Book Reviews of Various Kinds

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend. I certainly did--downing more Easter candy (my favorite kind!) than is necessary for any human being, dyeing eggs twice, receiving the most AMAZING Easter basket from Skyler, and visiting with lots of family and friends. I just adore Easter. Great holiday, all around.

I recently finished reading A Tale of Two Cities for the second or third time. I love that book! Even when I get a bit lost in the language (Dickens isn't always the easiest to follow in his long asides and crazy descriptions), I still adore the story. And the end? THE END! Is amazing. I'm always so moved by how things turn out. Brilliant. If you haven't read it yet--get 'er done, peeps. You'll be glad you did.

I have also recently returned to the world of Facebook, after taking a break for the Lenten season. (Is that actually a phrase or did I make that up?) Taking 40+ days off of Facebook has taught me a few things about myself, life, social networking, etc. The most fascinating thing to me was realizing how many friends I don't have any connection with outside of Facebook. Even friends who literally live 5 minutes from my door were fairly nonexistent in my Facebook-free world this Easter season. What is that all about?! Well I'll tell you what I think its about: this whole social network world skews or shuts down any REAL social life you may have. Or--to say it another way--perhaps it gives you a false sense that you have a social life when in reality...yeah. Anyway, think about it. (And read this!)

Secondly, I discovered that {GASP!} I don't need Facebook in my life. I had plenty of activities with friends, dates with my BF, enjoyable evenings, and I even had things to keep me busy when I wanted to veg and do nothing (i.e. books to read! blogs to peruse!). To be honest, I often forgot about Facebook. The idea of hopping on the site didn't even occur to me most days. AND THAT WAS OKAY. Crazy, right? I'm sorry if I just blew your mind, but I've got to speak the truth.

My conclusion, really, is that Facebook has its place. But its "place" shouldn't be anywhere near the center of my life--social, or otherwise. Spending time on Facebook should be kept to a minimum. Using it to keep in touch with long distance friends is awesome, but using it in place of actually talking to or seeing friends who live down the road is RIDICULOUS. I'll still use it, I think, but I'm going to also make extra effort to maintain real connections with friends, too. You see, I still like Facebook, but I'm wary of falling into the trap of its addictive appeal. If I'm not careful I fear I'll be poking everyone I know within the week. And we don't want that, now do we?

**Gold Star to all of you well-balanced people who figured all of this out without needing to shut down FB for more than a month. I salute you.

Images from here and here

Mucho Love to These

Its Christmas time. I've probably never been busier in a holiday season than this year, and thus the lack of posts all month long. But despite my absence from the Blogosphere, I have been alive and doing what I do best--organizing, shopping, and eating. Mostly in that order. So may I share a few things I adore about the holidays? Mainly those things that fall into that last category of my life--eating--but maybe a few more.They're only available at Christmas Time. And I love them. Candy Cane Tootsie Pops. DELISH! I took some to the WJHS Christmas Concert Thursday night for our own personal "concessions" at intermission. Yummy yum yum! They can be a little hard to find. I got mine at Target, for all you putting them on your shopping lists now.

Clementines. They're brilliant. Small and delicious. Sweetness with no seeds. Has anyone ever put the ENTIRE thing in your mouth at once? I've been tempted many a time, but generally side with not looking gross, and savoring each individual section. Only problem with the smallness of clementines is how fast they disappear into my mouth. But then, they're so small, you really can be okay to eat two. Or more. At a time.

I experienced my first Ugly Sweater Party this season. Ours was a Non-Denominational Ugly Sweater Pie Social, because let's be honest--adding pie to anything makes it better and its the Christian thing to do at Christmas to welcome people of all holiday persuasions. (Our party only attracted MORMONS, in case you were wondering.) Ugly Sweaters were displayed; pie was consumed; fun was had. Its a good time. If you don't have an Ugly Sweater--keep your eyes out. I'd suggest looking at Savers. I think every holiday season needs at least one gathering of ugly, yet cozy, sweater style. And really, there's still time for you to join in the fugly festivities this year. Get plannin' peeps!

Settebello Pizza in Salt Lake City is amazing. This marks the second Christmas Season in a row I've ventured downtown to eat there with friends, and I am hereby declaring it a Christmas Tradition. Its so good that I know I'll be keeping this part of Christmas with me all through the year, but still. So so so good. I love it. A lot. Its the kind of pizza you eat until you're full, but your mouth still wants to eat more and more. And given the opportunity you would readily ignore your full stomach and dive in for more. Best pizza I've ever had. Hands down. Love it.

Last Christmas Elisa gifted me this fabulous little book by David Sedaris--Holidays on Ice. I finally got around to reading it this holiday season, and enjoyed it quite thoroughly. The first story is my favorite Sedaris piece--"The Santaland Diaries," but I found a new one I'm obsessed with--"Six to Eight Black Men." Do yourself a favor and take 10-15 minutes to listen to Mr. Sedaris read it himself. Its awesome. Consider this link to the video a holiday gift from me to you.

Enjoy the Holiday Season!

From the "Me Likey" File

Just before I head out on a 2-week NYC Adventure that I'm sure makes many of you green with envy, let me share a random sampling of things I've been enjoying lately. Feel free to take these as "2 Thumbs WAAAY Up!"-type recommendations, because that's what they're meant to be.

I am happily on the Inception bandwagon, ladies and gentlemen. I saw it opening day--loved every minute of it--and I have every intention of seeing it again in theaters very soon. If you haven't seen it yet, RUN to your nearest theater and get yourself a ticket! Intelligent, ingenious, entertaining, and just an overall fabulous cinematic experience. GO. Now. In fact, its okay if you want to stop reading this post in order to leave immediately for the movie theater. I doubt anything I write below will be as entertaining as Inception, after all.

I'm in favor of riding horses named Nellie. It gives you a very legitimate reason to say "Whoa, Nellie!" for one thing. But if you can't get yourself a horse named Nellie, I'm willing to settle on a recommendation for horseback riding, period. I went recently with mi amiga, Caryn, and her grandpa. We took a trail up by the Alpine Loop and I have to admit--Utah can be lovely! Especially from the back of a horse. This is my favorite picture from the adventure because it perfectly captures how the majority of the picture-taking went: I try to pose while my horse has a different idea entirely.

I'm sort of in love with my new nephew, Charlie. Well, its Charles, but there are all sorts of nicknames already floating around. I used "Chuck" the other day and I can see that sticking. Who knows? What I DO know is that he is Adorable, and I could spend every day cuddling him and not get tired of it. "How is this a recommendation?", you might ask. Well, since 2008 I've been a big proponent of nephews, so I say if you can get one, do it. And if you can't, just look at that pic and be jealous of mine.

If you haven't seen HCT's The Wedding Singer yet, you're running out of time! It closes July 31st. And if you miss it--you should be sorry, because its brilliant. I'd highly recommend the MWF cast, because that's the cast I saw and they were fabulous. And my friend, Derek, is in the lead role MWF and he's just awesome like that. I saw the show as part of the Hale Centre 25th Anniversary BASH (Thanks Charisse!!), and it was a truly fabulous evening. I got to dress up, look sassy, and drink "Sally" Temples...a wonderful night, indeed.

And finally, on these bloody hot summer days (100 degrees, again, Mother Nature? Come on. Take a chill pill.) I'm in love with my blender and the Orange Julius it allows me to make. I adore orange julius, and its the #1 reason I invested in a blender this summer. This frosty treat is so easy to make too, with my mom's recipe. I hope its not a family secret, because here you go:

Mom's Orange Julius Goodness

3/4 c. milk
1 1/4 c. water
6 oz. frozen OJ concentrate
1/2 c. sugar
10-12 ice cubes

Put into blender. BLEND. And enjoy. In fact, enjoy as many as you can as often as you can because its just that good. Plus, I think you deserve it.

Happenings

Last Friday night I went to the U of U women's gymnastics meet with the fam. We've had front row season tickets for my entire life and I have many a childhood memory of heading WAAAY down the steep stairs of the Huntsman Center to our seats. The seats are still way down there--the stairs just aren't as steep or long anymore. Weird. Anyway, the U pulled off a win against three other teams and one chick did her floor routine to the song from August Rush and it made me happy. As did hanging with my cute parents and lil' sis.


Spring has sprung in Utah--with beautiful warm days interspersed with freezing snow days. Gotta love our weird weather. I scraped frost and ice off my car one morning this week whilst wearing my cute brown flip flops. That's how you know Spring has come to our fair state.

I've started into my training regimen for an upcoming Half Marathon. Last week's long run was 6-miles which was doable on a treadmill. This morning I ran from Riverton to West Jordan to check off the week's 8-miler. Sense of accomplishment? HIGH. Pretty awesome.

Last night I had a Girl's Night with Charisse and Julie. We ate yummy snacks, chatted the night away, and watched Bandslam. Let me take a second to promote this little film? Genius. That's what it is. Hilarious--one of THE BEST awkward kiss scenes ever--and touching, and really just GOOD. Why don't movies like this get more notice when they're in theaters? Watch it. You'll love it. If you don't? Well, I'll try not to hold a grudge.

And in other news, my student's have been "publishing" picture book biographies of famous Americans. Yesterday, an 8th period student read the class her biography of Taylor Lautner. Page 6 featured a shirtless illustration of the man--replete with a carefully drawn in 6-pack. Made. My. Day. Also making my day was the two students who laughed their heads off after they caught me taking the picture...

Speaking of Zac Efron...

Once again, its the start of a new school year. This year is going to be crazy busy with a myriad of responsibilities beyond the classroom teaching itself. I am still serving as Relief Society president in my ward. I am working on my National Board certification. I have a student teacher first semester. I am rehearsing for our stake musical revue. I am co-facilitating our district's Social Studies book club. And in the midst of all that I am trying to maintain some semblance of sanity...and a life, if possible. Good Luck to me.

This past weekend I ran the Top of Utah half marathon with my little sister. Abby is THE BOMB.com and we ran without any major stops for 2 hours, 12 minutes, and (in my case) 40 seconds to finish with a fabulous time...if I do say so myself. The racecourse is quite delightful and the scenery through Logan Canyon--splendid. I had a great time and look forward to another half marathon in the near future. Plus, I finally got to try Angie's tots. Kayla was right--they're delish.

I think one of the things I'll miss most about my summer break is spending so much time with my nephew. He is...fabulous. He's adorable and incredibly entertaining, and always in the mood to eat. Seriously. He is such a mooch its hilarious. But you know--I love that about him too.

As of August 26th, I have officially gone off treats for the school year. That means no cookies, brownies, ice cream, pie, candy...and the list goes on and on. Almost everyone who has heard of my daring diet plan has declared that I have to give myself a cheat day or I'll never survive. First, no I don't. I'm definitely an "All or Nothing" kind of person. If I give myself a cheat day once a week I'll just give up altogether and very quickly at that. Secondly, I'm not entirely insane. I have given leave for treats on specific days of the year. For example, I will be indulging in rootbeer floats and chocolate chip cookies with the family during General Conference weekend. And I refuse to let Thanksgiving go by without pie. I'm pretty sure I'll be okay. The whole purpose of this experiment is to improve my self-discipline, and to see some true SHRINKAGE around my middle.

Yesterday my Visiting Teacher, Lisa, came to see me at school. Isn't she great?! She brought along Caryn--her other visiting teachee--and lunch. Hero O' The Day! I'm so grateful for delightful friends who can surprise you on a Monday afternoon and make the rest of the day bearable.

Last week I had the great pleasure of taking in a free premiere showing of the film, "Adam." Hands down--one of my favorite movies EVER. Really. Its a delightfully tender, off-beat romantic comedy and I would recommend it to anyone. Hugh Dancy is fantastic and I spent most of the movie trying to decide if I wanted to laugh, cry, or...well, cry; the debate over sad tears vs. happy tears was insane. The movie is awesome and if you want to go see it soon, give me a call and I'll do my best to make it. I can't wait to see it again!



I am excited for autumn to really start. I want to wear sweaters and not get nasty sweaty when I get into my car in the afternoon. I'd like the fall TV season to start (GLEE!), and I'd like to crave a drive up the canyon and apple cider. Of course, winter follows shortly after the autumn but we have to know the bitter to appreciate the sweet, right?

On a final random note, I saw two ducks crossing the road this morning. The only thing better than that sight, was seeing the giant grin on every driver's face who was stopped in their respective lanes as we waited for the ducks to move along. Fabulous.

Something I Love

I am a huge fan of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & The Olympians series. I was introduced to Book 1: The Lightning Thief by our librarian at school. I opened up the book and barely put it down for a second until I had finished. I borrowed the next three books from the library in quick succession and then waited anxiously for the final book, Book 5: The Last Olympian, to become available. I finished it this morning and--BOY HOWDY!--this is an amazing series.

In a nutshell, the hero of the story is Percy Jackson--a demigod (son of a Greek god)--living in the modern day. Turns out Mt. Olympus and all those "mythological" stories we learned about in school aren't exactly ancient history. Mt. Olympus just moved to the new seat of western civilization and culture: New York City. The gods, and their magic, are still around us all the time. As mortals, we just lack the ability to see it; something called The Mist keeps us from seeing a giant monster for what it really is. On the other hand, being a demigod, Percy and his other demigod friends, are always running in to trouble with the aforesaid monsters...plus the ever-present drama that is Mt. Olympus and the Olympians. These demigods are the new heroes of our day--like Hercules of ancient times. As heroes, the adventures never stop and each new book is better than the last.

I am recommending this series to anyone and everyone. The stories are fabulously exciting and definitely entertaining. If you liked Harry Potter you'll almost definitely like these. The story's pattern is sort of the same, but there's enough unique material here you won't find yourself constantly comparing the two. Anyway, check them out. Percy Jackson rocks my world.

BONUS EXCITEMENT: I just learned they've made a movie of the first book! And the casting rocks! It comes out in theaters on February 12th, 2010. I will be there opening night. Woohoo!

May I Recommend...

I just finished reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. And when I say 'just' I mean it quite literally. Its such a gorgeous story I felt immediately desirous to open my Blog and post quickly about it. But I'm not very good at book reviews--I give away too much, or jumble the story. Suffice it to say the book takes place in World War II Germany, and tells the story of a young girl who learns to love words, and recognize the power of words. The book is narrated by Death. And the writing is gorgeous. The author's language is scattered with awesome symbolic images and metaphors--but not to the point of sounding pretentious. The entire story really flows and by the end I honestly wanted to weep. I can say most assuredly that if I wasn't reading in class with a bunch of Middle Schoolers, I would have given in and let the tears spill over. There's something so fantastic in the experience of having the written word bring me to tears. It doesn't happen that often, and I cherish the books that can bring about that reaction.

I guess this is my strong recommendation, therefore, to read Zusak's The Book Thief. I think you'll be glad you did.