Ditto

Okay two more books to add:

Sweet Valley Jr. High "Whatever" No. 17 by Francine Pascal

Lacey's, the girl who's so far been nothing but a brat, mother is coming to visit.  She's so cool & Lacey wants to go live with her in New York, but her mother's career is too important.  And Lacey's poor bratty heart is broken.  Lesson:  even bratty people have feelings to be hurt.  And two, never mess with Elizabeth during a volleyball game.  And by the way why has Liz like never played volleyball and is so bad when she was good enough to be chosen for the charity game her junior year of high school.  You know the one with Todd's look alike on the opposing team.  Question:  How many significant others of SVH characters have look alikes?

You and Me by Maud Johnson

I got this at Half Price books.  It was written in 1982.  The way to tell this:  Women want to dress like a girl and wear skirts, and two wish there was more than one phone extension in the house.  And lastly networking is a new concept.

books, books & more books

“Christmas with Anne” by L.M. Montgomery

Some things are just comfy, and reading Anne stories is one of them.  This is a collection of a few chapters about Christmas in the Anne series, combined with Christmas stories the author wrote for magazines.  It’s funny how you can read about three pages of something and just tell that it’s someone’s style and L.M. Montgomery is one of those people.  I’m not sure what else to say except that it’s close to Christmas so pick up the book and a cup of hot chocolate & enjoy!

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> 

“Grandmother Remembers Christmas at the White House” by Mary Evans Seeley

I wanted something from the First Ladies Library, and this was it.  It’s a children’s book, I guess.  It has some very lovely pictures in it and some information about how each president celebrated Christmas since Calvin Coolidge.  There’s a general introduction.  There’s not a lot to read, but the pictures are incredible.

 

“Tall Stacks Images” by J. Miles Wolf

Another picture book but this one is for adults.  It’s the commemorative book from Tall Stacks.  I love Wolf’s pictures of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Cincinnati.  So I recommend it or pretty much anything he does.  Besides really Cincinnati has the best skyline anywhere.

 

Okay and I’m trying to finish all the Sweet Valley books I have sitting on my bookshelf so I don’t totally annoy anyone who is reading this.

 

Sweet Valley Jr. High “Get Real” by Francine Pascal

So the twins are changing from SV Middle School to SVJH, a fact that was never mentioned afterwards, but is that important?  And like SV Senior year, Elizabeth makes friends with the new kids but Jessica doesn’t.  But then we get drama because Elizabeth goes out on a date with her new friend, but his female best friend doesn’t like it.  Do we think she has a crush on him?  Do you think everything will work out?  Have we not read, wow, I don’t want to admit how many other Sweet Valley books, so what do you think?

 

Sweet Valley Jr. High “One 2 Many” by Francine Pascal

So we get to a new school and Elizabeth is popular and Jessica isn’t.  And she for some reason thinks this one girl is cool.  Jessica tries to hang out with Elizabeth, and at least people quit laughing at her.  But she and Liz’s new friends don’t get along, because, like it’s a surprise in the like 5th series that Liz and Jess don’t have the same group of friends because they have never have before.  And rule learned here: Never pretend your older brother is you boyfriend.  Did that need to be said?

 

Sweet Valley Senior Year #12 “Bad Girl” by Francine Pascal

Finally after 20 years of being the perfect twin (with the small exception of after her coma), Liz goes into teen rebel mode.  And her parents get angry with her.  This might be more shocking than the earthquake!  But hey Jess’s life is finally going well.  And cute boy Ken for some reason has fallen for high stress Maria.

 

Sweet Valley Senior Year #38 “Get a Clue” by Francine Pascal

So Tia, new girl that I’m supposed to fall in love with why?, is stressing about what to do with her life.  Then she ends up deciding to take a year off after high school.  I’m sorry how many of this is this an option for?  And we are dealing with the aftermath of Valentine’s Day.  Andy is dealing with his boyfriend coming out.  I’m wondering why we dumped Winston as the comic relief friend.  Melissa is upset that Will kissed another girl.  For the how manyth time?  And if you’re such a pain as she is that could be the reason.  And Liz is shocked that Jeff is her secret admirer.  Why because the author’s point is this isn’t SVH with Liz and Todd so Jeff is the other boyfriend to come back with.  I’m just not sure why the personality transplant was needed.

More books

“Light in the Storm” by Margaret Daley

You know it would help on some of these if I got a chance to write these right away.  Anyway, this is part of Harlequin’s answer to the growing Christian fiction market, Steeple Hill.  A woman has raised her three siblings and is now ready to go fly off and be a missionary, but first she meets someone.  It’s part of the Ladies of Sweetwater Series.  Honestly, I can’t remember much about it, so take that for what it’s worth.

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> 

“Long Way Home” by Gena Dalton

See above.  Except I have to ask as the injured professional bull rider finds the meaning in staying in the small town he’s from and marrying his old friend who’s raising her neice – why is it that you must live in a small town & have to want many children.  Some of us would like to live some place with things besides the community center dance with everyone we’ve always known as an option for entertainment.  And I know God said “Go forth & multiply.”  But does that really mean that all of us secretly really want 5 kids?  Because really some of us think that we’d like one child max.

 

“Summer: Beaches, Boys and Betrayal”

How is this series different from <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Sunset Island?  Um, not much.  Except the girls fight more and it’s in Florida not off the coast of somewhere inthe Northeast.  Really not much different, they both deal with anorexia.  But this one has less ‘80s fashion to make fun picturing how tacky it is.

Fluffy books

Okay book reviews –

Sunset Kiss by Cherie Bennett – Written in 1991.  One way to tell this?  Carrie tries a totally stylish outfit of a neon orange t-shirt dress artfully ripped and closed with safety pins and coordinated with pink, lavender and yellow eye shadow.  Whoa!  This is when I realize I’m glad I was to young to actually wear some of these fashions.  Though yes, I do like neon colors in small doses.  Okay, I like color.  Anyway back to the book, these are more grown-up than my traditional <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Sweet Valley books – the kids drink to some extent and talk about “going all the way”.  I’m not sure I don’t want my books more innocent for the crowd it was written to.  But this book takes place on Sunset Island which is how I would classify this as a fluffy beach read.

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> 

Boy Meets Girl by Francine Pascal aka Sweet Valley Senior Year #7.  Or rather the seventh book where I continue to wonder why Elizabeth and Maria keep chasing after brooding boy.  Who has an alcoholic mother, oh that explains why he’s so brooding.  Do I care?  And Jessica continues to love Jeremy but really really wonder about Will.  At this point, I like him, but as the series goes on we find out he needs a spine.  And that Melissa really needs a good shrink.

Idea

So I have an idea.  So I've been commenting on books I read, which I'm sure makes some people want to scream.  So I'll post my comments on like real life on here and post book reviews on AOL and tell so you can go there if you want.  And I'll try to keep my opinions on the skill of Miami University's offensive line to myself except to mention that they are the biggest reason I see that the Victory Bell is now in Clifton

Vote, Vote early, Vote often

So I now have a My Space page.  www.myspace.com/redhawk1999

So now I could have a blog there.  Should I keep this one or start one on there?  This site has 506 views.  Someone's reading this & should vote!!!!

A movie

Okay so I can't find a picture, but since I'm not sure I'm allowed to do that we'll go with it.

Clueless - the Whatever edition.  Always a fun movie.  And it's scary how many of the phrases I still use.

Hmm - maybe I'll edit this posting instead of starting yet another one tonight.  Just wanted to mention that the Laura Ingalls Wilder Lore is very entertaining for any of you out there who count her as your all time favorite author.  Go to www.liwms.org to order!

Another book

From Random House for Sweet Valley High's website....

Next book.  I actually finished these books awhile ago and am just now getting around to posting about all them..

This is one of the few books in which you feel sorry for Jessica and just want to smack Elizabeth.  Elizabeth in yet another book in which she wonders if she should sleep with a guy or not.  This is a serious issue, but my gosh, after this many books I just don't care. Besides, yes, I still thinks she belongs with Todd.  But now she's with Sam who tries to score with every girl he meets.  Jessica knows this.  Jessica tries to stop this, but Elizabeth keeps getting mad at her.  Get a clue girl - she's trying to help you.  And your big move to England is really a transparent attempt to set up the next series.  Which really they needed to do a companion series about how Jessica did on her own.

P.S.

http://www.faithfulchick.com/

I just got "Blind Date" back from Jean.  It's something that I only have seen at Christian bookstores.  It's an anthology of 4 novellas.  These are usually good.  In this case, it's four girls who all get set up by their grandmothers.  And it gives me a change to put a link to one of the author's websites.  Lately, she's been one of my favorite authors.

Odds and Ends

The picture is from www.route66.ie

I finished reading Nick Feeth's "Route 66".  A lot of great pictures and sidebars.  It really gives great information on a town by town, state by state basis.  I would love one of these days to drive Route 66.  Probably with a camper, because I do NOT stay in less than 3 star preferably chain motels.  Before you volunteer, you should also know that I will be wondering where the highway is to get on before we actually get out of Chicago.  But yeah, I still want to go.

Had class today.  I so just want to get through all this.  I don't really care if I learn anything.  I just want the degree at the end.  I know that's a bad attitude, but really I'm an end result, not "the process" person.

Lastly, I really, really need a date for Miami's Gala on 9/29.  Any single 25-35 year old guys out there who would like to rent a tux and go to a $250/plate dinner?  You know this is where it would be nice if I knew someone/anyone who fit the profile.  Let me know if you are interested and not a psychopath.

Labor Day

So I had a blast a RiverFest yesterday.  Great fireworks.  Funny duck regatta.  The ducks went both ways around an ice breaker.  It took them at least 15 minutes to straighten out the buoys.  Saw a friend I haven't seen in awhile - Hi Scott.

I watched a Cinderalla story the other day.  Cute, silly but really cute.  I know it's for little kids, but it's nice to see a movie that's good without having a lot of the crassness of other movies.

Next book

So I hopefully start Advanced Financial Research tomorrow.  Yes, it sounds as boring to this accountant as it does to you.  But cross your fingers, that I can force add the class.

http://www.cnn.com/TRAVEL/NEWS/9805/04/see.rockcity/

"Rock City Barns: A Passing Era"  I liked this book.  It had nice pictures.  The author was right that the barns that haven't been painted in 30 years you can still see the logo on.  I like the stuff about the old tourist attractions.  I don't know if I'd like driving on all the back roads, but it sounds romantic. 

Sunday

Yes, the show is sappy, but I love to see how these people's lives are changed by a new house.  And you can tell that the design team is really moved by what these people are going through.

Went to O'Charley's tonight.  Saw Jillian a couple years ago she was one of "my freshmen" that were always in my car, group, et cetera at youth group.  But life changes and now I saw her working & about to start her senior year of high school.  Wow!! Time flies.

I finished Marty by Elisa Bialk.  It was written in 1954.  Marty is like what Nancy Drew would be as a journalist.  And she says things like "boys of that station are wont to do" or "Marty may have been a journalist but more importantly she was a woman so she did as all women do at that point in time: she passed out"  It's things that would never even be thought of now.  It's cute in an archaic way.

Below is the author's obituary.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE5D91E3DF934A35750C0A966958260

Sunday morning

So it's Sunday morning and I'm trying to get odds and ends tied up before the week starts and I start a crazy 4+ months.

Last night, Robyn, Laura & Jessica came over.  We got so busy talking that we didn't watch the movie I had rented.  Oh well, and it seems everyone wants a new job - but - Me first.  Oh has anyone seen "The Prince & Me"?  It's what I rented, but I haven't heard much about it.

http://www.judykbaer.com/

I just finished reading "Be my neat-heart".  It got better after the start.  I like Christian romance novelsl, but some of the them just fall into this description I read on Amazon "So you want to read a Christian novel, but you're not a pre-school teacher dating a cop in a small town with 1 church where everyone always loves everyone"  Yes!  And this one she eventually loves the trip to the spa and does some normal things.  And the guy is really sweet most of the time.  But I'm sorry I don't think I want my wedding night to be spent watching my poodle (yuck who wants one of them) and hairless cat (ditto) eating a cottage cheese and tuna wedding cake.

It's an hour before we leave for church and my parents just got up. 

More Books

http://www.engl.virginia.edu/faculty/kelly.html

So I like to give you a link or a picture with each entry.  This one's about the author of the book.  I told you I'd comment on books - and I finally read one for my age group or okay for an adult.  "Best Little Stories from the White House".  It's an interesting book and an easy read, but both my aunt and I found it to be long, you thougt it should be going quicker than it was.  For example it tells what the mood was like as on president left and the next moved in.  Johnson's kids left ice cream for Ford's kids, for example.  And this I just found funny.  Jackie Kennedy requested a wheel chair since she had just had a C-section prior to the tour the first lady takes in between the election and the inauguration.  Mamie Eisenhower arranged for one, but had it placed behind a curtain.  After they finish the tour, Jackie is about to collapse so she asks if they got the message about the wheelchair.  Mamie tells her yes, it was over there behind the curtian if you would have asked for it. 

Books

Picture from www.amazon.com

I like dumb stuff - sue me.

So today was the interns last day.  So I go back to doing all my work.  She was very perky, so it was nice to have a cheerful influence.  BTW, applied for a new job - pray for me.  And today I used all those useful skills from high school, I helped the 20 year-old intern sneak a picture of the 49something with an 18 year old daughter hot computer consultant.  See I did use something from high school again.

Speaking of high school, I finished reading Sweet Valley Senior Year "The It Guy".  Okay, so the whole Conner - "I might be an alcoholic" thing would mean I have to care about the whiny stoic slacker rocker.  Oh that's right - I don't care.  Really - why is Liz wasting her time with him?  And Maria "Oh no my boyfriend is now the star of the football team."  Sheesh, he could have some new pressures.  It's so all about her.  I know they are supposed to be a super-couple but she seems to think she is so superior to who in all the books has been a pretty sweet guy.  But then he falls for Melissa - please this girl could inspire several phsyciatric studies.  And I've wasted to much of your time telling you about this book so I'll end here.

Alaska where Men are Men and Women win the Iditarod

Actually, I though thoughtful was a mood choice.  I probably told some of you that once upon a time my Dad played at dog sled racing.  That and owning huskies made it exciting every March to watch the coverage of the Iditarod on Wide World of Sports.  I remember Libby Riddles, Susan Butcher and the moose attack.  Then the next year Susan came back and won.  And won and won.  Inspiring the t-shirt that is quoted in this subject.  Yesterday, she died from leukemia.  She had two young daughters.  It is a horrible disease.  But this entry is to be a tribute to a woman who inspired little girls everywhere.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003178716_butcherobit.html

 

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE2D71F3DF93BA25750C0A966958260

 

Saturday

It's Saturday.  You know Saturdays are good for shopping.  Actually this week so are Thursdays and Friday.

http://www1.macys.com/index.ognc?bhcp=1

Good Sale!

Lamplighters

Pictures from the Mackinac sunset cruise.  I'm going to upload my pictures to Webshots next. CHECK THEM OUT.

I'm getting a headache, maybe I need to get off my computer.

the kids are fun, but I find some people who need to sound less patroniziing.  And lastly - just because your parents are atheists - it doesn't make you abused or have more to say than the rest of us.

My previous RSVP rant

So some of you know I went to a leadership training weekend for the youth this weekend.  So I'm sitting here & guess what the reason for my RSVP rant shows up.  So any suggestions on how to deal.

I believe this is from the same weekend two years ago.

Vacation

So it looks like I will get to go on vacation afterall - it looked like for most of the day I wouldn't get to go.  Because you know babies can come at any time.  But I am & it's next week.  But hey it's a jackdonkey free week if you get my drift.  I put a picture of Michigan, but I have to see if I can find one.

Okay the first is Chateau Grand Traverse, the second is Chateau Chantal.  Yes, we aren't going there, but it's Michigan & gorgeous.  The last is I75 near the Mackinac Bridge.  We will be going over that!

College student

www.coping.org

So I reenrolled at Miami. I am now an accounting major! 1 class at MU. 1 class at UC & I should have a degree! Aren't you proud of me? Let's hope this ready to good things job & compensationwise If you know what I mean ;) % also, had a thought today as a student I get in free to athletic events, yet I bought season football tickets. So does anyone want a free ticket to watch came with me?

Concerts

Search Google I forgot to copy the references.  Just got to say that Spirit Song was awesome.  Especially TobyMac & Newsboys last night.

Monday, oops Wednesday

So the mouse just erased my whole message.

I'm trying to comment on books as I read them.  Yes, I know I seem to be reading teen novels, but you're reading my blog so anyway...

This picture is from Amazon.com and is the cover of "Face the Music" by Melody Carlson.  It's funny and cute.  But we're going to go into my rant that reoccurs in so many different places.  Chloe and Jeremy are forbidden by their chaperone from spending time alone together (like going to the mall)  because they might, get this, be interested in each other.  Oh no, because then they might find out they like each other.  And in all her books the mature Christians have kissed-dating-goodbye.  Here's a hint - I find this to be the reason so many of us are not married.  I know it's the reason I didn't have a date for the four years of college.  The guys had to wait for God to tell them to marry a person before they could ask them on a date.  WHATEVER!  You know getting to know someone might mean you spend time with them.  Possibly without a crowd to distract you.  You know Laura Ingalls was allowed to go buggy riding alone with Almanzo Wilder in 1883.  I'm not sure why this is such a bad thing. 

End of rant, this is just something I keep hearing and I don't understand why people seem to think it's a good thing.

Degrees

So found out there may be a way for me to get an Accounting degree from Miami!

And let's just say office politics can swing  my way, also!

And who isn't happy about the upcoming four day weekend?

  I can't think of much else to say....

But I'm pretty happy!

<center><a href="http://www.yetanotherdot.com/asp/80s.html"><img src="http://www.yetanotherdot.com/asp/.jpg" border=0> </a> </center>

'80-s lyrics I got a 25.5 How did you do?

I get to leave for Ichthus tomorrow. Yeah! BTW, RSVP-ing it's a good thing!

Miami Dogs

I forgot to tell you that you are now reading the journal of a board member of the Cincinntati Chapter of the Miami Alumni Association.  Hey, why not? It will get me out of the house.  My "About me" reminded me of this.  As everyone was introducing themselves, several people mentioned they had a dog - no kids, they just wanted a dog.  Yes!! my kind of people.  So yes, they were typical preppy Miami people that I don't always feel like I fit in with, but unlike so many people I know many were single and more into dogs than kids.  Gotta go to church, TTYL!

TGIF

I had an interview today.  I wish I could tell whether an interview when well or not.  And my new shoes rubbed a large hole in my heel.  It stings a little bit.  I'm just relaxing today.  I spent the last 24 hours stressing out and now I need to unstress a bit.

jobs

Okay, here's my last chance at advice:

I'm telling my manager tomorrow that I applied for a new job any suggestions as to how to say it nicely?

3 day weekend

1. A period of time devoted to pleasure, rest, or relaxation, especially one with pay granted to an employee.
2. A holiday.
3. A fixed period of holidays, especially one during which a school, court, or business suspends activities.
4. Archaic. The act or an instance of vacating

from websters.com

Had a long post but for the third time Aol kicked me off and I lost everything.  Maybe tomorrow I will be able to expound on my vacation theories, Marty goes to Hollywood, and subject titles.  In many colors and fonts!

Wednesday

I have to take the trash out tonight.  They changed our garbage pick-up from Monday to Thursday morning probably a year ago, but it still doesn't seem natural.  I want to clean up my room tonight also.  I'm still trying to get the desire to do that, but I guess I will go do that now.

 

Bye!

Dinner

Why can't tired be a mood?  I'm sleepy for some reason tonight.  Maybe because last night I slept on the sofa to keep the puppies company.  It was so cute.  Twice Koti jumped on me, then he looked at me & laid down next to me.  He really wanted to cuddle.  He was so sweet & cuddly.  Then at one point Blitzen wanted a little attention.  Then Koti put his paws on the arm of the sofa stuck his head over and gave my nose a kiss.  Awww.

It's chilly in here for some reason.

I made halibut tacos tonight.  Just for the hal - ib - ut.  I know groan.  It was okay.  Soft taco with lots of taco fixings.  I couldn't find cilantro so I skipped it and used lime juice instead in the guacamole. - I don't suggest that.

I'm going to go feed the dogs & psyche myself up to iron.

Monday

I had meetings from 11:30 on today.  So fun.  And I love when you say something, and someone else says no.  And then you realize, the other person didn't say no because it was a bad idea, but they are afraid it's better than theirs and you'll look better than them?

That's about all I can say.

The second part of Youth Sunday and the senior dinner went great!

Koti and Blitzen are two adorable dogs.  Oh! and I watched the Preakness.  My heart was in my throat.  I'm glad Barbaro survived the surgery.  And I feel bad for Bernardini.  It should have been a triumph for him, but instead everyone's upset about something else.

Should Thursday be the beginning of the weekend?

You know what I miss the most about college?  Even after seven years! Thursday evenings.  I know the joke is college students start drinking then, but even those of us who didn't drink did that.  We'd go to Primetime for Campus Crusade.  And we had the most awesome praise band ever.  Then someone would have a party and we'd head over there, or over to Shriver Center to get smoothies and hang out.  I miss that, then there were only Friday morning classes, Noon Praise, the afternoon classes then the weekend.   Now I'm sitting home on Thursday nights.  I want to go out and celebrate the coming weekend!

Work

So  I forgot to mention the big news from Monday

1.  We had a new intern start.  I know I'm confusing her with little details.  Let's just hope she catches on quick.  And I went to jr. high (and high school) with someone who had the same name.

2.  While we were talking, the company president walked around introducing some one - I turned around and it was Carl3.  OMG!  He shook my hand and repeated my name like he'd ever remember it.  But Good day to wear the polo shirt with fish on it, since he's known to be religious.

 

I'll write more after I meet anyone else famous or rich!

My comments: wanted and otherwise

From www.sweetvalley.com

So I finished reading this book tonight.  Sadly yes, Sweet Valley High does still amuse me.  However, I'm not as fond of Senior Year as the others.  It's sooo the drama!!!  And I don't care if Elizabeth is with Conner or Jeff.  One, Jeff corrected people in Sweet Valley High when people called him Jeff not Jeffrey, why'd he change now?  And Conner - so not into slackers.  Besides Liz belongs with Todd.  But it was a fun hour to read.

What am I really frustrated about?  I found out someone at church has decided that no group in the church can "do" an entire Sunday Morning service.  Because evidently the decision maker is the only one who can decide what worship is.  It's not - the choirs having a music Sunday or Hymnody Sunday.  Or the Sunday School or youth group sharing their view, or any other group within the church.  How nice to know that God fits neatly into a traditional box.  And by traditional, I mean a song, prayer, offering, sermon by a minister, prayer, song.  And that no one in the church is convicted by God to share something.  Please pick your own adjectives, because I'll quit before I get nasty.

Monday

So Youth Sunday Part 1 is finished! Whew!  So good, but so tiring.  Well, the lock-in was very exhausting.  The kids were great and quite frankly they were so happy when I brought the sugar & caffeine at 2:45 in the morning that really made it worth it.  The Prodigal Son drama was amazing.  And I really like my shirts and seeing all the college kids!  So I'm tired, but happy.

AND, the insurance company is paying for everything on my car!  Though if I was to get a new car, which does everyone like better the Fusion, a cheap Escape, a Limited Edition Escape, or a cute, but completely impractical Mustang?

I'm being cleaned around! Help!

So I'm being cleaned around, and I'm doing not a whole lot since it's 10:45pm.  Would anyone care to explain why my mother who was watching tv, got a sudden desire to clean the house at 10:30 at night.  And from the noisy breathing, I'm guessing it's a problem that I want to finish reading my email.

I do have a huge praise for the day.  I pipe was bouncing around I75 today.  It hit my car and scratched, scraped, and nicked my hood, grill, and driver's door.  But the car still runs!  And seriously, I thought the pipe was going to come through my windshield.  So I guess we can all just be happy that I'm still alive.

Packing

So, I'm going away on Thursday Is tomorrow to soon to start packing ? LOL

It's my first damps off since December make I'll be able to update you while were away. Our campground has free WI- FI Got to go let a dozers in. TT YL

My resemblence to Ashley Stockingdale

http://www.kristinbillerbeck.com/chick_lit.htm

Have I mentioned Ashley before?  She's the main character in "What a Girl Wants" and it's two sequels.  She is, also, my rolemodel.  The link is to the authors website.  Ashley likes shopping and The Bachelor and People magazine.  I so relate.  I know this is a surprise to anyone who knows me.  My aunt has given my a subscription to People for my birthday.  I'd never buy it for myself but I love having it.

I actually finished last week's issue tonight.  I look through it every Friday, but rarely get around to reading the entire thing.  I also finished the figure skating book.  If half what he says is true (which I've read reviews say that's about as much as it is), figure skating needs a serious overhaul.  It's mellowdramatic, but kinda interesting.

Lisa's IMing me I'd better go.

Saturday

I got up early to run errands.  Can someone explain to me why I can renew my license plates online with a credit or debit card.  But if I go and do it in person, I have to use cash or check.  Where is the logic there?  And who decided to raise the driver's license from $6 to $24?  I'd like to know, so I can make sure not to vote for them. :(

Then I went shopping, go 2 new pairs of pants, 9 pairs of earrings (they are on two cards - it's not like I went totally crazy.)And a set of pajamas with both short and long pants for $14.99.  I think the price for pajamas cost in general is to much, so I'm trying to complement the good.  For those of you wondering if this was TMI.

As I've mentioned before, I love figure skating.  I'm watching skating now.  So far the following people have skated.  Here's what I think. what do you think?

Kimmie Meisnner-  you're new world champion.  I wonder if she is as tiny as she looks.  She looks so confident.  It should be an interesting four years.

Evan Lysaceck- He seems so fun.  I like his skating and this routine to 3 very different songs.  He's got to figure out his problems in the short program.  He keeps bombing the short & rocking the long, ending up in 3rd or 4th.  If he could just do an okay short - he could be winning.

Emily Hughes- can't watch her without thinking of her sister.  yes, that is a good thing.  She really looks like she's having fun.

Inoue & Baldwin - I sort of remember him all those years as a singles skater.  I never get to into US pairs.  They never seem to get very far.  And break up so often.  But he adores her so much, it's so sweet looking.  And their throw triple axel is so well done.

Matt Savioe - cool moves that no one else does.  I'm going to miss him when he goes to law school.

Irina Slutskya - She tries a lot.  I like her routines where she does powerful things instead of graceful things.  But to agree with Terry Gannon, you can't hear about her & her mother's illnesses without somewhat rooting for her.

Johnny Weir (d)-cyrillic spelling of his name on his sleeve?  Could he try to be more bizarre?  He's said he doesn't care if Republicans don't like him.  Well this one refuses to spend money to see him ever.  I can hope that the prima donna behavior will take him back under a rock!

Fashion - Lambiel as 3rd worst.  oh yeah since Ilia's bumble bee cow.  Chinese exhibition as worst - never seen it before but that was ugly.  Best Sasha's first long program dress.  I liked her short program dress better.  But the goodaren't as fun as the bad.

Sasha Cohen - I know many on the internet hate when people skate to patriotic numbers.  I love it.  I finally got what people have seen in her this year.  I think she's handled a lot of pressure (I'm looking at you Bob Costas here) with a lot of grace.

Debbie Thomas - catching up with her.  She's just now finishing all her training up?  Geez, it's been almost 20 years since she went to the Olympics.

Belbin & Agosto - glad they managed to compete.  Can I suggest Ben get a haircut and shave?  The US finally has a competitive ice dance couple.  Yay!

Totiana & Marin - to quote David Pelletier (I swear I'm still in Olympic Ice withdrawal.  He has so many good quotes) "You just won the Olympic gold medal - smile."

Shizuka Arakawa - she's using my vote for the most overused song in everything.  But I love that she won from what should not have been from out of the blue.

Evegeny Plushenko - basically he's won everything.  He may not be the most fun skater to watch but he dominates everything totally you can't argue about it.

Michelle Kwan - oh look no jumps, but she doesn't have to to win at nationals.  She shows up the judges love her and will give her whatever she wants.

Finally, I've counted 6 mentions of the Champions On Ice tour.  Did Tom Collins pay them to do that?

On to the family Easter Egg dye.  Corny but fun

Easter

I got off at 3 o'clock today.  It's a nice change to have sometimes.

We're having thunderstorms.  It would be nice if Blitzen knew how to come in out of the rain.

I do have one reader!  Laura claimed her I told you so.  Anyone else out there?

I watched two episodes of Cheerleader Nation tonight.  I like it.  I think the girls act like pretty normal high school girls.  But I am so glad I never had to give that much time to anything during high school.  There's no time to do anything else.

It's 11:31 my eyes are closing so I'll say goodnight.

Figure Skating & Figure Skating books

Well, I typed for 20 minutes and just managed to delete everything - please join my in a glass of whine for a second as I try to remember what I typed.

U.S. Olympic Photo Gallery

The above should be a link.  Cute photo montage of Sasha Cohen & Shaun White.  I wish they had gone out on a date, but I know it's none of my business.  And if I were her, I 'd be a little surprised if a guy  who I've never met asked me out on national tv.  (Though if you are a guy reading this - if I knew the guy I'd probably have a different reaction.)

I was reading "On Edge" by Jon Jackson.  It has some interesting behind the scenes look at what goes on at a figure skating competition.  Though it seems impossible that  Jackson believes that all men are hitting on him all the time.  And he acts very gossipy & coy about which skaters would like to hit on him.  Giving some people pseudonyms.  But if this was true, why would it be needed?  Or is this his way of passing on urban legends without having to back them up with facts.

YYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEE

EEEEEEEEEEEEESSSS

SSSSSSSSSSSSSS

I spoke with the youth director at Trinity today.  She likes the idea of camping together.  I think things are coming together.  I am so happy about that.  I guess Laura is right.  I want to take teenagers to a Christian weekend - why wouldn't God be trying to help me?  I just never expect it.

books

I like soaps. I've mentioned it before. And I watch one life to live. also. Hey its more "real", than Days.

I bought Fruit Streamers.  I thought they were like fruit roll-ups.  They're all right, but they're more like licorice.  Not my favorite.

I finished "The Best Little Stories From the White House".  It's long, but good.  Stories about the Presidents & First Ladies.  I'm not sure how to describe it.  It shows the best and worst of each person.  So while I guess they come across as real, but I think the author has his favorites.  (Unlike me that seems to include Hillary)  I got it at Andrew Jackson's house in Tennessee in December. 

Gotta go talk to you later.

Would you think me unimaginative if I titled this-Tuesday

Sometimes I wonder about current TV -the best thing I can find on-a re-run from 7 or 8 years ago. pre Chandler & Monica and me chandler & Joey's recliners if that tells you anything.

oh! Please excuse any typos. I'm using the stylist & sometimes I don't notice when it does it wrong. But I'm having fun. Writing on my computer screen having it know what I'm writing it really amuses me.

O.K. I have over 200 views I know I haven't looked it the page that often. so if you do read this. please, please comment. It would make my day. Should I offer a bribe? But what would I be able to do our the. internet, I know! If you comment. I'll email you.

Monday

I'm here. Its Monday. I have a headache I'm watching a guy try to get a date with a strawberry ice cream cone. Did you ever wonder about sit-com writers ?

I was reading "Michigan-off the beaten path" Guess what? Not only have I been through Michigan on the beaten path. I've already been to most of the things off the beaten path as well.

Here are two pictures I took last summer. The first is Chateau Chantal The second is Chateau Grand Traverse. Both are wineries an the Old Mission peninsula of Travese City, Michigan yes , one of my favorite places!

Caught up?

So I finally get to post here.  I read all my email for the first time this year.  I subscribe to severalYahoogroups, so I get sometimes 30 to 300 emails a day.  (Skatefans is nuts during a figure skating competition).  I got my taxes done!  Well, it's not the 17th yet.  And I scanned a bunch of old pictures.  The church's 40th anniversary is coming up.  They want to do a video.  Nancy was asked for old youth group pictures.  So I scanned a bunch to give to her.  We were so young!  And so many pictures take explanation.  Here's the group picture from 1992.  You can tell we've been 3 days without a shower.   Tell me if you recognize anyone in the picture.

It's been awhile

More promises to write sometime & guilt that I haven't in awhile.  I'm getting more caught up.  Anything new - I don't know - I'm excited about Ichthus?

I know I havene't written in a while, but I will soon. I promise!