Ahhh

It's been the best kind of Saturday, relaxed and drama-free. I splurged a little on a new phone and new bedding. Bonuses are a good thing. I'm kicking around some post ideas for next week -- some serious and some fun. I've been inspired by Mighty Girl's Mighty Life List. It's similar to a bucket list and I plan to call mine the "Life Unchained List" to match my freelance company name. It might even make a good blog title, but I'm kind of attached to this old thing.

Five for Friday

Since the larger posts I am working on haven't come to fruition yet, here are five random thoughts for Friday and Day 5 of NaBloPoMo.

1- I'm not sure how I got here from there.

2- Why I have I formed more attachments to stuff than I have to people? Now the stuff smothers me and makes it hard to let people in. What do I do to fix that?

3- Why can't most people talk about politics or religion in a civil manner? Even though I enjoy exploring both, I have had to avoid conversations all week to stay out of the vicious fray.

4- I'm very organized at work, yet very disorganized at home. I need to find a balance.

5- Friday is my favorite day of the week. It's my day to recharge, but I need to find ways to make it more productive without adding more stress.

The nanny state or scapegoats r us

Have you seen this? Law curbs Happy Meal toys. Instead of blaming a lack or activity or too much food for childhood obesity, San Francisco is blaming the toy in the box. I'm all for healthier choices but this kind of mandate is just another example of people refusing to take responsibility. An occasional kid's meal with a toy is not going to make a kid fat. I've had a weight problem all my life and most of my childhood was spent in a town that didn't even have a McDonald's until I was in high school. If I had to relate my weight problem to anything it would be that I preferred books to sports. Should I blame authors and publishers for my health issues? If it's your problem, own it. I say playing the blame game is a waste of time and counterproductive to fixing any problem.

Muddled thoughts

Here I am at Day 3 with hundreds of topics in my head that I can't get to the page. Wandering is what I seem to spend a lot of time doing. My mind wanders to frivolous things, my body wanders through life. I can focus on the minute details, but the big picture eludes me. I thought I'd have my shit together by this age.

Commitment

In an effort to get back to writing, I have committed to posting every day this month through National Blog Posting Month. I expect to write a lot of crap just because of the volume, but may be in the process also come up with something clever, funny or insightful. The goal is to find my voice again. I know it's in here somewhere.

From the inbox

Apparently I have a previously unknown child who likes to skip classes a few times a week at Flowery Branch High School in Georgia. Matthew, please go to school. You might need that knowledge later in life. And while you are there, please give the attendance secretary your mother's real e-mail address. Thanks so much.

I'd say that's about right.

Be happy -- or merry

It's that time of year again, and I've been thinking about this whole "Happy Holidays" versus "Merry Christmas" issue.

Apparently many people I know feel strongly about it. I, however, don't. I really don't see the harm in wishing someone glad tidings in whatever form.

You can tell me "Happy Holidays," "Merry Christmas," "Season's Greetings" or "Happy Hanukkah" (although that one would be slightly strange since I'm not Jewish). As long as it said with good intentions and you mean it, we're good. If you choose to say nothing at all, I'm also OK with that. My policy is you shouldn't be forced to say anything you don't want to say, and you should only say what you mean.

If someone wants to wish me good will, I'll take it. It really doesn't matter how he or she says it.

A Thanksgiving request

Sunday I was building 1A at the newspaper when we got word of breaking news. I began reworking the page as more details came in.

There will be four empty chairs at somebody's Thanksgiving table today. A father, a mother and their two tiny children, 4 and 2, were found dead from apparent carbon monoxide poisoning. They didn't have electricity and were using a borrowed generator to stay warm. As the story progressed into Monday, we learned the lone survivor of this young family was a 6-year-old who had been staying with her grandmother during the weekend.

On Wednesday, our reporters covered two fatal accidents -- two more empty chairs in the blink of an eye.

In my job we see some good, but we also see a lot of sad and bad. I don't want to be a downer on this holiday, but I want to make a request because you are all important to me. Please be careful, please seek help if you need it, please take care of each other and please hug the ones you love.

I wish you all a blessed and safe Thanksgiving.

Food for thought

A conversation via text message:
Me: The CEO of Freedom is resigning to become the CEO of Playboy. Thought you'd appreciate that.
Him: That's f***ing cool!!!!!!!
Me: Porn is probably more stable work than papers right now.
Him: And pays a hell of a lot more as well ...

What this country needs is

a little more common sense, a little less panic and a whole lot more personal responsibility.

Mom's good advice

At a very rough time in my life, my mom sent me a card with these words: "Don't forget, you are stronger than you think you are." And she was right.

Plink, plunk

I'm playing with answering prompts at www.plinky.com to get over some writer's block.

When I started using the Internet

I learned a few computer basics in high school and college, but didn't get online until I met my future husband. He had a smoking hot Tandy TRS-100 (an example of this modern technology: http://oldcomputers.net/index.html) Seems like we spent days on the local BBS chat. We really thought we were computer geeks when we got a Tandy desktop with external 300 baud modem. And when we bumped up to 1200 baud, we were hauling butt! Now I whine that the cable modem is soooo slow.

What is wrong with people?

This story about an elderly man freezing to death in his own home infuriated me. Locally, a cancer patient on disability had her water cut off over $26. Yet they take a $1 "donation" on my water bill for parks. Where is the compassion and common decency?

Not enough in American newspapers

Newspaper claims suspect transformed into a goat. Maybe this explains why newspapers are struggling in the U.S. We need more magic -- or maybe more goats.

Rational thinking

Psychology giant Albert Ellis died this week. I attended one of his speeches in the early 1990s. At the time I was thinking of adding a degree in psychology to my mass communication degree. He was under the weather with a cold, but he gave a wonderful talk and even lead us in a song about "stinking thinking." I bought one of his books and he patiently autographed dozens that day. I still haven't mastered his rational approach, but I did agree with much of what he said. I highly recommend the book below.

Surely a sign of the apocalypse

Spice Girls reunite. And now of got that stupid lover song stuck in my head.

No neighbors

When I hit the lottery, (no rich relatives and a pitiful savings, so it's going to have to be the lotto) I'm going to buy 1,000 acres (preferably in the Hill country or other green Southern area) and build a house in the middle of it and then build a moat around it (piranhas and alligators optional). We'll only lower the drawbridge for people we like. I'm just saying...

Thinning the herd No. 5

Man steals venomous snakes, gets bit. Brilliant

Thinning the herd No. 4

Man falls off balcony in spitting contest.

He'd be stylin'

and profilin'. Now I just need to find one of those belts.

From the "Complete Guide to Modern Knitting and Crocheting" by Alice Carroll, published 1942.

I'm just saying ...

You would think educators would be smarter than this: Teachers stage fake gun attack on kids

Thinning the herd No. 3

aka those bars are there for a reason
You know it's not going to end well when a story has lead like this: Climbing into a giraffe's cage at the local zoo seemed a good idea after a few drinks.

Hope springs eternal

The cukes may be toast, but the tomatoes, rosemary and at least one of the peppers have survived.

I'm just saying

I have no problem with a man in a kilt. Kilts can be sexy. But Target man in the black utilikilt just say no to the Hawaiian shirt and faux Birkenstocks next time. I'm just saying ...

Happy Happy Birthday, Baby

All my love --
past, present and future.

Dream deferred

Saturday we hit the grand opening of a new garden store. I had been toying with the idea of little vegetable container garden. Good potting soil, two different types of tomato plants, lemon cucumbers, mexibell peppers and rosemary followed me home. A little bit of time playing in the dirt and voila a tiny garden was born. They looked a little shell-shocked at first. But Day 2 the rains came and all the leaves perked up and I could see the salad of red, green and gold coming my way.

Only to wake up on Day 5 to hail bouncing off the windows, which resulted in bright green leaves and stalks metamorphosing into broken stalks with a few pathetic remnants of green. I hoping for a miracle.

Not lovin' it

As if kids didn't have enough pressure -- in today's "Happy" Meal, the judgmental mic.

Grumpy

Red eye
Originally uploaded by chrissanna68.

I know exactly how he feels.

Lucky 13

My great-grandma said something good always happened to her on Friday the 13th. It's always been good to me too. This time the luck came a day early, but I will take it all the same.

Easter egg in snow

Easter egg in snow
Originally uploaded by chrissanna68.

This is West Texas. It's April. It was high 70s all last week. This is not right.

Thinning the herd No. 2

Man burns genitals in 'Jackass' stunt. The title alone should be a clue not to try these things at home.

Butterflies are free

March 5, 2007
Originally uploaded by chrissanna68.

Two clicks and the camera's batteries went dead. First shot out of focus and this one. When I came back with fresh batteries, of course, it was gone. But that's OK.

March 3, 2007

March 3, 2007
Originally uploaded by chrissanna68.

Hook 'em

No punchline

This case gets more pathetic and sad by the day. Bury her already.

Thinning the herd

Doctors warn of poisoning from hand gels. What kind of idiot looks at a bottle of hand sanitizer and says "mmm, yummy and cheaper than vodka."

Popularity contest

I've been practicing with my new camera and spending a lot of time on Flickr.

I've experimented with different shapes.

I've tried artsy sepia.

I've taken shots of weird things to find in west Texas.

But what is getting the most action? The joke shot I took of my boot to send to Ken.

Bitter cold

Snow is highly overrated. Not a big fan of the cold. Asthmatic bronchitis not enjoying that either. I'm ready for a hot West Texas summer.

Is it wrong

that I kind of want one of these?

and then again

Ken holds my penguin hostage. Ransom note comes via e-mail.

He has his moments

Guess who spent all last night looking for a lost child after a full day of work and was awake for more than 24 hours? Yep, he's a pretty good guy.

The road goes on forever ...

And the party never ends.(Thanks, Robert Earl Keen)

Fun with pictures

Do you think he's beginning to regret his choice of my Christmas gift?

More Mason-Dixon knitting

I've made about a dozen of these ball-band washcloths. This colorway is for my Mom. The colors perfectly match her bathroom. Still on the needles: Bri's camo scarf and Ken's black afghan. Soon to be started: A camo log cabin afghan, Absorba bath mat and more washcloths.

Anti-Christmas past and present

Past: When I was about 9 or 10, our preacher convinced my parents Christmas and all its trapping had to go. No tree -- the preacher's family had a Thanksgiving tree, which seems just as pagan as a Christmas tree. No Santa -- although my little brother was convinced Santa wouldn't know we didn't believe anymore and come anyway. I like to refer to that year as the anti-Christmas. It was great. We got to open relatives presents as the came in the mail -- the only hitch is we couldn't tell them until Christmas day.
Present: This year I have to a work today, so it has been Christmas all week. We opened presents Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A good time was had by all -- especially the one who got more G.I. Joe stuff to add to his ever-growing collection.



Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Not a difficult question

From the Associated Press: SAN FRANCISCO - The San Francisco Zoo has closed its Lion House, an exhibit where the public can watch the big cats eat a meal, while officials investigate the mauling of a keeper by a Siberian tiger. Could the answer be because it's a freaking tiger.

Coming soon: The anti-christmas.

Quote of the Day for Dec. 22

"I'm not scared, I'm a man." ~~Sweet child, age 9 1/2 years

New hobby grabs another one

Sweet child got his first taste of geocaching tonight on the way home from the exchange spot and he's hooked. He's been a big fan of our GPS for awhile, so combine that with treasure hunting -- a done deal. Unfortunately, I was at work so it was a Daddy/Son thing. He was positively breathless with excitement when he talked to me on the phone. I have a feeling there are many more caches in our near future.

He's addicted

Well, actually we both are. But sweet spouse has been geocaching without me! This must be remedied immediately. Sweet child will be here today. Unless there is a blizzard, we will ALL be hunting caches some time this week.


In other news: Christmas rapidly approaching, nothing ready.

Weekend update

A great time and a new hobby



Saturday was a day of exploring the site of a nuclear explosion and finding our first geocache with the family. A fantastic day that lead the sweet spouse and I to go out and find three more caches Sunday.


Explorers' Fuel



Coming soon: Sweet child will be here for Christmas and hopefully more geocaching. He's going to love it.


Good advice No. 2: From a package containing a grow-your-own alien: Not for human consumption. In other words, don't eat the alien.

Another reason to love living in West Texas

Friday's forecast: Abundant sunshine. Warm. High 74F. As for the snow that is expected to come our way next week: Bah humbug. Snow is highly overrated.

Bits and pieces

Good advice: From a sign at the Odessa Meteor Crater: Stay on the path. Watch for snakes.

Sad to see: I never really cared for "Everybody Loves Raymond," but Peter Boyle was in one of my favorite "X-Files."

On tap: More ghost-town hunting.

Weekend update

Remnants of the past: Badger, Texas


Glimpse of the future: He's going to climb mountains one day.

Self analysis

Patience is a virtue I don't have.

It may have been the fever

but these get-better presents were highly amusing.

It's much too quiet ...

when he isn't here.

Victory

I am beginning to feel like a knitter. This is my first finished object from a pattern -- other than simple scarves -- that looks like it is supposed to look. It's the ballband dishcloth from "Mason-Dixon Knitting." I definitely plan on doing more from the book. I've promised sweet mom some handknits, sweet spouse a blanket for his truck (already in progress) and sweet child a camouflage scarf. I have got to get busy.

P.S. Didn't see a reason to start another blog for knitting. That would mean 2 blogs to neglect ;). So for now, expect knitting content thrown in with other random thoughts.

For one day

Sunday's Parade magazine asked the question: If you had one day with someone who’s gone, who would it be and what would you do? I've been thinking about that a lot, although I knew my answer from the start. My paternal grandparents were always a team and were always the center of our family's universe. What I wouldn't give for one day with them. What would we do? That's an easy one, too. Some of my best memories are fishing with my Granny and Papa. They were marathon fishers ;). A packed cooler -- my grandmother never wanted anyone to go hungry -- and loaded tackle box or several -- my grandfather made his own sinkers -- and we were set. I miss them every day.

9/11/2001

There are many things I can say about this date in 2001. Life before, life after. Feelings after hearing the news. Fears for loved ones. The way it brought me back to the career I had always planned. The way my gut twists when I see the videos and the photos to this day. I was not in Washington or New York.

Maybe I should just say: I remember.

"Snakes on a Plane"

We went to see "SoaP" Saturday night. It got a thumbs up from me and a thumbs down from the spouse. I think secretly he liked it and just didn't want to admit it -- that and he didn't want to have snake nightmares.

Oh and if you are a parent of a small child, use common sense. The 6- or 7-year-old girl in the third row was a little below the age-limit for this movie -- by about 10 years or so. What is wrong with some people?

Full disclosure: I'll watch Samuel L. Jackson in just about anything, I totally bought into the hype, and I wasn't expecting an art film. ;) It was pure B-grade entertainment.

Does it mean...

I'm getting old if my latest obsessions are knitting and tea. I'm not to the point I'm knitting doilies in my rocking chair, but I can see it from here. I wouldn't mind a spinning wheel and a herd of Alpacas either.

It's never good when you ..

Come home from the grocery store to find your basset hound treading water in the backyard.

More Net psychology

Locus of Control Test Results

Internal Locus (49%) Individual believes that their life is defined more by their decisions and internal drive. External Locus (51%) Individual believes that their life is defined more by genetics, environment, fate, or other external factors.

Take Free Locus of Control Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

Another quiz

Brain Lateralization Test Results

Right Brain (48%) The right hemisphere is the visual, figurative, artistic, and intuitive side of the brain. Left Brain (46%) The left hemisphere is the logical, articulate, assertive, and practical side of the brain

Are You Right or Left Brained?(word test)
personality tests by similarminds.com

From the WTF Department:

Because I own R.E.M.'s "It's the End of the World As We Know It," iTunes has selected especially for me: Paris Hilton's "Stars Are Blind" and Christina Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man."

Truth in advertising

"Open with almost confidence" reads the subject line on the latest Nigerian scam to hit my inbox.

Because that's the way I roll

My Target purchases tonight:
Purple acrylic wine glasses, a mini Wine Cube Cabernet/Shiraz 2004, a mechanical pencil (in purple, of course) with extra lead for work, and two small plastic chimpanzees (a mother and baby) for my desk. Oh yeah, I rock!

INTP - the Architect You scored 9% I to E, 42% N to S, 95% F to T, and 52% J to P!

You are more introverted than extroverted. You are more intuitive than observant, you are more thinking based than feeling based, and you prefer to go with the flow rather than have a routine. The single word to describe your type is the Architect, which belongs to the larger group of rationals. You wish to sculpt the world around you. Others often find you arrogant, yet you have no desire to direct others, only to inform them. You must know the structure of things, and have a voracious appetite for knowledge. You are very rational in everything you do, and probably consider yourself smarter than most. As a romantic partner, you can be playful with great energy to get things started, but not quite as good on follow through. You may have a tendency to hurt the more emotional types unintentionally by not sharing your own reactions and feelings as you can get swept up in your own ideas and projects. You want to be appreciated for your ability to respond quickly and to fix problems creatively. You need plenty of time to yourself - therefore your parnter must respect your need for independence and originality. Your group summary: Rationals (NT) Your type summary: INTP

Link: unpretentious2 on The LONG Scientific Personality Test written by Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

A copy-editing geek

Dash You scored 23% Sociability and 47% Sophistication!

There's no denying that you have a certain flair. You don't mind being around others, especially your little brother, the hyphen, but you rarely emerge except when needed. You respond well to those who know how to treat you, but have only contempt for those who don't--you tend to embarass them every chance you get. Your only enemy is the colon--he will sometimes try to move in on your turf.

Link: The Which Punctuation Mark Are You Test written by Gazda on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

50-book challenge

No. 17 is The Best Awful by Carrie Fisher. And it wasn't, but it could have been better. This sequel to Postcards from the Edge (which was a mediocre movie, but a pretty good book) has humor and a wit, but it could have used more of Doris Mann. The mother with issues only had a bit part this go-around. I also thought the ending wrapped up a little too neat. Currently reading: Wicked by Gregory MacGuire.

A little behind in my book blogging (and reading)

Perhaps starting the 50-book challenge in March wasn't such a good idea. Unless I read 2 books a week through the end of the year, I am not going to make it. But the good news is reading has become a habit again -- a lost love found. So here is what I thought of numbers 14, 15 and 16.

No. 14 - "When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?" by George Carlin. I love Carlin's standup and most of this was more of the same, including a lot I had already heard on his television appearances. He did seem to try for more shock value in this book, some of which I could have done without. I really don't need any Jon Benet jokes, George.

No. 15 - "Hawke's Harbor" by S.E. Hinton. I devoured Hinton's books when I was a kid and still count "The Outsiders" as on of my all-time favorites. When I saw this one in a airport shop, it was a no-brainer. Thanks to time waiting on a plane and in a plane, I was able to finish it in 2 days. It's a little different subject matter than what fans are used to, but the style is definitely the same. It's a little quirky and could have been filled out some. But the characters was likeable and it was an easy read.

No. 16 - "Fire Sale" by Sara Paretsky. V.I. Warshawski is back on the case. This one may not be her best and it's a little predictable in places, but it's a good story told well over all. Paretsky is always a good choice for me when I'm looking for a little brain candy with a twist and this story fits the bill. And it doesn't hurt that all these novels have a strong, independent and intelligent female character to lead the way.

Overheard at the airport

"This one has a vibrator, too. You should get one." - 50-ish woman showing her new cell phone to her 50-ish female traveling companions.

Today's thought

Nothing brings out the dysfunctional in my family quite like a funeral.

Treasures from India and Egypt

My dad arrived, bearing gifts -- enough beautiful silk to make a sari, a silver anklet with scarabs, camels, cartouches, Nefertiti and Tut, and intricately embroidered clothes.

Katrina's lesson learned

Rita is on her way. Galveston Calls for Voluntary Evacuations - Yahoo! News: "Buses were to begin running Wednesday for people who can't leave on their own, taking them to shelters about 100 miles north in Huntsville." This isn't Galveston's first rodeo, 105 years ago this month the 1900 hurricane killed 8,000 people. If you read the survivor's stories, you will find many similarities with the New Orleans experience -- escapes to rooftops and attics. I expect most will leave when Rita moves a little closer.

Also no shocker

Your Inner Child Is Sad

You're a very sensitive soul. You haven't grown that thick skin that most adults have. Easily hurt, you tend to retreat to your comfort zone. You don't let many people in - unless you've trusted them for a long time.

How Is Your Inner Child?

(Also via the cheese stands alone)

No surprise

Your Blog Should Be Purple

You're an expressive, offbeat blogger who tends to write about anything and everything. You tend to set blogging trends, and you're the most likely to write your own meme or survey. You are a bit distant though. Your blog is all about you - not what anyone else has to say.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

(Via the cheese stands alone)

Sometimes you have to take the bitter with the sweet.

Katrina

It's been two weeks since the horrific storm and I haven't written about it. I've started to several times. Even written several posts in my head but some how they never made it here. I've spent hours at work and at home, pouring over stories, photos, blogs, message boards for news. I've wrapped myself up in this catastrophe and it's taken two weeks to come up for air. Not the first time I've done this, but definitely one of the most intense.

9/11 seemed to bring the country together while the hurricane seemed to push it further apart. No common enemy here since you can't hunt down Mother Nature, but I believe in the resilience of America, Americans and, most of all, Southerners. I have no doubt New Orleans, Biloxi and everything in between will be rebuilt. They won't be the exactly the same, but maybe they will be built stronger and wiser. When the finger pointing stops, I expect we will find inadequacy on all levels. A great timeline of this failures can be found in a Washington Post article The Steady Buildup to a City's Chaos. There will be many questions that need to be answered. For God's sake, the city was offered an empty Amtrak train and had hundreds of buses. I think the reality may be Americans just don't think we will get hit by the same things other countries live with all the time. We gambled that it wouldn't be as a bad as we knew it could be.

I also see a lot of hope and kindness. Heroic stories are everywhere on the Net. And I've never been prouder to be a Texan than when I saw officials in my home state step up. There's also been a great outpouring of giving. I live almost 900 miles from New Orleans and it's a five-hour trip to the nearest major shelter, but there are numerous evacuees in our area. So if you don't want to give to the national organizations, look in your own neighborhood. There are families that need you there.

Also something that I said offhand in a conversation with my spouse is a really good idea I've decided. I said something about how I'd like to join the Red Cross disaster relief teams and how I thought we'd make really good additions with our amateur radio status (instant communication). But you have to deploy for 3 weeks and I didn't know if I'd have a job when I got back. This is not something I've discussed with my employers, so I don't know either way. But here is the good idea part: What if employers allowed their workers off for disaster relief just like they do for National Guard service? The Red Cross said it needs 40,000 new volunteers to meet the needs of Katrina's aftermath. How many would be able to volunteer if they didn't have to worry about being gone for their jobs for three weeks?

Won't surprise those who knew me in high school
Heck, it wont surprise those who know me now.


Which John Hughes Movie Character Are You?
(via Stuck in the '80s)

50-book challenge
No. 13 was A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby. I loved this book. It is more character-driven than plot-driven, but it's a great read. The author of "High Fidelity" -- not only a good book, but a good movie adaptation -- created a quirky, funny, witty, sad quartet that drive this book. I liked them all. Next up: I'm not sure. I'm going to make a trip to the library tomorrow.

Mantra
I will resist the urge to say what should be said.

And he wonders why I worry when he rides

My husband thinks I'm overly cautious. I really want to love motorcycles since he and my son are motorcycle nuts, but scenes like this make me a little afraid. Luckily, the guy who was on this bike wasn't hurt as badly as we feared, but still thisclose to being much worse.

Everyone loves a quiz

You Are 65% Left Brained, 35% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning.Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others.If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic.Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet.The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility.Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way.If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art.Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

(Found at Martinis, Persistence and a Smile.)

A little too close to home
When reports of flooding from the monsoon in India came across the wire, my first thought was how sad for the villagers. I know the rains are hard on the many poor and rural areas of that country every year, but it was just a sad side note to the evening's news. But within hours it hit home with the report of 37 inches of rain in Mumbai (aka Bombay) and people trapped in buses and trains in the city. My dad is working and living there. Early reports weren't extremely scary -- just people stranded. Sent my dad an e-mail -- "Hi, Daddy. Just checking to see if you are OK. Read about the monsoon on the AP wire." No answer. The news becomes more bleak -- more than 300 dead in Mumbai alone and I start to panic. I check my e-mail several times an hour. I look through photos on the wire -- for what I'm not sure (may be a glimpse of his office or his apartment building, even though I don't know what either looks like.) I constantly skim the world wire for updates and the death toll continues to climb. That night with no word I can't sleep. I sit up, hitting the "check mail" button every few minutes and reading the news online. I try to make a call to his office, but it won't go through. Morning comes without any word. I know from the wire that the electricity and phones are out in most of Mumbai. But still I look for the message that isn't there. I go to work in the afternoon and begin the process again. Check the world wire, do some copy editing, check the e-mail, do some page designing, check the world wire and so it goes for 10 hours. Until I get the call. My dad has called my house from his mobile phone -- the first communication device he could get to work in two days. He tells my husband he is safe -- safe in his lucky 13th floor apartment in Mumbai. His office is under water, literally. But he is safe at home. Others are not so lucky. They pulled 22 bodies from a lake he can see from his window and there are many more.

50-book challenge
I'm not known for my bravery, so I am probably the last person you would pick to be your storm-chasing partner. That has never stopped my husband for taking me out into "big weather" as amateur radio weather spotters. We've been out in driving rain where we couldn't see the road. We've had a directional-challenged amateur radio volunteer direct us in front of the storm instead of behind it. But I must admit seeing my first tornado snake back up into the sky was an exhilarating a moment. That's one reason I picked Big Weather: Chasing tornadoes in the heart of America by Mark Svenvold as book no. 12. I wish the author would have spent more time on the chasers and less on global warming. The description of the chase, the chasers and the devastation is where the book really shines.

Mission Accomplished
When I proposed traveling by myself from my home in West Texas to my mom's home in northern Utah, let's just say there were a few skeptics. I love road trips, but I'm not what you would call a driver. I drive because I have to. I had never driven in mountains, despite having to live in them from kindergarten to graduation. But I did it and while it was a little scary in the canyon, I made it up and back in one piece -- the car, too. It's good for the self-esteem to conquer fears. It was great to see my mom, my brother, my niece and nephew and I loved every minute of it. But it's really good to be back in Texas. It has and will always be home to me. It was also very nice to be welcomed home by the dear husband. You don't realize how much you missed someone until you are back with them.

50-book challenge
Time to catch up again since I've been on vacation. I finished Olivia Joules and the overactive imagination by Helen Fielding right before I left for Utah. It was an enjoyable, fluffy, little book. I read some reviews by people who were uncomfortable with current events backdrop. I'll admit it was a little off-setting at first, but the story moves along nicely. That's book no. 11 down. Next up: Big Weather: Chasing tornadoes in the heart of America by Mark Svenvold.

50-book challenge
OK, so I'm a little behind. In my break from blogging and the world in general, I finished books no. 8, no. 9. and no. 10. Conviction by Richard North Patterson was enjoyable if you can say that about a fictionalized death penalty case. I like that the author didn't go with these easy ending. It was also relevant to my life since we have the death penalty argument at my house probably once a week. That doesn't surprise most people, but it often surprises which side of the issue we fall on. Deception Point by Dan Brown was a fun read. Not as engaging as The Da Vinci Code, but good brain candy which is precisely what I needed. Spies, adventure and mystery are always a good distraction. A Good Life: Newspapering and other adventures by Ben Bradlee was timely and wonderful. I have been on a little bit of a Washington Post and Watergate kick in recent weeks. I read Katharine Graham's autobiography not long ago. I picked up Bradlee's book at the library two days before Deep Throat came out of the shadows and was glad I did. The Watergate investigation is always intriguing to me, but I really liked his chapter on Janet Cooke and Jimmy's World too. His statement about good editors and good copy editors being able to prevent the "excesses of exuberance" explains much about my job. I like his direct and sometimes blunt approach to his life story.
Currently reading: Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination by Helen Fielding.

Two words to describe the day that just ended: Sucktacular and craptastic.

43 to go
I finished books six and seven this week in my 50-book challenge. It was made a little easier by the fact if I moved much I couldn't breathe. Luckily, reading is activity that doesn't require movement.
A Salty Piece of Land by Jimmy Buffett was thoroughly enjoyable brain candy. Much like one of Buffett's songs, it was pure entertainment with lots of sailing, fishing, flying and a host of unique characters. I've always liked Buffet. My mother had a copy of "Living and Dying in 3/4 time" on 8-track that had a great song about getting drunk with a bear. It seems like every pub band I saw in the '80s knew how to cover "Why don't we get drunk." And I always remember the story of the pirate radio station off the coast of Florida that played "Son of a Son of a Sailor" over and over. Buffett's books are much like his songs and I consider that a good thing.
State of Fear by Michael Crichton was a fast read with a predictable ending, but I enjoyed it. I read a review that said it shows Crichton's right-wing philosophy. The story is critical of environmental groups. But I didn't see it as an agenda. The message to me was even a noble cause can go bad when you want to win at all costs.
Next up: Conviction by Richard North Patterson.

Out of the closet -- musically speaking

Sid at Nude Highway Driving revealed his closet bands today. After seeing we share an affinity for Ratt and Enya, I figured it was safe to reveal my closet bands. And before you mock me, check out your own musical closet. You better not be hiding any Celine Dion in there.

1. Meat Loaf -- My love of Mr. Loaf came early, thanks to my mom's copy of Bat out of Hell on vinyl. I can and will still belt out "Paradise by the Dashboard Lights" like I have musical ability. Come on, he starred in "Rocky Horror Picture Show" and that's kinda cool. And "Two out of Three Ain't Bad" still reminds me of late nights at my college paper, which leads me to no. 2.

2. Tone Loc -- 'Fess up "Funky Cold Medina" can still make you smile. And his version of "Wild Thing," getta outta here. I can't be the only one.

3. Cinderella -- I admit that in the '80s I liked hair bands and heavy metal. (see above concerning Ratt). I'm also a sucker for the power ballad -- and if have to explain that term, you need to watch back-to-back episodes of VH1's I Love the 80s asap. Cinderella had a great one, "Don't Know What You Got." I saw them in concert. Tom Keifer and a grand piano came down from the ceiling for that song, it was a great moment. I'm not afraid to admit I like Poison, Skid Row and Whitesnake too.

4. Garth Brooks -- Classic country like Johnny Cash is cool. Progressive country like the Drive by Truckers is cool. Garth Brooks is not cool, but I like him anyway. Throw Trisha Yearwood and him together on a love song and I'll buy the album.

5. Guns N' Roses -- Axl acts like a jerk these days, but I still like those early records. "Sweet Child O' Mine" and "Patience" blinds me to the cheese factor and the attitude.

I'm sure there are many other, but these are my top 5. I also like musical soundtracks, Kid Rock and Leonard Cohen, so there. And there's plenty of cool stuff in my collection, but I'll save that list for another day.

Welcome to the jungle ... er ... blogosphere, dear
My husband has made a foray into the blogging world, Ken's Way of the World. Like me, he is opinionated but not in the same way. Oh btw, he won't let me correct his spelling or temper his words with my version of reason. He does have many other endearing qualities, however.

45 to go
Books four and five in my 50-book challenge were good. But not as good as I expected if that makes any sense at all.
Blink : The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell gives insight into the thought process. It made me think of the experience of changing my first response to a question on a test to another answer that was wrong. The quick, first response is the right one for me much of the time. This book was full of anecdotal instances of the same type of experience. I really expected some insight into changing how I think. It was an interesting read, but I wanted more.
The Last Juror by John Grisham was a page turner until the last chapter where the loose ends were wrapped up too tidy and quickly. I like Grisham. He's one of my favorite choices for escapist brain candy. I expect a little more suspense at the end from him. I did like the small-town newspaper setting and thought the characters were interesting. Maybe that's why I was a little annoyed by the wrap-up.
Next up: A Salty Piece of Land by Jimmy Buffet

47 to go
Book three in my 50-book challenge went down quickly. Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld wasn't the only reason I didn't get anything productive done on my days off, but it was the major one. I loved this novel. It brought to mind the Judy Blume books I devoured in my pre-teen and early teen days in good way. A well-written coming-of-age book that reminded me of certain college relationship. Next up: Blink: The Art of Thinking Without Thinking.

48 to go
I finished book two of my 50-book challenge last night: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. To be honest, I expected to not like this book. Too much hype. While I still don't understand all the hoopla, (It's fiction, people. Quit looking for the tomb.) I really enjoyed it. A little religion, a little ritual, a little intrigue. All in all a good read. I liked it well enough to put Brown's new book Deception Point on my library hold list. Currently reading: Prep by Curtis Sittenfield

50-book challenge
Once again, I'm a bad blogger. I haven't kept up with this the way I intended in the beginning. So to shake things up a bit, I've decided to take the 50-book challenge. I first read about it at www.adventurejournalist.com/notebook, which by the way is a journal I highly recommend. Yes, I know it's the middle of April and I should have started in January. But for someone who consider herself an avid reader, I haven't been doing much of that either. I have eclectic tastes. So you can expect nonfiction, fiction, brain candy and heavy-duty, whatever catches my attention.

49 to go: The first book to cross of my list is A Personal History by Katharine Graham.
I guess the main reason I wanted to read this was Woodward, Bernstein and Watergate. While that part was great, I was impressed with the honest approach Graham takes to her life. From her childhood to her father's purchase of the Washington Post to her early years as a journalist to raising her children to her husband's suicide to her taking the lead at the Post, it's all brutally candid. The woman was definitely not afraid of hard work despite her wealthy background and she surrounded herself with an interesting cast of characters including Truman Capote and presidents from FDR to George H. Bush. If you like biographies, strong women and newspapers, give this one a read. Next up: The Da Vinci Code

Farewell to the original gonzo journalist.
Author Hunter S. Thompson Kills Himself I wasn't a huge fan, but I liked his style. In this Salon article, he said he's regrets were minor and really I think that's all anyone can ask for in life.

Shaken, not stirred

A 10,000 drink I do love a good martini