Currently Reading....

So far, so good. I'm only 34 pages into the novel but I'm already attached to the characters. I've heard so many good things about Anne Tyler's writing so I thought I should find out why she is so well-loved.

Busy Busy Me!

Whew! Have I been BUSY!!

Let's see....still taking my grad courses. BTW, health care can be very depressing. After studying about the "donut hole" and other issues, I feel our health care situation is just getting worse. But I digress....

At the beginning of the summer I took the first half of Anatomy & Physiology. It was a full semester crammed into 5 weeks, 4 days a week, 5.5 hours a day (I took the evening section). I highly recommend taking this route if you feel suicidal or are a glutton for punishment. I had quizzes every day, lab assignments every day, lab practicals every week, and lecture exams every week. I had to learn the whole skeletal system in two days. I had to learn the whole muscular system in two days. I had to learn the whole nervous system in two days. You get the picture.

While I was taking this, I was finishing up a grad course at another college. Confused? Well, I'm earning my Master's at one college and decided that I needed to finish my pre-reqs to get into a nursing program (I want to become a nurse practitioner or a head nurse and then take over the world) and so I began taking courses at a second college. Hence, the A&P course. Oh yeah, and I'm a full-time Office Manager, the only female in my office driven by testosterone-laden boys, and work on marketing, too.

Where was I? So the grad course I was taking at the same time was killing me because I had an asshole teammate who was lazy, did not pay attention, and was generally a shithead. Yes - I had my first e-mail argument and let me tell you, I almost put my fist through the computer.

I did do well in both courses - I got an A for each! YAY!!!!!!! Lots of stress but I work hard because I'm an over-achiever who will sacrifice reading to do good in my courses. It was hard putting my books down to write papers and study the human form.

So, as soon as I finished my A&P course, I started my next grad course, which I am finishing right now. It's going pretty well so I'm happy. This course finishes on 8/14, at which time I will be taking a well-deserved break and going on vacation. Then, on 8/21 I begin the second half of A&P for the fall semester; on 8/22, I begin my next grad course. In the spring semester, I will be taking microbiology, medical terminology, CPR certification, working on my fingerprint clearance, studying for the nursing entrance exam, taking grad courses, will still be working, and pondering over what the heck Lost is really about.

Oh yeah....I'm going to be an aunt, a titi, an auntie! My brother is going to be a DAD! This is very bizarre for me! First, because I am the oldest so I was expected to start the baby farm, and second because he just became a certified teacher and now a certified daddy. The first grandbaby for my family, too. I have big plans for this kid. Baby Einstein videos, cute outfits, and lots of books. Oh yeah! This baby will definitely be getting TONS of book from this bookworm :)

Updates Coming Soon!

Hello all!!!

I am going to be updating this weekend.

Sorry for the lack of posts. These past few months have been extremely hectic & stressful for me. What's even more stressful is that I can't seem to figure out why I can't be one of those people that lose weight when they're stressed! Instead, I turn TO food. And I have been in a reading slump. I have read a few good books, but that's it. Aaaahhh...the dilemmas of sleep vs. reading.....

I hope that everyone is doing great! Thanks, Matt & Iliana for checking in on me ;)

Until tomorrow then....

Iran??

Frickin' Bush! So now we're changing direction and focusing on Iran??

I am really pissed over this. It's like there is no end to this war in sight. I thought that our soldiers were supposed to come back once their voting took place?

Two months ago, I lost a childhood friend (who was also a very good friend of my brother's) to the war. From what I learned, he was supposed to come home to his family any day now. One of my brother's best friends is over there now. So are a couple of my cousins. This is happening every day. Yet, it has been put to the back burner in the news. Every day families are devastated by the loss of a child, a brother, a sister, a wife, a husband, a relative, a friend to this war.

You know what stays in my mind - why didn't Bush send one of his daughters over there? Oh yeah, they're too busy falling on the floor in some club, drunk and oblivious to anything else. Yep - it makes sense to me. Let's just send everyone's else loved one over there.

So much money is being spent on this war,and yet there is no money for education, for rebuilding poor towns, for feeding the poor.

Every time I open a tabloid or a paper and see one of the Bush twins dirty dancing, wasted to the core, I think about how lucky they are to not have a care in the world because they will always be protected while I pray every day for my family and the world.

I should be careful what I post, though. Now that I know we're being spied on, who knows who will come knocking on my door in the middle of the night? Heck, I may even accidentally get shot with a pellet because I was mistaken for a ....rabbit...

Lost

Lost

Lost

Lost

This show is driving me MAD!! Where are they??!! What is the connection??!! Who are The Others??!! Why do they keep teasing us with a good premise but then the episode leaves you with nothing??!! Where's Walt??!! Did Sun cheat on Jin with her ex and therefore he is the father of her baby??!! Who is Henry Gale??!! Did he enter the numbers or not??!!

I am slowly going maaddddd......

I need some answers!!

Chocolate Dipped Death by Sammi Carter

This is the second book in the Candy Shop series by Sammi Carter.

The plot revolves around Abby, who is still adjusting to being newly divorced and to her role as the new owner of Divinity, a candy shop that was left to her by her Aunt Grace. The problem with this is that her cousins thought that they would inherit the shop and neither Abby nor her cousins can understand why the shop was left to her. In addition, the shop is located in a small town in Colorado, where Abby grew up. It is the sort of town where everyone knows everything and there are very little secrets.

A candy contest is underway and tensions are running pretty high. When a highly disliked contestant is murdered, Abby must involve herself in finding the murderer to help her cousin Karen, who is one of the suspects, as well as give the victim the peace she feels she deserves.

I am really enjoying this series. I recently read that the author signed a 3-book deal for the series. I hope that she does go beyond that. It's a great cozy with a lot of bite to it!

Love and Other Impossible Pursuits by Ayelet Waldman

I have to be honest. I only bought this book for two reasons: 1. The main character's name is Emilia and 2. I really liked the cover.

Here is a brief summary of the plot from the book jacket:

For Emilia Greenleaf, life is by turns a comedy of errors and an emotional minefield. Yes, she’s a Harvard Law grad who married her soul mate. Yes, they live in elegant comfort on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. But with her one-and-only, Jack, came a stepson—a know-it-all preschooler named William who has become her number one responsibility every Wednesday afternoon. With William, Emilia encounters a number of impossible pursuits—such as the pursuit of cab drivers who speed away when they see William’s industrial-strength car seat and the pursuit of lactose-free, strawberry-flavored, patisserie-quality cupcakes, despite the fact that William’s allergy is a figment of his over-protective mother’s imagination.As much as Emilia wants to find common ground with William, she becomes completely preoccupied when she loses her newborn daughter. After this, the sight of any child brings her to tears, and Wednesdays with William are almost impossible. When his unceasing questions turn to the baby’s death, Emilia is at a total loss. Doesn’t anyone understand that self-pity is a full-time job? Ironically, it is only through her blundering attempts to bond with William that she finally heals herself and learns what family really means.

At times, you want to strangle Emilia because she is so caught up in self-pity; I also did not like her reasons for being "the other woman". Only towards the end do we learn what makes Emilia behave the way she does.

I enjoyed this book. It did not provide the fairy-tale ending that one would expect. Instead, Ms. Waldman delivers frank insight into relationships and a woman coming to terms with her expectations from life.

Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke

This book is number 7 in the series.

The storyline revolves around Hannah's love triangle, Lisa and Herb's wedding, and of course, murder. Hannah's rival, Shawna Lee Quinn, has opened Magnolia Bakery right across from The Cookie Jar. This new bakery infringes on their business. Hannah becomes increasingly worried over the loss of customers as well as Shawna Lee's possible relationship with Mike, one of Hannah's paramours.

After Lisa's wedding, Hannah finds Shawna Lee's body in the kitchen of the Magnolia Bakery; because Hannah finds the body, she becomes a suspect. Of course, Hannah decides to find out who did the dirty deed while trying to decide between Mike and Norman.

There are several twists in the plotline and a surprise that I did not see coming at the end.

The only thing I did not like about the book was Hannah's
consistent pointers on correct grammar, etc. It got to be a little
too much.

Overall, another good and cozy read. :)

A Brief & Embarrassing Encounter

Last month I had mentioned how I met Joanne Fluke and I was pretty embarrassed about how it occurred. Well, I'm ready to tell what happened.....

Joanne Fluke was scheduled to be at Poisoned Pen (which, by they way, is a pretty amazing independent bookshop. They even have gargolyes guarding the lamps on the outside of the store). That morning, I put on my Sunday best, including styling my hair and make-up. For some reason, I thought it was going to be a big hullabaloo. I guess this was because this was my first book signing.

When I got to the bookstore, I was so nervous. Again, please keep in mind that this was my first book signing and by an author whose series I really enjoyed. When I got inside, I was bouncing all over the walls. I picked up my copy of the book, oohed and aahed over the new cover, and proceeded to pay. That's when my verbal skills went kaput. I had a huge smile on my face and then told the cashier that Joanne Fluke was my favorite author. I said this while having a huge grin on my face. She looked at me like, "Oh, you're one of those...." I guess she didn't share my enthusiasm.

Fast forward........I take a seat towards the back. There were probably 12-15 other people there, tops. Finally, Joanne Fluke enters. She talked about her series, life in small towns and Minnesota, etc. I just stared at her with a smile on my face. My husband at one point whispered to me if I wanted to ask her a question. I ssshhhed him....with a smile on my face. When she starting talking about the new book, I took it out of the bag and help it up, as if to show her that I had purchased it. With a smile on my face. A couple of times I saw her eyes go in my direction. I smiled even harder. Inside, I wanted her to know I was her biggest fan. Yes, I was star-struck. Literally. I also smiled hard at the cashier, who was helping to facilitate the discussion.

I think I scared her with my smile, though.

At the end, everyone got up to get their book signed. My heart was beating so fast. I got on line. My husband stood to the side, staring at me (I think he was a bit freaked out over my freaking out. And the smile). Inside, I was practising what I was going to say to her. With a smile on my face. Finally, I'm almost there. I signal my husband to prep the camera - around 10 times. He is the only person there with a camera. Everyone in line keeps turning to look at him, then me, then him, and then back to me. It must've been because I was sweating. With a smile. So finally it's my turn. I hand her the book. She looks at me. Do you remember A Christmas Story? At one point, Ralphy is on line waiting to meet Santa. There's a weird kid behind him wearing an old-fashioned flight hat (leather, flaps on either side, really tight on his head) and goggles. He turns to Ralphy and says "I like Santa" all weird and stalkerish. I always thought that kid was weird.

I turned into that kid.

First I tell her, "I'm sooo excited to meet you". With a little bounce on "excited". (I am so embarrassed). I stare at her. With a smile on my face. She laughs a little and tell's me that's good. I stare at her. She looks at me. So then she grabs the book and gets ready to sign it. I stare at her some more. And then I say "Amelia.................................That's Me!" When I say "That's Me!", I place both hands on my chest to emphasize my point. I wanted to die. I don't know what was happening to me. It was like Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Then I tell her "You're my favorite author". Please keep in mind I sounded EXACTLY like the kid in the movie - all slow, slurry, weird, and kind of stalkerish. With a smile on my face. (Even when the words were coming out, another part of my was slowly dying). At this point, I am showing all my teeth (my husband can attest to this). The lady behind me giggles. Then my husband whispers to me to get my attention. He's waving the camera and mouthing me to ask her if I could take a picture. So I do. She's tells me okay. I run behind the table, put my hand on her shoulder, and my husband takes the shot. Everyone is staring at us. I am the only person dressed for the occasion. I am the only person freaking out. I am the only person who has her own personal photographer in the room. Unbeknownst to me, my husband had also taken a picture of me talking to her.

I skip over to my husband. The woman behind me gets to Joanne Fluke and I hear them both giggle. I skip to the front of the store. My husband is laughing. At the time, I did not even notice. When I got to the front of the store, the cashier was there with another employee. They are both staring at me. I turn to them, with a HUUUGEEE grin, I yelled, that's right, yelled, "THANKS!" As I'm leaving, I hear them giggle. When I step outside, it's as if the body snatcher has left and Amelia is back. I am mortified. I am aware of how retarded I acted. My husband is laughing sooooo hard, he's crying. I start laughing. And literally crying. I was soooooooooo embarrassed. I mean, what the heck came over me??!!!!! What??!!!! Of course, my husband tells me that he thought I was cute. I am still crying. In shock. He recounts my display of behavior from his perspective. It's much worse. Basically, I was the only person in the room who had an eerie smile on her face from start to finish. My husband finds it especially funny that I told her my name and then said "That's Me!" while pointng myself out.

Uuuggghhh.......

I'm over it now.

Catching up...

Okay....I'm going to catch up with my favorite blogs. I will be back tomorrow to post my reviews of Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke as well as Love and Other Impossible Pursuits by Ayalet Waldman. I will also post my brief and embarrsing encouter with Joanne Fluke.

Hmmm...what else? Oh! - I have decided to try my hand at needlework. I am truly inspired by Danielle's awesome stitching. I have also decided that I must finish Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by two weeks. I have been procrastinating way too long. Don't get me wrong, I really like the book. I think Ms. Clarke is a great writer. But in order to enjoy it, I need to dedicate several hours (in one sitting) at a time to read it. I have definitely enjoyed what I have read so far. It's very meaty, lengthwise, and you definitely need to have a dictionary at hand.

I hope that everyone is well!!!!!

Thanks!!

Thanks, Matt, for your kind post! ;) All is well over here. I will stop by your blog as soon as I get a chance. By the way, so should everyone else. Matt's blog, A Guy's Moleskine Notebook, is awesome. His book reviews are on par and his insights do just that - make you think. So head on over there if you haven't done so already!!

Bad Blogger

I'm sorry. I have been a very bad blogger. I have just been so busy that every time I want to update this blog, something comes up. Never fails.

I am very tired. Very, very tired. But no matter what, I am still alive, I have a bed to sleep in, love, and food to eat. For that, I am blessed. There are a lot of people out there who don't have anything and never complain. I always keep this in mind whenever I start to whine over a spoiled dinner, too much work, etc.....

And sooo.......................I am happy!!!!! :)

Currently reading.....

I am currently reading Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens as well as The Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke. Something old and something new. So far I am enjoying both reads.

I finished Chocolat. I will post my review later this week.

Met Joanne Fluke yesterday at a book signing for The Cherry Cheesecake Murder. I am still mortified over what came out of my mouth. Cannot talk about it now. Will post it once I can laugh at myself...

Little People, Big World

This is a new reality show that follows the lives of the Roloffs. The parents are both little people (I felt weird writing "little people" because I did not want to offend anybody, but after some research I found that this is most commonly used & correct term now). They have four children, two of whom are twins. What makes this family so unique is that one of the twins is average-sized while the other is little; the other two children are average-sized.

This show docments their daily routines, their ups and downs, and general family issues. After watching the first couple of episodes, I am addicted. You watch the show and after a while feel like you're right there with them, feeling every emotion, doubt, happiness and occasional stress. Amy, the mom, is amazing. She is such a tender and yet strong mother. All she wants is for her children to be happy. It's too bad that the father, Matt, is out of work. Amy has to work two part-time jobs and, according to the latest episode, has to take on a full-time job as well to support the family. All this on top of raising four children.

If you find yourself home on a Saturday night, then you have to tune in to The Learning Channel to watch this show.

;)

Spicy Love Soup

Last Saturday, I was channel-surfing, enjoying a Saturday without a school deadline, when I came across AZN, or The Asian Network. A movie called Spicy Love Soup had just started, so I put my glasses on and sat back to enjoy the show. I am so glad that I did! This was a great movie! It had English subtitles, but for some strange reason I found myself raising the volume so that I could hear what the characters had to say. Like I really understood them. :)

The plotline revolves around 6 relationships in Beijing. Each relationship is captured in various stages, from chance meetings to break-ups. I loved the story that revolved around a couple who lost their spark and how they go about retrieving it. My husband ventured into the living room when this one was on and soon found himself engrossed with their story. The beginning of the movie was pretty funny, too. It starts with a couple eating and the gentleman finding the soup a bit too spicy. His girlfriend informs him that he has to meet her parents to see if they like him and determine if he is suitable for marriage. The next scene shows him getting ready for the meeting (dressing, etc.) and occasionally clutching his stomach. When he's about to leave, he doubles over and runs to the bathroom. Then...when he meets the parents, they end up going to the samne restaurant and eating the same soup! You just have to see this for yourself. I thought it was hilarious.

I definitely recommed that everyone sees this movie!

By the way, my major as an undergrad was Cultural Anthropology. I looovveee studying culture and human behavior. I especially enjoyed this film because it was made in Beijing by a Chinese director. It gave me the opportunity to view a slice of life that I cannot experience in a textbook. If anyone has any recommendations of indie/foreign films that they have enjoyed, please feel free to share! One that I highly recommend is City of God, based in Brazil. If you have not seen this one, get over to your local video store and rent it. I promise you that you will love it. It's too good to miss!

Project Noway!

Chloe Won???!!!!!!

Chlooooeeee Won??!!!!!

What the...??!!!!!

Oscar night is a-comin' !

Oscar night is right around the corner! I can't wait!

Other shows that I am looking forward to next week:

Flavor of Love Season Finale
Real World/Road Rules The Gauntlet 2
Lost
Grey's Anatomy
Seventh Heaven (the worst show that I can't stop watching!)
Project Runway Season Finale


I'm also looking forward to watching lots of documentaries on the Discovery Channel, TLC, and A&E.

I'm on a break from school and I'm taking full advantage of soaking up the television rays ;)

Dreams....***update****

**********Apparently my husband is a good liar. He told me that he made up the dream to get back at me. He then told me that he never dreams about other women, only me. Yeah, right! He's a real sweetheart, though. Unfortunately for him, my Dream High is back full-force! **************

Dreams

Last night I had a dream with Joaquin Phoenix. Santino from Project Runway was also there. Well, to sum up my dream, I was sitting in the back seat of a car with an old co-worker of mine. Joaquin was driving the car. Apparently, I was making him laugh and that made him like me. He was really cracking up, turning around to look at me. All I was focusing on was his piercing blue eyes.

So this morning I woke up feeling kind of giddy. Dreams can do that for me. If it's a good dream, my day starts off well; a nightmare can leave me befuddled for the day.

My husband and I were in the bathroom getting ready for the workday. While my husband was brushing his teeth and I was combing my hair, I proceeded to recount the details of my dream to him. I had a bit of a smirk on my face because, hey, Joaquin actually liked me in my dream. I was on a "Dream High". So my husband tells me that he had a dream with Beyonce. I thought he was kidding, but after taking a look at the expression on his face, I could tell he was serious. He told me that she was singing to him at his birthday party and danced for him.

Let's just say that after hearing this, my bubble was popped. My "high" just fell down a notch.

Currently reading.....

I am currently reading Chocolat by Joanne Harris, which I am enjoying. I will post a review as soon as I have completed it.

After Chocolat, I think I will finish Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, which I was enjoying. I put it down after getting a hand sprain. I have the hardcover version and after reading in bed for many nights, my wrists were in pain. It's a great book but I need to make the time to read it during the day. One time it fell on my face after I fell asleep with my eyes open. Let's just say that the welt that formed on my face was not so pretty. LOL - I still can't believe that happened :) :)