Ignorant Historian

As nasty as these things are, they seem to pass quickly, praise God.

Disposable ice buckets make excellent barf buckets.

Having a nurse for an aunt is incredibly handy.

Watching my brother make his wedding vows is incredibly surreal.

My brother’s friends don’t remain high schoolers forever.

Illness is a great distraction when I’m trying not to cry.

Just because he’s getting married doesn’t mean my brother will stop being a pest.

Being ill gets me out of talking to virtual strangers.

Though the thought of most food makes me want to barf when I have a stomach bug, wedding cake still sounds appealing.

My brother can be kind and compassionate (to his sister!) when required.

My dad will always go to great lengths to care for his daughter.

When I’m ill, it’s always best to have my mommy around.

Last week I talked about what I thought made for a good novel.  During that discussion, I was asked what were my favorite reads this month.  It’s a logical follow-up, isn’t it?

These are the favorite books I’ve read this year (so far I’ve read 94, so there were a lot to choose from!).  For fairness, I only included books that I read for the first time this year.

10. Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

This is the only classic to make it on the list (though there is one other that might be considered a classic).  This was my first Collins book, and I really wasn’t sure what to expect.  Compared to a lot of books written in that time (published in 1860), it’s really easy to read with modern eyes.  It’s part mystery, part romance.  An all-around good read.

9. Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

This is the first of 2 children’s books on my list.  Unlike the other title, I don’t really feel like this is a children’s book.  Of course, it’s companion novel, The Giver, is also considered not-suitable for children so that shouldn’t come as a surprise.  I guess what I’m trying to say is that this book is so much more than a children’s story…and I don’t think children will get the deeper themes without being guided.  If you liked The Giver you would like this one, too, though it isn’t a sequel.  Also reminds me of The Hunger Games.

8. Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley

This is the only non-fiction book on my list.  By far the best non-fiction book I read this year, and probably the best title for Christian women that I’ve ever read.  Easy to read and brings up some great topics.  I was incredibly impressed by this book…you should pick it up!

7. Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Okay, okay, I know this title is so last year.  Or the year before (or the year before that?).  I had put off reading it because I thought it sounded stupid.  A book about a boy stuck on a boat with a tiger?  Sure that’s a brief synopsis, but it’s SO much more than that.  Just trust me.

6. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson

One of 4 Young Adult books on my list.  It’s a story about a 17yo who wakes up from being in a coma for a year with many questions and no one who will answer them.  It’s here because I loved discovering with Jenna the truth of her past and her current situation.  Don’t want to say more and give it away, but it’s highly recommended.

5. In the Name of God by Paula Jolin

Though this is a YA book, I read it at the recommendation of a friend before I was on my YA kick.  It’s the story of a typical teenager in Syria…who plans on being a suicide bomber.  Well researched and presented, revealing that teenagers are teenagers no matter what their situation and have similar struggles.

4. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

So, I guess this is sorta a classic, though it’s still rather young.  Sure, I don’t agree with a lot of Rand’s philosophies (any system based on greed will fail), I love how she presents them here.  She really was a gifted writer.  Though this is a long book, I enjoyed every page (except the 75 page monologue near the end…that got a bit much).  Not for the faint of heart, but if you’re a big reader, I think this is a worthy book to tackle.  If it wasn’t so long, I’d want to re-read it.  In fact, I might just do that, anyway.

3. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

This book should be under the tree for every uninitiated middle-grade child…it’s just that good.  Full of adventure and brain puzzles, it’s the story of 4 gifted children (gifted in different ways) who must work together to save the world.  I love how it’s an adventure book, but teaches children that there are adults they can learn from and that they can accomplish more working together.  Really, it’s a treat for all ages, too.

2. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Okay, this is no surprise.  I’ve gushed about it before.  The short of it is that Katniss (hate the main character’s name, though) is among 24 teenagers put in an arena and forced to fight to the death.  Won’t say more, but I can tell you I was surprised many times.  Plus, I think it has some pretty interesting, thought-provoking themes in it.  Read it!

1. Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl

This is the book that I read when I was made fun of for reading for the first time.  I suppose it’s the title…it DOES sound like a scientific book, but really.  Calamity physics?  Does that really sound like something real?

When I first reviewed this, I only gave it 4 stars because I just wasn’t sure about it.  I’ve thought about it now for another 6 months, and I do believe it’s earned this spot as the top book this year.  I mean, how many books can make me think about it for MONTHS?  I related to Blue, the main character, and what she was struggling with as she dealt with the death of a beloved teacher and so much more.  The style can be a bit wearing for 500+ pages (written in the over-wrought style of a well-read high schooler) which is why I only gave it 4 stars, but the story itself is well-worth it.  I’ll be re-reading this very soon!

So that’s it for 2009, but I’m looking forward to the good books that lie ahead!

I enjoyed it so much last year, I decided that I’d do it again this year.  Today is my last day of being 26 (I can still remember when I looked up to people who were 26 as mature and having it all together, LOL) as tomorrow is my birthday.

These are 26 things I’ve done in my 26th year (okay, actually it’s my 27th, but that’s an awkward way of putting it):

1. Was disappointed (again and again) by the Oklahoma Sooners.  Oh well, there’s always next year, right?

2. Gained a sister (though it’s not official until next month, it’s long been settled in my mind!).

3. Started writing a novel, that is now abandoned, at least for now. Maybe I’ll complete it (or a different one) when I’m 27?

4. Was asked to be a maid-of-honor.  And then a bridesmaid.

5. Became the site coordinator of our tax program.

6. Celebrated another blessed year, remembering again the sacrifice and blessing of the Cross.

7. Finally owned up to being a North Carolinian.

8. Planted my first flowers (the frost just this weekend got to them).

9. Survived another year without a boyfriend, and even enjoyed it for a few months.

10. Registered unaffiliated…no more “R” by my name (except the ones IN it, of course).

11. Learned I like teaching adults too, not just children.

12. Developed closer relationships with those in my ABF class.

13. Joined Twitter, and eventually learned to like it.

14. Earned a salary for the first time in my life.

15. Developed my own version of a bucket list (one of which I hope to check off this week!).

16. Received a memorable package from home.

17. Decided to work towards being a teacher professionally, even though the timing isn’t right yet.

18. Kicked my afternoon Diet Dr Pepper habit…one that I thought would always stick with me!

19. Participated in my first (and second) Read-a-thon and loved it.

20. Found the first show since Gilmore Girls that I can watch over and over again (Glee).

21. Moved my office again, this time so I have my own office space.

22. Bought socks for the first time.  I suppose mommy-bought socks weren’t going to last forever!

23. Started down the slippery slope to granola-ville by starting to drink organic milk.

24. Traveled to Turkey for the 3rd time, renewing my love of the people and culture.

25. Opened up myself up to a guy (being an oyster instead of a clam) and was shut down.  Lived through it.

26. Had the most emotional week of my life (thus far, obviously).

Overall, I’d say this was quite the growing year and more full of blessings than I could ever have dreamed!

Since I’ve been doing a little reading lately (like my use of understatement there?), I’ve been thinking about what makes a book good.

A good book, to me, has some/all of these characteristics:

1.  Great vocabulary. I’m a strong believer in the idea that there is only ONE word that is just right.  Sure, the English language has synonyms, but they have various shades of meaning.  An author who labors to get it right is much appreciated.

2.  Well-crafted sentences. Writing is hard–the little I’ve done has confirmed this–but when it’s done well, it shouldn’t be noticed.  It should seem like the book was birthed whole.

3.  Makes me think. Neither confirms my current thinking nor tells me everything I’ve ever thought was stupid.  Challenges me and brings to light ideas I’ve never thought to question.

4.  Continues to make me think long after I’ve closed the cover for the last time. Most books I’ve almost completely forgotten within a month…I know it’s good if I haven’t.

5.  A well-developed protagonist, one that’s true-to-life.  That means they should have more than one flaw (*ahem* Stephenie Meyer), and can be inconsistent.  Hey, we all are!  It’d also be great if other characters were well-developed, but this one is essential.

6.  Just something special. There should be something about the book that sets it out from the other hundred I’ve read this year.  Not an easy task!

7.  Not too much description. I’m growing in this area, but I still struggle when there are pages of description.  I don’t realize how much I skim these descriptions until I’m listening to a book on tape and space out for minutes at a time (Gone with the Wind, I’m talking about you).

8.  Symbolism. I’m sure there is so much I’m missing in the books I read, but I want to see it.  Not overly obvious (that’s worse!), but it should be there if I have my eyes open.

What makes a good book for you?

Photo by Zitona

Okay, forgive me.  If you’re a Twilighter, you won’t like this post as I’ll be dissing Edward.  If you’re not a Twilighter, then you won’t like this post because I’m going to talk about Twilight.  So basically, you have to have the exact same opinion as me (And why wouldn’t you if you have been reading my blog, right? I’m incredibly persuasive.) to enjoy this post.

I do realize that this post is at least a few weeks late, if not years.  Still, I wrote it now.  Actually, I’m rather pleased that I wrote anything “real” this week at all.

I read Twilight a couple of months ago after the umpteenth suggestion.  Didn’t hate it, but didn’t like it, either.  Over Thanksgiving break, I significantly miscalculated the number of books I’d need (I guessed 3, but 2 were youth books, so bad call) so I needed something to read.  Knowing my mom had New Moon, I thought I might as well continue the series.

After reading these two tomes, I still don’t get what it is about Edward that people like. At all.  In the interest of full disclosure, my ideal man-in-a-book/movie is Edmund in Mansfield Park (the movie, not necessarily the book).

9 Reasons Why I Couldn’t Like Edward

1. He’s pale as all get out.  Sure, being pale isn’t necessarily a bad thing (though I must admit I like my guys darker), but I don’t see how it’s a good thing, either.

2.  He’s a stalker.  Sure, Bella eventually gave permission for Edward to watch her all-night (like that isn’t creepy itself), but he did it before without asking.

3.  He sparkles.  If someone is going to sparkle in a relationship, it better be me.

4.  He’s mopey.  Sure, we all can be sometimes, but he seems to be too much (Bella, you too).

5.  He’s hard. How is that cuddly?

6.  He doesn’t bother to check his facts before making a big decision (killing himself).

7.  He likes Bella ’cause she smells good. That isn’t shallow…

8.  Other than these things, what else do we know about him?

9.  And then there’s something about being non-human…what was that again?

Today is the first ever Positive Day in the blogosphere.  It’s an act of Diva Daughter’s future presidency (I think she’d make a good one now, just she’s a wee bit under the 35 age limit).  In celebration of Positive Day, I’m going to share just a few of the many blessings God has given me.  I know I don’t dwell on these things enough.

* My family.  I’m one of the rare people that actually had a good home life, complete with 2 parents, an annoying brother, and grandparents nearby.  Now I get to add to that a wonderful SIL?  Awesome.

* My church.  Until I came to my present church, I didn’t really know what a great blessing God gave us when He founded the church.  While things are far from perfect, the church (I’m not referring to the building, but the people) is the place where I can be encouraged and sharpened.

* My job.  Hey, getting an increase of pay at any time is nice, but during a nasty recession?  Definitely a blessing.  Doesn’t hurt that I enjoy what I do, either!

* Food of my choice.  This has come to mind a lot lately how incredibly blessed I am.  Essentially, my food choices are an all-you-can-eat buffet of every food in the world.  If there’s something that I want, I can have it.  And to think that so many people today and in history would consider the scraps from my table to be a feast.  Yep, this gets to me.

* My singleness.  Yes, I don’t always see singleness as a blessing.  Sure, it can be a thorn in my side, but it’s also a gift.  There is many things I get to do because I’m single.  I don’t know if I’ll have this gift another year or the rest of my life, but either way, I thank God for it and seek help to use it wisely.

Five’s a pretty good number, so I’ll leave it at that, though I could go on for much longer.  What can you count as a blessing?

Happy birthday, G. Zoe!

1. Romans 7-8

2. Colossians 3

3. Philippians 4

4. Isaiah 53

5. Psalm 1

6. Psalm 51

7. Psalm 27

8. Matthew 6:33-34

9. 1 Corinthians 15:55

10. Proverbs 31

What about you?

My comfort clothes:
My PJs: oversized flannel pants that my mom makes and old t-shirts (pretty much wear them any time I’m at home)

My comfort foods:
Diet Dr Pepper (not technically a food, but so true)
Chocolate chip ice cream with chocolate syrup
Mashed potatoes
Fried rice
Chicken noodle soup

My comfort movies:
Enchanted
Ocean’s 12
27 Dresses
10 Things I Hate about You
not really a movie, but it’s on DVD: Gilmore Girls

My comfort books:
The Chronicles of Narnia series
Pride and Prejudice
Little Women
Sense and Sensibility
Ender’s Game

Comfort activities:
Reading in my reading chair or outside
Looking at my flowers
Watching TV with my parents, leaning on my dad
Driving alone in my car, singing and dancing to something fun (more often than not, Maroon 5)
Spending time journaling, reading my Bible, and praying, laying my heart out before God

HT: The Seamstress of Avalon

A yearish ago I wrote a post “Thirteen Things to Do Before I Die.”  I know many of you have posts of several things you wish to do, and I’ve decided to expand my list.  The top 13 are from the original list, and I’ll keep updating this with more items or comments as they come to mind.  Any suggestions?  Also, if you’ve done a similar list, give me the link so I can check it out!  If you see anything familiar, it is probably because I borrowed it from you!

1. Visit every inhabited continent. (still need Africa, South America, and Australia)

2. Read every book written by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. (I’m only close on Jane Austen – I still want to read two of her incomplete novels and her Juvenilia)

3. Grow my own vegetable garden (I’d want cucumbers, bell peppers, and radishes, just like we had growing up).

4. Memorize at least 4 books of the Bible. (already memorized 1 Peter)

5. Write a book. (working on this one!)

6. Be a positive influence on the next generation.

7. Celebrate Dana and I turning 40 with a huge party (you’re all invited…summer 2022).

8. Meet the president (whoever is in office at the time, whether I like them or not).

9. Go on a cruise.

10. See my favorite Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde plays performed in person (Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello; The Importance of Being Earnest, An Ideal Husband…I’m sure I’ll add others later).

11. Root for OU in person at a bowl game (and have them win! – or is this asking too much?).

12. Publish something…an article, a book, etc.

13. Visit the Holy Land.

14.  Play a game of Monopoly from start to finish.

15.  See a Broadway play.

16.  Serve on a jury.

17.  Watch Gone with the Wind.

18.  Swim a mile (again).

19.  Blog until I die…or until God convicts me to stop.

20.  Read 3,000 books. (count started in 2006: (47 + 33 + 67  + 45) = 192 read so far)

21.  Walk the streets of Rome.

22.  Write in my journal every day for a year.

23.  Write a letter twice a week for a year.

24.  Create book database/checkout system.

25.  Build up my emergency savings (I have a specific number in mind, but I’ll keep it to myself).

26.  See the Mediterranean (I’ve been this.close several times).

photo by Amir K.

Today marks my 3rd anniversary of being a blogger.  Can you believe that?  Of course, almost none of you were with me there in the beginning.  Regardless, I’m celebrating today with a bunch of 3s:

The 3 Most Commented Posts (without a gimic):
Which Toilet Would You Choose? – 42 comments
Proud to be a Virgin – 42 comments
Rules of Sprinkles – 34 comments

The 3 Longest Posts (that weren’t originally papers):
60 Unimportant Facts about Me – 1,822 words
100 Things for my 200th Post – 1,599 words
And the Hard Questions – 1,175 words

The 3 Shortest Posts:
Happy Fourth of July! – 4 words
He is Risen – 7 words
An End of an Era – 12 words

The 3 Posts That Made Me Famous (okay, relatively speaking):
Dear Fellow Dreamer (leading to being quoted in the Washington Post)
The Spider in the Bathroom Corner (leading to this funny letter)
Welcome my SITStas, One and All (who can forget being the SITS feature blogger?)

My 3 Favorite Posts:
Being Open, Like an Oyster
Orange Awareness Day
Good Friday

My 3 Least Favorite Posts (really, just the visuals behind them):
Where Should the Confederate Flag Fly?
The Before Picture (I liked it at the time, but my room now is so much larger and homier)
“It Ate Its Butt!”

The 3 Most Frequent Tags:
School
Blogness
Reading

My 3 Favorite Titles:
If You Pray for Rain, Bring an Umbrella
The Case of the Reunited Socks
Flip a Chicken Carnivals and Basketball Poems

The 3 Wackiest Searches:
octonutjob
seminar raleigh push my buttons
my lady chicken poem

The 3 Most Revealing Posts:
I Am, I Want, I Have, I Wish I Could
Dear Diary, Part 4
Pride and Power Camp

You want to know another significant bloggy milestone I hit this week?  Iva gave me my 6000th comment!  I tell ya, that totally blows me away.  Thanks for ‘em all!

Here’s to another 3 years of blogging, and another 6000 comments!