Disappointing to Say the Least

I enjoyed reading the Twilight series of books. I liked that Stephenie Meyer captured that innocent, nauseating, obsessive, sweet feeling of teenage love. Plus, the book revolved around a cute vampire. You can't go wrong with that. I was an Anne Rice fiend in high school so I enjoyed this new series that gave a peek into a vampire's world.

I had seen the trailers for the new movie and I wasn't too impressed, but I knew I would go and see it. I had read the book. How could I not see the movie?

AMC, can I please have my $5 back? Oh, my, it was disappointing and so horrible. And, my poor husband thought he would accompany me...see what all the fuss was about when it came to the books. Ugh. I haven't been reading reviews on the movie, but eek! It was so incredibly cheesy. The actor who plays Edward (the vampire) was adorable and he made the teenage girls in the audience swoon, but seriously the movie was activating my gag reflex. Toward the end of the movie, we enjoyed the action, but all-in-all...the movie was just wretched (ooh, I like that word...haven't used it in a while). I don't even want to go into all of the details that made the movie bad because then this post would just be shy of a novella. Just take it from me that it is not worth seeing. The snoring person that was sitting behind Ry and I at the movie is evidence enough of the suspense in the movie. I should add that the nasal symphony started only 15 minutes into the movie. *cringe* Not good.

Now, if your gross curiosity gets the better of you, see if you can find Stephenie Meyers in the movie. She has a quick bit in the movie, taking a tip from Stan Lee.

Movies I am hoping to see in the next few weeks...Australia with Hugh Jackman (yummy) and Nicole Kidman - it looks so 1960's epic movie; Quantum of Solace with Daniel Craig - heard the action is spectacular; and RockNRolla with Thandie Newton, Jeremy Piven and Gerard Butler (he's a Scottish treat I don't mind looking at) - it's a Guy Ritchie film -- don't think I need to say more.

Happiness is...

...a weekend to do whatever I want.

For Thanksgiving yesterday, I went with my parents and we volunteered at Phoenix Rescue Mission. This was the fourth year we have gone to the Mission to serve Thanksgiving dinner to the people who rely on the organization for food, shelter and help. It is always a wonderful blessing to meet people and hear their stories, praying that they get the hand up they need to begin again. Yesterday was a little different, the faces were different. There were faces that looked like my friends and family. The economy's impact was felt in that dining hall yesterday...and I was so glad to be able to help. For five hours, my heart was singing with the harmony that only comes when you give of yourself to others. I love volunteering!

After spending half of the day at the Mission, I went to the grocery store and bought provisions so I could bake away the rest of the day. I baked my first pecan pie...it looks pretty darn good if you ask me (we eat it tonight so hopefully it tastes as good as it looks). And, with molasses on the shelf for the pie, I also baked molasses spice cookies. It was wonderful to have the freedom and energy to dance in the kitchen to some of my favorite music playing on my iPod and bake something for others to enjoy. When Ryan got home last night, I was still a ball of energy, but my legs weren't keeping up with me. They started hurting at the joints. I felt like I had been walking at Disneyland all day. And, as I began to tell Ry about my day, I realized that I wasn't too far off. I had enjoyed my free day so much that I hadn't sat down once.

For the first time in six years, I had the Friday after Thanksgiving off. I wasn't exactly sure what to do with myself. So, I cleaned the house and organized the two bathroom cabinets. Around the time I was ready for a break, Ry gave me a call and said he was ready to meet for lunch. Yum...sushi!

I was back in the kitchen this afternoon, making cauliflower au gratin for Thanksgiving dinner tonight with the family and oatmeal cookies. I plan to make rice krispie treats and chocolate chip cookies. Yes, can you tell I am on a baking binge?

In between all of this cooking and helping, I finished a wonderful book -- The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. It had come recommended by several people and I had purchased it at Changing Hands as a gift to myself on my birthday. Oh, it was divine! What a love story! I didn't want the characters to leave. I didn't want the book to end. It wasn't a sappy love story, but one that had beauty, sacrifice, tribulation, sensuality and patience. It is a wonderful book that I devoured and savoured during the week. I finished the book last night admist the peace of a quiet house surrounded by a lovely autumn storm, eating a tasty meal that my husband and I created together.

I have started reading Saturday by Ian McEwan. I have enjoyed his writing immensely in the previous books I have read of his so I am looking forward to this one.

So much happiness this weekend. Happiness is something for which I am very thankful. I am also very thankful for my loving family, beautiful friends, an adorable work-in-progress home, a job that makes a difference in the lives of others, and an all around blessed life. God certainly takes care of me through good and bad and I wouldn't be able to make it without him. His love is all around my husband and I...for that we are most grateful. Happiness.

p.s. All of the recipes I used this weekend are on CookingLight.com. It is a terrific Web site. If you have an ingredient you need recipes for, just type it in. There are so many recipes to search through. Here are links to the recipes I am enjoying:
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies -I added pecans to mine and they are great.
Molassses Cookies
Cauliflower Au Gratin with Gruyere
Pecan Pie with Oat Crust

p.p.s. I was complaining in a previous post about concerts. Well, they are still lacking around the Valley, but I am excited about the upcoming Bloc Party show at The Marquee. Snow Patrol will also be in town. Planning to see Bloc Party.

I Confess, I Confess

Yesterday, I went to Borders with a 40% off coupon in hand so I could buy a couple of CD's at a discount. I felt like a traitor to my favorite local music store because I was giving my money and business to this big conglomerate store. A scarf on my head and large oversized glasses would have been the perfect costume for my trip into retail enemy territory. But, money is tight and who can refuse getting a CD for $10?

So, I confess...I am a traitor to my shop local mantra. I feel like I should be flogged for my bad behavior.

On top of this horrible indiscretion, I also bought Christmas CD's yesterday and well, I am listening to one of the CD's right now. That is right. It is November 11 and I am listening to Loreena McKennit sing exotic Christmas tunes through the speakers of my laptop. What has become of my grey matter?

I do admit that the Christmas music greatly increases my good mood and makes the stress melt away. I don't think I could listen to it in April, but with the cooler weather and Christmas only a month or so away, it doesn't feel all too bad. Small doses of holiday music aren't too bad.

Rest assured...there is no reason to worry for my well-being just yet. But, if I begin to link to Borders on my blog or I am listing Brian Setzer's Christmas Album among my favorite albums next July...someone call 9-1-1. Be sure they bring a straight jacket; I have thoroughly lost my mind.

Post Script...
Highly recommend the new Kaiser Chiefs album, Off With Their Heads. Great sound. Purchased the new Keane and my guilt has kept me from peeling off the plastic wrapper. But, I am sure it will be opened by the week's end.

Waiting with impatience for the new Killers album to come out on November 25.

Post Post Script...
Where are all of the good live music concerts? We have not one good band coming to Arizona in the next few months. I am in withdrawal, people!!

Current read has me in awe

Last week I started reading The City of Dreaming Books by Walter Moers. He is a German author whose books I stumbled upon while perusing for the brilliant red dot that indicates a used book at Changing Hands Bookstore.

I was interested in the story(according to the back it a tale of adventure. And, when choosing a book, any chance to awaken my imagination is a huge plus for me. I tend to read books that allow me to escape.

Oh, it is so much more than I thought it would be! It is a good antidote for Harry Potter readers who yearn for the fantastical creatures and environments created by J.K. Rowling. Mr. Moers has a wonderful imagination. He has not only put in front of me a new world and habitants but a history and context for each character I meet. He paints a picture that makes my lips curl up into a smile every time I open the pages. And, to bring alive the child inside, I am surprised and delights by endearing illustrations of the characters he has drawn.

You may think it is a children's book, but it's not. It's an adult fiction book that takes me on an adventure whenever I turn the page. It is a book that gives me permission to go back to the days when I would anticipate the mobile library and the Choose Your Own Adventure Books. It has brought back to me an enthusiasm I have not had for books since reading Harry Potter, Narnia Chronicles or Lord of the Rings.

I haven't finished the book, but I am hooked! I am determined to read his other books so I can meet more of the inhabitants of Zamonia. His book is a great pick for those adults who want to indulge their imagination.

Book Update

I completed The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory and I was really disappointed. I saw her read an excerpt from this book at my local bookstore and was thrilled to begin devouring the words on the page. It left me unsatisfied to say the least. And, it is on one of my favorite British monarchs -- Mary Queen of Scots. I mean, how could she not be interesting. She was a sneaky lass. This book was just not as deep and moving as The Other Boleyn Girl. I had little interest in the characters and so much of what was developed on them seemed only on the surface. I want to see in their heads. This did not happen with this book. I would take the book back to get credit for other books, but I resist the temptation because it is signed.

A great book is Monsters of Templeton. This book by Lauren Groff is brilliant. She paints a lovely picture of the fictional town of Templeton, based on Cooperstown in beautiful upstate New York. She gives us a flawed character that we fall in love with and gives a biography of the town of Templeton. We meet the people who built the town and the scandal that followed them. It gives a new perspective on geneology and the secrets you will unearth as you dig into the family tree. Oh, and there is a monster that gives opportunity for commentary on society today. It is really a wonderful read. I highly recommend it.

The last book I read was Spanish Dagger by Susan Wittig Albert. I love her China Bayles series. China teaches you about herbs and plants as she tracks down the bad guy. This is one of my favorite series. If you want a good mystery with comfortable characters, this is a great book to pick up. I also have to mention that Susan Wittig Albert is one of my favorite authors. She is very much an advocate for women telling their stories. She supports writing groups and story-telling stories. I also like the fact that she replies to my e-mails and has actually read my blog. You can't find a cooler author in my book. She is genuine and an inspiration for me as a female writer.

My current read is The City of Dreaming Books by Walter Moers. I came across this jewel of a book when I was last at Changing Hands. It was a Birthday gift to myself. I don't know how I overlooked this book before, but so far...it is just fun, fun, fun. It lets me use my imagination and I look forward to the adventure that is unfolding in the pages. It is kind of Harry Potter-ish in feeling. The writing and vocabulary in it are brilliant. I won't give away too much just yet. I am enjoying it and if it continues to awe me, I may be purchasing this book for some of the people I love.

Unaccustomed Earth

Before reading Breaking Dawn, I absorbed the wonderful prose that is Jhumpa Lahiri's Unaccustomed Earth. The second book of Lahiri's short stories, it was a breathtaking surprise that I was delighted to imbibe. Her writing has grown into something complete. I loved each of her books before --The Namesake and Interpreter of Maladies. She introduced me to characters I enjoyed learning about, but I was always wanting more. Sometimes, the second half of the story seemed rushed or unfinished. But, Unaccustomed Earth is different. It is perfection.

Each story left me full and satisfied. Each story came full circle with depth and emotion. And, she played with different angles and writing styles. I was beyond impressed with this book. I cannot wait until she comes out with another novel, letting me back into her Indian-inspired world.

Inspiration Born Out of Boredom

I may be in trouble with the Lord for typing this, but seriously...does anyone else expect to go to church and actually hear about the Bible and our duty as Christians? Or, is it just me? Today in church there was a complete lack of message coming from the pulpit. It sounded more like my pastor was doing a commercial for the church. Granted it was Fellowship Fair today (also known as Open House or Please Sign Up for a Committee or Volunteer Opportunity of Some Kind Day), but I didn't realize that meant all signals we were at service had to be thrown out the window.

I will give credit to the pastor that there was a passage from the Bible read to the congregation. It referred to our responsibility to take care of the earth, tying into the theme for the day's activities -- Be Green!

So, as I attempted to stay awake (because Ry and I had stayed up way too late last night), I wrote up an impromptu poem, inspired by the Amen at the end of the sermon, sung beautifully by our choir.

Amen

Round melodious sound
Beginning anew and finality of forgiveness

Song, word, prayer in one
Expression of soul, heart and will

A word to say when quiet is too still
And, perhaps there is no need to say more

Namaste, Shalom, Amen

Round, infinite, eternal vibration of deep love, peace and one voice

Post Script: I believe the poem was in part because I am going to help my senior high youth write poems tonight for a Poetry Slam they are doing in a week. I was in that mind set.

Maybe it Wasn't Such a Book of Rubbish

Okay, so maybe the book wasn't total rubbish. It was a great concept that had me inspired and excited to take time to write. But, I did get rather bored with it. Wait...I don't think I have told you the book yet. Have I?

The last book I read was The Post-Birthday World by Lionel Shriver. I was really looking forward to reading it when I purchased it with a gift card in January. I had seen reviews for it in a couple of different places and it sounded like a writer's kind of book.

The concept behind the book is brilliant. It all hinges on one decision and then the book takes two directions from the decision-making point. Every chapter has two versions based on whether she kisses a man or not. Does she taste the fruit and get kicked out of eden (aka her long-term relationship) and is content with the new knowledge of infidelity, her sexuality and being all-around the person she wasn't before? Or, does she behave and do as society would dictate?

I was loving the book through the first half and then began to lose interest in the character's self-absorbed, yet naive, attitude. Not to mention some of the mundane in the book was beginning to wear me out. To be fair to the writer, she has an extraordinary vocabulary and she has a strong grasp for the human condition. She does a wonders expressing the deep-down of her main character/narrator. But, the whole book is told from the first person. I yearned for another voice. I ached for the perspective of the complex characters she introduces me to me.

I finished reading the book while I was on vacation a week ago. And, frankly, I was relieved that it was finally over. I was satisfied with the ending and it wrapped everything up nicely, but I didn't care to meet her character again which is generally a rarity for me when I read books. I can usually find some redeeming quality for a character so that I still want to peek behind their eyes again in the future. But, not this one.

After a week of marination and thought...the book wasn't total rubbish. As a writer, I can now appreciate the fact that the author gave me a perfectly voyeuristic view into the life of a common person. She let me see the struggle, pain, passion, and imperfection that exists in other lives outside of mine. Yes, we know people are generally like us, but sometimes it is hard to remember this when you are trying to get a clear view through our everyday mess, wonder, awe, and just general living.

I am the kind of person who reads a book to get away. I like faraway places. I adore happy endings. I like books that take me away from my everyday stress. This book showed that real life, without firework-creating kisses and violin soundtracks in the background, can be art. It can be inspiration for a book that can fascinate the reader. And, it can be written well.

With that, I have found some additional strength and encouragement to continue writing my book. So, maybe the book wasn't all rubbish. But, it won't keep me from turning it into the bookstore for credit toward another book.

Post Script: Current read is Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri. Love her writing and was fortunate enough to borrow this from a friend.

Ahhh, Vacation.

Why does vacation have to be over so soon? We had a lovely vacation in California, returning the Sunday before Labor Day. Our extra long weekend included:

1. A trip up the mountain on the Palm Springs aerial tram. We walked around at the top and stood in awe of the overfed, slightly obese squirrels.

2. A glorious day and a half on Catalina Island. We stayed at the lovely Old Turner Inn, rented bicycles to ride around Avalon, tried ice cream from Big Olaf's and watched Hancock at the Avalon Casino. The beautiful art deco walls of the theatre with the plush red velvet seats was a treat, especially while we chewed on salt water taffy.

3. A wonderful concert of John Williams conducting the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. Yes, he had the orchestra play the Olympic Fanfare, Indiana Jones, and Superman, but the performance of Star Wars was fantastic! I have never seen so many glowing sticks, errr I mean light sabres, waving around in the air at one time.

Can you tell why we weren't in a hurry to come home?

Other highlights of our weekend included, my best friend's birthday party, Griffith Observatory, Sherman's Delicatessan in Palm Springs, Colorado Avenue in Pasadena, Beard Papa's cream puffs while watching the weirdos on Highland and Hollywood, and roaming the Farmer's Market.

Catalina was wonderful and we certainly didn't want to leave. And, the Hollywood Bowl was spectacular. But, the best part about our visit... holding my little nephew Corron. He is home! I didn't want to put him down.

The Typo Eradication Advancement League

I read the linked story below on the Valley PR Blog this morning and it was too good not to post for the reading pleasure of others. To lead in...two men have been making it their mission to go around the country making edit corrections to misspelled signs. Love it!

For a person who will sit down and edit agendas put in front of her or who will actually point out misspelled signage on trucks and buildings in disgust, I understand the mission that these two men are taking on. It is too bad that this miserable state of Arizona arrested them for their dubious act. And, why? Oh, why, was their Web site taken down? There are a few stories about these grammar-defending superheroes as part of the blog post. Enjoy!

http://www.valleyprblog.com/pr-best-practices/good-grammar-a-crime-in-arizona/

What Have I Been Up to?

It is 10 p.m. and my eyelids are certainly getting heavy, but I so wanted to make sure I wrote some kind of Blog entry today. So I will keep it short and sweet. What have I been up to lately? Here's a list...
1. I had a toe reading and a reiki session at the Summer Spa Series over the weekend. That was wonderful! I discovered some things about myself.

2. I reported to work on Monday at 3:15 a.m. in order to usher in media. The Food Bank was sending food boxes, water, hygiene items and blankets up to Peach Springs for the evacuees from the Grand Canyon. If you didn't hear about it; a dam broke on the Colorado River and so the water rose 10 feet.

3. Ry and I went to the Diamondbacks game against the Padres. The D-Backs are hosting an event for us and I met with our contact to see the venue. As a bonus we got some lovely club level tickets. Turned out to be a close game.

4. I made an appointment with myself to take time out to write and work on my book. I got a decent amount done during my two hours at one of my favorite coffee houses in Phoenix on Wednesday.

5. Today I met James Carville at a Phoenix Forum luncheon. He even posed with me for a photo. He and his wife, both on opposite ends of the spectrum, gave a great discussion on the current presidential race. He was a really engaging speaker. I was incredibly impressed.

So that is what I have been up to. On another note...I was thoroughly disappointed over the weekend. For months I have been looking through my photos from our trips last year to pick out a few and submit them to the National Geographic amateur photo contest. Finally had my photos and was ready to see if I had a chance at the grand prize -- a cruise to Antartica. So, I was reading the rules mid-registration and I saw the most horrible set of words ever..."Residents of Arizona are ineligble." Why??? I wish N.G. had put a reason as to why my state of residence was left out. I was deflated in an instant and obviously I still haven't gotten over it.

I know I will probably still buy National Geographics' Travel magazine, but begrudgingly. I know my Thailand photos would have had a chance. I just know it. I was just a tiny bit close to having one of my photos in an exhibit in New York. Maybe they will let me enter next year?

Good night!!

Yoga

I finally got to go to yoga tonight after about a month and a half of having busy Thursday nights.

Ahhh. Breathing in, breathing out. Stretch. Twist. I love the awakening of my body and its muscles.

Didn't realize how much I had missed it until I had my feet firmly planted, toes wide and spread on the blue smooshy mat.

And, I was able to share the moment with one of my best friends, making strange looks at me when our instructor suggested something that seemed impossible.

Sounds like every Thursday will be yoga night for me and B.

Tomorrow is Friday and I am feeling zen about the prospect at this moment.

p.s. While I am sitting here writing in my blog with spare words. I have this one thing to say. Yes, Michael Phelps is an amazing athlete. But, seriously, can we stop talking about him for one minute. I heard him on NPR three times today. He was mentioned on two different TV stations. And, now they are talking nonstop about him. Yippee, he won another medal. How about talking about some other Olympians? They had to work just as hard to get there.

Watching the Olympics

I am sure a million people are blogging about the Olympics. So, I will just be one of the sheep in the flock.

Ever since the opening ceremonies last Friday, our evenings have changed. Every dinner is eaten in front of the TV. We root. We yell. We jump and down, encouraging our favorite athletes. Last night's men's gymnastics was outstanding. And, no matter what you may think about Michael Phelps, he is amazing. He makes it look so effortless.

Watching the Olympics with my husband brings back so many sweet summer memories from my childhood. Sitting indian-style on the living room floor, popsicle in hand as drips of purple or red liquid fall languidly on my leg while I look on in suspense. Who doesn't remember Mary Lou Retton winning the gold? I can instantly smell the corn on the cob and hot dogs in the background. Hear my mother squelch out a scream of encouragement with her hands up to her mouth. The Olympics were always a family affair and they continue to be.

I have noticed that this Olympics has been a little more emotional for me. I know that many people have been critical of China and how they treat their own people. They are very much aware of this criticism, but while all of this whirls around, they still opened up their country to people from all over the world, making them vulnerable. I have been listening to NPR for the last couple of weeks and it has made me have a soft spot for the Chinese. They know this can change how the world perceives them. Maybe they will see what it is like to be in the positive limelight and they will change their perspective on Tibet? Can't goodwill beget goodwill?

We have always wanted to visit China, not just because it is part of my husbands ancestry, but the culture, people and places of the country look so beautiful. And, although there has been much to criticize, it hasn't deterred me from wanting to go. And, now, watching the Olympics, I have an even stronger urge to visit. Someday we will get to visit and I know we will love it.

p.s. Can't help but think that it's a sign -- the next Olympics just happens to be held in my favorite city -- London. Maybe we will start saving now for that trip?

Motorcycles in the Parking Lot

Last night my husband and I had dinner with his cousin from Florida. He was passing through town on his way to Los Angeles, traveling with a motorcycle stunt group competing in the XDL Series. It was fascinating to hear about his job, videotaping their competitions and practice sessions. As he explained to us about XDL, it sounded very cool, but nothing compared to the real thing.

We were treated to a nice surprise when he had us go with him to where the guys on the tour were practicing their stunts. We pulled around and you could smell the fuel and hear the rev of the engines. In a parking lot behind an industrial park, six guys on motorcycles that resembled rockets sped up to nearly 80 miles an hour and then would put on the break to travel down the asphalt on their front or back tire. Wow!

It was just amazing to watch. They would pop up the motorcycle on a wheelie and then proceed to twirl it around as if the bike were a dancing partner. I waited for the sound of strings in the romantic movement of a ballet to begin when one of the riders for maneuver his motorcycle in a circle and then proceed to put one foot behind him like a ballerina.

It was a special treat to see Tim and the treat was made sweeter with the motorcycle acrobatics and performances we got to watch upclose. Thank you, Tim. We can't wait until the competition comes to Phoenix in October so we can see more of what these precision riders can do.

Want to see a little bit of video on the team Tim supports? They are Team Warped --comprised mostly of riders from California, Arizona and New Mexico. We were particularly impressed with Jesse Toler.

I Love You, Dr. Horrible!

Battlestar Galatica has long since been off the air and I have to wait until October to find out what the frak is going to happen. Shark Week is over on Discovery Channel. I watched all 12 episodes of Flight of the Conchords on DVD. Argh. And, the second season of The Tudors hasn't been released on iTunes yet for my viewing pleasure.

Frankly all other TV just plain sucks right now. So, what is a girl to do?

Tonight I was saved by my husband when we watched the three acts that comprise Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. What fun! I may have had a slight crush on Neil Patrick Harris when he was Doogie Howser, but that was decades ago. Now, I find him irresistibly hilarious and brilliant in this online-only web-blog created by Harris and Joss Whedon.

Dr. Horrible may be evil, but boy, do I love him. Now, my hope is that there will be more than just the three acts that were released. We need more Dr. Horrible!

On another note, I have begun to read The Post-Birthday World by Lionel Shriver. So far the characters are intriguing and I am really enjoying the writing. And, how could it be too bad? It takes place in my favorite city -- London.

A Cultural Experience

I really enjoy reading books that delve into different places and cultures. People and places fascinate me; I absorb this type of information like a sponge (this may be why I enjoy traveling so much). So, when I picked up Londonstani by Gautam Malkani, I couldn't wait to read it. The book takes place in London (my favorite place in the world) and gives the reader insight into an Indian burrow of the city.

What struck me first was the writing. The author writes phonetically in order to give the reader the flavor of the characters' accents. It is almost similar to reading Tom Sawyer except instead we are following the trademark sound of a group of British-Indian players and small-time gangsters. I was drawn into the language and had it swimming in my head long after I finished reading a chapter.

The book paints a rich environment and landscape for its characters and gives you a true look at the way these boys are pushing societal bounds and questioning their parents in order to pass on to becoming men. They question their traditions, culture, and religion while going against the law to make a living.

I won't ruin the ending, but just know that the ending has a fantastic twist to it that made me want to read the book again and re-examine the way I looked at the main character, Jas. Mr. Malkani, whatever critics and other readers may say...you most definitely should not have revealed the twist earlier in the book. It is beyond perfect, right where it is. This is a great book.

On the music front...I have been listening to The Ting Tings. A brit garage pop band, whose album just came stateside. I have been waiting quite impatiently for it to show up for about 3 months when I saw a little bit on them in Q Magazine.