Anyone who knows me or my best friend knows we're a little bit... off. Erin and I have weird things that we like. One of them is To Catch a Predator - a defunct series Dateline produced a few years ago catching men who are perverted enough to solicit minors for sex. You may remember the series.
Anyway we call it 'Pervy men' and get super excited for Sunday nights when MSNBC typically runs about three hours of specials. They're all repeats - the series was cancelled/ripped from the dateline headlines after a scandal happened in Texas surrounding the operation - but we can't help but watch them over and over and be shocked at teh stupidity.
Well, now we're watching one that says it's new - and there are a few we don't recognize - and we are now planning to stay up late to watch them. Is that sad or what?
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Book Review: Lynn Austin's Fire By Night
I just finished rereading the novel Fire By Night written by Lynn Austin (not to be confused with JANE Austin, whom my fingers keep typing). It's a story based on events during the Civil War (my favorite part of history for historical fiction novels) and focusses on the lives of two young women as they try to follow God's path for their lives even when society frowns upon it.
We first meet young Julia Hoffman, a lovely rich socialite who has her eyes on a young preacher. Her goal in life is, like most girls her age who have grown up in church, to become a wife and mother to a Godly man - even preferably a preacher - and she is content to do so - until she finds out that the man she's been trying to win over thinks not-so-highly of her or the other young ladies in her social class. His bluntness is not directed at her, but she overhears it none the less and is bound and determined to prove him wrong and then throw it in his face. She convinces her father to let her join the nurses in Washington, he believing she will tire of her dream in short order.
The second heroine in the tale is feisty, tom-boyish Phoebe Bigalow. She's a country girl who has every intention of joining up in the war. Left to tend a family's children while her three brothers go off to join the Union Army, it takes Phoebe all of one day to make up her mind to cut her hair, run away, and join the Yankees fight Johnny Reb. Phoebe's main reason? She's too tall and homely to ever be loved by a boy, so why not pretend to be one and at least have a purpose in life.
While their backgrounds are completely different, both women find themselves realizing and finding themselves once they are out of their element. Julia, who has had everything done for her, realizes she's far more capable than she knew. Phoebe, in turn, finds herself in a quandry when she finds herself falling in love with her best friend in the army. Both tell 'white lies' to get into the positions their in, and both are fearful of being found out.
The book takes a number of twists and turns not so much in the main characters, but certainly with those around them. The author is very good at keeping the reader within the mind of the two women and introducing the outside characters and their personalities in a similar way that the women might also have met and evaluated said characters. Julia Hoffman works with a cantakerous young doctor - James McGrath - whom is rumored to be a drunk and a murderer... the reader is fairly sure he isn't a murderer, but there is so little known for most of the story that you don't see the truth until the author reveals it in full.
I'm not a big fan of romance novels, Christian or otherwise, but I do find myself getting into this story for a number of reasons. This book centers around, as I said, one of my favorite parts of history. I'm totally into reading about the Civil War. Like all Historic Fiction novels, it does take a fair about of creative license, but overall the history is sound enough to keep it real. The second part is the selfish girl inside of me who understands the plight of both women. Phoebe for being a tom-boy and not fitting into that girlish mold that so many try to put her in, and Julia for being the good little Christian girl who's been told her whole life that her lot in life is to be the keeper of the home and a mother. While there is nothing wrong with that, it seems to demean the idea of all of what God had wanted.
Neither woman is against marriage, settling down, having a family and that being their primary goal. But, as Julia will come to realise - just because you're married you are not just another of your husband's apendages. You do not lose your identity. And there's a lot of God's work to be done by men AND women. Going against society's norms is sometimes needed if we are to do as God has called.
Over all it's a quick and enjoyable read. It's nothing steamy, it's sometimes cheesey, and yes it's one of those 'Christian Novels that try so very hard to not be the same as what the world would have in this same type of genre'. At least it's clean.
We first meet young Julia Hoffman, a lovely rich socialite who has her eyes on a young preacher. Her goal in life is, like most girls her age who have grown up in church, to become a wife and mother to a Godly man - even preferably a preacher - and she is content to do so - until she finds out that the man she's been trying to win over thinks not-so-highly of her or the other young ladies in her social class. His bluntness is not directed at her, but she overhears it none the less and is bound and determined to prove him wrong and then throw it in his face. She convinces her father to let her join the nurses in Washington, he believing she will tire of her dream in short order.
The second heroine in the tale is feisty, tom-boyish Phoebe Bigalow. She's a country girl who has every intention of joining up in the war. Left to tend a family's children while her three brothers go off to join the Union Army, it takes Phoebe all of one day to make up her mind to cut her hair, run away, and join the Yankees fight Johnny Reb. Phoebe's main reason? She's too tall and homely to ever be loved by a boy, so why not pretend to be one and at least have a purpose in life.
While their backgrounds are completely different, both women find themselves realizing and finding themselves once they are out of their element. Julia, who has had everything done for her, realizes she's far more capable than she knew. Phoebe, in turn, finds herself in a quandry when she finds herself falling in love with her best friend in the army. Both tell 'white lies' to get into the positions their in, and both are fearful of being found out.
The book takes a number of twists and turns not so much in the main characters, but certainly with those around them. The author is very good at keeping the reader within the mind of the two women and introducing the outside characters and their personalities in a similar way that the women might also have met and evaluated said characters. Julia Hoffman works with a cantakerous young doctor - James McGrath - whom is rumored to be a drunk and a murderer... the reader is fairly sure he isn't a murderer, but there is so little known for most of the story that you don't see the truth until the author reveals it in full.
I'm not a big fan of romance novels, Christian or otherwise, but I do find myself getting into this story for a number of reasons. This book centers around, as I said, one of my favorite parts of history. I'm totally into reading about the Civil War. Like all Historic Fiction novels, it does take a fair about of creative license, but overall the history is sound enough to keep it real. The second part is the selfish girl inside of me who understands the plight of both women. Phoebe for being a tom-boy and not fitting into that girlish mold that so many try to put her in, and Julia for being the good little Christian girl who's been told her whole life that her lot in life is to be the keeper of the home and a mother. While there is nothing wrong with that, it seems to demean the idea of all of what God had wanted.
Neither woman is against marriage, settling down, having a family and that being their primary goal. But, as Julia will come to realise - just because you're married you are not just another of your husband's apendages. You do not lose your identity. And there's a lot of God's work to be done by men AND women. Going against society's norms is sometimes needed if we are to do as God has called.
Over all it's a quick and enjoyable read. It's nothing steamy, it's sometimes cheesey, and yes it's one of those 'Christian Novels that try so very hard to not be the same as what the world would have in this same type of genre'. At least it's clean.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Alaskan... spring?
Sitting in my room watching the large, clean white flakes fall from the light grey sky, I have to ask: where is spring?
This happens every year - for at least as long as I can remember - the battle between spring and winter starts late february and goes all the way through May until, quite suddenly, summer comes out of nowhere. While most of the rest of the world enjoys four distinct seasons, Alaska is a mystery. There are only two true distinct seasons - summer and winter - with fall and spring meshing interestingly with winter. Who knows why God works it that way up here, but I think it's mirrored in the Alaskan emotions...
Or, well, at least mine.
I am ready for spring/summer. Warmth. Biking. Walking. Taking the dog to the dog parks and letting her romp, off leash, without the worry of moose sticking to the trail - or the dog getting too cold five seconds after getting there.
At the same time, there's an excitement and joy I get watching the large flakes come down - if they're small it's not as pretty, nor is it as much fun to watch - I'm not sure if that comes from the fact that I'm having a hard time letting go of my childhood, or if it's because it's a strictly Alaskan thing that snow means a whole lot more than cold.
Sure, I gripe about it right along with the next guy, but deep down there's something special, beautiful and exciting about the event of a freak spring snow storm.
Though if it all melts by morning so the roads are clear so I can get to work, I won't be complaining.
This happens every year - for at least as long as I can remember - the battle between spring and winter starts late february and goes all the way through May until, quite suddenly, summer comes out of nowhere. While most of the rest of the world enjoys four distinct seasons, Alaska is a mystery. There are only two true distinct seasons - summer and winter - with fall and spring meshing interestingly with winter. Who knows why God works it that way up here, but I think it's mirrored in the Alaskan emotions...
Or, well, at least mine.
I am ready for spring/summer. Warmth. Biking. Walking. Taking the dog to the dog parks and letting her romp, off leash, without the worry of moose sticking to the trail - or the dog getting too cold five seconds after getting there.
At the same time, there's an excitement and joy I get watching the large flakes come down - if they're small it's not as pretty, nor is it as much fun to watch - I'm not sure if that comes from the fact that I'm having a hard time letting go of my childhood, or if it's because it's a strictly Alaskan thing that snow means a whole lot more than cold.
Sure, I gripe about it right along with the next guy, but deep down there's something special, beautiful and exciting about the event of a freak spring snow storm.
Though if it all melts by morning so the roads are clear so I can get to work, I won't be complaining.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
A is for Axel
I've been redoing my room tonight, and I ended up stopping and reading World Figure Skating Champion Kurt Browning's children's book A is for Axel: An Ice Skating Alphabet. I was fortunate enough to snag my copy at a book signing he did at the 2006 US Figure Skating National Championships. It was probably the greatest 'celebrity' experience of my life and sealed Kurt into the number one spot on my favorites list. I don't think there's a more genuine skater on the planet. The fact that he was able to boot Scott Hamilton out of that spot is probably the best indicator of how much I truly appreciate Browning as a skater and a person.
The book itself shows just another side of Kurt's talent, and brings a little light on his passion. As a father of two, it's obvious Kurt revels in his role as dad - his eldest is even featured in a couple of the book's illustrations. The simple poetry for each letter is sweet, and the tidbits on the history and technical side of figure skating - while simple in explanation - make the book good for kids just learning their letter to just starting to read real books... and is a great addition to any figure skating fan's collection.
Now, if we could just get Kurt to write a second autobiography that takes off where the one from 1992 left off, I'd be a happy fangirl.
The book itself shows just another side of Kurt's talent, and brings a little light on his passion. As a father of two, it's obvious Kurt revels in his role as dad - his eldest is even featured in a couple of the book's illustrations. The simple poetry for each letter is sweet, and the tidbits on the history and technical side of figure skating - while simple in explanation - make the book good for kids just learning their letter to just starting to read real books... and is a great addition to any figure skating fan's collection.
Now, if we could just get Kurt to write a second autobiography that takes off where the one from 1992 left off, I'd be a happy fangirl.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Movie Review: VeggieTales' Pistachio
The VeggieTales gang has been given a make over to finish out the new decade. This is showcased in the introduction to their newest straight to video release, Pistachio, The Little Boy Who Woodn't. I haven't laughed this hard during a VeggieTales video in a good long while, the Introduction was a spoof on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - complete with a Ty Pennington look-a-like. Even if you don't watch the full video, watch for the introduction/spoof. It's perfection.The story itself is also very well done. There is a lot of humor for little kids and adults alike - all in the clean Christian fun VeggieTales is known and loved for - and the message is pretty clear. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." (Ephesians 6:1-3 is quoted as the Biblical text for the story) Pinochio, which is what the Veggie movie is based on if you haven't already guessed, teaches the same basic principle - though the fairytale does not get into the Biblical aspect of why it's important. VeggieTales does.
Pistachio takes many creative liberties with the original Fairytale of Pinochio, but over all, it's a great veggietale on a classic story. It's definitely one I am now a proud owner of, and one I recommend to anyone who enjoys a good children's story.
Veggie Tales: Pistachio
Monday, April 5, 2010
Applications...
So last week, very late last week, I was informed that there is an opening at the Kenai court for a receptionist type position. I've been debating actually applying for it, but decided tonight that 'what the heck' I can try.
I had researched a bit on where I could live, there were some really nice homes - not apartments - in my price range... in *gulp* Soldotna. Not sure if I could ever live there and love it, but then again there were some REALLY nice places on craigslist. One of them was right on the river, but I am pretty sure it's been snatched up by now.
So yeah, I'm fixing up the ol' resume, got me some updated references. I'm all set to go (and if Mark is reading this - no I haven't talked anyone in the office into breaking the rules and giving me a professional reference) with other requirements. So I should be able to send it off before the April 8th deadline. I hope.
Prayers would be much appreciated in this. It'd be back in Kenai, same amount I make a month now - but with benefits and vacation/sick leave - I'd be in Kenai, it's permanent, and - oh yeah - I'd be in Kenai.
I had researched a bit on where I could live, there were some really nice homes - not apartments - in my price range... in *gulp* Soldotna. Not sure if I could ever live there and love it, but then again there were some REALLY nice places on craigslist. One of them was right on the river, but I am pretty sure it's been snatched up by now.
So yeah, I'm fixing up the ol' resume, got me some updated references. I'm all set to go (and if Mark is reading this - no I haven't talked anyone in the office into breaking the rules and giving me a professional reference) with other requirements. So I should be able to send it off before the April 8th deadline. I hope.
Prayers would be much appreciated in this. It'd be back in Kenai, same amount I make a month now - but with benefits and vacation/sick leave - I'd be in Kenai, it's permanent, and - oh yeah - I'd be in Kenai.
Monday, March 29, 2010
formspring.me: Who do you want to win Dancing with the Stars? ;)
Well, considering I don't watch DwtS even with one of my favorite figure skaters on there and don't vote, I guess you could say I don't care. But if Evan wins I will be happy ha ha!
Hmm. Which one, which one.
Seems to be the debate of the day for my brain. Between work, and then a ton of retail therapy (all of which was something that I needed not wanted... well, okay, I WANTED these things, too, but they weren't just on a whim decisions) it was debating which to do/get/etc.
Now I'm online researching travel bags/backpacks/cases for my camera, and lenses. Yup. Gotta get this squared away while I can. They are important decisions. I really need a new lens or two, and I need a better way to transport my stuff on airplanes, road trips, hiking, etc.
So that's what I'm doing at 8:40pm. Not going to get anything for a couple of months yet, but gotta start budgetting and saving now! I want to get a sports lens and a portrait lens. I'm thinking a canon 100-400mm and then for portraits I'm still debating. If/when I do another skating event I'll still have the lens I use now as I can only shoot up to 200mm lenses when I'm attending (though maybe if I get my sports lens I can talk someone into getting me a press pass and shoot it officially. That'd be cool.)
I'm not drinking enough water these days, getting back into bad soda habits. Gotta change that, I can definitely feel the effects my legs are always cramped.
Random musings tonight, that's for sure. I didn't get anything done today that needed to be done, but I went shopping and some planning, so the night was not a total loss. Now, it's off to bed... off to bed.
Now I'm online researching travel bags/backpacks/cases for my camera, and lenses. Yup. Gotta get this squared away while I can. They are important decisions. I really need a new lens or two, and I need a better way to transport my stuff on airplanes, road trips, hiking, etc.
So that's what I'm doing at 8:40pm. Not going to get anything for a couple of months yet, but gotta start budgetting and saving now! I want to get a sports lens and a portrait lens. I'm thinking a canon 100-400mm and then for portraits I'm still debating. If/when I do another skating event I'll still have the lens I use now as I can only shoot up to 200mm lenses when I'm attending (though maybe if I get my sports lens I can talk someone into getting me a press pass and shoot it officially. That'd be cool.)
I'm not drinking enough water these days, getting back into bad soda habits. Gotta change that, I can definitely feel the effects my legs are always cramped.
Random musings tonight, that's for sure. I didn't get anything done today that needed to be done, but I went shopping and some planning, so the night was not a total loss. Now, it's off to bed... off to bed.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Mmm. Blue.
Not that anyone reads this anywhere but facebook as I have it imported into that application, but I changed my layout again to just a simple blue theme. I love the color blue. It's crisp, it's refreshing, and it can bring a wave (pun intended) of emotions and thoughts. I think it's quite possibly the most artisitcally expressive color.
How's that for an introspective moment?
Not much is going on in my life, the mushing and figure skating seasons are pretty much over with the big competitions coming to an end this month. And, let's face it, it's spring, winter sports wind down just due to the fact that their sports arenas melt away! Honestly I'm more sad to see the mushing season come to a close more so than the figure skating one. This happens to me every olympic year. I guess the emotion runs too high or something.
And I don't get why I'm so upset about the sled dog races coming to an end. Now it's the summer months to look forward to with sled dog puppies! and SUN! and WARMTH!
yeah, okay, I'm actually ready for summer with a great passion. I want warmer weather and sun and an Alaskan's version of a tan!
How's that for an introspective moment?
Not much is going on in my life, the mushing and figure skating seasons are pretty much over with the big competitions coming to an end this month. And, let's face it, it's spring, winter sports wind down just due to the fact that their sports arenas melt away! Honestly I'm more sad to see the mushing season come to a close more so than the figure skating one. This happens to me every olympic year. I guess the emotion runs too high or something.
And I don't get why I'm so upset about the sled dog races coming to an end. Now it's the summer months to look forward to with sled dog puppies! and SUN! and WARMTH!
yeah, okay, I'm actually ready for summer with a great passion. I want warmer weather and sun and an Alaskan's version of a tan!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
History in the making.
Yes, Lance Mackey winning four Iditarods in a row is amazing and ground breaking and blah blah blah.
But can I just say what's even greater? It looks like this will be the first Iditarod in memory where there have been no deaths on the trail! While a lot of sled dog "saviors" can't WAIT to read about the first death so they can begin their plight to "save the sled dog" (why is it only THEY get excited about something like that, it's almost as if they want it - wait, they DO!). Forgetting them, though, that means the trail was awesome and the mushers involved knew what they were doing. Looks like some of the steeper restrictions worked in everyone's favor.
Take that PETA/Friends of Animals/Save The Sled Dogs - you can't do your 'death dance.'
But can I just say what's even greater? It looks like this will be the first Iditarod in memory where there have been no deaths on the trail! While a lot of sled dog "saviors" can't WAIT to read about the first death so they can begin their plight to "save the sled dog" (why is it only THEY get excited about something like that, it's almost as if they want it - wait, they DO!). Forgetting them, though, that means the trail was awesome and the mushers involved knew what they were doing. Looks like some of the steeper restrictions worked in everyone's favor.
Take that PETA/Friends of Animals/Save The Sled Dogs - you can't do your 'death dance.'
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