Inspiration & Adventure

Inspiration and Adventure. Sometimes inspiration will lead you to do something reckless or fantastic or mundane, but more often than not inspiration leads to adventure.

The idea, the inspiration, to take a walk to the candy store to get the 99 cent grab bag is an adventure. The adventure could be what you find in the candy bag.... will you get a candy necklace? What about a giant sour soother? Or the weird marshmallowy banana? You know whatever you find in that bag is going to taste good. There's choice there. The choice to share that coveted cola bottle candy with your husband, or give your six year old child the creepy fangs that you both like to pretend are your real teeth until you can't stand it anymore and swallow it whole.

Or maybe the walk itself is the adventure. The choice of which path to take, the gravel road past the Sikh Temple, or the paved road with the sidewalk that leads you past a giant hedge with the large barking dog. Will you pass by someone you know? Will you see that your neighbours have left their garbage can out for the last 4 days in a row and you turn to your husband and you both just nod, because you both feel the same way. The garbage can is bloody empty, take it in already.

What if The Adventure leads to inspiration? The walk to the candy store turns into a 1/2 hour walk to the park where you see an old couple on the swings laughing and you wish you had a camera to capture this moment. Or you are walking along the path near the river and you are inspired to jump in clothes and all.

I find that books often give me inspiration. I've been inspired to read new kinds of books. I've been inspired to review books and blog about it. I've been inspired to almost toss a book across the room in a fit of rage (book #3). I've been inspired to research. I've been inspired to start a new hobby. I have been inspired to volunteer. I have been inspired to be a better parent. I have been inspired to try new things. I have been inspired.

I realized this weekend that sometimes the inspiration to begin an adventure will end in a way you didn't imagine.

Inspired by the book Creepers I wanted to go "urban exploring". I didn't want to break into a building or get all decked out in the middle of the night. I wanted to explore something accessible, something that wouldn't get me arrested and that I could bring my family with me.

My inspiration started with my good friend Mr. Google. I new what kind of place I wanted to explore. I didn't care if it didn't fit the exact definition of urban exploring. It was still an adventure. I decided to start my adventure with researching abandoned churches on Vancouver Island. There's something so beautiful about old churches.

I found a few listings for Butter Church in Duncan. The next day, accoutered with our cameras, Hubby, Little Miss and I set out to find Butter church. We couldn't find exact directions to the church just a vague location and a street name. Comiaken Hill, Tzouhalem Rd. Duncan, BC.

http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM699H_Old_Stone_Butter_Church__Duncan_BC

Quick Description: The original mission church for the Cowichan Indians built in 1870 but abandoned in 1880 in favour of St Ann's Church. It has remained for over 100 years a haunted structure on the hill, abandoned, deconsecrated and desecrated

Armed with our Vancouver Island map and the (half-assed) directions, we set out to find this old church. Our map didn't have a reference for Comiaken Hill. We found Tzouhalem Rd no problem as we've travelled this road before. We spent 45 minutes just driving back and forth on this road trying to find some indication of where this church may be. One of us had the brilliant idea of looking for St.Ann's Church and then scouting the area near by to see if the old church was near. Looking on the map there wasn't a listing for St.Ann's church (we don't have a laptop so we couldn't google, sigh) But there was a few roads listed nearby that sounded promising (St.Ann's drive) We made several loops in that area through nicely maintained cul-de-sacs.

I was mortified because our old clunker of a car was quite noisy and I'm sure the surrounding neighbourhoods thought we were casing the area.

Another fruitless half hour we resigned ourselves to the fact we may never find this church and "hey it's all about the adventure, right?" But my Hubby, the persevering guy that he is, took it upon himself to ask for directions. Ha! Brilliant!

Parking the car (half on the sidewalk) He approached two women walking their dogs. "hey do you guys live around here?" Not creepy at all, right? Actually it wasn't since we were all there and Little Miss was trying to pet their doggies, and I'm sure all the neighbours were watching and wondering why this piece of shit car was parked in their nice neighbourhood.

He then proceeded to ask them if they knew where the church was and how we could find it.
With some easily explained directions we were on our way again.

Success!

We drove by the stairs leading to the church about 10 times earlier that day. We had even spotted people walking up the old stone path.

The old church was so beautiful in it's simplicity, but it was also so sad to see the state of decay. It's truly baffling at the level of disregard people have for property and culture.

We found the church and in doing so found adventure and inspiration. The thrill of the search, the inspiration to capture this beauty and decay on film. The lessons we learned and the lessons we (hopefully) taught Little Miss.

Book Number 40

Only 260 more novels to read. I have to pat myself on the back because reading 40 novels in less than 2 months is pretty good I think. Yay me! Whoot!

The Novel: Shakespeare's Counselor
The Author: Charlaine Harris
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/charlaine-harris/shakespeares-counselor.htm

This is the last book in the Lily Bard Series up to this point. I don't know if Charlaine Harris is planning to write any more Lily Bard books, but I've finally read a book in this series that actually made me want to read more about the character. Before I was just reading the books because I hate to start a series and not finish it, and the books were pretty interesting (just not as interesting as her other series'). This book was first published back in 2001 with a reprint done in 2005...so I have a feeling that this was the last one in the series.
I felt so much more for Lily in this book. I had a better sense of who she was and I didn't find her as "cold" as I did in the other books. Also there was A LOT less focus on the character's work out habits (which were starting to bore me, if not make me feel damn lazy).
The conflict and mystery weren't as straight forward as usual so I had a harder time figuring out the bad guy. I enjoyed this novel and I was happy to see a deeper look into Lily's relationship with Jack.

I give "Shakespeare's Counselor" a rating of 3.75 out of 5.

Another series finished. I'm glad to have finished this series with the urge to want to read more about this character.

Book Number 39

I heart David Morrell's writing. Another book that could be made into an action packed movie.

The Novel: Scavenger
The Author: David Morrell
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/david-morrell/scavenger.htm

The second in the Frank Balenger series (first being Creepers). This book was as well written and entertaining as the first.
I was sucked in immediately. As I was reading I was seeing an action movie in my head.
I was sufficiently grossed out in parts, fascinated in others, and just enthralled with the whole book.
I enjoy how David Morrell introduces information about interesting subjects into his books (geocaching, time capsules, etc) This man knows what he writes, and does it well.
I always enjoy a novel that has me doing research about it's topics. I find that Scavenger and Creepers both had me googling like crazy.

I give "Scavenger" a rating of 4.25 out of 5.

If you enjoy David Morrell's writing then I think you'd also enjoy books written by James Rollins (Amazonia, Subterranean, etc) http://www.jamesrollins.com/.
Both authors have a way with words and know their outdoorsy survival techniques.

Book Number 38

This book motivated me to google, which is a pretty great thing.

The Novel: Creepers
The Author: David Morrell
Link: http://www.horrorworld.org/creepers.htm

I really enjoyed this book. It was really well written and continued to keep me interested the whole way through.
I enjoyed the premise (which inspired me to google) of urban exploring.


Main Entry: urban exploration
Definition:
the study of parts of civilization that are normally unseen or off-limits, such as abandoned structures, drains, sewers, tunnels, etc.; also called infiltration, reality hacking, urban caving, urban spelunking, urbex

The story isn't just about urban exploring, which would have been pretty good as is, but also involves murder and mayhem and all sorts of creepy going-ons.

The characters were colourful and I felt myself on the edge of my seat hoping that they would succeed in their adventure.
This book had me staying up until all hours just so I could finish it. It was engrossing and nerve wracking. I really liked this novel a lot.

I give "Creepers" a rating of 4.25 out of 5.

I discovered after finishing this book that David Morrell is the author who brought John Rambo to the world. Why didn't I know this before??? Dumb! I feel as though I've wasted a lot of time by just discovering David Morrell now. Now I've got a lot of catching up to do if I want to read his other novels. Fortunately for me I had the foresight to order the novel that follows Creepers....and I'm reading it now, so expect a review soon.....

Book Number 37

Back to the familiar with book #37.

The Novel: Shakespeare's Trollop
The Author: Charlaine Harris
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/charlaine-harris/shakespeares-trollop.htm

This is another book of Charlaine Harris's that I knew what to expect so I wasn't surprised when I enjoyed this book.
I am still slightly put off by the character Lily Bard, she's just kinda cold...but that's the way she is....and I don't always have to love the main characters.
The book was as well written as the other 3 in the Lily Bard series. The plot was interesting enough to keep me reading (I finished it in a few hours).
The only issue I have is that it was fairly predictable. I find with some of Charlaine Harris's other series (ie: Sookie Stackhouse) she adds new elements to each book to spice it up a bit. The Lily Bard series doesn't really change much with each book. Although I still find it interesting enough to have the next book in the series sitting on my shelf waiting for me to read.

I give "Shakespeare's Trollop" a rating of 3.25 out of 5.

Pretty good, but not great.

Book Number 36

This book is not at all what I expected. The cover says "A Novel Of Suspense" it was, but not in a way that I expected at all......maybe I should spend some time actually reading the book jacket....

The Novel: The Watchers
The Author: Mark Andrew Olsen
Link: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Watchers/Mark-Andrew-Olsen/e/9780764204685

The one thing I didn't realize about this book was it's full-on, in your face, religiousness. It was a good story based around (a lot) of belief and good vs evil, while the main character is running for her life trying to solve the mystery.
The writing was good, the character development was great, the plot was pretty good too...I just had a hard time getting around all the preaching. (I'm all about everyone following their own religious path, but I don't personally subscribe to an organized religion, so this book put me off slightly with all the "preachyness")
Aside from the religious overtones, the book was really good. I was interested in what the characters were doing and where they were going. I enjoyed the danger of their quest and I always like a story about a strong woman protagonist.

I give "The Watchers" a rating of 3.5 out of 5.

There is a sequel to this book called The Warriors. I intend to read this book as well. I liked the first book enough to get past all the preaching, so I figure I'll probably enjoy the second as well.

Book Number 35

Only 15 more books to go to meet my mini goal (25 books, by Sept 8th). So essentially book a day...shit...the next few books I have are rather long.
As I often say to hubby, I'll say to myself "Suck It Up Buttercup!"
If only all books could be as easy to read as book #35 was.

The Novel: The Debutante Divorcee
The Author: Plum Sykes
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/plum-sykes/debutante-divorcee.htm

Plum Sykes is an excellent Chick-Lit writer. I was easily absorbed into the superficial, exciting, rich life of the characters.
Lots of amusing socialite conflict. Perfect literary escapism. An easy read that had me laughing at some of the character's quirks, shaking my head at some of the underhanded things women do to each other, and hoping that it would all work out in the end.

I give "The Debutante Divorcee" a rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Sometimes it's nice to just sit back and read a book that doesn't make you have to think. This is the book for doing just that. It's the perfect lounge at the beach book.

The Big Time Out 2009

I have to mention that I had The Best Time at "The Big Time Out 2009" Concert the other weekend (15th). We saw and listened to so many good bands, it was awesome. As you can see from the pic of Little Miss, she had a great time too.

We were all so excited to see Mother Mother play live. Little Miss asked several times to listen to their CD over and over and over.

But wouldn't you know it, she happens to fall asleep right before her favourite song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txOG28a94ps. She was so upset in the car on the way home after midnight, ((talk about getting our money's worth (noon- midnight..ish)). So we listened to the CD again on the way home. I didn't complain, I was all hyped from the concert...and hubby needed some music to keep him alert for the long drive home.

I enjoyed so much of the concert, the music, the performances, the food, the outhouses (well, not really...but they didn't stink at all! yay for that!)

There was also some drama with some peeps around us. A guy almost had his car jacked by his ex wife. Other people were sleeping on the grass (or enjoying the music really stoned??dunno) and they were trampled several times...but hey it was dark and y'all were laying down...what do you expect.....AND I believe that if you're there to enjoy a concert there should be no napping (unless you're a kid).

I saw the neatest looking woman with her cool hippie style (I was ultra jealous) I covet her orange flowy hippie pants so much (not as ghastly as they sound). There were so many interesting people around, it was great. One guy with a mullet, another with a rasta hat, several people were rocking the bands t-shirts, a couple of females all dolled up (why? you're in a field, it's a concert not a runway show.....and why do you think that just because you're pretty you can just budge in line at the porta potty????????)

Anyway, it was fun and I really want to go again next year. So many bands that I now love. Is it just me or does everything sound better in an open field, sung live, and with cool people wandering around on stilts and the neat talented people rocking the hoola-hoop like I've never seen....

These performers/musicians/dancers/ marching band.....so talented.....http://thebigtimeout.com/performers/

Okay I'm slightly ashamed to admit, I even got a chance to read some of a book while I was there. Whatevs, there was some down time between performers.

I also was really impressed at how clean the event was. There were several cans labeled recycling, compost, landfill & returns. I thought this was a brilliant idea. They even had people working there that checked the cans and made sure stuff went into the right can (although I was slightly put off when one of the workers ate his dinner, still wearing the same gloves he used to pick garbage out of the cans with...I had to look away, gag factor was high).

There was even a cool kids section with play-doh, and lego and other cool things. They even had free sunscreen.

The Big Time Out 2009 was truly a well organized family fun event. If there was any rowdiness going on at the beer gardens I didn't notice.

Book Number 34

I decided to give this author another try. I've read books by her that I've enjoyed and some that I didn't like at all.

The Novel: Sleeping Arrangements
The Author: Madeleine Wickham
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/w/madeleine-wickham/sleeping-arrangements.htm

Well, I went into this novel not knowing what to expect. I've enjoyed novels by Madeleine before, and I especially enjoy the novels written as her alter ego Sophie Kinsella....but I've been disappointed in the past so I was wary....
I enjoyed this novel. Sleeping Arrangements was well written and entertaining. Most characters were colourful and well described.
I was amused at the situation and I could feel the tension building amongst the characters. I was appropriately appalled at times and laughed out loud at other instances.
This novel was a nice read and I finished it rather quickly. This is the kind of novel I have come to know and love from this author and I feel she's redeemed herself since the last book of hers that I read (A Desirable Residence....DID NOT LIKE)

I give "Sleeping Arrangements" a rating of 3.5 out of 5.

I'm glad I liked this novel, or I might have been put off by Madeleine Wickham / Sophie Kinsella, for awhile.

Book Number 33

Charlaine Harris again, Yay! I really love most of her writing.

The Novel: A Secret Rage
The Author: Charlaine Harris
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/charlaine-harris/secret-rage.htm

I was really happy to read a "stand alone" book of Charlaine Harris's. As her second novel published, it's a good one.
I enjoy a good mystery with a dark subject matter. This story was written in the first person POV and deals with a harsh crime (Rape).
We see this horrific experience through the main characters eyes and watch how she deals with it, as well as how she strives to find the rapist.
I was right there along with the character trying to figure out whodunit, and was cheering her on when she had some nasty violent vigilante thoughts.
There isn't the usual humour that you find in most of Charlaine Harris's books, but that's ok because the story was well done and humour was not needed at all.
This was a strong book with a strong central character. Charlaine Harris did a wonderful job navigating this painful and delicate subject.

I give "A Secret Rage" a rating of 3.75 out of 5.

I recently read that Charlaine Harris herself is a rape survivor. I admire her strength and I hope writing this novel was cathartic for her.

Book Number 32

Another male author to make the female to male author ratio a little more fair (32:7)

The Novel: The Inhabited World
The Author: David Long
Link: http://www.davidlonglit.com/davidlonginhabited.html

I enjoyed this novel. It was thought provoking and captivating. The character development was impressive.
There was a distinct attention to detail as the main character Evan delves into his (past) life and his observances during his time spent in his purgatorial existence.
We have a look at the families that have lived in Evan's house after he died from Evan's point of view. Each family had it's own distinct attributes and quirks, which made the little looks into their lives all the more interesting.
The story has an interesting flow as it jumps from the past to the present and back. I enjoyed the look into Evan's life this way as the author took his time with giving the reader the full picture.

I give "The Inhabited World" a rating of 4.25 out of 5.

Another good choice for a "random library pick". I will check out some other works by David Long as I found this book interesting and well written.

Book Number 31

I waited for this book for what seems like FOREVER.

The Novel: The Awakening
The Author: Kelley Armstrong
Link:http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/aAwaken.htm

This book is the second novel in the Darkest Powers Trilogy. This book doesn't give you a back story into the first book (titled: The Summoning) Therefore, it is imperative that you read the first novel in the series to understand anything that is going on at all.
I did read the first book so I was well informed, and sucked into the story deep enough that I was waiting (not patiently) for this novel to finally get published and into my library.
This book was as well written as the first and I got an even better look into the character's lives and their motivations.
I read this book really quickly, as I needed to know what would happen next. Of course the book leaves you hanging at the end, and I will have a real hard time waiting until May 1st, 2010 for the 3rd novel (The Reckoning) to be released.
This book is well written, action packed and a pretty good tale that kept me entertained. It is a Young Adult fiction, but other than the fact that the characters are teens it is written well enough that people of any age (apart from little kids of course) will enjoy it.

I give "The Awakening" a rating of 3.75 out of 5.

I wish that the next novel would be released sooner, why can't these writers write faster dang it?!

Book Number 30

Book #30 was another one of those "I must pick out a random book at the library, and it should be a male author...hey look at this, I didn't know Jimmy Buffett wrote novels, cool let's give it a go"

The Novel: Swine Not?
The Author: Jimmy Buffett
Link: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/books/archive/bookarchive.php/Swine_Not%3F:_A_Novel/13849

This novel wasn't what I expected, at all. After picking up this novel I did a bit of research into Jimmy Buffet's writing career, and I had heard good things about most of his novels. So I guess I went into this reading experience expecting a lot.
I was wrong to assume (ass-u-me?? yep)
This book is "supposed" to be a novel for adults. In reality it's a poorly disguised children's novel.
There wasn't much in the way of character description (physically) although I did have a glimpse into some of the character's (Rumpy the pig) inner workings and it was interesting.
What I found to be interesting (not necessarily in a good way) is that one of Jimmy Buffet's friends had written a manuscript with the whole concept of a pig living in an hotel. Jimmy was supposed to edit it and get it ready for it to be sent to publishers. Instead he took the idea, expanded on it (with the friends permission) and turned out a novel. He fully admits this in his book.
Overall, I didn't mind the book as a quick escape from the long day I had, but it's not "The Great American Novel" that's for sure. I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it, however I think my 6 year old wouldn't mind the tale if I read it to her.

I give "Swine Not?" a rating of 2 out of 5.

I am still willing to give Jimmy Buffett another try, but this time I'll actually get a book that has several good reviews. Although it may be awhile before I get around to reading any more of his works.

Book Number 29

Well I had to get another Jen Lancaster book.
I had to.
She's just too funny. I'm almost all caught up now, apart from her first book that has so many dang holds on it at the library that it'll be a long long wait until I get to read it.

The Novel: Pretty in Plaid A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or The Wonder Years Before the Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smart-Ass Phase.
The Author: Jen Lancaster
Link: http://www.jennsylvania.com/jennsylvania/
Synopsis:
The hardcover debut from the New York Times bestselling author— the prequel to Bitter is the New Black.In Pretty in Plaid, Jen Lancaster reveals how she developed the hubris that perpetually gets her into trouble. Using fashion icons of her youth to tell her hilarious and insightful stories, readers will meet the girl she used to be.Think Jen Lancaster was always "like David Sedaris with pearls and a super-cute handbag?" (Jennifer Coburn) Think again. She was a badge-hungry Junior Girl Scout with a knack for extortion, an aspiring sorority girl who didn't know her Coach from her Louis Vuitton, and a budding executive who found herself bewildered by her first encounter with a fax machine. In this humorous and touching memoir, Jen Lancaster looks back on her life—and wardrobe—before bitter was the new black and shows us a young woman not so very different than the rest of us.

Well what did I think about this look into a young Jen Lancaster's life??? I loved it. Possibly not as funny as Bright Lights, Big Ass or Such a Pretty Fat....BUT it still was dang hilarious.

Because I've enjoyed everything I've read by Ms. Lancaster, and I fear that I'm due to repeat myself if I take the time to write a regular review, I'm going to go in a different direction.....
Whilst reading this book, I decided that I must write down which pages had made me laugh out loud. You'll just have to read the book to see what I'm talking about.
1) pg 16...Her reference to a Brownie craft involving a toilet paper roll turned Christmas ornament.....and her subsequent response.
2) pgs 33-35....More Brownie/ Girl Scout related anecdotes.....funny to me because I totally get what she's talking about....if you've ever been involved in guiding/ scouts as a member or leader, you'll think this is hilarious also.
3) pg 146...The footnotes had me laughing out loud.
4) pg 231...Her letter to her apartment building neighbours. Funny!

There were so many more instances in which I had my beverage come shooting out of my nose because I found something she wrote really funny.

I give "Pretty in Plaid" a rating of 4 out of 5.

I like how I can just relax and laugh while reading Jen Lancaster's books. It's nice to just chill out, not think and just laugh at someone else's life for a bit.

Book Number 28

I have been making a more conscious effort to read more male authors. The last 27 books I've read have been predominantly female authors (a ratio of 23:4). Thus, I've taken the time to grab random books at the library with male authors and book covers that catch my eye. This novel was one of those choices.

The Novel: Natural Elements
The Author: Richard Mason
Link: http://www.amazon.ca/Natural-Elements-Richard-Mason/dp/0307267466

I liked this book. It was dense and long, but well written. Natural Elements an inventive work of fiction that has realistic historical elements.
The characters are colourful and well described. I found myself wishing and hoping that Joan's magic pedals were real and not just the signs of an elderly woman succumbing to dementia.
I could feel Eloise's stress and was hoping for a miracle on her part as well.
The historical flash backs gave me a good look into life during the time of the Anglo- Boer war of 1899- 1901.
All in all, I find that this is a book where realism and the fantastical meet to form a beautifully written engrossing tale.

I give "Natural Elements" a rating of 3.75 out of 5.

I'm glad I picked this novel. Another good choice done on the basis of cover art and the fact that it was written by a male.

Book Number 27

I have been slow with my reading since I jammed 5 books into 2 days awhile back. I've been working on Book #27 for a few days.

The Novel: Breakneck
The Author: Erica Spindler
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/erica-spindler/breakneck.htm

Breakneck is the 2nd book in the Kitt Lundgren series. I've read the first in the series so I was happy to have the second arrive at my library for me. The one thing about Breakneck is that you don't really have to have read the first in the series (Copycat). There is enough background info that you are not lost at all. Although the first in the series was really good, so I recommend you read it regardless.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well developed. The book is full of emotional disquiet. Breakneck is a fast-paced action novel, that leave the reader (me) wondering what is going to happen next.
I enjoy that the novel is based around two female detectives. It's nice to see a mystery novel where the central characters are strong independent women with the skills to kick some ass, but the tenderness to be emotional during times of personal stress.
You can't help but be sucked in to the story and root for the good guys (errrr girls) and hate the bad guy with a vengeance.
The ending had an interesting twist and I couldn't have imagined who the bad guy was.

I give "Breakneck" a rating of 4 out of 5.

I really hope Erica Spindler continues to write about these two wonderful female detectives. She has a good thing going here and I am looking forward to seeing what other dangerous situations the women find themselves in.

Tired & Excited

Tired and still in my PJ's. I hope we don't have any visitors today because I am seriously thinking about not getting dressed.

There is a reason people go to sleep at a reasonable time.
I decided last night that my 4 am bedtimes are not acceptable, and could be the leading cause of me being a giant crankenstein in the morning (who am I kidding, the afternoon is more like it).

So I went to bed at a reasonable time last night (11pm). I got all settled in and decided, well since I'm here I'll just read a bit.
Finally I look at the clock, it can't be too late right? 12:30am, dang it! Turn out the lights, and surprisingly I am asleep right away.
1:30am Hubby comes to bed, lights a blarin', doors a crashin', toothbrushes a vibratin'.....
me: "what the Hell!!??!!" look at clock, scowl at hubby, put a pillow over my head.
hubby looks at me sheepishly "sooooorrrrryyyyy"
me: "yeah you are!"
me again, standing up this time " Slave! Feet rubbing now! please"
Hubby, shrugs shoulders "ok"

And do you think I could get back to sleep after that? Nope.
Hubby is all settled in asleep snoring away, while I lay there with nice smooth moisturized feet and legs, but a really big snarl just on the cusp of being released from my mouth.
Oh, brilliant idea, I'll just listen to my ipod and instead of cool rocking music that's sure to keep me awake, I'll just listen to the score from the Lord of The Rings....
4 am, still flippin awake.

Tonight I'm wearing earplugs and will forgo the feet rubbing if it means I can get to sleep at a regular time.

**Oh, I am super excited! Only 3 more sleeps until I make the trek to Cumberland and get to see some of my favorite bands (Mother Mother) in concert.
http://thebigtimeout.com/

Little Miss is excited too. It should be a really great Saturday and I don't even have to leave the Island. Now I have to think about what to pack for the day. Thank goodness I am really great at making lists, I shouldn't forget too many important things (like the tickets).

Maybe I'll make a list now while I'm awake and alert. Too many sleepless nights are probably killing brain cells, at this rate I won't have the mental capacity for making lists if I don't get some proper sleep soon.

Off Topic, Juvenile Behaviour

Random thoughts, Juvenile behaviour...This is not how I am all the time. Normally I am a rational, intellectual person.
but once in awhile.......

Sometimes I get it in my head to do weird things, or I try and convince people to encourage me to do weird things.
Not weird as in perverted or illegal. Just regular weird. Weird as in people might say "what the heck were you thinking? that's just dumb"

A few years back when the movie "Super Troopers" came out, I was fascinated by it's wackiness and I seemed compelled to do dumb shit a la super trooper style.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0247745/

Do you know how hard it is to convince people to have a syrup chugging contest? It's impossible. Maybe because the people I am friends with have a higher maturity level than I do...I dunno. I was only 22 at the time, and it really seemed like a good idea (alcohol may have been involved).

This is the reason I should probably not watch Super Troopers 2 when it is released...ahhh who am I kidding, I'm going to watch it and I'll probably find something in the movie that makes me want to do dumb shit. sigh.

Anyway, I've got the urge to do something weird again.
I've been thinking a lot about crazy diets lately. Remember the grapefruit and bacon diet of the past? It's been proven that a diet restricting a person to 1 or 2 foods is generally not a good idea....common sense right?
Well it's been so freakin hot out, and I've been slamming 7-11 slurpee's like they're going out of style, and noshing on Mr.Freeze freezies like you wouldn't believe.....all sugar, all the time, baby.

I have been eating regular foods as well.....but the crazy diet fad has got me thinking....

How long could a person survive on freezies alone, and how much weight could a person lose???
Would a person (me) be hungry 24-7 and have to eat my body's weight in frozen deliciousness just to not go into some kind of hunger coma?

yep, this is the crap I think about ..... and try to convince my hubby that me doing it would be a good idea and/or have hilarious/possibly dangerous results.

Don't worry I won't be starting a freezie diet anytime soon (or a slurpee diet either)...but sometimes I just wonder, hmmm what would it be like?

Like I said, dumb weird shit.......

"the snozzberries taste like snozzberries"

Book Number 26

This book I discovered by reading Jen Lancaster. She was trying to get this book out of her library in "Bright Lights, Big Ass"...and well I thought, hey if she likes the book I might as well give it a go. I enjoy chick lit so reading this book wasn't a stretch for me.

The Novel: Bergdorf Blondes
The Author: Plum Sykes
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/plum-sykes/bergdorf-blondes.htm

I liked this book. It was a nice escape into a life I will never experience. A life of glamour, fashion, jet setting, and one night stands.
I found this novel to be very descriptive, obviously this author knows a thing or two about living the high life and enjoying such finery as Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, and the like.
Although some of the character's were quite shallow, they were still interesting with each of their own little idiosyncrasies.
The novel is very much escapism literature, However, there are some serious parts (an attempted suicide) which gives the novel more depth and makes it even more interesting.
This book is an example of how I like my chick lit to be, nice, light and humorous with a happy ending.

I give "Bergdorf Blondes" a rating of 3.5 out of 5.

As a debut novel, Plum Sykes did a bang up job. I guess it does pay to write what you know.

Book Number 25

Well I did it! I read 25 books in a month. I am right on schedule, I might just make my 300 books in a year goal, if I can keep this up.....and I can proudly say that I didn't neglect my family too much.......
Pats myself on the back

The Novel: A Desirable Residence
The Author: Madeleine Wickham
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/w/madeleine-wickham/desirable-residence.htm

Well.......
I was disappointed. I've read other stuff by Madeleine Wickham and her alter ego Sophie Kinsella...this book did not measure up to her other works, at all.
I found I disliked almost every character apart from Jonathan and Alice (who seem to be the only "real" characters). I wasn't immediately sucked in to the story and it took a lot of patience on my part to get through it.
The plot was ok, but it could have been done a lot better.
I finally became slightly more interested at the end, but it was too little too late.
There is too much going on in this novel, too many side stories that just make it more "cluttery" and took away from the main story.

I give "A Desirable Residence" a rating of 2.5 out of 5.

I have another Madeleine Wickham book on my shelf, I just hope it is better than this one. A Desirable Residence is not a desirable read.