Booking it

I had been reading like crazy, it's rather slow around here..............


Hood by Stephan R. Lawhead was great. It takes the story of Robin Hood and sets it in Wales. Lawhead is a very Christan author, but he keeps his stories in a historical setting. The sort of spirituality in that time period is Catholic, so Lawhead keeps it without twisting it to a more Protestant view.

I very much enjoyed reading this different take on the old stories. This is a dark and gritty version, with a hint of magic to tie it in with stories of Beowulf and the Lock Ness monster. The prevailing theme is shouldering responsibility and hanging on to hope. I would recommend it to 13 and older. My 14 year old sister was dying to get hers hands on it when I was done.



The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is riveting. I admit to staying up way too late to finish reading it. It is set in a futuristic society, where the USA is gone. Instead, there is a ruling Capital over 12 Districts. As punishment for a rebellion, the Capital enforces the Hunger Games on the Districts. Each District must send a boy and girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to compete in the Games. The games are televised and all are forced to watch the children fight each other to the death.
Katniss, volunteers to take her young sister's place in the Games and must use all her skills to stay alive.

This is a young adults book, but I would recommend it to anyone. It is a brilliant critique of our modern entertainment. It takes our fascination of reality TV and violence to a logical conclusion.


Magic Street by Orson Scott Card took me awhile to finish. It's a harsh modern tale that is sometimes painful to read. It doesn't go into anything graphic, but it does deal with racial attitudes, sexuality, drugs etc. without sparing much.
Mack Street is a child of two worlds. He grows up in California while running wild in a strange mirror world. Anyone who knows Shakespeare's "A Mid Summer Night's Dream", will enjoy this twisty continuation. I would recommend it to 18 and older.

Call for Catholics

"our warfare is not against flesh and blood but against the power and principles of darkness"

Bishop Hermann of St. Lewis published this powerful column in the St. Louis Review.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jan/09012707.html

It is a reminder that we cannot hate the people who are responsible for atrocities, like abortion. It is a ploy of the Devil. Rather we need to actually live our Catholic faith. Bishop Herman calls for daily rosary, weekly Mass, and confession. In doing this, we strengthen ourselves for the spiritual battle and the real enemy. Read the article, the Bishop says it so well.

On a side note, daily rosary is hard. It only takes 15 minutes, but it always seems impossible to do when I'm not in the car. *sigh* I guess I'm just going to have to work harder on it. Same with the getting up at 4:30am to go to the gym. I really didn't have a good excuse today. I was just lazy.....

Deerskin

I just finished reading Deerskin by Robin McKinley. It is one of those stories that pulls you in and doesn't let go. The story is based on the old fairy tale Donkeyskin. It follows a princess, who is abused by her father and runs away in shame and horror. The author is a master at getting inside her characters heads. It is heartbreaking to read at times, but rewarding when the character finds healing. This is more of an adult book. I read it first when I was 16 and think that was a little too young. It depends on the kid. I would recommend it for 18 or older.

Banners Forward

I just read an interesting article today http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jan/09012602.html .
To sum it up, it discussed the importance of Internet and the lack of pro-life coverage in the main stream media. One of the points brought forward, was that anyone can get the message out.
Certainly not all blogs should be taken as fact, but neither should mainstream media be believed without reservations. Example: My co-worker was listening to the presidential inauguration on National Public Radio. He stopped by the office and saw us watching it on the internet live. As the camera panned the crowd, my co-worker exclaimed, "NPR said the crowd was 98% black and 2% white people! It sure doesn't look like it."
Not at all. The cameras were moving through the entire crowd; through the people up on the steps, to those seated and the ones further out in the streets. The people were a large mix of all ethnicity's.

So I would like to bring an interview with Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi forward:

"STEPHANOPOULOS: Hundreds of millions of dollars to expand family planning services. How is that stimulus?
PELOSI: Well, the family planning services reduce cost. They reduce cost. The states are in terrible fiscal budget crises now and part of what we do for children's health, education and some of those elements are to help the states meet their financial needs. One of those - one of the initiatives you mentioned, the contraception, will reduce costs to the states and to the federal government. "

You can find the interview here: http://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/Story?id=6725512&page=2

We all know that in the current administration, "family planning" means money to Planned Parenthood and company. In other words, this means that the "services" reduce children. This makes no sense. If we cut children out of the the picture, we lose all the jobs they create; hospitals, schools, daycare, etc. We lose people who could be taxpayers, consumers, officals, entertainers, the list goes on! Who does Pelosi think she is fooling?!

Crazy

Just saw this today and had to laugh.

Car Trouble

So I was driving home from Milwaukee, listening to my iPod and singing along, when something began to go wrong. The steering wheel was fighting me; the wheels were wobbling.
"Oh no. Please don't be a flat!" I begged.
Another thought occurred to me. Dad and I had been meaning to replace the C V joint boot on the wheel in question. I wondered if the boot had finally broke and the joint was giving out.
I groaned and began to pray, "Please God get me to the next exit with a gas station."
I hoped nothing would go wrong, for example: the wheel would fall off causing the car to flip and a huge accident to occur, or the steering wheel would loose control of the wheels and I would bang into the car next to me.
I thankfully saw the next exit. There was no gas station, but I could pull on the ramp to look at my tire, just in case it was flat. I pulled off. The tire wasn't noticeably flat looking; a little low when I checked the pressure but not bad. I kicked off the snow build up in the wheel well. That could be the problem. Dad had told me that a huge chunk of snow flying around in the well could cause a tire to wobble. Hoping this was the issue, I started up my car and slowly got back on the highway.
So far so good, no wobbling. I got up to 60 mph when the wobble crept back. Dang! It had to be the C V joint. My thoughts jumped to images of my tires locking up or falling off and the aftermath with my body getting pulled out of a twisted wreck. My mind went black after that one and dissolved into a incessant plead to get to a gas station in time.
I made it to the next exit and turned into the gas station. Whatever lingering doubts I had over the C V joint fled when I heard a sharp crack and clatter as I turned in. I could still drive though, it could go straight with out making noise. Maybe.....
After filling up on gas, checking the joint (didn't look broken), calling home (can I still drive on it?), I took a gentle turn to get out and got stuck. Now the engine was running, but the wheels weren't turning and it was clacking and clattering. I was stuck in the middle of the road. Great.
I tried pushing my car over to the side, but wasn't strong enough. Thankfully, a guy and his girlfriend saw me and gave me a hand. The next step was what to do. I was almost at the point of panic when I kept getting the busy signal at home. I was just talking to them! Who would be calling on a Sunday evening?! Oh. My brother always calls on Sunday. He has a cell with call waiting. I tried him. Sure enough, Thomas was talking to the gang. I explained what had happened and asked him (nicely) to get of the dang phone so I could call home!
It took dad an hour and a half to get me. Luckily, I had a book and my car was warm and the gas station was busy enough that bad guys probably wouldn't bother me. I locked the doors anyway. I was very happy to see dad. I made it home 3 hours later than I expected, but I made it home.
Thank God for small miracles like keeping a tire on and a dad willing to drive a hour and a half to get you and the car! Dad didn't complain at all.
Other then, "I bet if you han't asked me if the C V joint was okay to drive on before you left, it would have been fine!"
Sorry.

Twilight Caze

Okay, I know what you are thinking. She likes Twilight?!?!

Is she alright in the head?!

Yes, I am.

I only read the first book on the recommendation of a good friend.

I thought it was just another dumb chick flick, a simple teenage romance, but my friend said there was more to it than on the surface. I read it and loved it. I liked it so much, I was up 'til 3am on a weekday reading it! It was a little hard to function the next day, but it was worth it.

The story is an emotional roller coaster at times, but I didn't mind; this was what the character was feeling and helped explain her motivations.

Overall, I would recommend it to 16 (depends on the maturity level) and older. There is no garbage in it, but some of the situations are for a maturer reader. The coolest thing about the book is that one of the themes is self control. Edward, the vampire, refuses to "sleep" with Bella. Later on in another book, we find out it is because he has old-fashion values and wants to do things in the right order. A chivalrous guy, how cool is that?

So what happens when you discover there is more.....

to life than being on the internet?
Well, you certainly don't use the blog much. You get more reading done. You get more sleep. You actually have a life...........I'm still working on that one................more time for work. UGH.

So....

My bothers just got home from college and are almost certain they want to upgrade our internet connection. I think this might be a good thing. I could then use the internet from home and actually write on my blog, etc. Hmm.
I'm going to take a boat load of kids to see Prince Caspian next week. We can't wait!!! Which reminds me, I need to check for movie times.

Ah hem....*clears throat*

Although I am sure most of you have heard already, I felt like posting (and if anyone even thinks about saying "finally" I will tie your arms around your head and hang you by the feet.)I am going to tell the great news before Kodi has a chance to get home and post *wicked cackle*. (right now he is some where over the country in an air plane.) We are engaged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, it is rather unbelievable. I am still in a daze. Kodi actually picked out a ring that fits, plus I like it.
Yippy!
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Now what do I do?

My sister Elizabeth, in our school costume.
Both Elizabeth and I competed in the reel, light jig, slip jig, treble jig and hornpipe. I took it very easy, since my ankle was still sore *ducks to hide from Mrs. W's wrath*. I couldn't get refunded on all the money I spent, so I decided to tape, brace my ankle and dance anyway. I actually enjoyed myself more since I didn't have the pressure of placing in my dances. I knew I wouldn't do well since I hadn't practiced and couldn't do much with a bum foot. Imagine my shock and surprise when I found I had placed in my hornpipe, the last dance of the day. I took fifth doing my easy steps (I was tired and wanted to get it done fast) and making up my last step (My shoe started to come off. The brace was a little too big. I lost track of where I was in the step and started to stomp to get the shoe back on. After that I just tried to keep time with the music and hoped it didn't look too random.)
Elizabeth placed in all of her dances except for the slip jig. To my delight, she placed first in her reel. It was her only dance in the novice level, all her other dances were in advanced begginner. The only way to move out of that level to the next is to place first. I have not managed to do that and it is great that Elizabeth has passed me up. She wasn't too happy with the idea though.........

Milwaukee Feis

Greetings from the Milwaukee Feis! My Sister and I are killing time before our dances start. The feis is running late. We drove 80 down the highway to get here by 8 am and it didn't matter! I hope the dances move fast, but I doubt it. We are going to be here all day. *groan*
I will post a picture when I get home.

N-E-W.........;)

I wanted to post a picture of me in Washington, but currently I didn't have any on my jump drive. So instead you folks get a graduation picture. My mom was going to buy this one, but she hated the coloring and decided not to spend the fifty bucks. Right now I am job hunting, so back to work....

Why I haven't check my blog.....

I am sunburnt in patches *tries not to scratch*: most of my arms; except where my pro-life wrist band sat and where my sleeves were (should have worn a sleeveless shirt, like I was thinking!. The back of my neck is hot and the tip of my nose is very red. You see, this morning I was dragged out of bed at the ungodly hour of 5:30 and arrived at work early, so we could prepare the planting bed for a water fall. Today Reinders Inc. (a turf and irrigation warehouse) decided to have a "Build a Pond Day". About a week ago, my dad (the manager) noticed we were supposed to be hosting this event, but had not received any information from the mother-store. I quickly used my new B.A. in communication and the arts to throw together a poster (a masterpiece, considering I had only the Word program and copied graphics from the Reinders web site to work with. *big eye roll*).
The Big-shots from Elm Grove came up to instruct all of two people and me how to install a pond and waterfall. I came and went in between my shelf stocking and shipping duties. I hauled gravel, ran a Dingo (a cool walk-behind mini skid steer), selected rocks with a discerning eye and tried not to get in the way. I got lunch, soda and an earfull on the art and chemical of pond installation. *wipes her brow* All in a days work.

Horse Fair

I went to the Midwest Horse Fair with Mary on Saturday in Madison. It was very cool to see so many different breeds. I have a new appreciation for the Icelandic Breed. Although small and stocky, the horses are very fast and easy going. I think my favorite horse was the Andalusian stallion, Santiago. The picture I have is actually one of Santiago. Watching the horse respond to his rider was amazing. When Santiago would trot, it looked as if he wasn't touching the ground. He was also shown in a liberty presentation. As soon as his halter was slipped off, he began to run and dance around the ring. He was a total show horse!
If I wanted a horse before, I want one badly now. *sigh* It wouldn't happen for a long time......

Almost Done

After this week, I have two weeks left of school. I'll be done. Forever. (Unless I go to grad school) It is so strange to think that I wouldn't be at campus following a schedule next fall. I'll have to be working full time.
Now, the next thing is to find a decent job or internship. Anyone know any openings in graphics, advertising, publishing, web design or planning?

Now that is an Easter Bunny

I got this in an email today. It's the curse of the Ware-Rabbit!
"He weighs in at 22 pounds and measures a little over 3 feet. he is a breed of rabbit called German Giant (how appropriate!). this is his owner, Hans Wagner, struggling to hold him up. from the NY Post article:
"We don't feed him an unusual diet", said Wagner. "He goes through more than his brothers and sisters, but he eats the same food mix. His favorite food is actually lettuce. He can never get enough of it."

If I don't get around to posting (which is probably the case), Happy Easter everyone! One part of me can't wait for Lent to end, the other feels like it has begun. God Bless!

How "LOGICAL" are you?

1. A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three
rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of
assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven't
eaten in 3 years. Which room is safest for him?

2. A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for
over
5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later they both go out
together and enjoy a wonderful dinner together. How can this be?

3. What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and grey when
you throw it away?

4. Can you name three consecutive days without using the words
Monday,
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?

5. This is an unusual paragraph. I'm curious how quickly you can find
out what is so unusual about it. It looks so plain you would think
nothing was wrong with it. In fact, nothing is wrong with it! It is
unusual though. Study it, and think about it, but you still may not
find anything odd But if you work at it a bit, you might find out. Try
to do so without any coaching!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


DON'T PEEK...............................
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ANSWERS:

1. The third. Lions that haven't eaten in three years are dead.

2. The woman is a photographer. She shot a picture of her husband,
developed it, and hung it up to dry.

3. Charcoal.

4. Sure you can: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow!

5. The letter "e" - the most common letter in the English language -
is missing from the entire paragraph


I don't think I am as logical as I thought. I was only able to figure out one. Oh well.l

What hit me?

I thought today's Karate class would be like any other; I would enjoy myself in sparring. Hopefully I would be able to hold off Leah's hard hits, get behind Matt's excellent guard, and attack Corey without fear. I was not excepting the tornado that hit. It slipped by in the form of a tall, quiet, white belt. I cannot remember his name, but once I learn it, I will make it a priority not to forget. I didn't think much about him at first as he joined the sparring group. This unknown was next in line to spar with me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him execute a sudden foot change and successful punch combination on a classmate.
"Great, he must has some knowledge of fighting!" I thought forebodingly.
When it was my turn to fight this guy, I started out cautiously. You never know what a newbie is going to do. When the tornado side stepped and slammed me in the head I figured I was dealing with a fighter who's skills far exceeded my own. I was shaken and annoyed.
"Who does this guy think he is?" I grimaced.
When Sensei yelled to me, "Suzanne, use your kicks!", I was more than happy to oblige. I attacked with ferocity and landed a few hits before The Tornado punched me in the nose. I backed off with my nose and lip smarting and glared.
"I am so sorry," the tall guy said, "I am not used to fighting in Karate. I'm used to boxing."
"Oh,that explains it." I thought.
I said, "It wasn't that hard, I'm okay."
At least that was what I meant to say, but it came out sounding like "AHm ohsna hat ha" around my mouth guard. He grinned at me and we parted in good humor.
After we were done with Karate for the day, Sensei came up to me and asked how I was doing.
"Fine." I replied. "Who was that?"
"That was a professional boxer."
Aw man! I have to learn this guy's name and ask him to teach me those side slipping techniques. He was so fast. I wish I could move like that.

Lent

So in the few minutes before I have to run to class, I thought I would pose a question: What would be some good reading for Lent? Just within these last few years I have realized I should add something to Lent rather than just giving up something. Any suggestions on spiritual reading would be great. Thanks!