Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
The blogosphere has connected me with many book bloggers with similar reading interests. Today's storyteller is one of those bloggers. Since she is not keeping this anonymous, I wanted to plug her blog here too. You can access it through the link below.
Name: Emily Lewis AKA Mrs Mommy Booknerd
Age: 34
Gender: Female
Location: Wisconsin
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
I think that the most legendary thing I ever did personally was having two amazing children. Being a mother is the most amazing, difficult, wonderful, scary, life changing experience. Each and every day I learn that I know nothing and everything. Being the center of two children's lives is such an amazing gift.
The other most legendary thing I ever did was to complete two half marathons. I have a new goal to finish the Tough Mudder in September. I hope I live to tell the tale!
What is your guilty pleasure?
I love to read, which I am sure everybody knows. But I also love a really good TV show. I can get lost in either of them for hours after the kids are off to bed. I was totally hooked on The Following this season and I cannot wait til next season. So that was probably the biggest guilty pleasure I had lately.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I would love to jump out of a plane. I am, not sure that I would ever be able to face my fear and do it though, but one never knows, right???
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
Wow, that is a tough one. I think that I would give my sister my signed copy of Whistling in the Dark by Lesley Kagen. The writing is so brilliant and the story is about two sisters. I think that it would really get my sister into reading. She is so busy working, being a mother and life in general. I would love to slow her down and take her on an adventure with those amazing girls!
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
Well this is easy. I was the stem cell donor for my brother when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma for the third time. I was a perfect match and was able to save his life. I am not sure anything can top that. I am sure that could fall under the legendary questions too. I hope in my lifetime to donate again! It was truly a life changing experience!!!!
What part of your personality is now extinct?
Love this! The daredevil is long gone. I used to be so wild and now with kids life has slowed to a safe speed and I am okay with that!!!
What is one thing that you find really funny?
This is going to seem strange, but mustaches! Sometimes I see one and I can smile all day! Not sure why that is but it really cracks me up!!!
Tell me one thing you love about yourself?
When I do something I love I give 150%! I want to be the best at whatever it is that I do. But I am not overly competitive or cocky...just a honest, hardworking person!
What is something that not many people know about you?
When I was a kid I sucked my pointer and middle fingers on my right hand, they are still bigger than my other fingers!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Book Review: And the Mountains Echoed
A few years ago, I finally decided to pick up The Kite Runner after a lot of hesitancy to do so prior. As soon as I did, I couldn't put it down. Immediately upon finishing it, I rushed out to get A Thousand Splendid Suns, which I liked even more. So you can see why I was eagerly anticipating the arrival of And the Mountains Echoed, Khaled Hosseini's third novel. It was definitely worth the wait!
Abdullah and Pari are brother and sister, but Pari looks up to Abdullah as a father figure and Abdullah's whole world revolves around Pari. Then something happens to shake up their world and outwardly changes the lives of others in their path, causing a ripple effect. From Kabul to Paris to San Francisco to an island in Greece called Tinos, Khaled Hosseini introduces us to ordinary (and sometimes extraordinary) men and women and talks about the sacrifices made for family and loved ones and how their lives can intersect in the most seamless of ways.
I could just tell you that I loved this novel and stop right there. That's all you really need to know, right? But if you must know more, I can gladly say how moving this story was from beginning to end and how I still can't stop thinking about all the characters and what happened in their lives. Khaled Hosseini paints such a vivid picture for his readers, really bringing us into the characters' daily lives and sharing the good, the bad and the ugly. It's just so well written, honest, provoking and heartbreaking.
There were a few stories that really stood out for me above the others. I was moved by Idris' story and could relate to him in some ways. The outcome of the story hit me harder than some of the others. I wanted to be angry with him for letting that happen but I also sympathized with and felt bad for him. Then Markos' story was also really interesting, in regards to the connection he makes with Thalia and where his life takes him as a result. The final story is also really good, but I don't want to say why as to not give spoilers. The irony in that story was the most heart wrenching of all. Some other stories fell by the wayside a bit, in that they didn't really have as much of an affect on the rest of what was happening in the novel. They were good in their own way, but weakened by looking at the bigger picture. This is the case for Adel's story and Parwana's story. In the meantime, there were some stories that were slipped in, but didn't have a chance to be narrated into something bigger. I would have liked to learn more about Timur, Roshi and Saboor, from their perspectives. I got some background on Nila, but it was more through the eyes of others directly connected to her.
The only concern I had was with Nabi's story, as it was written as a letter yet told as a narrative. If he was writing it when he was in his 80s, how would he remember dialogue that took place in his 20s or 30s? I never like when a letter or a diary references actual dialogue and this happened a lot for Nabi's story. I know why it had to be in letter format, but it didn't contain the feel of an actual letter.
I can't say enough how I loved this novel and think everyone should read it. There's at least one story (if not more) in there that will affect every person for their own personal reasons. Khaled Hosseini is a natural storyteller and I hope he doesn't wait as long to produce his next novel, as I'm already eagerly awaiting its arrival!
I received this book as a gift and it was very much appreciated!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Would you like matzo balls with that?
I've been blogging with three fabulous women for over two years and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, I chose the topic: Share a Chicken Soup for the Soul story that either happened to you personally or you witnessed.
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
I used to read the Chicken Soup for the Soul books a lot, especially during my college years. I found them inspiring, heartwarming and emotional. I just know that in my own life, there have been moments that evoked those same feelings. I still remember crying at the surprise proposal for one of the girls in my improv class at the final class show. It was one of those sweet and amazing moments that caught me off guard, like a real life Hallmark commercial. I don't really have long stories, but I wanted to share a few other moments that I hope will warm your heart, as well.
*Another time I was recently brought to tears was at my younger son's Purim concert this past February. One of the girls from a different class had stage fright, so her dad got up on stage with her so that she'd feel less afraid. Instead of just standing there and holding her hand, he totally got into all the dancing, not caring how silly it might have seemed. I was sitting in the audience wiping away tears because of how sweet it was.
*Recently, when I was tucking my younger son in bed for the night, I asked him something about my older son. I can't remember what it was that I even said, but he responded with "He's my best friend!" Such a beautiful and innocent remark.
*Back when I worked at a camp for kids with special needs, I was in charge of helping a girl who had severe developmental disabilities. I had to make sure that she was included in all the activities with the other campers, for socialization purposes. One time, when I was involving her in a group activity, one of the other campers (who was usually not that well behaved) came up and gave her a hug. It definitely made me verklempt to see him do that.
*Witnessing the marriage of people whose weddings I had a part in making possible.
*The messages I receive from authors thanking me for what I do via my book blog are heartwarming and some e-mails have made me teary-eyed. It's nice to feel like I've made a difference in someone's life, even on a small scale.
*Reuniting with friends I haven't heard from in a long time. Facebook has made so much of that possible. I'm still moved by the fact that one of these friends drove SIX hours round trip just to hang out with me for 1/3 of that much time. And this was the first time we had seen each other in 13 years. I remember when we first found each other via Facebook, I couldn't stop grinning! And when we met up in person, it was like no time had been lost.
I'd love to hear your Chicken Soup for the Soul moments or stories!
This week, I chose the topic: Share a Chicken Soup for the Soul story that either happened to you personally or you witnessed.
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
I used to read the Chicken Soup for the Soul books a lot, especially during my college years. I found them inspiring, heartwarming and emotional. I just know that in my own life, there have been moments that evoked those same feelings. I still remember crying at the surprise proposal for one of the girls in my improv class at the final class show. It was one of those sweet and amazing moments that caught me off guard, like a real life Hallmark commercial. I don't really have long stories, but I wanted to share a few other moments that I hope will warm your heart, as well.
*Another time I was recently brought to tears was at my younger son's Purim concert this past February. One of the girls from a different class had stage fright, so her dad got up on stage with her so that she'd feel less afraid. Instead of just standing there and holding her hand, he totally got into all the dancing, not caring how silly it might have seemed. I was sitting in the audience wiping away tears because of how sweet it was.
*Recently, when I was tucking my younger son in bed for the night, I asked him something about my older son. I can't remember what it was that I even said, but he responded with "He's my best friend!" Such a beautiful and innocent remark.
*Back when I worked at a camp for kids with special needs, I was in charge of helping a girl who had severe developmental disabilities. I had to make sure that she was included in all the activities with the other campers, for socialization purposes. One time, when I was involving her in a group activity, one of the other campers (who was usually not that well behaved) came up and gave her a hug. It definitely made me verklempt to see him do that.
*Witnessing the marriage of people whose weddings I had a part in making possible.
*The messages I receive from authors thanking me for what I do via my book blog are heartwarming and some e-mails have made me teary-eyed. It's nice to feel like I've made a difference in someone's life, even on a small scale.
*Reuniting with friends I haven't heard from in a long time. Facebook has made so much of that possible. I'm still moved by the fact that one of these friends drove SIX hours round trip just to hang out with me for 1/3 of that much time. And this was the first time we had seen each other in 13 years. I remember when we first found each other via Facebook, I couldn't stop grinning! And when we met up in person, it was like no time had been lost.
I'd love to hear your Chicken Soup for the Soul moments or stories!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
52 Stories: Just a Broadway Baby
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I met this storyteller through my book blog, as she is an author and her novels fit into the chick lit category. From what I remember, she's friends with another author I was working with and I saw a picture of her book cover on that author's page and decided to click over and check her out. I'm glad I did, as her novels are fun and quirky and she's incredibly nice! She even interviewed me for her blog recently! She's the author of Rita Hayworth's Shoes and The Girl, The Gold Tooth and Everything. Meet Francine LaSala!
Name you'd like to go by: Francine LaSala (an author but also an “open book”)
Age: 42
Gender: Female
Location: New York
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
I got married at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on Valentine’s Day. That year, every day for six weeks leading up to the wedding, it was 10 degrees or colder. Then a few days before, it shot to 30, then 40. It was 55 degrees in February on our wedding day! I have pictures of me in a strapless gown OUTSIDE. People thought we were celebrities when we emerged from the church after the ceremony. It was just a magical, legendary experience!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate with red wine. Yum!
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I would love to perform in a Broadway show. Not a play, but a musical. I don’t need to be the lead, but I think it would be amazing to just be up there. I have two left feet, and when I sing, the angels weep (in pain), but there’s just something about the electricity of the stage that sucks me in and keeps me dreaming.
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I have a weird relationship with material things because I never seem to have them. Immaterially, I think there’s a sense of calm and gratitude I have that it took me to 40 to get for myself. I used to let everything get to me. I used to feel responsible for everything, especially horrible things that were never in my control anyway. My ability to take a deep breath and shrug my shoulders, to not let things I can’t change, “eat” me alive, is one of my favorite “things” I have. It gives me the ability to see the positives in every day. That gets tough when nothing seems to be going right, but even if it’s as small as “My kid went to the bathroom without me nagging her” or “I had enough milk without having to run out,” it’s worth celebrating. That’s where my Joy Jar project comes from. A lot of people think they have to wait until they get a fancy new job or buy a new car or something amazing happens to them before they can post something, but my favorite posts are always the ones that celebrate joy in the smallest things. In any case, I like to gift that “thing” to others--hence the Joy Jar! :-)
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
I have a sort of distant friend who once told me that on a business drinks outing with him, in what may as well be another lifetime, I convinced him to ask his then-girlfriend to marry him. I believe they’ve been married now nearly 20 years. I only found out about this recently, via Facebook of course.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
The girl who craves unrequited love. That was a hard one to squash. At least it came in handy for writing, though!
What is one thing that you find really funny?
I’m kind of a slapstick gal. It would be terrible to admit what I really find funny... But as long as nobody gets hurt, it’s okay that it could be funny. Right??
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I love my generous spirt. It’s unfortunate that sometimes it works against me, but I don’t think I’d trade it in. (It may be my only ticket to Heaven. LOL!)
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
I wish I could say 30 Rock, but it would have to be Up All Night. Though I’m pissed Christina Applegate isn’t returning in the fall. How the hell are they going to pull that off without her?
(Side note: The show has been cancelled.)
What is something that not many people know about you?
I scored very poorly on my SATs. I mean, very poorly. Scary bad. Only on the math. I did great on the verbal. Surprised?
I met this storyteller through my book blog, as she is an author and her novels fit into the chick lit category. From what I remember, she's friends with another author I was working with and I saw a picture of her book cover on that author's page and decided to click over and check her out. I'm glad I did, as her novels are fun and quirky and she's incredibly nice! She even interviewed me for her blog recently! She's the author of Rita Hayworth's Shoes and The Girl, The Gold Tooth and Everything. Meet Francine LaSala!
Name you'd like to go by: Francine LaSala (an author but also an “open book”)
Age: 42
Gender: Female
Location: New York
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
I got married at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on Valentine’s Day. That year, every day for six weeks leading up to the wedding, it was 10 degrees or colder. Then a few days before, it shot to 30, then 40. It was 55 degrees in February on our wedding day! I have pictures of me in a strapless gown OUTSIDE. People thought we were celebrities when we emerged from the church after the ceremony. It was just a magical, legendary experience!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate with red wine. Yum!
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I would love to perform in a Broadway show. Not a play, but a musical. I don’t need to be the lead, but I think it would be amazing to just be up there. I have two left feet, and when I sing, the angels weep (in pain), but there’s just something about the electricity of the stage that sucks me in and keeps me dreaming.
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I have a weird relationship with material things because I never seem to have them. Immaterially, I think there’s a sense of calm and gratitude I have that it took me to 40 to get for myself. I used to let everything get to me. I used to feel responsible for everything, especially horrible things that were never in my control anyway. My ability to take a deep breath and shrug my shoulders, to not let things I can’t change, “eat” me alive, is one of my favorite “things” I have. It gives me the ability to see the positives in every day. That gets tough when nothing seems to be going right, but even if it’s as small as “My kid went to the bathroom without me nagging her” or “I had enough milk without having to run out,” it’s worth celebrating. That’s where my Joy Jar project comes from. A lot of people think they have to wait until they get a fancy new job or buy a new car or something amazing happens to them before they can post something, but my favorite posts are always the ones that celebrate joy in the smallest things. In any case, I like to gift that “thing” to others--hence the Joy Jar! :-)
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
I have a sort of distant friend who once told me that on a business drinks outing with him, in what may as well be another lifetime, I convinced him to ask his then-girlfriend to marry him. I believe they’ve been married now nearly 20 years. I only found out about this recently, via Facebook of course.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
The girl who craves unrequited love. That was a hard one to squash. At least it came in handy for writing, though!
What is one thing that you find really funny?
I’m kind of a slapstick gal. It would be terrible to admit what I really find funny... But as long as nobody gets hurt, it’s okay that it could be funny. Right??
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I love my generous spirt. It’s unfortunate that sometimes it works against me, but I don’t think I’d trade it in. (It may be my only ticket to Heaven. LOL!)
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
I wish I could say 30 Rock, but it would have to be Up All Night. Though I’m pissed Christina Applegate isn’t returning in the fall. How the hell are they going to pull that off without her?
(Side note: The show has been cancelled.)
What is something that not many people know about you?
I scored very poorly on my SATs. I mean, very poorly. Scary bad. Only on the math. I did great on the verbal. Surprised?
Thursday, May 30, 2013
I still remember...
I've been blogging with three fabulous women for over two years and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, Moma Rock chose the topic: Memorial Day was originally a day to remember those who served in the military, but has expanded to include anyone whose lives touched ours in some way. It's a day of remembrance. Who did you remember on Memorial Day?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
A while back, I wrote a post about my grandparents and the memories I have of those no longer with us. This time around, I've decided to talk about someone who passed away long before she should have.
When I was in second grade (same age as my oldest child is now), I met Liz. Her name was Elisabeth, but she went by Liz. I liked that she spelled her name with an "s" though.) We were in class together and she was just nice to me in general. She'd stand up for me if other kids were being mean. We eventually started getting together outside of school to hang out at either of our houses. I loved her house, how it was nestled into the woods and looked very open and spacious, while also having a rustic cabin feel. Her mom and sister were really nice, as well. Most of the time was spent hanging out doing what girls did back when there was no Internet...making up dance routines, watching our favorite TV shows and movies, playing outside (I remember having fun just jumping through piles of leaves), having weekend sleepovers, shopping, working on school projects, etc. She was just very easygoing and we never fought. She exuded a beauty, grace and confidence that I could only wish to have, but I enjoyed basking in the radiance she gave off. We weren't really in the same circle of friends, but she didn't ignore me when she was with friends I wasn't as close with. She got along well with my family and could hold her own in conversations with my mom, sounding more like an adult than a kid when they were talking. She claimed that we were best friends and I didn't argue with that.
Then we got to junior high and ended up going our separate ways. Naturally, the popular crowd snatched her up right away. Who could blame them? And who could blame her for choosing that lifestyle? Junior high was torturous if you weren't popular. The one thing that separated her from that crowd was that she didn't lose herself. She was still genuinely nice. We didn't hang out anymore and maybe said hi in passing, but she wasn't mean like the other popular girls. (Another girl I was also friends with in grade school chose to go that route and was mean about it too. I still resent her for that.) In the meantime, I had met my BFF (even though we didn't go to the same school) and was so focused on bonding with her that Liz's foray into the popular crowd didn't faze me as much as it could have. When it comes to friendship, sometimes when one door closes, another opens. (It has happened at other times in my life as I got older, as well.)
Before I started high school, I ran into her at Children's Memorial Hospital. Again, we just said "hi" in passing, but I think we both felt awkward about seeing each other there. I was embarrassed about people knowing I had hypothyroidism at the time and she had even more of a reason for feeling weird about her classmates seeing her there. I found out a few weeks later that she was there because she had cancer. I think it might have been leukemia, but I can't remember. All I know is that things happened pretty fast after that. I'd see her around school with a scarf covering her bald head, but she'd be smiling like it was no big deal.
A couple of months into second semester of freshman year, my algebra teacher announced that Liz wasn't doing too well and that we should all sign a card for her but not tell her "get well soon," as that wasn't in the cards for her. I know this was so hard for the teacher, whose voice kept breaking as she was talking about it. I signed the card, telling her she was very brave. The very next day, the teacher had even worse news to share with the class, as Liz had passed away the same night she had received our card. The news was shocking and sad. She was so young and barely even got to experience high school. She had so much going for her until cancer took that all away. I couldn't even imagine how her family was feeling. I also couldn't bring myself to go to the funeral. I didn't tell my parents about Liz's passing because I didn't want them to make me go to it either. I don't know if it was a social anxiety (being amongst all the popular people and trying to claim that she was my friend at one time), an inability to cope with the death of someone so young, or just a complete detachment prior to her passing (something I felt in later years when Alzheimer's took my grandma long before her passing). I felt bad staking any emotional claim to her, as we hadn't spent time together at all since fifth grade. I also felt guilty not being visibly upset over her passing. It was such a conflict of emotions altogether. Looking back on it, I feel bad for hiding this information from my parents and was more forthcoming about peoples' deaths in the future. Especially since they had to hear about her passing from someone other than myself. There was also the complete awkwardness around her sister. I liked her sister, but I just didn't know what to say to her and avoided her when I saw her. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing. Her sister held her own and this was just weeks after Liz's passing. It was surprising to see how calm and collected she was.
I still think about Liz often. Something will remind me of her and my mind will go back to that time when we were friends. I can still hear her voice in my head and picture her face. There are times I wonder what she would be like had she never been sick and was still alive now. I have a feeling she'd be someone who would change the world in some way. She just had that way about her and I could see her striving for world peace or helping people in less advantaged countries. She'd still be beautiful, gracious and intelligent and treat people with respect, no matter how well she knew or liked them. I think about all the stuff she has missed out on since her passing and it makes me sad for her. And at other times, I feel like she's truly at peace because she passed away during a simpler time of life, when there was more innocence in the world. She was around for such a short time but enriched others' lives just by being in them. There have been others from my class who have passed away since graduating, but I don't think about them the way I think about her.
Rest in peace, Liz.
This week, Moma Rock chose the topic: Memorial Day was originally a day to remember those who served in the military, but has expanded to include anyone whose lives touched ours in some way. It's a day of remembrance. Who did you remember on Memorial Day?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
A while back, I wrote a post about my grandparents and the memories I have of those no longer with us. This time around, I've decided to talk about someone who passed away long before she should have.
When I was in second grade (same age as my oldest child is now), I met Liz. Her name was Elisabeth, but she went by Liz. I liked that she spelled her name with an "s" though.) We were in class together and she was just nice to me in general. She'd stand up for me if other kids were being mean. We eventually started getting together outside of school to hang out at either of our houses. I loved her house, how it was nestled into the woods and looked very open and spacious, while also having a rustic cabin feel. Her mom and sister were really nice, as well. Most of the time was spent hanging out doing what girls did back when there was no Internet...making up dance routines, watching our favorite TV shows and movies, playing outside (I remember having fun just jumping through piles of leaves), having weekend sleepovers, shopping, working on school projects, etc. She was just very easygoing and we never fought. She exuded a beauty, grace and confidence that I could only wish to have, but I enjoyed basking in the radiance she gave off. We weren't really in the same circle of friends, but she didn't ignore me when she was with friends I wasn't as close with. She got along well with my family and could hold her own in conversations with my mom, sounding more like an adult than a kid when they were talking. She claimed that we were best friends and I didn't argue with that.
Then we got to junior high and ended up going our separate ways. Naturally, the popular crowd snatched her up right away. Who could blame them? And who could blame her for choosing that lifestyle? Junior high was torturous if you weren't popular. The one thing that separated her from that crowd was that she didn't lose herself. She was still genuinely nice. We didn't hang out anymore and maybe said hi in passing, but she wasn't mean like the other popular girls. (Another girl I was also friends with in grade school chose to go that route and was mean about it too. I still resent her for that.) In the meantime, I had met my BFF (even though we didn't go to the same school) and was so focused on bonding with her that Liz's foray into the popular crowd didn't faze me as much as it could have. When it comes to friendship, sometimes when one door closes, another opens. (It has happened at other times in my life as I got older, as well.)
Before I started high school, I ran into her at Children's Memorial Hospital. Again, we just said "hi" in passing, but I think we both felt awkward about seeing each other there. I was embarrassed about people knowing I had hypothyroidism at the time and she had even more of a reason for feeling weird about her classmates seeing her there. I found out a few weeks later that she was there because she had cancer. I think it might have been leukemia, but I can't remember. All I know is that things happened pretty fast after that. I'd see her around school with a scarf covering her bald head, but she'd be smiling like it was no big deal.
A couple of months into second semester of freshman year, my algebra teacher announced that Liz wasn't doing too well and that we should all sign a card for her but not tell her "get well soon," as that wasn't in the cards for her. I know this was so hard for the teacher, whose voice kept breaking as she was talking about it. I signed the card, telling her she was very brave. The very next day, the teacher had even worse news to share with the class, as Liz had passed away the same night she had received our card. The news was shocking and sad. She was so young and barely even got to experience high school. She had so much going for her until cancer took that all away. I couldn't even imagine how her family was feeling. I also couldn't bring myself to go to the funeral. I didn't tell my parents about Liz's passing because I didn't want them to make me go to it either. I don't know if it was a social anxiety (being amongst all the popular people and trying to claim that she was my friend at one time), an inability to cope with the death of someone so young, or just a complete detachment prior to her passing (something I felt in later years when Alzheimer's took my grandma long before her passing). I felt bad staking any emotional claim to her, as we hadn't spent time together at all since fifth grade. I also felt guilty not being visibly upset over her passing. It was such a conflict of emotions altogether. Looking back on it, I feel bad for hiding this information from my parents and was more forthcoming about peoples' deaths in the future. Especially since they had to hear about her passing from someone other than myself. There was also the complete awkwardness around her sister. I liked her sister, but I just didn't know what to say to her and avoided her when I saw her. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing. Her sister held her own and this was just weeks after Liz's passing. It was surprising to see how calm and collected she was.
I still think about Liz often. Something will remind me of her and my mind will go back to that time when we were friends. I can still hear her voice in my head and picture her face. There are times I wonder what she would be like had she never been sick and was still alive now. I have a feeling she'd be someone who would change the world in some way. She just had that way about her and I could see her striving for world peace or helping people in less advantaged countries. She'd still be beautiful, gracious and intelligent and treat people with respect, no matter how well she knew or liked them. I think about all the stuff she has missed out on since her passing and it makes me sad for her. And at other times, I feel like she's truly at peace because she passed away during a simpler time of life, when there was more innocence in the world. She was around for such a short time but enriched others' lives just by being in them. There have been others from my class who have passed away since graduating, but I don't think about them the way I think about her.
Rest in peace, Liz.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
52 Stories: 52 Resolutions
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I met this storyteller when her book was featured on BookTrib and I wanted to her to talk about it on my book blog. I got to know her through her interview and book and found out that we have a lot of common interests. To honor her best friend's memory, she once did 52 resolutions and blogged about them, as well. I think she's gone down to 12 resolutions (one a month) since then, but it's still very inspiring!
Name you'd like to go by: Bree Housley
Age: 34
Gender: Lady
Location: Chicago
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
I went to a party at the Playboy Mansion when I was 25. I was in LA during a commercial shoot and my producer’s dad had a connection that resulted in an invite. (He helped build the freaking Grotto.) I didn’t see Hugh Hefner, but I did meet INXS and that “dreamy” kid from Desperate Housewives. And saw boobs. Lots of painted boobs.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Sitting in my flannel pajamas, sans shower, watching hours and hours of television. I prefer marathons (not the running kind), but anything will do.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I’d LOVE to go to the Oscars. Especially if I could sit by Meryl Streep and snark about everyone else. We would be BFFs for sure. (Or if I could sit by Ewan McGregor just because he is my movie star boyfriend.)
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I would give my entire music collection to my friend Kerry because she is always asking for music recommendations. And she is one of the only people who wouldn’t judge my taste in music. I like cool, indie music, but I’m also a sucker for Britney and the soundtrack to Newsies.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
My childhood best friend died from complications caused by preeclampsia and I wrote a memoir about it. I’ve received emails from other young people who are in the process of grieving a friend, and they said that my book made them look at the situation in a new, more positive light. Meant the world to me.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I was an accidental prude as a youngster. I was just so scared of everything. I was afraid I’d get caught drinking so I didn’t drink until I was 21. I was afraid of getting pregnant before marriage so I didn’t have sex until I was 23. I didn’t even cuss until adulthood because I was afraid of getting my mouth washed out with soap (which I did once for saying “that sucks.”) Now I’m a cussing, drinking, sex-haver and I love it.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
People falling during yoga.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I love that I prefer the cheap version of everything. Purses, food, shoes, jewelry. I didn’t grow up with money so I never really developed that need for the “finest” of anything. Sure, I’ll splurge on a fancy restaurant every once in awhile, but I’m usually 100% happy with Kraft Mac n Cheese.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
This one is tough. I suppose I relate to Happy Endings quite a bit. The characters live in Chicago and are still trying to figure out who they are…while also being completely themselves. If that makes any sense.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I’ll go to a horror movie in the theater to seem tough and cool, but I stare at the chair in front of me instead of the screen on the scary parts.
I met this storyteller when her book was featured on BookTrib and I wanted to her to talk about it on my book blog. I got to know her through her interview and book and found out that we have a lot of common interests. To honor her best friend's memory, she once did 52 resolutions and blogged about them, as well. I think she's gone down to 12 resolutions (one a month) since then, but it's still very inspiring!
Name you'd like to go by: Bree Housley
Age: 34
Gender: Lady
Location: Chicago
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
I went to a party at the Playboy Mansion when I was 25. I was in LA during a commercial shoot and my producer’s dad had a connection that resulted in an invite. (He helped build the freaking Grotto.) I didn’t see Hugh Hefner, but I did meet INXS and that “dreamy” kid from Desperate Housewives. And saw boobs. Lots of painted boobs.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Sitting in my flannel pajamas, sans shower, watching hours and hours of television. I prefer marathons (not the running kind), but anything will do.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I’d LOVE to go to the Oscars. Especially if I could sit by Meryl Streep and snark about everyone else. We would be BFFs for sure. (Or if I could sit by Ewan McGregor just because he is my movie star boyfriend.)
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I would give my entire music collection to my friend Kerry because she is always asking for music recommendations. And she is one of the only people who wouldn’t judge my taste in music. I like cool, indie music, but I’m also a sucker for Britney and the soundtrack to Newsies.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
My childhood best friend died from complications caused by preeclampsia and I wrote a memoir about it. I’ve received emails from other young people who are in the process of grieving a friend, and they said that my book made them look at the situation in a new, more positive light. Meant the world to me.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I was an accidental prude as a youngster. I was just so scared of everything. I was afraid I’d get caught drinking so I didn’t drink until I was 21. I was afraid of getting pregnant before marriage so I didn’t have sex until I was 23. I didn’t even cuss until adulthood because I was afraid of getting my mouth washed out with soap (which I did once for saying “that sucks.”) Now I’m a cussing, drinking, sex-haver and I love it.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
People falling during yoga.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I love that I prefer the cheap version of everything. Purses, food, shoes, jewelry. I didn’t grow up with money so I never really developed that need for the “finest” of anything. Sure, I’ll splurge on a fancy restaurant every once in awhile, but I’m usually 100% happy with Kraft Mac n Cheese.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
This one is tough. I suppose I relate to Happy Endings quite a bit. The characters live in Chicago and are still trying to figure out who they are…while also being completely themselves. If that makes any sense.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I’ll go to a horror movie in the theater to seem tough and cool, but I stare at the chair in front of me instead of the screen on the scary parts.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
When love and hate come together....
I've been blogging with three fabulous women for two years and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, Froggie says: Choose either things you love to hate or things you hate to love.
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
I didn't really give much thought to this topic until Froggie brought it up. When I first considered stuff I hate to love, I thought of guilty pleasures, but then realized that I actually love to love my guilty pleasures. And in terms of loving to hate stuff, I never thought I had it in me, but there are some things out there that I enjoy hating.
In terms of things I hate to love, Walmart would be at the top of my list. There isn't a Walmart nearby, but if we are traveling and happen upon one, just watch out. The reason I hate to love it is because so many people are against it or have issues with it and I really do feel guilty for shopping there, even though the prices are so much better than Target in some ways. I've learned to love Target, but if a Walmart moved in nearby, it wouldn't stand a chance. Walmart not only brings up fun college memories (before I became an observant Jew, my Friday nights were spent shopping at the Super Walmart in Normal, Illinois), but it's also front and center in my favorite movie of all time, Where the Heart is. So you can see why it holds a special place in my heart.
Another thing I hate to love is Chinese food. I've always been a Chinese food fanatic, but it's hard when there's not a decent Chinese restaurant nearby. I mostly get it for the meat items, so it needs to be Kosher. I was so spoiled by Chopstix in Teaneck (even though it was take-out only) that it was strange to move to a town that has a Kosher Chinese sit-down restaurant and find that it's not all that good. The only times I really enjoy it are when they have the buffet because we don't have to wait a million years to eat and the food tastes a lot fresher. The last time we went for a regular sit down meal, the rice was hard and didn't stick together. That's just so wrong! And the service has always been awful. I wouldn't complain if David Chu's decided to move away from Baltimore and come out my way, but that's just wishful thinking. I was glad to go to a party over the winter holidays where they served David Chu's take-out. Heavenly! Still, the visits to David Chu's (come on, the initials are DC....it should be in DC!!!) are few and far between. So having a craving for Chinese food is frustrating in this day and age. Thankfully, my husband makes awesome sweet and sour chicken and egg drop soup.
As for stuff I love to hate, IHOP is at the top of my list. I refer to it as I-HELL and haven't set foot inside one since I quit my serving job there in August of 1996. That's almost 17 years IHOP free and I'm proud of my personal boycott. I worked there to make some extra money one summer while I was in college, but I'm not sure the benefits (tips???) were worth all the costs (such as my sanity). The guys there were disgusting and it was like a sexual harassment lawsuit waiting to happen. They were so cheap that we had to pay for our own meals, so I didn't think suing them would really get me much other than some more headaches. The Sunday brunch crowd was pure torture. If you can afford to be a North Shore snob, you can afford to spend money at a fancier breakfast establishment and stay out of my life. The only thing that made it worthwhile at all were the weeknight customers. I had some nice ones from time to time and they made me feel good about myself. I even got to flirt with guys from time to time. (Just not the creepy ones.)
I also love to hate trendy cult book series...especially those involving a number and color in their title. I think it's mostly because some fan of another cult series decided to write some fan fiction and change a few names around, add in some eroticism, and make gobs of money from it. Yet, I have met some talented writers who are doing an honest day's work and putting their heart and soul into their books and they don't get close to the notoriety that this fan fiction writer did. It just fuels my fire even more.
There are other items that float on either side of the spectrum, but I think I've said my piece for now!
This week, Froggie says: Choose either things you love to hate or things you hate to love.
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
I didn't really give much thought to this topic until Froggie brought it up. When I first considered stuff I hate to love, I thought of guilty pleasures, but then realized that I actually love to love my guilty pleasures. And in terms of loving to hate stuff, I never thought I had it in me, but there are some things out there that I enjoy hating.
In terms of things I hate to love, Walmart would be at the top of my list. There isn't a Walmart nearby, but if we are traveling and happen upon one, just watch out. The reason I hate to love it is because so many people are against it or have issues with it and I really do feel guilty for shopping there, even though the prices are so much better than Target in some ways. I've learned to love Target, but if a Walmart moved in nearby, it wouldn't stand a chance. Walmart not only brings up fun college memories (before I became an observant Jew, my Friday nights were spent shopping at the Super Walmart in Normal, Illinois), but it's also front and center in my favorite movie of all time, Where the Heart is. So you can see why it holds a special place in my heart.
Another thing I hate to love is Chinese food. I've always been a Chinese food fanatic, but it's hard when there's not a decent Chinese restaurant nearby. I mostly get it for the meat items, so it needs to be Kosher. I was so spoiled by Chopstix in Teaneck (even though it was take-out only) that it was strange to move to a town that has a Kosher Chinese sit-down restaurant and find that it's not all that good. The only times I really enjoy it are when they have the buffet because we don't have to wait a million years to eat and the food tastes a lot fresher. The last time we went for a regular sit down meal, the rice was hard and didn't stick together. That's just so wrong! And the service has always been awful. I wouldn't complain if David Chu's decided to move away from Baltimore and come out my way, but that's just wishful thinking. I was glad to go to a party over the winter holidays where they served David Chu's take-out. Heavenly! Still, the visits to David Chu's (come on, the initials are DC....it should be in DC!!!) are few and far between. So having a craving for Chinese food is frustrating in this day and age. Thankfully, my husband makes awesome sweet and sour chicken and egg drop soup.
As for stuff I love to hate, IHOP is at the top of my list. I refer to it as I-HELL and haven't set foot inside one since I quit my serving job there in August of 1996. That's almost 17 years IHOP free and I'm proud of my personal boycott. I worked there to make some extra money one summer while I was in college, but I'm not sure the benefits (tips???) were worth all the costs (such as my sanity). The guys there were disgusting and it was like a sexual harassment lawsuit waiting to happen. They were so cheap that we had to pay for our own meals, so I didn't think suing them would really get me much other than some more headaches. The Sunday brunch crowd was pure torture. If you can afford to be a North Shore snob, you can afford to spend money at a fancier breakfast establishment and stay out of my life. The only thing that made it worthwhile at all were the weeknight customers. I had some nice ones from time to time and they made me feel good about myself. I even got to flirt with guys from time to time. (Just not the creepy ones.)
I also love to hate trendy cult book series...especially those involving a number and color in their title. I think it's mostly because some fan of another cult series decided to write some fan fiction and change a few names around, add in some eroticism, and make gobs of money from it. Yet, I have met some talented writers who are doing an honest day's work and putting their heart and soul into their books and they don't get close to the notoriety that this fan fiction writer did. It just fuels my fire even more.
There are other items that float on either side of the spectrum, but I think I've said my piece for now!
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