats to special occasions, that would be the new normal I would like to achieve. For now, I would be happy with that.
Time for a shake!
librarianintx
On Monday morning, I put the container, total number of cookies intact, on my co-worker's desk with the card that we had all signed. A few minutes later, I noticed that the cookies had been placed in the communal snack area, by the printer in the office services section of our department. Usually when someone has a birthday we bring in treats to share, and that's where they go, so you can grab a cookie or a handful of goldfish or a piece of Godiva chocolate as you pick up papers from the printer, or grab a stack of envelopes, or a notepad, or a new pen that doesn't leak.
My work for the day necessitated several trips to Office Services. I had printed documents from the Internet and Microsoft Word. I had sent addresses to the label printer from our patron database. I had to make some copies. At least four or five times I found myself in that area, staring at those cookies. Some had disappeared, but definitely all. In the blink of an eye, one of them could have found its way into my hand, then in my mouth, on the way to my stomach. But each time I said no, and kept on walking.
At the end of the day, I went back to my apartment, and I made myself a sugar free chocolate protein shake. I was very proud of myself for avoiding the cookie.
Several months ago I wrote a blog post about sugar. My decision at that time was that I enjoyed my sugary snacks, and I didn't want to give them up. My afternoon cookies or brownies were one of the highlights of my day. Sugar is a staple of the average American diet; can it really be that bad for you?
But since then I have read more, especially about the link between sugar and metastatic breast cancer. Now, I am on a birth control pill, so I am already at a higher risk for breast cancer. I will probably have to go on hormone replacement therapy when I achieve menopause, so that will also increase my risk. And even though I am trying to reduce my sugar intake, I believe I will never completely eliminate sugar from my diet. So why am I trying at all?
I guess I'm hoping that reduction is at least better than no change at all. Since I started to reduce my sugar intake in early January, I think I've only had a sugary snack three times. I had nutella once, a cookie once, and yesterday I indulged in chocolate cake when I took a friend out to lunch for her birthday. The cake was amazing, and I did enjoy it - but not as much as I would have before this new year. I feel better about myself when I avoid eating something high in sugar.
I have been pretty successful with the daily treats. I actually like the taste of the sugar free shakes. I also like the taste of honey in tea instead of sugar. But I am struggling with giving up my daily fruit bar, which has a lot of sugar in it. I haven't found a worthy substitute. I also like yogurt, but I am trying to eat cottage cheese instead.
I miss the carefree days of ignorance. But making healthy eating choices is beginning to feel as satisfying as that chocolate chip cookie hitting my taste buds. I know I won't always say no to a cookie or a piece of cake or scoop of ice cream. But if I can limit sugary treats to special occasions, that would be the new normal I would like to achieve. For now, I would be happy with that.
Time for a shake!
librarianintx
The Ups and Downs of My Grocery Store Experience
Sunday morning in Austin, Texas. A BEAUTIFUL last day in January. Temperatures in the 60's, on the way to a possible record high in the 80's.
Downside #1 of said shopping trip:
There was a re-stocking apocalypse in the fruit and vegetable area, which just happened to be the location of the majority of the items on my carefully crafted list. Evidently most of my fellow shoppers had a similar list, because that section of the store was teeming with frazzled mothers, impatient fathers, hungry children, distracted millennials, shopping carts acting like bumper cars, small dollies, boxes of produce, and harried HEB employees trying to do their job.
But there was an upside to this downside. A very nice female employee went out of her way to track down a black case filled with bags of kale, an important ingredient that I did not want to leave the store without purchasing.
Downside #2:
My driver was less than enthusiastic about helping me with my bags. It's her job, but that doesn't mean she has to like it, and she disliked it quite openly this morning. She was cranky when I politely gave her directions to my apartment, and reminded me that she has picked me up several times from the store. In fact, she seemed to be more than implying that she wished I would shop at a time and day when I would not be on her schedule. Like I can make THAT happen. She actually said to me, "Do you shop EVERY Sunday morning?" Yes, I do, lady. I shop every Sunday morning for the specific reason to make your life difficult. Actually, I don't shop every Sunday morning.
Related downside to downside #2:
I had to pee like I was nine months pregnant. The kind of needing to pee when your lower abdomen is causing you significant discomfort, and all you can think about is the fact that it might be as long as thirty minutes before you have access to a bathroom. And when you finally get on the bus and you find out that the driver has another pick up before you get to go home - further prolonging what has become a code yellow pee emergency - you can't seem to concentrate on any subject except your brain repeating I HAVE TO PEE like an old record player with a stuck needle. Have I now lost anyone born after 1990?
And now for the upsides of downsides #2 and #2.5:
I killed the driver - WITH KINDNESS PEOPLE! I killed her with kindness. Yeesh. I thanked her profusely when she helped me carry my bags to the door. I smiled and said, "Thank you SO much, and I hope you have a great rest of the day."
Also, I made it to the bathroom without peeing myself. Definitely the biggest accomplishment of the day. Even bigger than walking out of the store with the elusive bag of kale.
But I have one more upside to the grocery store experience, and there is no downside associated with it, which is very exciting. Somehow, even though I am four foot eleven and there are items that I cannot reach, this morning my stretching ability was enhanced. I was able to secure the jar of pickle relish, the box of shredded wheat, AND the usually completely unattainable pack of two black markers from their high perches. Today I did not have to stand in a deserted aisle and stare forlornly at each needed thing, hoping that someone would come around a corner and I would summon the nerve to ask for help. No help required today. An end of January miracle happened there.
librarianintx
Downside #1 of said shopping trip:
There was a re-stocking apocalypse in the fruit and vegetable area, which just happened to be the location of the majority of the items on my carefully crafted list. Evidently most of my fellow shoppers had a similar list, because that section of the store was teeming with frazzled mothers, impatient fathers, hungry children, distracted millennials, shopping carts acting like bumper cars, small dollies, boxes of produce, and harried HEB employees trying to do their job.
But there was an upside to this downside. A very nice female employee went out of her way to track down a black case filled with bags of kale, an important ingredient that I did not want to leave the store without purchasing.
Downside #2:
My driver was less than enthusiastic about helping me with my bags. It's her job, but that doesn't mean she has to like it, and she disliked it quite openly this morning. She was cranky when I politely gave her directions to my apartment, and reminded me that she has picked me up several times from the store. In fact, she seemed to be more than implying that she wished I would shop at a time and day when I would not be on her schedule. Like I can make THAT happen. She actually said to me, "Do you shop EVERY Sunday morning?" Yes, I do, lady. I shop every Sunday morning for the specific reason to make your life difficult. Actually, I don't shop every Sunday morning.
Related downside to downside #2:
I had to pee like I was nine months pregnant. The kind of needing to pee when your lower abdomen is causing you significant discomfort, and all you can think about is the fact that it might be as long as thirty minutes before you have access to a bathroom. And when you finally get on the bus and you find out that the driver has another pick up before you get to go home - further prolonging what has become a code yellow pee emergency - you can't seem to concentrate on any subject except your brain repeating I HAVE TO PEE like an old record player with a stuck needle. Have I now lost anyone born after 1990?
And now for the upsides of downsides #2 and #2.5:
I killed the driver - WITH KINDNESS PEOPLE! I killed her with kindness. Yeesh. I thanked her profusely when she helped me carry my bags to the door. I smiled and said, "Thank you SO much, and I hope you have a great rest of the day."
Also, I made it to the bathroom without peeing myself. Definitely the biggest accomplishment of the day. Even bigger than walking out of the store with the elusive bag of kale.
But I have one more upside to the grocery store experience, and there is no downside associated with it, which is very exciting. Somehow, even though I am four foot eleven and there are items that I cannot reach, this morning my stretching ability was enhanced. I was able to secure the jar of pickle relish, the box of shredded wheat, AND the usually completely unattainable pack of two black markers from their high perches. Today I did not have to stand in a deserted aisle and stare forlornly at each needed thing, hoping that someone would come around a corner and I would summon the nerve to ask for help. No help required today. An end of January miracle happened there.
librarianintx
Friday, January 29, 2016
My bus ride yesterday morning
For the past few weeks, every Thursday morning I have been on the paratransit bus with a young woman who is blind and mentally challenged. I have been a passenger with her several times over the years. She talks a lot, to the driver and to herself.
Yesterday morning she kept talking about her gynecological visit. She mentioned having a pap smear several times. She also cursed a few times. I have never heard her say dirty words before. Her swearing and talking about her pap smear didn't seem to have a connection. She wasn't cursing about her pap smear. Then she would suddenly let out a loud shriek. Again, the shrieking apparently didn't have anything to do with the gynecology experience. She was simply shrieking.
I am unnerved by sudden, loud noises. And I did not want to hear about pap smears at seven o'clock in the morning. I don't ever want to think about pap smears: mine, her's, or anyone's.
Such is life when you ride the paratransit service. You don't know who you are going to ride with, or how they are going to behave. You have no control over the route, the time, who your driver is, or your fellow passengers. It is a SHARED RIDE SERVICE. I have ridden with incessant talkers; movers and shakers; complainers; terrible singers; foul mouthed, racist old ladies; and people who have peed and pooped on themselves. I have also had the pleasure to ride with many sweet, intelligent, hardworking, caring, funny, happy individuals. I have met a few people that have lived in Austin for decades, and offer memories and stories about the little town that has burgeoned into a major metropolis. I have seen some of the grandest homes in Austin, and some of the seediest apartment complexes. I have enjoyed the hilltop views around Loop 360, witnessed the continued gentrification of the East Side, and felt the desperation of the 7th Street ARCH.
It's not a great situation. But I get where I need to go, and I usually get there on time. I can choose to be upset about the downsides of paratransit, or I can find the humor, the humanity, and the history in what I experience. Most days I opt for the latter.
librarianintx
Yesterday morning she kept talking about her gynecological visit. She mentioned having a pap smear several times. She also cursed a few times. I have never heard her say dirty words before. Her swearing and talking about her pap smear didn't seem to have a connection. She wasn't cursing about her pap smear. Then she would suddenly let out a loud shriek. Again, the shrieking apparently didn't have anything to do with the gynecology experience. She was simply shrieking.
I am unnerved by sudden, loud noises. And I did not want to hear about pap smears at seven o'clock in the morning. I don't ever want to think about pap smears: mine, her's, or anyone's.
Such is life when you ride the paratransit service. You don't know who you are going to ride with, or how they are going to behave. You have no control over the route, the time, who your driver is, or your fellow passengers. It is a SHARED RIDE SERVICE. I have ridden with incessant talkers; movers and shakers; complainers; terrible singers; foul mouthed, racist old ladies; and people who have peed and pooped on themselves. I have also had the pleasure to ride with many sweet, intelligent, hardworking, caring, funny, happy individuals. I have met a few people that have lived in Austin for decades, and offer memories and stories about the little town that has burgeoned into a major metropolis. I have seen some of the grandest homes in Austin, and some of the seediest apartment complexes. I have enjoyed the hilltop views around Loop 360, witnessed the continued gentrification of the East Side, and felt the desperation of the 7th Street ARCH.
It's not a great situation. But I get where I need to go, and I usually get there on time. I can choose to be upset about the downsides of paratransit, or I can find the humor, the humanity, and the history in what I experience. Most days I opt for the latter.
librarianintx
One entire month
For the entire month of January, 2016, I have been consistent.
An entire month of going to bed on time on Sunday and week nights: by 10:40 pm.
An entire month of getting out of bed on time during the week: by 5:50 a.m.
An entire month of keeping the kitchen clean.
An entire month of taking my medicine daily.
An entire month of doing my morning skin care routine.
There's more, but you get the idea. I don't think I've ever been this consistent for an entire month. It feels great. Consistency makes me happy. Consistency keeps me calm. I am so pleased when my surroundings are organized and look nice. Now when I come home from work, I get my clothes and jewelry ready and make my food for the next day instead of waiting until eight or nine o'clock at night to do it, which makes me run late for eating dinner and getting into bed. It feels so good not to feel rushed. I feel so much better now when I wake up in the morning. That extra thirty minutes to an hour of sleep does wonders for me. I feel more alert and have better energy. And I am usually ready five to ten minutes earlier. Some days I even have time for a quick breakfast.
Now I need to make time for the activities I enjoy - reading, journaling, blogging. And I still desire a social life. I don't want my existence to focus on keeping organized. There needs to be more to my life than that. When I reflect at the end of each day, I want to have memories, experiences, interesting stories. I want more from my life than "I went to bed on time," or "I didn't leave any dishes in the sink." I want to have time and energy for the organization and the experiences.
librarianintx
An entire month of going to bed on time on Sunday and week nights: by 10:40 pm.
An entire month of getting out of bed on time during the week: by 5:50 a.m.
An entire month of keeping the kitchen clean.
An entire month of taking my medicine daily.
An entire month of doing my morning skin care routine.
There's more, but you get the idea. I don't think I've ever been this consistent for an entire month. It feels great. Consistency makes me happy. Consistency keeps me calm. I am so pleased when my surroundings are organized and look nice. Now when I come home from work, I get my clothes and jewelry ready and make my food for the next day instead of waiting until eight or nine o'clock at night to do it, which makes me run late for eating dinner and getting into bed. It feels so good not to feel rushed. I feel so much better now when I wake up in the morning. That extra thirty minutes to an hour of sleep does wonders for me. I feel more alert and have better energy. And I am usually ready five to ten minutes earlier. Some days I even have time for a quick breakfast.
Now I need to make time for the activities I enjoy - reading, journaling, blogging. And I still desire a social life. I don't want my existence to focus on keeping organized. There needs to be more to my life than that. When I reflect at the end of each day, I want to have memories, experiences, interesting stories. I want more from my life than "I went to bed on time," or "I didn't leave any dishes in the sink." I want to have time and energy for the organization and the experiences.
librarianintx
Saturday, January 02, 2016
New Year's Resolutions 2016
Call them what they are - Don't beat around the bush. They are New Year's Resolutions, and I have a whole list of them. Will I keep the resolutions? Will I achieve the goals I set myself? I don't know. I'll probably have both success and failure like we all do. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't try.
Here's the list, in no particular order:
1) Cut down on sugar
2) Eat better
3) Exercise
4) Get out of my own head!
5) Meditate
6) Stay motivated
7) Write and blog more
8) Look for extra ways of making money
9) Procrastinate less
10) Have experiences. Make memories
librarianintx
Here's the list, in no particular order:
1) Cut down on sugar
2) Eat better
3) Exercise
4) Get out of my own head!
5) Meditate
6) Stay motivated
7) Write and blog more
8) Look for extra ways of making money
9) Procrastinate less
10) Have experiences. Make memories
librarianintx
Friday, January 01, 2016
Books I read in 2015
My goal was to read at least one book per month, but unfortunately that didn't happen. I read nineteen books in 2015. Here is the list (not in order):
Seeds of Yesterday by V.C. Andrews
Garden of Shadows by V.C. Andrews
Good Kings, Bad Kings: A Novel by Susan Nussbaum
Peony: A Novel of China by Pearl S, Buck
Wifey by Judy Blume
The 100 by Kass Morgan
Wayward Pines (Book One) by Blake Crouch
The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Prince Harry: Brother, Soldier, Son by Penny Junor
I am Nujood, Aged 10 and Divorced by Nujood Ali
We were There: Revelations from the Dallas Doctors Who Attended to JFK on November 22, 1963 by Allen Childs
Infinite Sacrifice by L.E. Waters
Behind the Scenes, or Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House by Elizabeth Keckley
Adrenalized: Life, Def Leppard, and Beyond by Phil Collen
Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern
A Lincoln: His Last 24 Hours by E. Emerson Reck
Born Into the Children of G-d by Natacha Tormey
Burn Down the Ground by Kambri Crews
Of these nineteen, I read three of them on audio: Wayward Pines, The Stranger Beside Me, and A Lincoln: His Last 24 Hours.
librarianintx
Seeds of Yesterday by V.C. Andrews
Garden of Shadows by V.C. Andrews
Good Kings, Bad Kings: A Novel by Susan Nussbaum
Peony: A Novel of China by Pearl S, Buck
Wifey by Judy Blume
The 100 by Kass Morgan
Wayward Pines (Book One) by Blake Crouch
The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Prince Harry: Brother, Soldier, Son by Penny Junor
I am Nujood, Aged 10 and Divorced by Nujood Ali
We were There: Revelations from the Dallas Doctors Who Attended to JFK on November 22, 1963 by Allen Childs
Infinite Sacrifice by L.E. Waters
Behind the Scenes, or Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House by Elizabeth Keckley
Adrenalized: Life, Def Leppard, and Beyond by Phil Collen
Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern
A Lincoln: His Last 24 Hours by E. Emerson Reck
Born Into the Children of G-d by Natacha Tormey
Burn Down the Ground by Kambri Crews
Of these nineteen, I read three of them on audio: Wayward Pines, The Stranger Beside Me, and A Lincoln: His Last 24 Hours.
librarianintx
Monday, December 28, 2015
Survivor Second Chances Finale
I know, I am super late in posting this. You know, the holidays, plus my mom celebrated a big birthday....blah blah. But what a great finale it was! It was a very fun season to watch. My dream final four would have been Woo, Joe, Spencer, and Jeremy. Yes, I was rooting for Spencer to win, but honestly, I knew he wouldn't. He had too many enemies on the jury. I'm just thrilled he made it to the final tribal council. Jeremy played the family/new baby card at exactly the right time. I'm glad he won; obviously he was one of my favorites. The game meant something very different to Jeremy and Spencer. Jeremy wanted to win for the money. Spencer wanted to win for the title. Both wanted redemption for their first time in the game, but so did everyone this season.
I think its interesting that I like Spencer so much, when so many people seem to view him as arrogant and detached. What I like about Spencer is his determination and scrappiness, for lack of a better term (Blogger doesn't like it!) He is a team player and a good strategist, as well as an excellent puzzle-solver. He does not give up. Somehow he went from first on everyone's lips to be voted out, to making it to the finale tribal council.
Thanks for a fantastic season, Survivor and players! And congratulations to Jeremy and his family!
librarianintx
I think its interesting that I like Spencer so much, when so many people seem to view him as arrogant and detached. What I like about Spencer is his determination and scrappiness, for lack of a better term (Blogger doesn't like it!) He is a team player and a good strategist, as well as an excellent puzzle-solver. He does not give up. Somehow he went from first on everyone's lips to be voted out, to making it to the finale tribal council.
Thanks for a fantastic season, Survivor and players! And congratulations to Jeremy and his family!
librarianintx
Friday, December 11, 2015
Survivor Second Chances
Two weeks - two medical emergencies. These contestants are SERIOUS. They are giving it everything they have, and I think of the six people remaining in the competition, all of them would be deserving of the million dollar prize and title of Sole Survivor - except Kimmie. I like her; I simply don't think she has done enough to win.
Oh happy days, Abi is gone!! Of course I understand the strategy of taking her to the final tribal council, but I did NOT want her there. She does not deserve it, and she is so mean-spirited and difficult. It made my day to see her walk down those stairs after being blindsided. I was worried that Spencer had gone to the dark side and made a final four pact that included Abi and Wentworth, but luckily he didn't, and stayed with Tasha and Jeremy.
I wanted to throw something at my ailing television when Spencer and Jeremy voted with the girls to eliminate Joe. I understand that Joe is a challenge beast, and they needed to get him out. But I was so freaked out that the girls would pick off the guys. If Spencer, Jeremy, and Joe had enlisted Keith's help, instead of letting him flounder off by himself, and if they had managed to get Tasha on their side, they could have gotten Abi out last week, or even voted out Kimmie. Eliminating one of the two would have broken the girls voting block. Then at the beginning of this week's episode, both Jeremy and Spencer were regretting their decision to vote out Joe. DUH!! But luckily, it worked out okay. Spencer won the immunity challenge, Tasha voted with him and Jeremy, and they didn't end up needing Keith, but I think they should still get him on their side.
Joe is one of my favorites, and I was so sorry to see him go. He had a great shot at winning, and he deserved to win. He is so great at challenges, and he's such a good person. I could have slapped Abi for the way she talked about him after tribal council.
ANYTHING can happen in the finale next week. Everyone except Kimmie, and to a certain extent Tasha, are very strong players and can win challenges. Of course I want Spencer to win, and I know he's still a long shot, but his odds have definitely improved greatly. He's very good at puzzles, and his patience and stamina have improved. The person I am most worried about is Wentworth. She has proven her ability to win, and she could easily get Keith into an alliance with her and Kimmie, and maybe pull in Tasha, although hopefully not. The girls often excel at endurance challenges, and she definitely could outlast everyone in such a scenario. If Spencer doesn't win, then I hope Jeremy does, or Keith. I am not rooting for Wentworth, but would give her props if she did, because she is deserving.
librarianintx
Oh happy days, Abi is gone!! Of course I understand the strategy of taking her to the final tribal council, but I did NOT want her there. She does not deserve it, and she is so mean-spirited and difficult. It made my day to see her walk down those stairs after being blindsided. I was worried that Spencer had gone to the dark side and made a final four pact that included Abi and Wentworth, but luckily he didn't, and stayed with Tasha and Jeremy.
I wanted to throw something at my ailing television when Spencer and Jeremy voted with the girls to eliminate Joe. I understand that Joe is a challenge beast, and they needed to get him out. But I was so freaked out that the girls would pick off the guys. If Spencer, Jeremy, and Joe had enlisted Keith's help, instead of letting him flounder off by himself, and if they had managed to get Tasha on their side, they could have gotten Abi out last week, or even voted out Kimmie. Eliminating one of the two would have broken the girls voting block. Then at the beginning of this week's episode, both Jeremy and Spencer were regretting their decision to vote out Joe. DUH!! But luckily, it worked out okay. Spencer won the immunity challenge, Tasha voted with him and Jeremy, and they didn't end up needing Keith, but I think they should still get him on their side.
Joe is one of my favorites, and I was so sorry to see him go. He had a great shot at winning, and he deserved to win. He is so great at challenges, and he's such a good person. I could have slapped Abi for the way she talked about him after tribal council.
ANYTHING can happen in the finale next week. Everyone except Kimmie, and to a certain extent Tasha, are very strong players and can win challenges. Of course I want Spencer to win, and I know he's still a long shot, but his odds have definitely improved greatly. He's very good at puzzles, and his patience and stamina have improved. The person I am most worried about is Wentworth. She has proven her ability to win, and she could easily get Keith into an alliance with her and Kimmie, and maybe pull in Tasha, although hopefully not. The girls often excel at endurance challenges, and she definitely could outlast everyone in such a scenario. If Spencer doesn't win, then I hope Jeremy does, or Keith. I am not rooting for Wentworth, but would give her props if she did, because she is deserving.
librarianintx
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Dancing with the Stars Finale
I'm disappointed that I was only able to write a few recaps for this season. I had intended to write a recap for every episode. Sigh. I'll try again next season.
Congratulations to Bindi and Derek! Bindi was the frontrunner from week one, and never lost that status. She is an amazing dancer, and an outstanding human being. Definitely the right couple took home the mirrorball trophy.
My top four would have been Bindi, Nick, Tamar, and Carlos, so that is close to what actually transpired. In just about every season, the third place finisher is someone who didn't deserve to be in the top three, and for me that happened again this season. Alek definitely grew as a dancer, especially considering he has no previous dancing or acting experience. Plus he was a sentimental favorite, an American hero. But if Tamar had stayed in the competition, I'm not sure that Alek would have finished in third place. Tamar was a more accomplished dancer, but she was not as well liked or admired as Alek. As we know, Dancing with the Stars is often more of a popularity contest than a show about dancing ability.
I didn't enjoy all of the cast members this season, but I still adore this show. Thanks for another great season, DWTS! My mom and I will be seeing the tour on December 20th. We are so excited!
librarianintx
Congratulations to Bindi and Derek! Bindi was the frontrunner from week one, and never lost that status. She is an amazing dancer, and an outstanding human being. Definitely the right couple took home the mirrorball trophy.
My top four would have been Bindi, Nick, Tamar, and Carlos, so that is close to what actually transpired. In just about every season, the third place finisher is someone who didn't deserve to be in the top three, and for me that happened again this season. Alek definitely grew as a dancer, especially considering he has no previous dancing or acting experience. Plus he was a sentimental favorite, an American hero. But if Tamar had stayed in the competition, I'm not sure that Alek would have finished in third place. Tamar was a more accomplished dancer, but she was not as well liked or admired as Alek. As we know, Dancing with the Stars is often more of a popularity contest than a show about dancing ability.
I didn't enjoy all of the cast members this season, but I still adore this show. Thanks for another great season, DWTS! My mom and I will be seeing the tour on December 20th. We are so excited!
librarianintx
Survivor Second Chances 11/25
A very satisfying two episode-in-one-night edition of Survivor: Spencer won an immunity challenge (!) and both eliminations were blindsides of people I was happy to see walk down the stairs and into the jury pool: first Ciera, and then Fishbach. Okay, I did feel a little bad for Stephen. He played his advantage, and I know he thought his move would make a big impact, and instead he got his torch snuffed. I also felt bad that he had been so sick and was in so much pain, but he didn't quit, and instead he got voted out. Nobody said Survivor is easy, or fair.
I don't blame Joe one bit for not voting to improve the shelter. He had to participate in the challenge; he had no other option. He knew that the tribe was gunning for him as soon as he lost the challenge. As it turned out, he didn't get voted out, but he knew he couldn't take the chance. I'm actually surprised that so many people gave up their chance at immunity. The constant rain has obviously take a big toll on all of them.
I am totally freaking out over the scenes for next week. Someone gets hurt, and its obviously a white male. That means it has to be either Joe, Spencer, or Keith. I certainly do not want anyone to get hurt, and especially not Spencer. Please please do not let it be Spencer. And whoever got hurt, I hope it is not as serious as it seemed to be in the preview. Since this is a visit from loved ones episode, the possibility exists that a loved one could have been injured, since they sometimes participate in the challenges. We'll have to wait and see. I am VERY nervous.
librarianintx
I don't blame Joe one bit for not voting to improve the shelter. He had to participate in the challenge; he had no other option. He knew that the tribe was gunning for him as soon as he lost the challenge. As it turned out, he didn't get voted out, but he knew he couldn't take the chance. I'm actually surprised that so many people gave up their chance at immunity. The constant rain has obviously take a big toll on all of them.
I am totally freaking out over the scenes for next week. Someone gets hurt, and its obviously a white male. That means it has to be either Joe, Spencer, or Keith. I certainly do not want anyone to get hurt, and especially not Spencer. Please please do not let it be Spencer. And whoever got hurt, I hope it is not as serious as it seemed to be in the preview. Since this is a visit from loved ones episode, the possibility exists that a loved one could have been injured, since they sometimes participate in the challenges. We'll have to wait and see. I am VERY nervous.
librarianintx
Friday, November 20, 2015
Survivor: Second Chances
Jeremy is still in it. Scrappy Spencer is still fighting for the win. And Joe continues to dominate the immunity challenges. So I'm pleased. But I don't understand why the majority decided to align this week with the "three witches." Doesn't make sense to me. And why did the group target Wentworth two weeks ago, instead of Ciera or Abi? Why did they go after the one that had a hidden immunity idol? I rarely think the show is rigged, but when that happened - it made me wonder.
Oh Spencer was SO close to swimming for that advantage! You can see that if he had not hesitated for just a fraction of an instant, he would have beaten Fishbach. I was so worried that the group would take the opportunity to kick out Spencer, but luckily he wasn't in the running at all for elimination.
I was SO happy that Spencer was a big reason that his team won the reward challenge. He is always one of the first to step up and take on a task - anything from unknotting ropes to working puzzles to pitching bags into holes. He's a hard worker, a team player, and a good strategist. I want him to win so badly, but I doubt he will. I'm still holding on to hope, though.
librarianintx
Oh Spencer was SO close to swimming for that advantage! You can see that if he had not hesitated for just a fraction of an instant, he would have beaten Fishbach. I was so worried that the group would take the opportunity to kick out Spencer, but luckily he wasn't in the running at all for elimination.
I was SO happy that Spencer was a big reason that his team won the reward challenge. He is always one of the first to step up and take on a task - anything from unknotting ropes to working puzzles to pitching bags into holes. He's a hard worker, a team player, and a good strategist. I want him to win so badly, but I doubt he will. I'm still holding on to hope, though.
librarianintx
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
A Book You Love and One You Didn't
I'm finally getting back to the Thirty Day Writing Challenge. I'm disappointed with myself for missing so many days, but the important thing is, I'm not giving up on it.
To pick one book that I've loved - impossible! I could drive myself crazy deciding on which one, so I'm not going to think about it for too long. Just choose one and go with it. This doesn't mean that this book is my absolute favorite of all time, just one that I enjoyed.
So I am going with Good Kings Bad Kings by Susan Naussbaum. It is a work of fiction, about a group of young people living in an independent living center for people with disabilities in inner city Chicago. The characters are believable and make you want to root for them. The storylines are realistic and heartbreaking. It is one of those books that sucks you in, and leaves you feeling grateful for what you have in life.
A book that I didn't care for was Walking on Broken Glass by Christa Allan. I thought the book suffered from an overuse of metaphors and comparisons that were designed to be humorous (taken from my goodreads review). And I seriously disliked her relationship with her husband. He was a jerk, and even though she figured out that they weren't right for each other, she decided to stay with him, mainly because she found out she was pregnant with twins. At least that's what I wrote in my goodreads review. I read the book a few years ago, so I don't remember all the details. But I do remember that I gave up on the book more than once, and I managed to finish it, but I can't say I enjoyed it.
librarianintx
To pick one book that I've loved - impossible! I could drive myself crazy deciding on which one, so I'm not going to think about it for too long. Just choose one and go with it. This doesn't mean that this book is my absolute favorite of all time, just one that I enjoyed.
So I am going with Good Kings Bad Kings by Susan Naussbaum. It is a work of fiction, about a group of young people living in an independent living center for people with disabilities in inner city Chicago. The characters are believable and make you want to root for them. The storylines are realistic and heartbreaking. It is one of those books that sucks you in, and leaves you feeling grateful for what you have in life.
A book that I didn't care for was Walking on Broken Glass by Christa Allan. I thought the book suffered from an overuse of metaphors and comparisons that were designed to be humorous (taken from my goodreads review). And I seriously disliked her relationship with her husband. He was a jerk, and even though she figured out that they weren't right for each other, she decided to stay with him, mainly because she found out she was pregnant with twins. At least that's what I wrote in my goodreads review. I read the book a few years ago, so I don't remember all the details. But I do remember that I gave up on the book more than once, and I managed to finish it, but I can't say I enjoyed it.
librarianintx
Survivor: Second Chances
Hallelujah! Chaos Kas is gone!!
She SO needed to go. Hopefully Abbi and Ciera will have their torches snuffed out next.
I'm glad that Spencer didn't vote for Kas. She did save him, after all, although I still question why she did. I'm sure he is very relieved to have her gone. But he still faces an uphill battle.
librarianintx
She SO needed to go. Hopefully Abbi and Ciera will have their torches snuffed out next.
I'm glad that Spencer didn't vote for Kas. She did save him, after all, although I still question why she did. I'm sure he is very relieved to have her gone. But he still faces an uphill battle.
librarianintx
A Day Off
How decadent to have a day off from work in the middle of the week.
The day began with a cup of tea, some reading, then a homemade egg muffin with zucchini and mushrooms, vegetarian sausage, and a blueberry muffin. I never have time during the week for such a nice breakfast.
A good sweep of the patio and a quick walk with my roommate has rounded out the day so far. And now time to catch up on some blogging. I have unfortunately fallen off the wagon in the past few weeks. Time to remedy that.
I am very grateful for a restorative day at home. And I am grateful to the men and women that have made it their duty to protect our country and keep us safe. We honor them on this Veteran's Day.
librarianintx
The day began with a cup of tea, some reading, then a homemade egg muffin with zucchini and mushrooms, vegetarian sausage, and a blueberry muffin. I never have time during the week for such a nice breakfast.
A good sweep of the patio and a quick walk with my roommate has rounded out the day so far. And now time to catch up on some blogging. I have unfortunately fallen off the wagon in the past few weeks. Time to remedy that.
I am very grateful for a restorative day at home. And I am grateful to the men and women that have made it their duty to protect our country and keep us safe. We honor them on this Veteran's Day.
librarianintx
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Survivor Second Chances 10/28
UGH! I got to keep Spencer, but I lost Woo in the process. Why is it that evil women are having control over the men that I admire in this competition? First Abbi was the puppetmaster of Woo's fate, then Kas determined the destiny of Spencer. Just when I had some hope that maybe Jeremy would be able to protect Spencer, then Jeff had to switch up the tribes again. Now Spencer has to deal with BOTH Abbi and Kas. Sigh.
This episode was fishy to me. Why did Kas end up keeping Spencer? All she could talk about was getting him out. Why did she go with voting out Woo? And in the immunity challenge, why on earth did that tribe send Kas up a second time to eat the Cambodian delicacies? She proved in the first round that she couldn't handle the gross food, so why did they pick her to go again? Why didn't they choose Spencer, who DID get the stuff down the first time around. Woo went twice, and won in both of his rounds. Spencer could have achieved that success as well, if given the opportunity. Kas lost the challenge for her team, but she was still in the driver's seat when it came to who went home.
I'm shaking my head.
librarianintx
This episode was fishy to me. Why did Kas end up keeping Spencer? All she could talk about was getting him out. Why did she go with voting out Woo? And in the immunity challenge, why on earth did that tribe send Kas up a second time to eat the Cambodian delicacies? She proved in the first round that she couldn't handle the gross food, so why did they pick her to go again? Why didn't they choose Spencer, who DID get the stuff down the first time around. Woo went twice, and won in both of his rounds. Spencer could have achieved that success as well, if given the opportunity. Kas lost the challenge for her team, but she was still in the driver's seat when it came to who went home.
I'm shaking my head.
librarianintx
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Tattoos
The seventh prompt of the thirty day writing challenge.
I don't have any tattoos. I'm not a fan of tattoos. I think one or two small ones are okay, but I don't understand the desire to be covered in them. For some people I think the need for tattoos borders on an addiction.
I'm not a fan of needles or pain or having something at least semi-permanent etched into my skin, so I don't see myself ever getting one. But if I did, I have a few ideas on what I would get. A small butterfly, maybe on an ankle or the inside of my wrist. And there are a few words I would consider; words that have meaning to me:
1) courage
2) harmony
3) bug (One of my nicknames, which is funny, because I'm scared of bugs)
4) teeny (Another of my nicknames)
librarianintx
I don't have any tattoos. I'm not a fan of tattoos. I think one or two small ones are okay, but I don't understand the desire to be covered in them. For some people I think the need for tattoos borders on an addiction.
I'm not a fan of needles or pain or having something at least semi-permanent etched into my skin, so I don't see myself ever getting one. But if I did, I have a few ideas on what I would get. A small butterfly, maybe on an ankle or the inside of my wrist. And there are a few words I would consider; words that have meaning to me:
1) courage
2) harmony
3) bug (One of my nicknames, which is funny, because I'm scared of bugs)
4) teeny (Another of my nicknames)
librarianintx
Someone Who Fascinates You and Why
So I'm behind on the thirty day writing challenge, but I told myself I wouldn't be able to write every day, so I'm not beating myself up about it. Just pick up and keep going when you can, I instructed myself.
I have a triumvirate of three women in history that I have admired for most of my life - Laura Ingalls Wilder, Helen Keller, and Anne Frank. I read everything I can about them. I don't have the new Laura Ingalls Wilder autobiography, but it's on my wish list.
I know this will sound corny, but the person who fascinates me the most these days is President Barack Obama. I have admired him since the first time I heard him speak, when as Senator Obama he gave the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention for then-Presidential candidate John Kerry. When he concluded his speech, I looked at my roommate and said, "He's going to be president someday."
When he was still the senator from Illinois, he came to the Texas Book Festival in Austin, to sign copies of his book Dreams of My Father. I knew people would start lining up sometime in the middle of the night for the book signing. He would be in an outdoor tent, and it was a chilly November day. So I did not go, and it is one of many regrets I have in my life. It would have been a very brief encounter, but I know it would have been meaningful to me for the rest of my life.
I have an acquaintance who greatly admired and believed in two men - cyclist Lance Armstrong, and former senator and presidential candidate John Edwards. Of course both men were incredibly respected individuals who fell from grace amid terrible scandals. I worry that this will happen to me with President Obama. So far he has managed to be one of the cleanest politicians ever, meaning no political or personal wrongdoings. I hope that continues. I believe in him, as a person, and as our president. I believe he has a wonderful heart and wants everyone in this country to succeed. I adore pictures of him with children. It hurts me when people speak so ill of him and tear him down. I think he has done so much good for this country, and would have been able to achieve even more if the Republicans had not made it their life's ambition to work against him in hopes he would fail.
librarianintx
I have a triumvirate of three women in history that I have admired for most of my life - Laura Ingalls Wilder, Helen Keller, and Anne Frank. I read everything I can about them. I don't have the new Laura Ingalls Wilder autobiography, but it's on my wish list.
I know this will sound corny, but the person who fascinates me the most these days is President Barack Obama. I have admired him since the first time I heard him speak, when as Senator Obama he gave the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention for then-Presidential candidate John Kerry. When he concluded his speech, I looked at my roommate and said, "He's going to be president someday."
When he was still the senator from Illinois, he came to the Texas Book Festival in Austin, to sign copies of his book Dreams of My Father. I knew people would start lining up sometime in the middle of the night for the book signing. He would be in an outdoor tent, and it was a chilly November day. So I did not go, and it is one of many regrets I have in my life. It would have been a very brief encounter, but I know it would have been meaningful to me for the rest of my life.
I have an acquaintance who greatly admired and believed in two men - cyclist Lance Armstrong, and former senator and presidential candidate John Edwards. Of course both men were incredibly respected individuals who fell from grace amid terrible scandals. I worry that this will happen to me with President Obama. So far he has managed to be one of the cleanest politicians ever, meaning no political or personal wrongdoings. I hope that continues. I believe in him, as a person, and as our president. I believe he has a wonderful heart and wants everyone in this country to succeed. I adore pictures of him with children. It hurts me when people speak so ill of him and tear him down. I think he has done so much good for this country, and would have been able to achieve even more if the Republicans had not made it their life's ambition to work against him in hopes he would fail.
librarianintx
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