One of my favorite Easter traditions is the annual Easter egg hunt on my mom's side of the family. It gets fairly competitive. We split into two teams, each with our own color of egg. It's the kind of hunt where you go from clue to clue to get to the end prize. Usually each team has the same clues, but they are in a different order.
We try to make the clues somewhat challenging, but not impossible. One year I downloaded an Easter icon font and simply typed out each clue using that font. The Easter font had pictures of bunnies, eggs, and crosses instead of letters, so it was impossible to read. Then I created a key by typing that Easter font in ABC order next to another readable font in the same order. Another year I simply scrambled the letters of each clue.
This year it was boys v. girls, and the girls KILLED it! Here are this year's clues. Please copy this idea and create your own memories!
1. As girls, some of us used to sing this song, "Say, say oh playmate. Come out and play with me. And bring your dollies three. Climb up my __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __."
2. When a lady is preparing to have a baby, her friends will probably throw her a __ __ __ __ __ __. Babies are incredibly expensive.
3. Did you see the __ __ __ __ __ __ __ for the new pirate movie? It's rated ARRRRRGH!
4. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ was a hilarious TV show featuring Pam Beasley, Jim Halpert, Dwight Schrute, and Michael Scott.
5. __ __ __' __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ was a touching movie starring Meg Ryan. She was worried her little book store was going out of business when a larger store opened in her neighborhood.
6. If there is someone who you don't want to hang out with, you might try to __ __ __ __ __ them. But please do it in a nice way.
7. The __ __ __ __ __ __ is a handy place inside the house that is one letter off from sounding like a pair of girl's underwear.
8. You need to __ __ __ __ __ hard in order to hit a home run. Also, home run hitters should try to be humble. No one likes a bragger.
9. Go to this corner of the acreage. (SW was circled on a compass)
10. Oh, I'm SO sorry! I meant THIS corner! (NE was circled on a compass)
11. You win! Or maybe you lose. It all depends on if you are the first team here. Either way, the prize is simply bragging rights. It's a little lame, but none of us needs more candy!
P.S. Complainers volunteer to organize next year's hunt, thank you very much.
Answers:
1. Apple Tree
2. Shower
3. Trailer
4. The Office
5. You've Got Mail
6. Ditch
7. Pantry
8. Swing
Happy Easter!
Monday, April 6, 2015
Friday, January 16, 2015
2015 Reading Goal
Reading. It's something I've loved since before I ever loved a single boy. I also believe I've loved more books than I've loved boys...but I'd have to count. Anyway, the point of this post is that I'm accepting a challenge to read 26 Books in 2015. Each book needs to meet a certain requirement. It's like book bingo! So fabulous!
This post has been updated to track my progress. I completed the challenge on June 17, 2015.
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan Philipp Sendker, 4 Stars on 1.15.2015.
Julia travels from New York CIty to a remote village in Burma in the hopes of solving the mystery behind her successful father's mysterious disappearance. The touching love story she hears does not at all sound like the man she knew.
I found it interesting how the Burmese culture of respecting the wishes of elders and taking care of ones parents dramatically changed the course of the character's lives. There were a few things that bothered me with the story, but overall it kept me engaged.
Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell, 5 Stars on 1.21.2015. I also considered going in the opposite direction with The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.
This impressive book exemplifies the exceptional skill, bravery, and tenacity of Navy SEALS. Marcus Luttrell writes about about the Afghan battle that took the lives of several other SEALS and of his miraculous survival. The first half of the book details SEAL training. I recommend reading that, but you'll really want to get to the second half about how Marcus survived.
Marcus's personality comes through in his writing, specifically his intensity, intelligence, love for family and fellow SEALS, and sense of humor. I am thankful that he and men like him stepped up to protect our freedom.
Wreckage by Emily Bleeker, 3 Stars on 2.26.15. Oh my gosh. This was a tough assignment because I love to read about books. I was tempted, but never did read the description. Holy schmoly it was hard not to do.
Some Luck by Jane Smiley, 4 Stars on 2.2.2015. This book was recommended by my favorite book-loving co-worker. I read Smiley's Thousand Acres several years ago and enjoyed both books set in rural Iowa. This is the first in a trilogy, so I'm looking forward to finishing the story.
This is the first book in a trilogy called "The Last Hundred Years" that will follow the Langdon family from 1920 - 2019. Even though it's part of a series, "Some Luck" won't leave you disappointed as a stand-alone novel. Each chapter covers one year to emphasizes the affects of time. In fact time is the real theme of the novel. Just like real life, comparing one year directly to the next doesn't seem incredibly dramatic. But the years go by quickly, and before you know it, life in 1953 at the end of the novel barely resembles where it began in 1920.
One of the things that drew me to this book is that it is set in rural Iowa, a place very close to my heart. I related the book to the life of my grandparents who established the Iowa farm that has become my family's legacy. Although the town where the Langdons live is fictional, many of the other towns and landmarks mentioned included in the book are familiar to me. I think the book will especially appeal to Iowans for that reason. Smiley shows a refreshingly deep appreciate and respect for our state, and especially for farming families.
I love the concept of exactly 100 years of a family. It reminds me of the Colombian "One Hundred Years of Solitude," and I wonder if that novel partially inspired this idea. However, 100 years is the only thing the two books/series have in common.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, 3 Stars on 4.26.2015. I would also like to read Jenny Lawson's new book, Furiously Happy that is sure to make me laugh.
Rachel loses her job due to her alcoholism, but continues to take the daily train to and from London in order to make her roommate think she's still working. The train makes a stop by her favorite house, and Rachel delusionally comes to "know" the couple who lives there. One day she sees something unusual happen there, and next day the woman in the house disappears. And of course Rachel gets involved.
The good: There Is a nice mystery involved that will keep you guessing.
The bad: It's impossible to like any of the characters because they are extensively flawed.
More bad: I got tired of Rachel constantly blacking out from drinking so much. It felt like an easy way out to hide pieces of the story from the reader.
The comparison: It reminded me a lot of Gone Girl, which wasn't my favorite book for very similar reasons.
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter. 4.5 Stars on 6.1.2015. Earlier this year I read What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty to satisfy this challenge, but then figured out that I've already read her book, The Husband Secret. Crud! Another contender was The Silent Wife by ASA Harrison.
It's not so much the story, but it's the way it's told. The chapters volley from a tiny Italian village in 1967 to present day Hollywood. An American actress becomes ill on the set of Cleopatra and is hidden away in an impossibly small Italian hotel. The hotel owner, Pasquel, sees his opportunity to impress the glamorous American and inadvertently disrupts the plans of the movie's publicity director.
This poignant book finds the balance of avoiding predictability, yet satisfying readers. It's also subtly funny. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Palisades Park by Alan Brennert 4 Stars on 4.19.2015. This is my least favorite of his three books, but I love the way he writes.
This is a historically accurate tribute to Palisades Park, a once-popular amusement park in New Jersey. The bulk of the story takes place in the 1930's - 1950's, before, during, and after WWII and The Korean War. The story of the park and of the war-influenced era is told through three generations of the fictional Stopka family, who owns a french fry stand near the giant salt water pool. Little Toni dreams of becoming a high diver, and artistic Jack wants to become a magician. One achieves that dream, and the other takes another direction.
Alan Brennert is one of my all-time favorite authors. I absolutely loved Honolulu and Moloka'i. This book was good, but I didn't connect with it as much as his other two books.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, 4 Stars on 4.24.2015. I added it to Goodreads "To Read" shelf in 2009.
This short book was written in 1958 by a respected professor of African studies. He created fictional characters to exemplify the affect of white man's interference of tribal life. It's much more an issue of religion than race. The fictional characters help connect the reader to the Ibo tribe's way of life and rituals. It's sad to see the start of its destruction.
Some may say there is a lack of action and no real plot twist, but there is more than enough of a plot to hold your interest. Please keep in mind that the purpose of the book is to educate and to help people think of the tribes in a different way.
Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin, 4 Stars on 6.11.2015. My original plan was The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, but I was scared off by mixed ratings on Amazon.
In 1959, John Howard Griffin, a white writer from Texas, dyed his skin and passed as a black man in order to explore racial issues. For seven weeks, he traveled around Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. He changed nothing about his identity other than his skin pigmentation.
I was worried that this book would no longer be relevant since many changes have taken place in the last five decades. The book is relevant. Americans, especially, should work to understand what has happened here. I know things have improved, but I'm not naive enough to think the problem has been completely resolved. My hope is that it will continue to improve with every generation.
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote, 3 Stars on 5.25.2015. Places I would like to visit include New York City, Italy, Egypt and Chile.
This book is sort of a female version of "The Great Gatsby," but without the sizzle. It's written from the perspective of an average guy who gets pulled into the mysterious life of his glamorous neighbor, Holly Golightly. For me, it wasn't long enough to fully develop.
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavadra, 5 Stars FINALLY on 4.16.2015 I also considered 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and The Tin Drum. It seems I have good intentions, but trouble finishing some classics. :)
You know that movie "Dumb and Dumber"? Of course you do! Well, Don Quixote is the original version of that. It's unbelievable that the hilarity of this clever, clever Cervantes' novel has held relevant for 500 years. If you've taken even a basic Spanish class, I'm sure you've studied at least a bit of Don Quixote, by far the most famous Spanish novel.
This is a great translation for recreational readers and is surprisingly entertaining and easy to read. However, be prepared to set aside a major chunk of time to get through the packed 1,000 pages. One thing that surprised me is that nearly all of the famous Don Quixote scenes such as his great battle with a windmill happen in the first 50ish pages. It makes me wonder how many people take the time to get through the entire book. More people should. It is packed with action and creativity and will make you fall in love with a madman and a dolt.
Some of my favorite parts of the books are the upfront descriptions of each chapter that are written to give you a heads up about what you're about to read. Most of them specifically tell you about the subject matter, but I loved some of the completely random ones:
Chapter XXXI
Which deals with a great many things
Chapter LVIII
Which recounts how so many adventures rained down on Don Quixote that there was hardly room for all of them
Chapter LXVI
Which recounts what will be seen by whoever reads it, or heard by whoever listens to it being read (my favorite!)
Chapter LXX
Which follows chapter LXIX, and deals with matters necessary to the clarity of this history
Brilliant!
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, 5 Stars on 1.4.2015.
Lillian reluctantly joins her mother-in-law on a dream vacation to Fuji she won from a yogurt company. The plane goes down leaving the survivors on a remote island. The remaining survivors are rescued more than a year later, but have agreed to tell the world a complicated web of lies.
The story held my interest starting with the first sentence, but some of the characters lack dimension. I chose this book solely because of the cover, which was one of the criteria on my "2015 26 Book Challenge". It was odd to start reading without having any clues about the story line. This was lighter than my usual choices, but it was the right kind of break I needed from some more serious reading I'm trying to accomplish.
Hope: A Memoir of Survival in Cleavland by Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus, 4 Stars on 5.3.2015. Others that I may read include My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliviera and When She Woke by Hillary Jordan.
I suggest this book if you are interested in learning how Ariel Castro could have kept three girls hidden in his home for more than ten years. I read Michelle Knight's book last year, and was surprised at how much brighter this book was than hers. I'm not saying this was a cheery book, but Michelle described a lot more violence. It's obvious that NONE of them were treated well. But there was definitely a difference in their treatment.
One thing that struck me in both books is that they really never were given a chance to get away in all that time. It was also interesting to read Amanda's account of the rescue. The news made it seem like her neighbor had more to do with it than he really did.
It would have been nice for readers if all three girls had collaborated on one book, but it's understandable that they didn't all three remain best friends after the rescue. It's such a tragedy for everyone involved, but it is a story worth reading about. We all need to work together to bring home missing children and to prevent this from happening again.
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson, 4 Stars on 4.19.2015. My 13-year-old daughter and I listened to this book road trip to Kansas City for a softball tournament. The book turned out to be a highlight of the trip since all six games were rained out.
Be glad you weren't living in Philadelphia in 1793! Things weren't going very well there. Yellow fever started spreading in August and didn't slow down until the first frost. Half of the population fled the city, and 5,000 people died in three months. The story is told through a fictional 14-year-old girl. Her friend is one of the first yellow fever deaths.She fleas her home when her mother becomes ill, and discovers a strength she never knew she had.
I listened to this audiobook on a road trip with my 13-year-old daughter. I love historical fiction and wanted to introduce her to the genre. I love how these types of books help me learn and connect to history. It was the perfect book for us to enjoy together!
Ask Me: 100 Essential Poems of William Stafford, 3 Stars on 4.26.2015. This is something I never would have read without the challenge, and it was a nice change of pace.
I don't normally read poetry, but a friend leant me this book to fulfill the poetry component of my 2015 reading challenge. I really enjoyed it. Themes include nature (especially rivers and smoke), war (Stafford was a pacifist), memories of people, and quirky experiences. My favorite poem in this book is "The Little Ways That Encourage Good Fortune'.
Like most poetry, it helps to read slowly, and I often read poems more than once to pick up the meaning. It would make a great coffee table or night stand book.
The Innocent Man by John Grisham, 4 Stars on 6.17.2015.
Finished It by Cassie Reilly-Boccia, 5 Stars on 2.6.2015.
This book should is a must-read for every softball coach, parent and player. AND, it's a should-read for everyone else who does not fit into that category. The book extends beyond the sport of softball and beyond the Crimson Tide. It's about teamwork.
The comfortable cadence of each chapter begins with background on the team, and ends with Cassie gradually re-living the day when Alabama won the national championship. It's hard to put down!
One of the main points that sticks out is the importance of each role on a team. Cassie connects many roles to the success of her team. She explains how the championship could not have been won without the fans, the video producer, trainers, coaches, and each athlete, including the Wolfpack sitting on the bench. Every person matters and can find a way to make a difference. This idea relates on and off the field.
I credit Cassie with instilling a passion for the game in my daughter, who was fortunate to have taken lessons with Cassie throughout her stay in Iowa. Cassie is an incredible person, a talented writer, and a heck of a softball player!
Peter Pan by J.M, Barrie, 3 Stars on 3.17.2015. My original plan was The Beginning of Everything by Robin Schneider.
Everyone knows the story of Peter Pan, but I wanted to see if the original 1911 version was any different from what we know today. The essence is the same, but of course the book has more and different details. On the surface Peter Pan is a fun, whimsical story, but sadly it represents the death of a child. I enjoyed the book's creativity and can see why it has remained popular for several generations.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, 2 Stars (for me personally) on 6.7.2015. It's a classic that I've never read. The only book I know I didn't finish was from my senior year in college, the Spanish version of 100 Years of Solitude. I got tight on time, so I finished it in English. Is that cheating?
This is the book that put pirates on the map (marked with an "X", of course!) It clearly defined the setting for Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and later for their movies. It's an entertaining story about a young boy who becomes involved in an exciting treasure hunt on a far-off island.
It's not the book's fault, but this just wasn't the right kind of story for me. It's a pretty one dimensional action and adventure story, which understandably appeals to the intended young male audience. A middle-aged lady like me is looking for something with a little more substance. I'm giving it a 2 star "It was ok" rating.
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, 5 Stars on 3.21.2015.
I read this book as part of my 2015 26 Book Challenge to fulfill this requirement: A book "everyone" but you has read. I'm glad I finally read this classic children's book. You all know what it's about. You all know it's amazing. So I'll keep this short. The two words I would use to describe it are creative (not surprising) and readable (surprisingly so).
For some reason I didn't expect it to be such a children's book. I know that's odd, but I know so many adults that have read it that I forgot it was written for children. I expected it to be heavy and complex, but it is very easy to follow. It's about magic, but it's not dark. There are a lot of characters, but they are easy to keep straight. It's descriptive in just the right doses. It may seem incredibly long for a child, but it's really only an average length novel.
If you haven't read Harry Potter, I suggest you do!
Maude by Donna Foley Mabry, 5 Stars on 5.24. 2015. "I was barely over fourteen years old, and it was my wedding day." Other suggestions were Out of Africa by Karen Blizen or "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier.
This is the true story of the author's grandmother. Maude was born in 1892 and suffered a series of unfortunate tragedies throughout her life. In addition to the captivating story of this determined and hard-working woman, the book is a great illustration of the massive changes that affected the United States throughout the first 80 years of the 20th century. Maude's granddaughter inherited Maude's ability to tell great stories, and I'm so glad she shared this book.
I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai., 2 Stars on 3.10.2015.
Malala became a well-known spokesperson for girls' education in Pakistan and around the world at a young age. As a result, she is shot in the face by Taliban when she is 15. The book starts with a lot of history on Pakistan and Malala's home in the Swat valley. Admittedly, I found parts of the book to be slow, and it was difficult to follow all the names and cities. I know this was in part due to my own negligence and unfamiliarity with the topic. The second half was easier to get through. I have a lot if respect for Malala, but it felt like something was missing from the book that I can't quite put my finger on.
Complete 5.19.2015. Fall of Giants by Ken Follett, 5 Stars on 5.19.2015. I have meaning to do this for ages, but I finally figured out how to rent Kindle books from the library because of this challenge.
Wow, wow, wow! Of all the books I've read so far, this one seems like it would have been the most difficult to write. Follett incorporates a broad understanding of the world during WWI and Russian Revolution. In addition to global politics, Follett details the lifestyles of British, German, Russian, and American aristocrats and working class. The book is balanced between the thoroughly researched motivations behind the wars and the personal lives of fictional characters used to tell the story. Important historical figures are also nicely integrated.
My personal interest leaned toward the stories of the characters, but the in-depth history of the wars was also impressive.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, originally 5 Stars when I was young, but I suprised myself and dropped it to 3 on 4.28.2015. My 13-year old science fiction loving daughter and I used it to pass the time to and from softball events. I also thought about The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller. I didn't love that book when I first read it, but I think I might love it now that I'm all grown up and since my sister now lives in Madison County. It really does kill me to re-read a book since there are so many good books out there!
Messenger by Lois Lowry, 3 Stars on 5.23.2015. This is the third book in The Giver series. I also read Son, the last book of the series. I read the books out of order, which I definitely would NOT recommend.
The Giver has become a classic book that frequents middle and high school reading lists. However, a lot of people don't realize The Giver is the first in a series of four books. Lois Lowry took several years to publish all four books, starting with "The Giver" in 1993, "Gathering Blue" in 2000, "Messenger" in 2004, and finally "Son"in 2012. The second book takes place in a different, be similarly strange society compared to the first book. I was surprised that there was no overlap in the characters. I was also expecting this third book to also be a similar stand-alone story, but it did start to link together some familiar characters. I do recommend you read the books in order.
In "Messenger", The perfection of The Village starts to unravel as people trade parts of their character for selfish desires. Matty discovers a special gift that will be needed to restore peace. I liked, but didn't love the book.
The Wrestling Life: Inspiring Stories of Dan Gable, 4 Stars on 5.1.2015. Because I love college wrestling and happen to live in Gable's hometown. Other books I'd like to read are or The Heart of a Champion by Bob Richards.
A legend in the sport of wrestling, Dan Gable shares his best stories. It's an unusual format for a biography. Each chapter can be read independently, and it feels like the kind of anecdotes you would pick up from a person after sitting down to dinner with him a few times.
This book would be great for any athlete. It shows the mindset and relentless work it takes to become a champion.
This post has been updated to track my progress. I completed the challenge on June 17, 2015.
Join me in the challenge!
26 Books in 2015
1. A book you own, but haven't read
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan Philipp Sendker, 4 Stars on 1.15.2015.
Julia travels from New York CIty to a remote village in Burma in the hopes of solving the mystery behind her successful father's mysterious disappearance. The touching love story she hears does not at all sound like the man she knew.
I found it interesting how the Burmese culture of respecting the wishes of elders and taking care of ones parents dramatically changed the course of the character's lives. There were a few things that bothered me with the story, but overall it kept me engaged.
2. A book that was made into a movie
Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell, 5 Stars on 1.21.2015. I also considered going in the opposite direction with The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.
This impressive book exemplifies the exceptional skill, bravery, and tenacity of Navy SEALS. Marcus Luttrell writes about about the Afghan battle that took the lives of several other SEALS and of his miraculous survival. The first half of the book details SEAL training. I recommend reading that, but you'll really want to get to the second half about how Marcus survived.
Marcus's personality comes through in his writing, specifically his intensity, intelligence, love for family and fellow SEALS, and sense of humor. I am thankful that he and men like him stepped up to protect our freedom.
3. A book you pick solely because of the cover
Wreckage by Emily Bleeker, 3 Stars on 2.26.15. Oh my gosh. This was a tough assignment because I love to read about books. I was tempted, but never did read the description. Holy schmoly it was hard not to do.
4. A book your friend loves
Some Luck by Jane Smiley, 4 Stars on 2.2.2015. This book was recommended by my favorite book-loving co-worker. I read Smiley's Thousand Acres several years ago and enjoyed both books set in rural Iowa. This is the first in a trilogy, so I'm looking forward to finishing the story.
This is the first book in a trilogy called "The Last Hundred Years" that will follow the Langdon family from 1920 - 2019. Even though it's part of a series, "Some Luck" won't leave you disappointed as a stand-alone novel. Each chapter covers one year to emphasizes the affects of time. In fact time is the real theme of the novel. Just like real life, comparing one year directly to the next doesn't seem incredibly dramatic. But the years go by quickly, and before you know it, life in 1953 at the end of the novel barely resembles where it began in 1920.
One of the things that drew me to this book is that it is set in rural Iowa, a place very close to my heart. I related the book to the life of my grandparents who established the Iowa farm that has become my family's legacy. Although the town where the Langdons live is fictional, many of the other towns and landmarks mentioned included in the book are familiar to me. I think the book will especially appeal to Iowans for that reason. Smiley shows a refreshingly deep appreciate and respect for our state, and especially for farming families.
I love the concept of exactly 100 years of a family. It reminds me of the Colombian "One Hundred Years of Solitude," and I wonder if that novel partially inspired this idea. However, 100 years is the only thing the two books/series have in common.
5. A book published this year
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, 3 Stars on 4.26.2015. I would also like to read Jenny Lawson's new book, Furiously Happy that is sure to make me laugh.
Rachel loses her job due to her alcoholism, but continues to take the daily train to and from London in order to make her roommate think she's still working. The train makes a stop by her favorite house, and Rachel delusionally comes to "know" the couple who lives there. One day she sees something unusual happen there, and next day the woman in the house disappears. And of course Rachel gets involved.
The good: There Is a nice mystery involved that will keep you guessing.
The bad: It's impossible to like any of the characters because they are extensively flawed.
More bad: I got tired of Rachel constantly blacking out from drinking so much. It felt like an easy way out to hide pieces of the story from the reader.
The comparison: It reminded me a lot of Gone Girl, which wasn't my favorite book for very similar reasons.
6. A book by an author you've never read before
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter. 4.5 Stars on 6.1.2015. Earlier this year I read What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty to satisfy this challenge, but then figured out that I've already read her book, The Husband Secret. Crud! Another contender was The Silent Wife by ASA Harrison.
It's not so much the story, but it's the way it's told. The chapters volley from a tiny Italian village in 1967 to present day Hollywood. An American actress becomes ill on the set of Cleopatra and is hidden away in an impossibly small Italian hotel. The hotel owner, Pasquel, sees his opportunity to impress the glamorous American and inadvertently disrupts the plans of the movie's publicity director.
This poignant book finds the balance of avoiding predictability, yet satisfying readers. It's also subtly funny. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
7. A book by an author you love
Palisades Park by Alan Brennert 4 Stars on 4.19.2015. This is my least favorite of his three books, but I love the way he writes.
This is a historically accurate tribute to Palisades Park, a once-popular amusement park in New Jersey. The bulk of the story takes place in the 1930's - 1950's, before, during, and after WWII and The Korean War. The story of the park and of the war-influenced era is told through three generations of the fictional Stopka family, who owns a french fry stand near the giant salt water pool. Little Toni dreams of becoming a high diver, and artistic Jack wants to become a magician. One achieves that dream, and the other takes another direction.
Alan Brennert is one of my all-time favorite authors. I absolutely loved Honolulu and Moloka'i. This book was good, but I didn't connect with it as much as his other two books.
8. A book at the bottom of your "to be read" pile
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, 4 Stars on 4.24.2015. I added it to Goodreads "To Read" shelf in 2009.
This short book was written in 1958 by a respected professor of African studies. He created fictional characters to exemplify the affect of white man's interference of tribal life. It's much more an issue of religion than race. The fictional characters help connect the reader to the Ibo tribe's way of life and rituals. It's sad to see the start of its destruction.
Some may say there is a lack of action and no real plot twist, but there is more than enough of a plot to hold your interest. Please keep in mind that the purpose of the book is to educate and to help people think of the tribes in a different way.
9. A book with a color in the title
Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin, 4 Stars on 6.11.2015. My original plan was The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, but I was scared off by mixed ratings on Amazon.
In 1959, John Howard Griffin, a white writer from Texas, dyed his skin and passed as a black man in order to explore racial issues. For seven weeks, he traveled around Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. He changed nothing about his identity other than his skin pigmentation.
I was worried that this book would no longer be relevant since many changes have taken place in the last five decades. The book is relevant. Americans, especially, should work to understand what has happened here. I know things have improved, but I'm not naive enough to think the problem has been completely resolved. My hope is that it will continue to improve with every generation.
10. A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote, 3 Stars on 5.25.2015. Places I would like to visit include New York City, Italy, Egypt and Chile.
This book is sort of a female version of "The Great Gatsby," but without the sizzle. It's written from the perspective of an average guy who gets pulled into the mysterious life of his glamorous neighbor, Holly Golightly. For me, it wasn't long enough to fully develop.
11. A book you started, but never finished
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavadra, 5 Stars FINALLY on 4.16.2015 I also considered 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and The Tin Drum. It seems I have good intentions, but trouble finishing some classics. :)
You know that movie "Dumb and Dumber"? Of course you do! Well, Don Quixote is the original version of that. It's unbelievable that the hilarity of this clever, clever Cervantes' novel has held relevant for 500 years. If you've taken even a basic Spanish class, I'm sure you've studied at least a bit of Don Quixote, by far the most famous Spanish novel.
This is a great translation for recreational readers and is surprisingly entertaining and easy to read. However, be prepared to set aside a major chunk of time to get through the packed 1,000 pages. One thing that surprised me is that nearly all of the famous Don Quixote scenes such as his great battle with a windmill happen in the first 50ish pages. It makes me wonder how many people take the time to get through the entire book. More people should. It is packed with action and creativity and will make you fall in love with a madman and a dolt.
Some of my favorite parts of the books are the upfront descriptions of each chapter that are written to give you a heads up about what you're about to read. Most of them specifically tell you about the subject matter, but I loved some of the completely random ones:
Chapter XXXI
Which deals with a great many things
Chapter LVIII
Which recounts how so many adventures rained down on Don Quixote that there was hardly room for all of them
Chapter LXVI
Which recounts what will be seen by whoever reads it, or heard by whoever listens to it being read (my favorite!)
Chapter LXX
Which follows chapter LXIX, and deals with matters necessary to the clarity of this history
Brilliant!
12. A book with a lion, a witch, or a wardrobe
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, 5 Stars on 1.4.2015.
Lillian reluctantly joins her mother-in-law on a dream vacation to Fuji she won from a yogurt company. The plane goes down leaving the survivors on a remote island. The remaining survivors are rescued more than a year later, but have agreed to tell the world a complicated web of lies.
The story held my interest starting with the first sentence, but some of the characters lack dimension. I chose this book solely because of the cover, which was one of the criteria on my "2015 26 Book Challenge". It was odd to start reading without having any clues about the story line. This was lighter than my usual choices, but it was the right kind of break I needed from some more serious reading I'm trying to accomplish.
13. A book with a female heroine
Hope: A Memoir of Survival in Cleavland by Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus, 4 Stars on 5.3.2015. Others that I may read include My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliviera and When She Woke by Hillary Jordan.
I suggest this book if you are interested in learning how Ariel Castro could have kept three girls hidden in his home for more than ten years. I read Michelle Knight's book last year, and was surprised at how much brighter this book was than hers. I'm not saying this was a cheery book, but Michelle described a lot more violence. It's obvious that NONE of them were treated well. But there was definitely a difference in their treatment.
One thing that struck me in both books is that they really never were given a chance to get away in all that time. It was also interesting to read Amanda's account of the rescue. The news made it seem like her neighbor had more to do with it than he really did.
It would have been nice for readers if all three girls had collaborated on one book, but it's understandable that they didn't all three remain best friends after the rescue. It's such a tragedy for everyone involved, but it is a story worth reading about. We all need to work together to bring home missing children and to prevent this from happening again.
14. A book set in the summer
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson, 4 Stars on 4.19.2015. My 13-year-old daughter and I listened to this book road trip to Kansas City for a softball tournament. The book turned out to be a highlight of the trip since all six games were rained out.
Be glad you weren't living in Philadelphia in 1793! Things weren't going very well there. Yellow fever started spreading in August and didn't slow down until the first frost. Half of the population fled the city, and 5,000 people died in three months. The story is told through a fictional 14-year-old girl. Her friend is one of the first yellow fever deaths.She fleas her home when her mother becomes ill, and discovers a strength she never knew she had.
I listened to this audiobook on a road trip with my 13-year-old daughter. I love historical fiction and wanted to introduce her to the genre. I love how these types of books help me learn and connect to history. It was the perfect book for us to enjoy together!
15. A book of poems
Ask Me: 100 Essential Poems of William Stafford, 3 Stars on 4.26.2015. This is something I never would have read without the challenge, and it was a nice change of pace.
I don't normally read poetry, but a friend leant me this book to fulfill the poetry component of my 2015 reading challenge. I really enjoyed it. Themes include nature (especially rivers and smoke), war (Stafford was a pacifist), memories of people, and quirky experiences. My favorite poem in this book is "The Little Ways That Encourage Good Fortune'.
Like most poetry, it helps to read slowly, and I often read poems more than once to pick up the meaning. It would make a great coffee table or night stand book.
16. A book you learned about because of this challenge
The Innocent Man by John Grisham, 4 Stars on 6.17.2015.
| It is horrifying to think about an innocent person convicted of a crime. It happens in this true story told by John Grisham. Ron Williamson spent twelve years on death row and Dennis Fritz was sentenced to life in prison for a murder they had nothing to do with. Sadly, the police and prosecuting attorney wholeheartedly believed in their guilt and did whatever it took to put them away. This included intense police interrogations, which led to what the police considered confessions. Witnesses who thought they were being helpful or had ulterior motives gave false testimonies. The small Oklahoma town of Ada wanted revenge for this awful crime. The defendants knew truth was on their side, but were ultimately found guilty by juries. Thankfully, DNA analysis was eventually used to free the two men. Even then, many people still considered them guilty. This is a fascinating story. One thing I noticed is that Grisham vilified the attorney who prosecuted Ron and Dennis, but I know there are always two sides to the story. No one is 100% bad nor 100% good. I would have liked a more fair view of that attorney who I’m sure thought he was doing the right thing. It is reminder of why people should be “innocent until proven guilty” and not the other way around. Well done. This was actually the last book I read as part of my 2015 reading challenge. I finished it on June 14, 2015. |
17. A book that will make you smarter
Finished It by Cassie Reilly-Boccia, 5 Stars on 2.6.2015.
This book should is a must-read for every softball coach, parent and player. AND, it's a should-read for everyone else who does not fit into that category. The book extends beyond the sport of softball and beyond the Crimson Tide. It's about teamwork.
The comfortable cadence of each chapter begins with background on the team, and ends with Cassie gradually re-living the day when Alabama won the national championship. It's hard to put down!
One of the main points that sticks out is the importance of each role on a team. Cassie connects many roles to the success of her team. She explains how the championship could not have been won without the fans, the video producer, trainers, coaches, and each athlete, including the Wolfpack sitting on the bench. Every person matters and can find a way to make a difference. This idea relates on and off the field.
I credit Cassie with instilling a passion for the game in my daughter, who was fortunate to have taken lessons with Cassie throughout her stay in Iowa. Cassie is an incredible person, a talented writer, and a heck of a softball player!
18. A book with a blue cover
Peter Pan by J.M, Barrie, 3 Stars on 3.17.2015. My original plan was The Beginning of Everything by Robin Schneider.
Everyone knows the story of Peter Pan, but I wanted to see if the original 1911 version was any different from what we know today. The essence is the same, but of course the book has more and different details. On the surface Peter Pan is a fun, whimsical story, but sadly it represents the death of a child. I enjoyed the book's creativity and can see why it has remained popular for several generations.
19. A book you were supposed to read in school, but didn't
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, 2 Stars (for me personally) on 6.7.2015. It's a classic that I've never read. The only book I know I didn't finish was from my senior year in college, the Spanish version of 100 Years of Solitude. I got tight on time, so I finished it in English. Is that cheating?
This is the book that put pirates on the map (marked with an "X", of course!) It clearly defined the setting for Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and later for their movies. It's an entertaining story about a young boy who becomes involved in an exciting treasure hunt on a far-off island.
It's not the book's fault, but this just wasn't the right kind of story for me. It's a pretty one dimensional action and adventure story, which understandably appeals to the intended young male audience. A middle-aged lady like me is looking for something with a little more substance. I'm giving it a 2 star "It was ok" rating.
Okay, I wasn't going to tell you this, but the first book that came to mind was Romeo and Juliette. I have always considered it to be a great stroke of luck to have never read it. My class was supposed to read it in 10th grade, but we happened to combine with another school that year. The other half of our new class had read it in 9th grade, so my half got out of it. I did suffer through Julius Caesar in 10th grade, which is pah-lenty of Shakespeare in my opinion.
20. A book "everyone" but you has read
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, 5 Stars on 3.21.2015.
I read this book as part of my 2015 26 Book Challenge to fulfill this requirement: A book "everyone" but you has read. I'm glad I finally read this classic children's book. You all know what it's about. You all know it's amazing. So I'll keep this short. The two words I would use to describe it are creative (not surprising) and readable (surprisingly so).
For some reason I didn't expect it to be such a children's book. I know that's odd, but I know so many adults that have read it that I forgot it was written for children. I expected it to be heavy and complex, but it is very easy to follow. It's about magic, but it's not dark. There are a lot of characters, but they are easy to keep straight. It's descriptive in just the right doses. It may seem incredibly long for a child, but it's really only an average length novel.
If you haven't read Harry Potter, I suggest you do!
21. A book with a great first line
Maude by Donna Foley Mabry, 5 Stars on 5.24. 2015. "I was barely over fourteen years old, and it was my wedding day." Other suggestions were Out of Africa by Karen Blizen or "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier.
This is the true story of the author's grandmother. Maude was born in 1892 and suffered a series of unfortunate tragedies throughout her life. In addition to the captivating story of this determined and hard-working woman, the book is a great illustration of the massive changes that affected the United States throughout the first 80 years of the 20th century. Maude's granddaughter inherited Maude's ability to tell great stories, and I'm so glad she shared this book.
22. A book with pictures
I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai., 2 Stars on 3.10.2015.
Malala became a well-known spokesperson for girls' education in Pakistan and around the world at a young age. As a result, she is shot in the face by Taliban when she is 15. The book starts with a lot of history on Pakistan and Malala's home in the Swat valley. Admittedly, I found parts of the book to be slow, and it was difficult to follow all the names and cities. I know this was in part due to my own negligence and unfamiliarity with the topic. The second half was easier to get through. I have a lot if respect for Malala, but it felt like something was missing from the book that I can't quite put my finger on.
23. A book from the library
Complete 5.19.2015. Fall of Giants by Ken Follett, 5 Stars on 5.19.2015. I have meaning to do this for ages, but I finally figured out how to rent Kindle books from the library because of this challenge.
Wow, wow, wow! Of all the books I've read so far, this one seems like it would have been the most difficult to write. Follett incorporates a broad understanding of the world during WWI and Russian Revolution. In addition to global politics, Follett details the lifestyles of British, German, Russian, and American aristocrats and working class. The book is balanced between the thoroughly researched motivations behind the wars and the personal lives of fictional characters used to tell the story. Important historical figures are also nicely integrated.
My personal interest leaned toward the stories of the characters, but the in-depth history of the wars was also impressive.
24. A book you loved...read it again!
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, originally 5 Stars when I was young, but I suprised myself and dropped it to 3 on 4.28.2015. My 13-year old science fiction loving daughter and I used it to pass the time to and from softball events. I also thought about The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller. I didn't love that book when I first read it, but I think I might love it now that I'm all grown up and since my sister now lives in Madison County. It really does kill me to re-read a book since there are so many good books out there!
25. A book that is more than ten years old
Messenger by Lois Lowry, 3 Stars on 5.23.2015. This is the third book in The Giver series. I also read Son, the last book of the series. I read the books out of order, which I definitely would NOT recommend.
The Giver has become a classic book that frequents middle and high school reading lists. However, a lot of people don't realize The Giver is the first in a series of four books. Lois Lowry took several years to publish all four books, starting with "The Giver" in 1993, "Gathering Blue" in 2000, "Messenger" in 2004, and finally "Son"in 2012. The second book takes place in a different, be similarly strange society compared to the first book. I was surprised that there was no overlap in the characters. I was also expecting this third book to also be a similar stand-alone story, but it did start to link together some familiar characters. I do recommend you read the books in order.
In "Messenger", The perfection of The Village starts to unravel as people trade parts of their character for selfish desires. Matty discovers a special gift that will be needed to restore peace. I liked, but didn't love the book.
26. A book based on a true story
The Wrestling Life: Inspiring Stories of Dan Gable, 4 Stars on 5.1.2015. Because I love college wrestling and happen to live in Gable's hometown. Other books I'd like to read are or The Heart of a Champion by Bob Richards.
A legend in the sport of wrestling, Dan Gable shares his best stories. It's an unusual format for a biography. Each chapter can be read independently, and it feels like the kind of anecdotes you would pick up from a person after sitting down to dinner with him a few times.
This book would be great for any athlete. It shows the mindset and relentless work it takes to become a champion.
If you are interested, please look me up on Goodreads where I post ratings and reviews. You should be able to find me under "Ann Schaffer". My profile picture is in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Challenge Complete!
Sunday, January 4, 2015
We Seriously Need to Find Some New Ways to Wear an Infinity Scarf
One of my favorite ways to relax over Christmas break was to watch old movies and get my knitting needles going. I made an infinity scarf. And then I made an infinity scarf. And then I made another infinity scarf. It was a long break.
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| Boring! |
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| The Kris Kross (will make you...JUMP! JUMP!) |
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| The Mystery Girl |
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| The First Day of School Backpack |
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| The Headband/Neck Warmer |
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| The Shoulder Shawl |
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| The Labradoodle |
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| The Other Labradoodle |
In hindsight, I should have applied a touch of makeup before snapping selfies, but I assume you were paying more attention to fabulous scarf fashions than my naked face. I double labradoodle dog dare you to wear one of these new styles the next time you go out. Fashion froward, my friends! Let's do this!
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Happy New Year...It's a Small World!
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fun and safe New Year's Eve this year. We went out to eat with some friends and were home early since TJ had to work at the fire station New Year's Day. We ate at a Japanese steakhouse in Waterloo, and the chef was the best we've ever experienced.
TJ stopped at a gas station to get something to drink this morning, and his debit card pin number would not work. On closer inspection, he realized the debit card had someone else's name on it! The restaurant had given him the debit card of the strangers seated next to us at the hibachi grill! We remembered that the guy next to TJ was Jake, which was a variation of the name on the card.
I used dexknows people search to find Jake's phone number, and talked to Jake's grandmother. I don't know if he lived there or just had the same name as his grandfather. I tried to explain the situation, but I could tell she either didn't believe me or didn't understand the situation. TJ was at the fire station by this time, so he called police dispatch to see if they could help locate Jake. Firefighters work pretty closely with dispatch because they handle all 911 calls, so he hoped they would help. This is where it gets weird. The dispatch operator recognized Jake's name. Coincidentally, Jake's mother is also a dispatch operator! How lucky is that! Jake came to the fire station to switch out the cards. Luckily, neither one of us had used each other's cards. We'll keep an eye on our account just in case, but it looks like everything is going to be okay.
I also called the steakhouse to explain what happened so they might avoid that problem in the future. The owner was horrified and is taking the situation seriously. We are very fortunate that this situation turned out the way it did, but it's a good reminder to ensure you receive the correct card back at restaurants and similar places.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Retailer spreads Christmas Cheer to Teen and Her Family
This will only make sense if you read these two posts first:
Here's another funny part of the story. My cousin, Denise Kemp, works at the Times-Republican. I actually called her ahead of time when my imagination was running wild and tentatively said, "You don't think they would have the paper come out, do you?" She said no way. She told me they were down to two reporters and it was a busy news time in town with big stories on a murder and a shooting. She said they might run a photo after the fact if the store sent one in. So when Jacob from the T-R was waiting for us in the store, I immediately thought, "That dang DENISE! I've been duped!"
I went to Denise's house that afternoon, and she told me that she really didn't know because she is in a different department. AND even if she had known, she couldn't have told me because she signed a confidentiality agreement that prevents her from revealing things like that. Well played. :)
Saturday, December 20, 2014
We Just Got Jingled at JCPenney!
What an exciting day this has been! If you haven't already, please start by reading yesterday's post.
We were very excited to get to JCPenney this morning, but got a late start because we ran into the same funeral procession THREE TIMES while doing some simple errands (a few too many than I should have attempted)! I called Ryan Peck, the store manager, and he said not to worry.
When Emma, Alli, Gwen, and I finally arrived, Mr. Peck asked us to come to the front of the store. He introduced us to a young man from The Marshalltown Times-Republican newspaper who took some photos and interviewed Emma and me about our experience. Brenda, the sales associate who helped us was also there, along with a few other employees.
Then the manager asked if it was ok to video record the next part. He started to get choked up, and told us how JCPenney has been looking for stories around the country and ways they can give back this Christmas season. As soon as they read my story, they knew they wanted to do something for us. This was the only story that had been picked in the state of Iowa. The plan was set just a few hours after I sent the email, which is VERY impressive for a company the size of JCPenney! Then Mr. Peck told us that they were giving us a $500 gift card to JCPenney! WOW!!! That's when I started tearing up. It was way more than I had expected, and was so touching! I said that I was trying to do something nice for them and didn't expect to get anything in return. He told me that is exactly why we were picked. I will post a link to the video and newspaper article after they are published.
For the first several minutes, I walked around the store with my hand over my mouth saying, "I don't know where to start!" The kids were giggling about that! We didn't spend all the money, but we sure got a good start. First, we went to the shoe department and got Alli the Converse shoes she'd asked for on Thanksgiving, but I had told her no. Emma got some jeans and a shirt that will go with her boots. Gwen wanted a necklace and a shirt. TJ got $55 worth of socks, which isn't as many socks as you would think it would be. I got a robe to replace my old one that I've had for about 15 years.
But my favorite thing I got is a sapphire ring. I'm not a jewelry person. TJ bought me jewelry the first couple years we were married, until I explained to him that I wasn't that kind of girl. But for some reason, when I was shopping at JCPenney on Thanksgiving, a ring caught my eye. It was on clearance for about $40 that night minus my coupons, and it fit my finger perfectly. I know because I tried it on three different times. In the end, I didn't want to spend that much money on something that wasn't practical. But for some reason, I kept thinking about that ring, and I regretted not buying it. So when we were invited to return to this very store, one of the first things I thought of was that ring. I assumed it would be gone. It was the only one in the store, and by this time would have been sitting in the clearance section for nearly a month. I was afraid to look, so it was the very last department we visited. It was there! And now this ring will remind me of the struggles we have gone through with Emma's little foot and of the beautiful kindness from JCPenney.
We were very excited to get to JCPenney this morning, but got a late start because we ran into the same funeral procession THREE TIMES while doing some simple errands (a few too many than I should have attempted)! I called Ryan Peck, the store manager, and he said not to worry.
When Emma, Alli, Gwen, and I finally arrived, Mr. Peck asked us to come to the front of the store. He introduced us to a young man from The Marshalltown Times-Republican newspaper who took some photos and interviewed Emma and me about our experience. Brenda, the sales associate who helped us was also there, along with a few other employees.
Then the manager asked if it was ok to video record the next part. He started to get choked up, and told us how JCPenney has been looking for stories around the country and ways they can give back this Christmas season. As soon as they read my story, they knew they wanted to do something for us. This was the only story that had been picked in the state of Iowa. The plan was set just a few hours after I sent the email, which is VERY impressive for a company the size of JCPenney! Then Mr. Peck told us that they were giving us a $500 gift card to JCPenney! WOW!!! That's when I started tearing up. It was way more than I had expected, and was so touching! I said that I was trying to do something nice for them and didn't expect to get anything in return. He told me that is exactly why we were picked. I will post a link to the video and newspaper article after they are published.
For the first several minutes, I walked around the store with my hand over my mouth saying, "I don't know where to start!" The kids were giggling about that! We didn't spend all the money, but we sure got a good start. First, we went to the shoe department and got Alli the Converse shoes she'd asked for on Thanksgiving, but I had told her no. Emma got some jeans and a shirt that will go with her boots. Gwen wanted a necklace and a shirt. TJ got $55 worth of socks, which isn't as many socks as you would think it would be. I got a robe to replace my old one that I've had for about 15 years.
But my favorite thing I got is a sapphire ring. I'm not a jewelry person. TJ bought me jewelry the first couple years we were married, until I explained to him that I wasn't that kind of girl. But for some reason, when I was shopping at JCPenney on Thanksgiving, a ring caught my eye. It was on clearance for about $40 that night minus my coupons, and it fit my finger perfectly. I know because I tried it on three different times. In the end, I didn't want to spend that much money on something that wasn't practical. But for some reason, I kept thinking about that ring, and I regretted not buying it. So when we were invited to return to this very store, one of the first things I thought of was that ring. I assumed it would be gone. It was the only one in the store, and by this time would have been sitting in the clearance section for nearly a month. I was afraid to look, so it was the very last department we visited. It was there! And now this ring will remind me of the struggles we have gone through with Emma's little foot and of the beautiful kindness from JCPenney.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Something Exciting is Happening at JCPenney Tomorrow!
This poor POOR little blog has been abandoned! But guess what! Something exciting is happening!
It all started when my sister and I took our teenage daughters Black Friday shopping in Marshalltown, Iowa. The very first store we visited was JCPenney. Fast forward to December 16, when I FINALLY sent this email to the corporate office. My hope was that the associate and store manager would be recognized for excellent customer service.
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Sincerely,
Ann Schaffer
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I didn't expect a response, but I received an email from the store manager the very next morning. He asked me to call his cell phone because it was his day off. The first thing I said to him was, "I hope I didn't get you in trouble!" Luckily I did not. He thanked me for my email and asked if I could come back into the store, but I explained that I live nearly an hour away in Waterloo. Coincidentally, he also manages the store 5 miles from my house, but he really wanted to get me back to the Marshalltown store. He said they would like to do something nice for my family. So the girls and I will be going there this tomorrow 12:30.
I have no idea what they are going to do...it's so much harder to receive than it is to give! My initial reaction was that I wish the "something nice" would go to someone who needs it more than us. Of course my imagination was going wild. Here is a peak inside my twisted head...
- What if this is a big production?
- Will the news be there?
- Will someone be filming this?
- What if they ask us to be in a commercial for JCPenney?
- What if they are filming that commercial right there on the spot?
- What should we wear? I don't want to look like we've spent a lot of money on my clothes in case they think we don't have very much money, but also I want to look nice. Oh man...
- Should Emma wear the boots? (she will)
- Will Christmas carolers be present?
- Will all the associates dip into their own pockets for gifts? Are they sponsoring us for Christmas? Are our names on a giving tree in the JCPenney break room?
- If we get a gift card, would it look bad if I used it toward a ring I saw there that I really wanted, but didn't get? (It was under $100 and really pretty.)
Ok, I know my imagination needs medication. In reality, we are just going to enjoy this and will be happy with whatever they decide to do. I am also hopeful that the company will also do something nice for the sales associate.
I have no idea what they are going to do...it's so much harder to receive than it is to give! My initial reaction was that I wish the "something nice" would go to someone who needs it more than us. Of course my imagination was going wild. Here is a peak inside my twisted head...
- What if this is a big production?
- Will the news be there?
- Will someone be filming this?
- What if they ask us to be in a commercial for JCPenney?
- What if they are filming that commercial right there on the spot?
- What should we wear? I don't want to look like we've spent a lot of money on my clothes in case they think we don't have very much money, but also I want to look nice. Oh man...
- Should Emma wear the boots? (she will)
- Will Christmas carolers be present?
- Will all the associates dip into their own pockets for gifts? Are they sponsoring us for Christmas? Are our names on a giving tree in the JCPenney break room?
- If we get a gift card, would it look bad if I used it toward a ring I saw there that I really wanted, but didn't get? (It was under $100 and really pretty.)
Ok, I know my imagination needs medication. In reality, we are just going to enjoy this and will be happy with whatever they decide to do. I am also hopeful that the company will also do something nice for the sales associate.
Here's a photo of the boots in case you were wondering. Cute, right?
I will keep you posted on whatever happens tomorrow. We are looking forward to it!
I will keep you posted on whatever happens tomorrow. We are looking forward to it!
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