Comfort & Joy: A Novel by Kristin Hannah

Comfort & Joy: A Novel by Kristin Hannah


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I read this book in one sitting and found it pretty enjoyable, but a bit more fantastical and magical than I thought it would be. After reading "Firefly Lane", I was thinking this book would be more of a realistic chick novel. Peeps who don't like fantasy/mystery will not dig this read. I liked it. 3 stars.

View all my reviews >>

2009 wrap-up

Year-end wrap-up survey!

1) Where did you begin 2009?
@ Jason’s apt – he was sick. :(

2) What did you do for Valentine's Day?
Jason took me to Martini’s + IMAX @ Fernbank the Friday before and then cooked dinner @ my house on the actual day.

3) Were you in school anytime this year?
Nope

4) How did you earn your money?
The same way I earned it last year - toiling for the Cheese!

5) Did you have to go to the hospital or doctor?
No to the hospital, yes to doctor visits.

6) Did you have any encounters with the police?
Other than saying “thank you” to the ones who direct traffic at Philips, no.

7) Would you relive 2009 over and over again?
No, I’m looking forward to 2010.

8) What did you purchase that was over $1000?
Nothing!

9) Did you know anybody who got married?
Lisa + Sosh

10) Did you know anybody who passed away?
Some friends’ family members.

11) Did you know anyone who had a baby?
NoTorious

12) Did you move anywhere?
Yeppers

13) What concerts/shows did you go to?
Hall + Oates, Pete Yorn, Blondie/Pat Benatar, Metallica

14) What new restaurants did you visit?
I knew writing down almost everything I do in a calendar would come in handy for something! 15 South Enoteca (Sarasota), American Roadhouse, Capozzi’s, CRAFT, Dolce, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill (Longboat Key), Horseradish Grill, Houston’s, Las Brasas, Riverfront Pizza (Ft. Lauderdale), Verde, The Vortex, Woodfire Grill

15) Do you still have the same job as you did in 2008?
Sho do

16) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2009?
@ the theatre: “Taken”, “A Perfect Getaway” (both good and suspenseful), “17 Again” was surprisingly enjoyable. on video: “Youngblood”, “Terminator 2”

17) Where do you live now?
Atl

18) Describe your birthday.
Saturday - Met some friends for dinner @ Neighbor’s and then went to Metalsome. Sunday – birthday lunch with mom and dad @ Red Lobster.

19) What's one thing you thought you'd never do but did in 2009?
Join a gym!

20) What has been your favorite moment?
Too many good ones to list!

21) What's something you learned about yourself?
I have a real knack for naming fictitious sandwiches.

22) Any new additions to your family?
Nope

23) What was your best month?
April was fantastic!

24) Were you in a relationship this year?
Sho was!

25) What music will you remember 2009 by?
Ha! Probably Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me”. I don’t listen to much current music, but I love me some T-Swift! Also, Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” and “Poker Face” were very groovy. Oh and this mash up of Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody” and The Four Tops’ “Same Old Song” I heard on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on CBS. Awesome.

26) Favorite new website you discovered this year?
Friends’ blogs and paperbackswap.com (thanks to Maggie)

27) New friend?
I think I've made a couple =o)

28) Favorite Night out?
Several – the night we met Maggie and Allen out at Moe’s n’ Joe’s and then went to Metalsome back in April was so much fun, dinner/Cirque du Soliel Kooza w/ everyone back in February, the night me, Jason and mom snuck onto the CW property to check out our new apts (LOL), and basically any evening of bowling, ice skating, the Village Theatre, a hockey game or a fun dinner!

29) How many books did you read this year and which was your favorite/least favorite?
24. I was sure it would be more, but apparently I took 4 months off from reading! What a slack ass.

Fave(s):
Eye Contact by Cammie McGovern
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
The Longest Trip Home: A Memoir by John Grogan
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Least Fave(s):
I Was Told There’d Be Cake by Sloane Crosley. This book of essays was one malodorous whine-festival. I couldn’t even finish it.

30) Do you think 2010 will be better or worse?
Better – let the fun begin in 2010!

QOTD 12/22/09

Quote of the day:

“I assure you, sir, the Deputy Commissioner is not familiar with the licensing requirements for mobile tilapia carts.”

Thanks, mom!

Thank you to my talented mom for the blog redesign! I absolutely love it! The perks of having a web designer for a mother are endless. :-)

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The pal that loaned me this was all "eh" about it but strongly believed that I'd like it since she and I have opposing taste in books (other than "The Shadow of the Wind", of course!). Humorously enough, she was right - I LOVED THIS S.O.B.! I could hardly put it down and I could not wait to see what would happen next. I was obviously sadened by the ending and shed actual tears, but it was overall a scrumptious gal pal read. I was beyond delighted to see that this author has bunches of other novels out n' about and already ordered "Comfort and Joy" from a fellow member @ Paperbackswap.com. Yay! Thank you to my opposite-taste-in-books bud for locating my new favorite author. :)

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Not Cool...

Day 2 of no sun. Sonofa...

We're driving to Naples, wish us lucky weather.

LBK sunset

Sunset on Longboat Key, Tuesday, December 8th

Let's Say Thanks

Xerox's Let's Say Thanks program allows you to select a card design and enter a personal greeting. When you hit "Send", Xerox prints and mails your card to a U.S. serviceman. Please take the time to show your support for their service!

Click here: Let's Say Thanks

piggyback

Why is it called a "piggyback ride" when pigs don't even carry other pigs on their backs? I also haven't seen too many folks riding pigs (as of late), so I really don't get this phrase! Calling it a "horseback ride" sure would make more since. Just pondering.

Totally Awesome Elvis Pillows

I love our IT people!

From: Steve
Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 10:36 AM
To: Kristen
Subject: RE: Mandatory password reset today at 2:00PM

Sorry. Even AWESOME passwords have to change. You’ll just have to think of something TOTALLY AWESOME.

________________________________________
From: Kristen
Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 10:34 AM
To: Steve
Subject: RE: Mandatory password reset today at 2:00PM

Gosh, Steve! And I just changed mine to something AWESOME. Now I have to think of something else. Sigh. ;-)

KH


My favorite verbal exchange today at work: My phone rings, it's my pal Bobby.

Me: Hello Robert!
Bobby: Hey! Have you even been here today? I haven't seen you at all.
Me: I've been all up in my chair! Raise up off me!
Bobby: Come let me in so I can show you my Elvis pillow!
Me: Okay!

He actually HAD one. I love this place (usually)!

Nothing says Christmas like Wham

Christmastime is here, people! It’s official now that I’ve heard Wham!’s “Last Christmas” on the radio!

Driving to work today, I curiously ejected the Better Than Ezra Greatest Hits CD I've been listening to for a week straight to see if any of the radio stations here in town were belting out any holiday music. Much to my supreme delight, B 98.5 was delivering the goods in the form of Burl Ives' "Holly Jolly Christmas"! This was excellent news b/c it kicks off the month-long period at work where we are permitted to listen to Christmas music on the radio. My co-worker and I look forward to this YEAR ROUND. Apparently the entire agency used to be able to listen to music, but after countless feuds between cubicle neighbors about the music's volume and style ("I can't hear my Shania Twain with your N.W.A. blaring over there, you fool!!!", etc.), the privilege of listening to music was revoked. A couple of years ago, our boss agreed that we could rock out to Christmas tunes during the month of December in a gesture of good cheer. Anyway, nothing makes the time pass faster (or more enjoyably) than hearing the Eurhythmics cover “Winter Wonderland”!

J-Barti the Party and I are leaving for sunny Florida this Saturday morn and I cannot WAIT!!!! We’re going to be in Ft. Lauderdale the first part of the trip (including seeing the Thrashers play the Panthas @ BankAtlantic Centre on 12/5) and then we’re road tripping over to our favorite vacation spot to date, Longboat Key, for the latter half. We’re hoping to rent a stick shift so I can teach Jason how to drive one! I had an Acura Legend AKA “The Ac Attack” (02-06) that was a sweet 6 speed manual and I miss shifting! Also, what better car to teach someone on than a rental, right?! I checked the forecast for our projected trip dates and things are lookin’ good!!! This sure is a better way to celebrate Jason’s birthday than last year – he was moving and then got sick as a dungeon-dwelling cave cat with the stomach flu. Fun times!

Forecast for Sarasota, FL:

High/Low (°F)

Sat Dec 05
Mostly Sunny 67°/46°

Sun Dec 06
Partly Cloudy 72°/55°

Mon, Dec 07
Partly Cloudy 75°/56°

Tue Dec 08
Mostly Sunny 77°/59°

Wed Dec 09
Sunny 79°/62°

WTF of the Day - November 27, 2009

This "product" was so insane, I decided to dedicate my very first WTF of the Day entry to it. Who knew I'd uncover a plethora of useful items such as this beauty whilst I was looking at checks and address labels? The saddest part is they're sold out. The demand was so high! The shelves were cleared out by ravenous Black Friday shoppers, leaving no cheeky toilet seat accoutrements for those who wait to i-shop on Cyber Monday. Quelle dommage!


Flamingo Toilet Set: Decorative flamingo brings a dash of the unexpected and a splash of whimsy to your bath. Both pieces are made of plush 100% acrylic. Rug features nonskid backing (24 1/2" x 25"). Elastic-edge lid cover fits standard lids
(16 1/2" x 18 1/2"). Machine wash. Imported.

Once they re-stock, you can get your very own flamingo toilet rug and matching seat cover here.

Thanksgiving 09

So we are pretty much unpacked-ish, though there is junk stuffed in closets like nobody's business! Some out of town pals were in Atl for the holiday and popped over to see the new place. Conan approves.

Conan, Allen, Maggie, Jason, me, Susan & Blair

For Thanksgiving festivities, we went to the 57th Fighter Group Restaurant Thursday with my parents and ate a plethora of amazing foodstuffs (beer cheese soup, YAYAYYAYAYAY!). Later, we went to see New Moon starring Taylor Lautner's abs and ate entirely too much buttered popcorn. T'was an excellent turkey day!

Newsflash...

I located the missing Wimpy sock and the Thrashers have returned to their winning ways. Coincidence? I think not. They beat the mega annoying egomaniacal Red Wings Wednesday night as my foot was swathed in Wimpy comfort.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Where's Wimpy?

The big move with Jason is officially tomorrow, but we’ve been taking loads of boxes and random items (isn’t it always the houseplants that leave you thinking, “Do I really need this fiddle-leaf fig tree?”, but then you recall the priceless memories you’ve shared - friends coming over for dinner, watching the SYTYCD finale and the NHL All-Star game, Christmas morn – all the while ‘Mr. Figstuff’ sat quietly surveying the scene from his perch atop the desk. That’s when you realize that you can’t replace that trusty fig). Anyway, we loaded up Jason’s fross’ (that’s friend/boss) SUV and my mom’s 4Runner with the second load of stuff last night, trucked it over there, and unloaded. The kitchen is completely unpacked! Thank Moses we have a lot of cabinets (and a pantry that I am overzealously excited about! I love pantries!) since Jason unfurled a bevy of kitchen appliances and implements that would make Julia Child’s heart flutter. The man even owns a special machine that makes pancakes! We watched the Project Runway finale sitting on the floor of our new place, propped up on pillows enclosed in garbage bags. Ahh, home! Re: the finale, I am totes peeved Carol Hannah didn’t win. Clearly, had she created felt hats with chin chains, she would have won that mothertrucker! Who knew “lack of a unifying theme” was a big enough gripe to lose the competition? Winner Irina’s collection looked like an impromptu assemblage of leather space hookers, but hey – what do I know? I’m just a female who buys clothes.

We also had the Thrashers v. Boston Bruins game on while we worked and good lord, it was a riveting final period and OT! It turned into an agonizing shoot-out loss after Peverley, Kozlov and Kovalchuk failed to deliver the biscuit to the basket. Next time, Gadget! I was happy to see Little back in action; I couldn’t believe those brown bear clowns tried to mix it up with the little Canadian dumpling. Do they know who they’re messin’ with? Bryan’s not going to get into a Boulton-style throw down; he’s a worker bee. Plus, you know he was the type of kid who enjoyed the quiet toiling of creating construction paper turkeys for his mom in Kindergarten. I truly think the reason for the Thrasher’s loss is that I have lost my lucky game day socks. You know ‘em, you love ‘em. They have Wimpy from Popeye on them eating a hamburger and every time I have worn them to a game, we have dominated the beyotch. An ominous miasma lumbered into my laundry room Monday night when I only retrieved 1 sock from the dryer. Cross your fingers that I can find my left Wimpy sock or else all hope of a Thrashers post-season run are, to quote Gordon Ramsay, “in the bin”.

I just whipped a ditty about the move – sung to the Beverly Hillbillies theme! {Note to TBC: another possible screenplay - “The Peverley Hillbillies”! You know Jimmy Slater would be an amazing Jethro Bodine!!!}

Come and listen to a story about Kristen & Jase,
Poor Revenuers, wallets thin with disgrace,
Then one day their lease renewals came due,
And they felt the time was right to combine the two

Homes that is, sweet cribs, domiciles.

They turned in their notices and packed up their wares,
They couldn’t wait to say – hey, we moved away from there!
They said Decatur is the place we ought to be,
So they loaded up the truck and they moved across the street.

Toco Hills, that is.
Whole Foods, Orthadox Jews

The Toco Hillbillies!

Feel better, B-Litts!

Disappointment

I had to clean my oven tonight, therefore I had to stop and purchase cleaner since I don't keep any on-hand (I know you're shocked). I was trotting merrily along in Publix when I spotted a delicious dinner possibility: tuna fish. I love canned tuna fish. I was very excited about this "meal". I head home, visions of flipping tunas twirling in my head, spray the oven down with "Easy Off" (sure...) and then get the mayo and mustard out of the fridge. For those who don't know, Jason and I are moving in together this weekend, so 96.7% of my belongings are packed. Anyone seeing where this is going? What kitchen implement might one need to open a can of tuna (or whoop ass, whichever)? Yep. A can opener. Where is mine? In a box down by the river! I actually started digging around through the mountain of packed goods (pic below) hoping the kitchen utensils might be easily uncovered, but to no avail. After climbing over a row of cardboard nightmares and opening about 6 boxes, I gave up and ordered a pizza. V. disappointing.

The Moose is Loose

Me, Thrasher's goalie #1 Johan Hedberg and Jason

Thanks to Sunshine AKA Virginia @ Getting Pucks Deep for taking this picture with her ridiculously excellent camera!

Thrash v. Oilahs, 3-2 S.O.B.'s!

Martin! Reaznuh!


Smaximum Finnies!!!!


French Cats rockin' his Euro booties.


Mystery Hockey Theatre 3000


Taylor...shootin' it.


Sacre bleu!

Puddin' is a word.

Sorry, puddin was not found in this dictionary.

Well, my friend, I suggest you learn it.

Greasy Reasy!

Last night's Thrashers game was interesting; The first 2.5 periods were about as enjoyable as Thanksgiving dinner with the Dr. Phil Family. Luckily, the game had an exciting finish in which we kicked ass! Moving to sit with the Blueland Chronicle Boyz in da Sweaters seemed to turn things around! Afterwards, we traipsed to Taco Mac and had the pleasure of meeting Jason's dreamboat, Mr. Hoagies n' Grinders Marty "The Party" Reasoner!

The Boys of My Youth by Jo Ann Beard

The Boys of My Youth by Jo Ann Beard


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I'm normally not a big short stories fan, but this writer knocked my socks into Peru with her descriptions of everyday things. You would never think to describe things the way she does. She could make a soggy dish towel in a kitchen sink seem interesting! The essay "The Fourth State of Matter" was intense, harrowing, captivating. She is truly a gifted writer. I hope she has a novel in the works!

View all my reviews >>

Packing is dangereux.

You know you’re a clumsy S.O.B. when you manage to hit yourself in the eye socket with the corner of a picture. I just wanted to box it up; instead, it revolted and boxed me.

The offending artwork:


The aftermath:



PS: I'm so glad I got my eyebrows waxed last week in preparation for these extreme close ups.

FF: casse-cou

Fun Fact (FF) o' the Day: The french word for daredevil is "casse-cou", which literally translates to "break neck". Fun times!

PS: Don’t even try to ignore the adoreableness of this koala. Don’t you dare!

Say cheese!

As I was drifting off to sleep last night, I thought of the phrase "say cheese" and wondered who coined it. I still have no idea, but I wanted to share how brilliant I think this idea was. The entire word causes you to form a smile-like look with your mouth. Che-es-e. Totally brillz! I wondered what word would be used to produce this same effect in French. Valise? The "va" part doesn't really jibe. Cheese in French is "frommage", which certainly doesn't produce a smiley face while being said. I consulted my favorite oracle, Wikipedia, on this important subject and found some goodies.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Say_cheese
Say "cheese" is an instruction used by photographers who want their subject to smile. By saying "cheese", most people form their mouths into what appears to be a smile-like shape. Additionally, the absurdity of saying "cheese" for no apparent reason can incite glee in some people. (INCITES GLEE!!! Hilarious!)

In other cultures
Perhaps due to strong Western influence, especially in the realm of photography, and perhaps due to increased numbers of Western visitors after photographic equipment became widely available, the phrase "Say cheese" has also entered into the Japanese language. However, the word "say" is almost always dropped from the phrase, resulting in the phrase simply being "Cheese." This is usually pronounced in Japanese (and written in katakana) as "chiizu".

Other languages have adopted this method, albeit with different words that sound similar to cheese to get the desired effect of shaping the mouth to form a smile.

In China, the word used is 茄子 (qie2zi), meaning "eggplant."
In Korea, one says "kimchi."
In France and other French-speaking countries, the word "ouistiti," meaning marmoset, is often used.
In most Latin American countries, the phrase used is "Diga 'whiskey'" ("Say 'whiskey'").
In Spain, the usual word is "patata" ("potato").
In Brazil the phrase is "Olha o passarinho" ("Look at the little bird") or "Digam 'X'" ("Say 'X'").
In Denmark, "Sig 'appelsin'", meaning "Say 'orange'" is often used.
In Sweden, "Säg 'omelett'", meaning "Say 'omelette'" is often used.
In Finland, "Muikku" is the word often used by photographers to make people smile.
In Thailand, "Pepsi" meaning same a popular soft drink produces is often used.
In Japan, "Sei, No..." meaning "1 and 2" is often used.
In Germany, food-related words like "Spaghetti" , "Käsekuchen" (cheesecake) or "Schwanz" are used, mainly to make children laugh for the picture

Twenties Girl: A Novel by Sophie Kinsella

Twenties Girl: A Novel by Sophie Kinsella


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Just as I can count on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson for a laugh, I can count on Sophie Kinsella for a sweet book with a happy ending. This was a cheerful little cupcake of a book and I enjoyed it to the last morsel. This type of novel isn't life-changing, but it sure is mood-changing when you could use a little positive boost! I had to stop myself today from emailing someone at work to let them know I'd "rung up" so-and-so, or that so-and-so "pitched up" at my desk. The British colloquialisms used in her books are infectious and adorable.

View all my reviews >>

Happy 1 Year Anniversary, JCB!

Here are just a few things I love about you, in no particular order:
1.) Your hearty guffaw
2.) Your willingness (er...suggestion) to wear bright yellow stuffed crabs to a hockey game.
3.) The fact that after spending most of the day helping me move, you then went to the store and brought back a bag of essentials like paper towels, TP, cream, sugar, etc.
4.) You were handicapping horses at age 5.
5.) Your excitement when I use Splenda.
6.) Your wonderful listening ear and the great advice you give.
7.) Our mutual love of "whopping cranes". Not to be confused with whooping cranes.
8.) Your love of Candice Olsen's designs.
9.) Your loathing of work cakes.
10.) Your love of both Neil Diamond and Metallica.
11.) Your super crunchy smile.
12.) Your generosity and kindness.
13.) The fact that you chop onions for me so I don't have to cry over vegetable emissions.
14.) When you showed up with a rotisserie chicken when I'd had a bad day.
15.) Your verbalocity!
16.) Your honesty.
17.) Your ability to analyze hockey footage and stats that scare even Bill Tiller.
18.) Code Mayo!

Here's to another year of fun and love, sweets!

Humble Pie by Gordon Ramsay

Humble Pie by Gordon Ramsay


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
We listened to this book on the way to Ocean Isle Beach, NC for a wedding and it was the perfect thing for a 5 hour drive! I learned so much about Chef Ramsay; from his unstable childhood and unsuccessful career as a “footballer” to his early days busting his hump in the culinary world he would one day be a major player in. It was wonderful hearing his book read by him; his voice is very enjoyable and the smattering of unique curses and English idioms really kept me on my toes (and enlightened me to some great expletive combinations)! I really liked him before this book, but now I have an even deeper respect and admiration for him as a chef, a businessman and a person.

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I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley

I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley


My rating: 1 of 5 stars
When you’re past the halfway point and the book is still sucking, it’s time to throw in the towel and move on in your literary life. I originally didn’t realize this was a collection of short stories, which is not my favorite style, but I labored on under the misconception that maybe there would be some flashes of hilarity a la Laurie Notaro, etc. Not a one. I can’t pinpoint what my issue is specifically, but I just do not like the author. I have never had this happen before. After reading through some other reviews, I see I am not alone! The author comes off as insincere, ‘too cool’ and spoiled; a hipster with a book deal and the misgiving that she’s uproariously clever. She’s disconnected from the memories of her own life in a way that leaves the reader feeling, well, nothing. 2 thumbs way down!

View all my reviews >>

Blog2Book

What a great idea!

Carry On, Bobblehead Tim!

All I want for Christmas is a Tim Gunn talking bobblehead! I love this.

In Memoriam

NEVER FORGET
9/11/01

CNN Memorial List

Fashion Plates

When I was little, I had this super cool toy called Fashion Plates, where you could flex your budding fashion designer muscles by creating sweet outfits.





I happened to see this beauty the last time I was in the toy aisle. I am pretty sure I'm asking for this for Christmas. Look how swanky it is! I bet Tim Gunn and his "clenched fists with mini thumbs up" had a lot to do with this. Look at all of the fabulous accessories! A PROJECTOR! Love it!

One Mississippi: A Novel by Mark Childress

One Mississippi: A Novel by Mark Childress


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It was a bit hard to rate a book "Really Liked It" that ends the way this one does (I won't spoil anything for you, no worries); but the earlier portions of the book led me to say I did really enjoy it. I wrote down so many humorous quotes from this book and I really enjoyed the whole "Yankee-returning-to-the-south" theme and the way the author illustrated the 70's so perfectly through music, clothing and pop culture. This book was kind of manic to me in that I was expecting a humorous fish out of water/coming of age tale (since the reviews on the book's cover all tout it's hilarity) but it was chock full of serious, heart-breaking events. The author did a good job of injecting plenty of humor, but no amount could have made up for the semi-shocking (only semi b/c you felt something like this was coming) conclusion. I'm happy that I read it and will take away plenty of chuckle-worthy lines, although I caution anyone looking for a light-hearted/feel-good type of book to choose something else.

View all my reviews >>

Where Not To Move

From ApartmentRatings.com > Nice find from Jason!!!

http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate/GA-Decatur-Robins-Landing.html

Notable excerpts:

"expcept for like i said in the front of the complex it wasnt a big shocker for me because i am originally from ny n i am kind of use to police raids in the middle of the night and findin bodies in the stairwell...sad but true... but there was a man killed like 2 months ago but it was towards the front..."

"...and the insect oh my god its like they chilling with me."

Snap

I love humorous flow charts!


From http://fakeplasticnoodles.com/2007/10/16/flowcharts-that-dont-suck/

Eye Contact by Cammie McGovern

Eye Contact by Cammie McGovern


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was one of the best books I have read this year! I literally could not put it down! Well, really, I put it down twice because, much to my chagrin, I had to go to bed. Aside from that, it never left my hands! The narration of this book is what makes it so interesting; it is told from several different characters’ points of view and they all seem to have something to hide. I found it very interesting to read the narration told from Adam’s P.O.V., as a nine year old autistic child. This story focused a lot on the struggles the parents of autistic children face, which was very insightful for me since I had very little knowledge of this subject. This book is full of surprises and unexpected twists; the great thing is everything is revealed in the end so you don’t feel like you have any unanswered questions. I just finished this book yesterday and I’ve recommended it to 4 people already! Must read!

View all my reviews >>

Keirsey Temperament Sorter-II (KTS-II)

My result: Idealist Portrait of the Counselor (INFJ)

Counselors have an exceptionally strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others, and find great personal fulfillment interacting with people, nurturing their personal development, guiding them to realize their human potential. Although they are happy working at jobs (such as writing) that require solitude and close attention, Counselors do quite well with individuals or groups of people, provided that the personal interactions are not superficial, and that they find some quiet, private time every now and then to recharge their batteries. Counselors are both kind and positive in their handling of others; they are great listeners and seem naturally interested in helping people with their personal problems. Not usually visible leaders, Counselors prefer to work intensely with those close to them, especially on a one-to-one basis, quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes.

Counselors are scarce, little more than one percent of the population, and can be hard to get to know, since they tend not to share their innermost thoughts or their powerful emotional reactions except with their loved ones. They are highly private people, with an unusually rich, complicated inner life. Friends or colleagues who have known them for years may find sides emerging which come as a surprise. Not that Counselors are flighty or scattered; they value their integrity a great deal, but they have mysterious, intricately woven personalities which sometimes puzzle even them.

Counselors tend to work effectively in organizations. They value staff harmony and make every effort to help an organization run smoothly and pleasantly. They understand and use human systems creatively, and are good at consulting and cooperating with others. As employees or employers, Counselors are concerned with people's feelings and are able to act as a barometer of the feelings within the organization.

Blessed with vivid imaginations, Counselors are often seen as the most poetical of all the types, and in fact they use a lot of poetic imagery in their everyday language. Their great talent for language-both written and spoken-is usually directed toward communicating with people in a personalized way. Counselors are highly intuitive and can recognize another's emotions or intentions - good or evil - even before that person is aware of them. Counselors themselves can seldom tell how they came to read others' feelings so keenly. This extreme sensitivity to others could very well be the basis of the Counselor's remarkable ability to experience a whole array of psychic phenomena.

Mohandas Gandhi, Sidney Poitier, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jane Goodall, Emily Bronte, Sir Alec Guiness, Carl Jung, Mary Baker Eddy, Queen Noor are examples of the Counselor Idealist (INFJ).

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made by KATEichooseyou

Right now I'm listening to...Samantha Who? episode I DVR'd.
Tonight I will....shower, work on artsy stuff, relax
Last night I dreamt of...no memory of dreams but I slept amazingly sound.
I wish I was...heading to the tropics tomorrow!
I knew I should have...hopped in the shower as soon as I got home.
I like to daydream of...all sortsa crazy junk!
I can't believe...how many "celebreality" shows there are that people actually watch and enjoy!
I really miss...Maridee! I haven't seen her since last fall. Miss you!!
I really love...reading
But I really hate...reading in the car (carsickness).
Sometimes I wonder...how people are doing that I haven't talked to in a long time.
I always feel better when...someone makes me laugh
I always get freaked out when...I have to talk to groups of ppl I don't know.
Sometimes I get jealous when...I'm around rich people! I start day dreaming about what all I'd buy.
I get self-conscience when...bathing suit season marches in!
When I'm frustrated I...vent and think.
But when I'm excited I...say "YAYYYYY!" a lot and think of whatever it is I'm excited about all day long!
When I find out someone lied to me I...add 'em to my burn book, baby. J/K!
I would never...eat shark fin soup.
I would love a pet...golden lab pup.
I always try to...smile at people, even when I'm in a crap mood.
My guilty pleasure is...I don't think there's anything I like that's so dorky I'd feel ashamed. But if I think of anything, I'll come back.
My worst habit might have to be...smoking. Then lip balm. Although I think I'm more addicted to lip balm than cigs.
In the future I plan on...rocking the nation from coast to coast.
But tomorrow I think I will...go to work, have a super fun din-din with mombo and Jason and then watch Big Brother 11, Bones and LA Ink! Will Aubry ever get fired? Sheezits.

Fun with LBJ

Adorable picture of Yuki, President Lyndon B. Johnson and LBJ's grandson. Apparently LBJ and Yuki would sing together for fun! So enjoyable!

Who's Your 80s Hunk?

Coincidence that I'm dating someone named Jason B.? I think not. And I'm pretty sure he wore that same sweater back in '89.

Your 80s Hunk is Jason Bateman

Back in the 80s, you would be a typical cute girl next door. So it's no surprise your guy is the ideal guy next door. You go for a guy who's sensitive, sweet, and sexy without knowing it. You prefer to be with a guy who focuses his attention on you... not showing off!

Who's Your 80s Hunk?