Our ward started up a book club in June. Since it began, it has been a sore spot with me. The books we have read aren't necessarily ones I would choose - and my suggestions have been pretty much ignored. I wanted to give it up early on - but decided to stick with it because when I joined the group I was hoping to broaden my horizons in reading (plus, my RSP informed me that as her 2nd counselor I was in charge of attending all special interest groups).
I have to admit -- it hasn't been a complete waste of time. We did read "The Book Thief" which I thoroughly enjoyed. I also liked "The Peacegiver" by James Ferrell. Of course, I loved "Austenland" by Shannon Hale (after all I was the one who begged for 3 months to read it - and when we finally did everyone else HATED it).
I know the problem stems from the varied backgrounds we all come from. We have three ladies over 60 who only want to read deep and learned books. The other three girls are more my age - but they don't seem to mind the deeper fair that we usually read. It seems that I'm the only one who isn't interested in reading a 700 page deep novel EVERY month. I'm willing to do it once in a while - but I feel like if I'm going to devote a bunch of time (every month) to a deep book that I have a difficult time understanding - it should probably be the scriptures.
My biggest issue is that I know book clubs are supposed to be fun. As a matter of fact, when I tell friends of mine what we're reading and how our turnout is at times very low (last week 3 came) -- they can't believe it because they adore their book groups. My other problem is I have had friends in my neighborhood and ward tell me they would love to join our book club if we were reading books that were a little bit more enjoyable. What can I say - I need this girls on my team! They could totally be my wingmen at book club. My lonely voice has remained unheard long enough!
Okay, so now that this post has turned into more of a rant than a civilized discussion of a book club driving me to the brink of insanity -- I'll get to my point. Next month, we are meeting to plan out our next 6 months of books. I want to be able to suggest books that would appeal to more than just the 4 or 5 of us currently in our book group. I mean, c'mon--we have about 75-80 ladies that could be coming (not that I want that or I'd have to start shopping at Costco for bulk treats and changing our location to the cultural hall at the church).
But seriously, what are some of your favorite books you have read that you've loved? (by the way I'll take any and all suggestions - even if the books are deep because if you liked it then maybe it won't be that bad. See - I'm broadening my horizons one deep book at a time).
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Dating for Romo is a big No-No
[My husband has a blog with his family - mostly it's just DH and his brothers doing the posting. They generally talk about politics or sports (insert snore here). Today I decided to spice up DH's blog with a little bit of sports mixed with some pop-culture - and since I haven't had a chance to blog for a few days I thought I'd post it here too.]
Dallas Cowboy football player Tony Romo has women troubles. Not that he can't get a date or anything - it's the dating aftermath everyone's worried about. Last week, with his new girlfriend Jessica Simpson cheering him on -- he totally choked.
It isn't the first time this poor jock has stunk it up while his girlfriend - and a national television audience - has watched. Last year, when then girlfriend, Carrie Underwood (I don't care if she now says they never dated - she's just saving face) - watched his game - he totally stunk it up.
Maybe all Tony Romo needs therapy - and the first question his therapist should ask is, "Are you a little bit country or a little bit rock-and-roll?" Hey inquiring minds want to know.
Dallas Cowboy football player Tony Romo has women troubles. Not that he can't get a date or anything - it's the dating aftermath everyone's worried about. Last week, with his new girlfriend Jessica Simpson cheering him on -- he totally choked.
It isn't the first time this poor jock has stunk it up while his girlfriend - and a national television audience - has watched. Last year, when then girlfriend, Carrie Underwood (I don't care if she now says they never dated - she's just saving face) - watched his game - he totally stunk it up.
Maybe all Tony Romo needs therapy - and the first question his therapist should ask is, "Are you a little bit country or a little bit rock-and-roll?" Hey inquiring minds want to know.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Christmas Decorations be Gone!
My Christmas decorations are still up and it's killing me! They have been up for so long--that when I take it down I will have to dust it off (I know this because I did take down my tree in the basement on Wednesday and it was very dusty--who thinks to dust their tree over the holidays?).
One of my friends takes down her decor on the afternoon of Christmas day. My sister takes hers down on the 26th - no matter what. This year she was actually sick on her deathbed and STILL took it down in the same timely fashion. I usually shake my head at these borderline OCD Christmas removers - that is until it's January 4th and my Christmas is still haunting me like a bad dream (sugarplums dancing in my head has taken on a whole new meaning).
So, now I'm shaking my head at myself! I need to get my act together! I mean, good grief - Valentine's Day decor has been in the stores for 2 weeks. My goal is always to take it down on New Year's day. But, this New Year's we were madly finishing Aussie's report on Paul Revere because it was due on Thursday (whose idea was it to have a big report due on the day the kids go back to school - I don't care if it was assigned just before Thanksgiving - procrastinators who don't take down their Christmas before January 4th will most likely save a big 3rd grade report for the last minute - it's a proven statistic - I promise).
So, it is with great sadness that I end this post - because the inevitable has to come to pass--no matter what! It is 9:23 am on a slushy January morning - and I have put it off long enough. There is no other choice - Christmas decor be gone!
One of my friends takes down her decor on the afternoon of Christmas day. My sister takes hers down on the 26th - no matter what. This year she was actually sick on her deathbed and STILL took it down in the same timely fashion. I usually shake my head at these borderline OCD Christmas removers - that is until it's January 4th and my Christmas is still haunting me like a bad dream (sugarplums dancing in my head has taken on a whole new meaning).
So, now I'm shaking my head at myself! I need to get my act together! I mean, good grief - Valentine's Day decor has been in the stores for 2 weeks. My goal is always to take it down on New Year's day. But, this New Year's we were madly finishing Aussie's report on Paul Revere because it was due on Thursday (whose idea was it to have a big report due on the day the kids go back to school - I don't care if it was assigned just before Thanksgiving - procrastinators who don't take down their Christmas before January 4th will most likely save a big 3rd grade report for the last minute - it's a proven statistic - I promise).
So, it is with great sadness that I end this post - because the inevitable has to come to pass--no matter what! It is 9:23 am on a slushy January morning - and I have put it off long enough. There is no other choice - Christmas decor be gone!
Friday, December 28, 2007
13th Year Curse Continues...
Oh 13th Year - why hast thou curs-ed me? Any followers of my blog have surely heard of my 13th Cursed Year of Marriage . Definitely not one of our finer years as man and wife. Of course, in the beginning DH wasn't a believer in the 13th year curse until I flooded the house in June, we had to replace the van's transmission in July, the sprinklers went haywire in August and we were hit with a computer virus in September.
Sure in October and November we had some unlucky things happen - but nothing that could compare to the first 6 months of the year - as a matter of fact DH and I had started to believe that our luck was changing. The weekend before Christmas put that belief quickly to rest.
We arrived in Idaho Friday, and the plan was to stay through Sunday or Monday weather permitting - getting home just in time for Christmas Eve. We stayed at my brother-in-law's new fancy and famous home and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. The food was great - ping pong, air hockey and Wii tournaments galore (including a players bracket system - just like March Madness). It was truly magical.
Sunday afternoon DH looked up on weather.com and saw there was going to be a big storm coming in around midnight. We really didn't want to be snowed in for Christmas Eve - so we decided to head home that night. We were at DH's parents and had to head back to his brother's house to pick up our stuff (about 30 minutes away). About 2-3 miles from my brother-in-laws home - the van started making a noise (Remember when you were a kid and you're brother would clothespin a baseball card to the spokes of his wheel to make that cool noise? Well that's the sound the van was making and there was nothing cool about it).
Lucky for us DH's brother & dad were right behind us. Turns out it was the serpentine belt - and on a Sunday night there was no hope for a mechanic to fix it right away. DH's bro towed us to the nearest mechanic shop (which was only 1/2 a mile away). Then we continued on our way to my bro-in-law's house - where it looked like we were staying the night. Thank goodness the auto shop was open on Christmas Eve - or this story wouldn't just be cursed it would be just plain sad too. By 10:30 AM we were on the road - $300 lighter in our pocket - but at least we were homeward bound.
Does the story end here? In a normal year it might - but not in the 13th Year of Marriage. About 2 hours down the road (in a blizzard on snowpacked roads no less), the service engine light came on. We took the van in yesterday and $100 later we found out that there are four error codes for the dang transmission - plus some transmission leaks and a $400 oil leak. We are still under warranty for our 24 karat gold lined transmission - so we are hoping this means no more cost - just a few more headaches.
Fortunately for us, the end is in sight. Come March 17th our unlucky 13th year will come to a screeching halt - and our 14th year will commence. So as 2008 approaches - I'd like to make a toast with my diet coke can held high in the air -- may all the bad luck we have had--never find you and yours--(at least for the next 3 months).
Sure in October and November we had some unlucky things happen - but nothing that could compare to the first 6 months of the year - as a matter of fact DH and I had started to believe that our luck was changing. The weekend before Christmas put that belief quickly to rest.
We arrived in Idaho Friday, and the plan was to stay through Sunday or Monday weather permitting - getting home just in time for Christmas Eve. We stayed at my brother-in-law's new fancy and famous home and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. The food was great - ping pong, air hockey and Wii tournaments galore (including a players bracket system - just like March Madness). It was truly magical.
Sunday afternoon DH looked up on weather.com and saw there was going to be a big storm coming in around midnight. We really didn't want to be snowed in for Christmas Eve - so we decided to head home that night. We were at DH's parents and had to head back to his brother's house to pick up our stuff (about 30 minutes away). About 2-3 miles from my brother-in-laws home - the van started making a noise (Remember when you were a kid and you're brother would clothespin a baseball card to the spokes of his wheel to make that cool noise? Well that's the sound the van was making and there was nothing cool about it).
Lucky for us DH's brother & dad were right behind us. Turns out it was the serpentine belt - and on a Sunday night there was no hope for a mechanic to fix it right away. DH's bro towed us to the nearest mechanic shop (which was only 1/2 a mile away). Then we continued on our way to my bro-in-law's house - where it looked like we were staying the night. Thank goodness the auto shop was open on Christmas Eve - or this story wouldn't just be cursed it would be just plain sad too. By 10:30 AM we were on the road - $300 lighter in our pocket - but at least we were homeward bound.
Does the story end here? In a normal year it might - but not in the 13th Year of Marriage. About 2 hours down the road (in a blizzard on snowpacked roads no less), the service engine light came on. We took the van in yesterday and $100 later we found out that there are four error codes for the dang transmission - plus some transmission leaks and a $400 oil leak. We are still under warranty for our 24 karat gold lined transmission - so we are hoping this means no more cost - just a few more headaches.
Fortunately for us, the end is in sight. Come March 17th our unlucky 13th year will come to a screeching halt - and our 14th year will commence. So as 2008 approaches - I'd like to make a toast with my diet coke can held high in the air -- may all the bad luck we have had--never find you and yours--(at least for the next 3 months).
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
She Lives...
I'm back from my blogging hiatus. You will note my blogging ended about the same time the writers went on strike--I was trying to keep it real. You know how news reporters will go live in a prison for 2 weeks - to see out it is on the inside. Or they go to Iraq and live with the soldiers for a season? That's basically what I was doing.
So, now I'm back - and I'm hopeful the writers and the powers that be will take my cue -- kiss and make up and start writing again. Just in case they don't--I have a few shows up my sleeve that I can start watching. I've been stockpiling them on tivo since September.
In January, if worse comes to worse - I will at least have some new shows to watch. One is "The Women's Murder Club" - it's based on some books by James Patterson. Looks pretty good. I did watch the premiere and I liked it. I also have a 1/2 season worth of "Moonlight" - it's a vampire show - and with all the vampire hoopla I thought I'd give it a try. I was also tivoing Project Runway - until I realized it is on ALL the time and they do tons of marathons of it (plus I was running out of space). Of course, this will all be for naught - if I run out of shows by mid-February and the writers are still on strike.
My DH and I were talking about this the other day. I think if the strike continues long term that television will go completely to reality shows. So now is the time to get your reality TV show ideas pitched to Hollywood. I told my DH we are pretty funny and I think we'd make a great reality TV show. "Mormons in Draper" or something catchy (with my luck HBO would probably think it was a Big Love rip-off and sue us).
So it is a quandary I find myself in with my television viewing practices. My shows from September have left me hanging - and shows I was looking forward too (24 in January) - have been indefinitely postponed. I suppose instead of looking for way to fill my TV viewing quota -- I could take advantage of all the extra free time I have in my evenings and do something productive?? Hmmm?
So, now I'm back - and I'm hopeful the writers and the powers that be will take my cue -- kiss and make up and start writing again. Just in case they don't--I have a few shows up my sleeve that I can start watching. I've been stockpiling them on tivo since September.
In January, if worse comes to worse - I will at least have some new shows to watch. One is "The Women's Murder Club" - it's based on some books by James Patterson. Looks pretty good. I did watch the premiere and I liked it. I also have a 1/2 season worth of "Moonlight" - it's a vampire show - and with all the vampire hoopla I thought I'd give it a try. I was also tivoing Project Runway - until I realized it is on ALL the time and they do tons of marathons of it (plus I was running out of space). Of course, this will all be for naught - if I run out of shows by mid-February and the writers are still on strike.
My DH and I were talking about this the other day. I think if the strike continues long term that television will go completely to reality shows. So now is the time to get your reality TV show ideas pitched to Hollywood. I told my DH we are pretty funny and I think we'd make a great reality TV show. "Mormons in Draper" or something catchy (with my luck HBO would probably think it was a Big Love rip-off and sue us).
So it is a quandary I find myself in with my television viewing practices. My shows from September have left me hanging - and shows I was looking forward too (24 in January) - have been indefinitely postponed. I suppose instead of looking for way to fill my TV viewing quota -- I could take advantage of all the extra free time I have in my evenings and do something productive?? Hmmm?
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
A Crowd Pleaser
I have a few set meals I make whenever I have a large gathering of people at my home. One of them is BBQ pork sandwiches, with potato salad, chips, pork and beans etc. It's a crowd pleaser, easy to do, makes plenty, and easy to keep warm in the crock pot.
After this last weekend, my menu might be changing. We were getting ready to head to Boise for Jay's swim meet. Around lunchtime, DH ran to the grocery store for me. When he got home, he had picked up some Arby's sandwiches. We do not eat at Arby's very often - maybe twice a year - so the kids were excited. Excited-until DH broke out the Arby-Q's. My twins hate bbq sandwiches - so they weren't thrilled. I am not usually a fan of the Arby-Q either because it is way to saucy - but I was hungry so I ate. We ended up making the twins a pnut butter and jelly sandwich because they could barely choke down 1/2 of their Arby-Q.
After lunch, we loaded up the van and headed to Boise. Destination: Auntie G's house. About an hour out of Boise, I decided to give Auntie G a call and let her know we were close. Being the great hostess that she is, she told me that she had dinner cooking and it would be ready by the time we got there. She also had invited my cousins and their little kids - so it was going to be a big group. "What's on the menu?" I asked. "BBQ Beef sandwiches," she answered. I tried not to laugh - man my twins weren't going to be happy.
Upon arriving at Auntie G's, we did indeed eat BBQ beef sandwiches, & potato and jello salad. By the way, they were much, much better than the Arby-Q's -- my Aunt's a great cook. Plus, she actually had some meat without the sauce - so the kids lucked out with a roast beef sandwich.
The next day was Jay's swim meet. My aunt and I took the twins over to my cousins house to visit, while DH, Jay and my father-in-law went to the meet (I know I'm a bad mom - but the meets last forever and I knew the younger kids would hate it). Sure enough, the meet went from 7:30-1:30 - after which the team went to the "Cheesecake Factory." Originally I was going to meet DH for lunch somewhere - but since it was so late in the day & the twins had already eaten - I decided not to meet them. My Aunt and I hadn't eaten so we headed back to her house for another round of BBQ sandwiches. They really were quite good - but my palatte was begging for cheesecake (which my DH did bring me a slice YAY!)
After the meet and dinner, we loaded up the van, said our goodbyes and headed to my bro-in-law's house (about 2 hours away). We had dinner plans with them and my sis-in-law is a great cook - so we were all looking forward to dinner. We arrived at their home - and I immediately smelled BBQ sauce. I figured I was so used to smelling it that it probably was just my nose being sensitive. Guess what - my nose was right. On the menu - BBQ pork sandwiches, with funeral potatoes, green salad, corn - it was a spread.
Luckily, none of the kids moaned "Not again". It was actually pretty good - and the side dishes were divine (just ask the twins cause they didn't eat their meat). I still am a fan of the BBQ sandwiches -but I'm taking a break from making it for awhile. And for my next large gathering I'm thinking pizza will do.
After this last weekend, my menu might be changing. We were getting ready to head to Boise for Jay's swim meet. Around lunchtime, DH ran to the grocery store for me. When he got home, he had picked up some Arby's sandwiches. We do not eat at Arby's very often - maybe twice a year - so the kids were excited. Excited-until DH broke out the Arby-Q's. My twins hate bbq sandwiches - so they weren't thrilled. I am not usually a fan of the Arby-Q either because it is way to saucy - but I was hungry so I ate. We ended up making the twins a pnut butter and jelly sandwich because they could barely choke down 1/2 of their Arby-Q.
After lunch, we loaded up the van and headed to Boise. Destination: Auntie G's house. About an hour out of Boise, I decided to give Auntie G a call and let her know we were close. Being the great hostess that she is, she told me that she had dinner cooking and it would be ready by the time we got there. She also had invited my cousins and their little kids - so it was going to be a big group. "What's on the menu?" I asked. "BBQ Beef sandwiches," she answered. I tried not to laugh - man my twins weren't going to be happy.
Upon arriving at Auntie G's, we did indeed eat BBQ beef sandwiches, & potato and jello salad. By the way, they were much, much better than the Arby-Q's -- my Aunt's a great cook. Plus, she actually had some meat without the sauce - so the kids lucked out with a roast beef sandwich.
The next day was Jay's swim meet. My aunt and I took the twins over to my cousins house to visit, while DH, Jay and my father-in-law went to the meet (I know I'm a bad mom - but the meets last forever and I knew the younger kids would hate it). Sure enough, the meet went from 7:30-1:30 - after which the team went to the "Cheesecake Factory." Originally I was going to meet DH for lunch somewhere - but since it was so late in the day & the twins had already eaten - I decided not to meet them. My Aunt and I hadn't eaten so we headed back to her house for another round of BBQ sandwiches. They really were quite good - but my palatte was begging for cheesecake (which my DH did bring me a slice YAY!)
After the meet and dinner, we loaded up the van, said our goodbyes and headed to my bro-in-law's house (about 2 hours away). We had dinner plans with them and my sis-in-law is a great cook - so we were all looking forward to dinner. We arrived at their home - and I immediately smelled BBQ sauce. I figured I was so used to smelling it that it probably was just my nose being sensitive. Guess what - my nose was right. On the menu - BBQ pork sandwiches, with funeral potatoes, green salad, corn - it was a spread.
Luckily, none of the kids moaned "Not again". It was actually pretty good - and the side dishes were divine (just ask the twins cause they didn't eat their meat). I still am a fan of the BBQ sandwiches -but I'm taking a break from making it for awhile. And for my next large gathering I'm thinking pizza will do.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Project Sister day in Full Swing
Last week, was the offical beginning of Project Sister Day. I headed over to my favorite sis's house at the appointed time. It was BYOI (bring your own iron) - and from 1 until 3 we ironed, watched Project Runway (a first time for me - but I am now putting it on my Tivo) and Biggest Loser - and had a fab time. We got through that pile of shirts and pants in no time.
This week it's my turn. I know my dear sis thinks she is off the hook because it is Thanksgiving. But she's not! I am making her go shopping with me at 5 am - in the name of Project Sister Day. Jill has already informed me that she is not participating in this years shopping festivities (well - she did offer to meet me for breakfast around 9 am). But the joke is on her - not only will she be shopping - she will be shopping early! Hooray for Project Sister Day!
This week it's my turn. I know my dear sis thinks she is off the hook because it is Thanksgiving. But she's not! I am making her go shopping with me at 5 am - in the name of Project Sister Day. Jill has already informed me that she is not participating in this years shopping festivities (well - she did offer to meet me for breakfast around 9 am). But the joke is on her - not only will she be shopping - she will be shopping early! Hooray for Project Sister Day!
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