Battle of Who Could Care Less

Finally finished The Shipping News!!!

Let me start by saying that this book was recommended to me by a friend whose opinion I really value. She has always pointed me in the direction of truly wonderful reads, some of which I would probably never even consider picking up if she didn't encourage it. That is the only reason I stayed with this book to the bitter end, but let me be clear about something...I hated it.

For the life of me I could not figure out why I dreaded reading this book. It was well written, it had these neat little notes about knots that set up every chapter, hell it won a Pulitzer, so what is the matter with me? Why did I hate it so very much?

It finally occurred to me after I had finished reading and was considering what to write in my wrap-up, book report type, post. The reason I hated this book so much was because I felt no connection to the characters. I didn't care if this sad, oafish man succeeded or failed and I certainly cared nothing for any of the secondary characters; the odd, old aunt, the two unfortunate children, the "tall and quiet woman" and so on. I would have been just as satisfied with this book if everyone had died in the second chapter and the last 200 pages were blank.

Most books are enjoyable because of a love for the subject matter, an interest in the storyline or a feeling of connection to the characters. And if you're lucky, you get all three wrapped into one amazing read. There is nothing wrong with this book, I just didn't connect with the characters, therefore I didn't care about them or their circumstance, which, in turn, makes for a truly painful reading experience. And I'm left with this feeling that somehow I missed out, like I'm the uncool one who just doesn't get it.

Always Be My Baby

One year ago today I met my baby girl for the first time.

She was just as beautiful then as she is now, pretty much; give or take some teeth, a little extra baby fat, and those adorable wispy pieces of hair that have begun to curl up behind her ears. And that laugh, there is nothing like her laugh. The three of us will do the most ridiculous things just to hear that laugh. Alright, so maybe she's gotten a little cuter over the past year.

She is, however, just as wide eyed and full of wonder at the world around her as she was that first day. Amelia didn't cry when she was born she just looked around, those big, gray eyes taking in every detail, eager to learn.

Amelia, I look forward to watching as you continue to unlock the secrets of your world. I hope you discover your own beauty as you experience the beauty around you, and that, by creating your own little miracles, you come to realize what a miracle you are to me.

Happy Birthday, my dearest girl.

Movin' On Up

I'd like to apologize for being off the radar for so long. I have a good reason, I swear.

My family recently moved to Texas! Elijah received an offer he couldn't refuse so we packed up the family and moved to a whole 'nother country ya'll.

While I am excited about this new phase in my life, the actual moving process has been all but overwhelming for me. I'm just now starting to dig myself out from under the rubble of boxes and packing paper. I have a long way to go in order to turn this little house into our new home, but I am looking forward to making everything cozy again.

So fear not, I have not abandoned my beloved blog...the snark and wit shall continue!

Sick And Tired

I am sick.

I've had a cold for almost two weeks. This means I haven't really slept in the past two weeks so on top of being sick, I am also tired.

This morning, after work, I paid a visit to the nearest "doc in the box." I'm still sick and tired but at least I'm better medicated, so that's something.

I am grumpy.

My poor husband will be coming home to two needy kids (because they've been neglected all day) and a sick, tired and grumpy wife. That is, if he even decides to risk coming home. I've spent the better part of this afternoon, in bed, sending him lists of things he needs to bring home with him; including the nearest place to find Girl Scout Cookies.

I really hope he makes it soon...I need some Tagalongs.

Baby, What A Big Surprise

I just finished Midwives. Loved it! The very first thing that struck me about this book is that the main story is set in the 1980's. I can't remember the last book I read (1984 doesn't count) that was set during that decade and for some reason that aspect made the book even more interesting to me.

It seems to me that most authors either place their characters directly into a very specific year or time, as in a period piece or historical fiction, or they write the story as if it could take place during whatever decade you may be in while reading. I imagined that this particular story needed to be told during a time when home birth was still prevalent, yet also maligned. These days it seems pregnant women are on one of two opposite sides of the spectrum. They either want a birthing experience that entirely omits all medical intervention or they want to be completely surrounded by all that Western medicine has to offer.

So, besides the timing of the novel, this is a fast, easy read that I really enjoyed. I wasn't as invested in the story as I expected to be, but I did like the book overall.