I need a really good book to read, quick. In my sad state, escapism is my savior. Please recommend. I'm about to finish Empire Falls by Richard Russo and I can feel the post-book letdown coming on already. I need something that totally brings the reader into its world. Can anyone help me? Can you feel my desperation?
By the way, I actually think I'm feeling a bit better. But I still need the book.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
on wimpiness
I just devoured the book, A Nation of Wimps: The High Cost of Invasive Parenting, by Hara Estroff Marano. I saw it mentioned on a friend's family blog. I had never heard of the book, but the title intrigued me enough that I picked it up at the library on Thursday.
Anybody else read this?
I found it thought provoking, to say the least. The author's analysis goes well beyond the obvious and oft cited effects of overprotective parenting. In fact, anyone with interests in psychology, educational reform, parenting, or even global competitiveness will find food for thought in this book. More than anything else, the book serves reminder that parenting is not immune to the law of unintended consequences; as it turns out, some of the best things for a child's long-term health and happiness are counter-intuitive. For what it's worth, I don't think the author's thesis, whether she was trying to clearly define one or not, was bulletproof, but it sure gave me pause. The book raises as many questions as it answers, but I feel fortunate for having read it.
I especially enjoyed the chapter, "Born To Be Stressed." Here's a paragraph that stuck out...
I hope some of you read the book, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. I'm eager for Adrienne to read it so we can discuss it. And for those of you from my hometown, several anecdotes in the early chapters of the book come from Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills. I think you'll find them interesting.
Anybody else read this?
I found it thought provoking, to say the least. The author's analysis goes well beyond the obvious and oft cited effects of overprotective parenting. In fact, anyone with interests in psychology, educational reform, parenting, or even global competitiveness will find food for thought in this book. More than anything else, the book serves reminder that parenting is not immune to the law of unintended consequences; as it turns out, some of the best things for a child's long-term health and happiness are counter-intuitive. For what it's worth, I don't think the author's thesis, whether she was trying to clearly define one or not, was bulletproof, but it sure gave me pause. The book raises as many questions as it answers, but I feel fortunate for having read it.
I especially enjoyed the chapter, "Born To Be Stressed." Here's a paragraph that stuck out...
If contemporary parental attitudes were expressed as an equation, it might go something like this: life minus feeling bad equals a shot at happiness. But a better equation would tell the lumpier truth: life plus doing something difficult and tolerating the discomfort of the process and the uncertainty of the outcome equals a shot at happiness; it also supplies deeper meaning and identity.It probably resonated with me because it reminds me of a favorite C.S. Lewis quote (of which I have many)...
I do not think the forest would be so bright, nor the water so warm, nor love so sweet, if there were no danger in the lakes.This morning while I was running with June through Duke's west campus, I passed through swarms of middle-schoolers attending the summer TIP (Talent Identification Program). With this book fresh in my mind, I couldn't help but cynically wonder if these kids were enjoying their summer of intense study or if they were just following some ridiculous script their parents wrote to gain them eventual admittance into the Ivy League, the apparent hallmark of modern parental success. And shortly after passing the TIP students, I passed by the football stadium where a track meet was being held with competitors ranging from middle school up through college. For the young athletes there, I had to wonder the same thing; were they enjoying their sport or were they just on the metaphorical fast track to burning out? At least on the surface things seemed okay. The young kids throwing the nerf-like javelins sure appeared to be having fun. I wish I had known about that event when I was little.
I hope some of you read the book, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. I'm eager for Adrienne to read it so we can discuss it. And for those of you from my hometown, several anecdotes in the early chapters of the book come from Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills. I think you'll find them interesting.
Friday, July 18, 2008
a lot of sweet
I'm on solo Junie patrol for a few days. We're off to a hot start.
Yesterday afternoon she shuffled around in my running shoes. I hope she never comes close to actually fitting into them...
Yesterday afternoon she shuffled around in my running shoes. I hope she never comes close to actually fitting into them...
Bless her soul, she didn't wake me up this morning until 8am. Why doesn't Adrienne ever get so lucky?
June had a surprise present waiting for her downstairs. Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Barnett! As you can see, June made quick work of the wrapping paper, and before you knew it, she had Raggedy Ann in quite a headlock. I think Raggedy Ann knows who's boss now.
June had a surprise present waiting for her downstairs. Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Barnett! As you can see, June made quick work of the wrapping paper, and before you knew it, she had Raggedy Ann in quite a headlock. I think Raggedy Ann knows who's boss now.
After some oats and mango, we headed to Pullen Park in Raleigh. It's a true gem. We started on the paddle boats...
made our way over to the beautiful, historic carousel...
from there we took a ride on the "choo-choo"...
then to the kiddie boats. I think June liked these the most. She especially enjoyed ringing the bell. We barely escaped without a tantrum...
And one of the best parts, all this for just $10. That's a bargain.
We went to lunch just down the street at Cloo's Coney Island. Yes, that's right, we have a Coney Island here in North Carolina. The owner is a transplant from Rochester, MI and he sources his hot dogs and sauce from back in Detroit. The coney dogs are very good. Not Lafayette good, but delicious nonetheless. One thing the restaurant lacks is speed. It's undoubtedly the slowest Coney Island I've been to, and unfortunately, they also forgot the extra coney that I ordered. We sat there waiting and waiting, but we eventually couldn't wait any longer so we packed up, got a refund for the extra hot dog, and headed back home. Nevertheless, June loved her grilled cheese...
For those wondering what a Coney Island is, here is an explanation from Wikipedia...
Oh what will the afternoon bring??
from there we took a ride on the "choo-choo"...
then to the kiddie boats. I think June liked these the most. She especially enjoyed ringing the bell. We barely escaped without a tantrum...
We went to lunch just down the street at Cloo's Coney Island. Yes, that's right, we have a Coney Island here in North Carolina. The owner is a transplant from Rochester, MI and he sources his hot dogs and sauce from back in Detroit. The coney dogs are very good. Not Lafayette good, but delicious nonetheless. One thing the restaurant lacks is speed. It's undoubtedly the slowest Coney Island I've been to, and unfortunately, they also forgot the extra coney that I ordered. We sat there waiting and waiting, but we eventually couldn't wait any longer so we packed up, got a refund for the extra hot dog, and headed back home. Nevertheless, June loved her grilled cheese...
For those wondering what a Coney Island is, here is an explanation from Wikipedia...
The term "Coney Island" is also a type of restaurant in the state of Michigan. They typically serve diner-like food as well as breakfast any time, and many are open 24 hours. A lot of Coney Island restaurants in the city of Detroit also have drive-through windows. They are independently owned and often the name reflects such, for instance "George's Coney Island." The more popular local chains include National Coney Island and Leo's Coney Island which are both popular in the nearby suburban areas. A distinction is made between inner city Coney Island restaurants and those in the surrounding areas. While inner city locations only provide a fast food menu and service, restaurants in the suburban areas are geared towards dining in and provide a larger menu selection. These additional menu selections usually include Greek and Mediterranean style foods, such as saganaki and gyro sandwiches. In addition, inner city coney islands such as Lafayette Coney Island have a carnival-like atmosphere with waiters calling out orders and the ever popular "Coney Island Tricks" made famous by former Lafayette employee of 43 years, Demos Lembesis.June hasn't yet tasted her first coney dog. We'll wait until we can take her to the best, Lafayette Coney Island in Detroit. Here are some photos of us at Lafayette after our wedding reception...
Oh what will the afternoon bring??
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
the ketchup debate
As if you needed further evidence of my dorkiness. This should remove any doubts.
My friend Mike made the following comment to the recent "First Stadium Dog" post:
My friend Mike made the following comment to the recent "First Stadium Dog" post:
that looks like a tasty dog. i almost fell out of my chair though at first because i thought i saw ketchup on it. whew, that was close.Rest assured, there was no ketchup on that dog. Just mustard and relish. June wasn't too fond of the relish, but that's a different subject. If you've known me for any length of time, you've likely been lectured by me on the subject of ketchup on hot dogs. Here are some old emails that detail my search for the origins of this belief. My efforts didn't turn up anything concrete, but I find the response from the curator of the Mount Horeb Mustard Museum to be priceless...
-----Original Message-----And here's one from the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council...
From: Lloyd
Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2002 4:35 PM
To: curator@mustardmuseum.com
Subject: mustard on hot dog question
Hello,
I live in the metro Detroit area and grew up attending baseball games at Tiger Stadium. One of the first things I was taught is the proper way to eat a hot dog. I was informed that ketchup is illegal. Since then I've been anti-ketchup on hot-dogs. I've met people in other parts of the country that believe the same thing. Would you happen to know the history of this? In the early 80's at Tiger Stadium, I don't think the vendors even carried ketchup. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Lloyd
-----Response----
Dear Lloyd:
I don't know the history of "mustard-only" on hot dogs but I believe it is simply part of the natural evolution of humandkind from our origins as primitive apes. It is the only condimentally correct way to eat a hot dog.
Condimentally yours,
Barry Levenson
Curator
Mt Horeb Mustard Museum
-----Original Message-----Now don't get me wrong, I love ketchup, and I even like it on scrambled eggs. Just keep it off the dogs.
From: Lloyd
Sent: Thursday, November 16, 2000 11:23 AM
To: jriley@meatami.org
Subject: hot dog etiquette question
hello,
i couldn't find another email address on the hot-dog.org website so my question is being thrown your way. i noticed that on the hot dog etiquette list it is stated that after the age of 18, ketchup is forbidden. From a very early age, i was taught that putting ketchup on a hot dog was punishable by death. Other people I know feel the same way as well. Yet some people have never heard about the ketchup restriction. Do you have any information on the history of the ketchup/ hot dog conflict?? I've searched all over the internet and I can't find a thing. Any information or leads would be greatly appreciated. Or, if you could forward this along to someone that might have some info it would be great. thank you very much.
sincerely,
lloyd
------Response-----
I would chalk it up to "conventional wisdom." I wrote the etiquette and based the rule on what I was taught growing up in Chicago. There, I ate hot dogs every day for lunch (with ketchup). But when I became an adult and started eating true Chicago Dogs from the carts, ketchup was not even offered as a condiment. On a news report, a police officer once joked that you could be arrested for putting kethcup on a hot dog in Chicago.
I have never seen an official reference to the prohibition, but I put people who put ketchup on hot dogs in the same category as people who put it on eggs...yuk.
Sorry I don't have anything more historical to offer!
Janet
National Hot Dog & Sausage Council
Monday, July 14, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Another pickle on the vine
It's true....sometime next early-to-mid February (if all goes according to the conventional schedule and the schedule June took to arrive), another little pickle will join us here in the jar. And we're absolutely thrilled, even if we are (or at least I am) occasionally terrified.
My recent silence here on the blog has been because of the need to wait until things were further along and more secure (I had my first ultrasound last Wednesday, which revealed a flickering little heartbeat and everything looking totally normal), but also because I can barely muster the vigor to check my email.
So, doesn't it sort of seem like nature should throw us one 9-month long thank you party for the role us gals play in the survival of the species? Maybe especially those of us who have signed up for round two? Alas, this is not the case at all, at least not for me. It starts with the crushing fatigue, and then nausea, that creepy old fellow, sneaks in soon after and really hangs around, day and night. Ugh.
Nothing smells right, all my old friends give me a case of the shivers (no coffee, no eggs, hardly any fruits and definitely no vegetables except green beans stewed for hours to a state of mushiness....who am I?); so much for my carefully cultivated eating habits full of whole grains, lean proteins, and piles of fruits and veggies. To be honest, at the moment I don't even miss beer.
And all of this ickiness has sent me running right into the comforting arms of every ice cream cone (soft serve with sprinkles), McDonald's hamburger, and pizza slice I see. Also a local delicacy known as a Bo-berry biscuit. If you don't live near or a Bojangle's or have never ventured inside, this little treat is an unholy but divine breakfast mash-up of biscuit and blueberry coffee cake with streaks of sweet icing on top.
In spite of my complaining about this early bit of ickiness (and I do think it will soon pass--I felt just as bad in the first trimester of my pregnancy with Junie), we know we are very blessed. How thrilling to experience the whole miraculous process again and welcome another tiny member to our family. Even June nods her head yes when we ask her if she wants to be a big sister or if mom and dad should have another baby. So, I ask you:
And are you as excited as I am to watch my body balloon? Stay tuned for periodic midsection updates.
My recent silence here on the blog has been because of the need to wait until things were further along and more secure (I had my first ultrasound last Wednesday, which revealed a flickering little heartbeat and everything looking totally normal), but also because I can barely muster the vigor to check my email.
So, doesn't it sort of seem like nature should throw us one 9-month long thank you party for the role us gals play in the survival of the species? Maybe especially those of us who have signed up for round two? Alas, this is not the case at all, at least not for me. It starts with the crushing fatigue, and then nausea, that creepy old fellow, sneaks in soon after and really hangs around, day and night. Ugh.
Nothing smells right, all my old friends give me a case of the shivers (no coffee, no eggs, hardly any fruits and definitely no vegetables except green beans stewed for hours to a state of mushiness....who am I?); so much for my carefully cultivated eating habits full of whole grains, lean proteins, and piles of fruits and veggies. To be honest, at the moment I don't even miss beer.
And all of this ickiness has sent me running right into the comforting arms of every ice cream cone (soft serve with sprinkles), McDonald's hamburger, and pizza slice I see. Also a local delicacy known as a Bo-berry biscuit. If you don't live near or a Bojangle's or have never ventured inside, this little treat is an unholy but divine breakfast mash-up of biscuit and blueberry coffee cake with streaks of sweet icing on top.
In spite of my complaining about this early bit of ickiness (and I do think it will soon pass--I felt just as bad in the first trimester of my pregnancy with Junie), we know we are very blessed. How thrilling to experience the whole miraculous process again and welcome another tiny member to our family. Even June nods her head yes when we ask her if she wants to be a big sister or if mom and dad should have another baby. So, I ask you:
Does this look like the face of a big sister?!
And are you as excited as I am to watch my body balloon? Stay tuned for periodic midsection updates.
pickin' time
Three fruit picking adventures for the price of one:
In late May, Adrienne, Lauren, and Foster joined June for her first strawberry picking experience...
After hearing such great things about their outing, June and Adrienne joined me a few days later for my first strawberry picking experience...
Today, Lauren, Adrienne, June, and I headed to Frog Pond Farm for blueberry pancakes and blueberry picking...
delicious
for those keeping score, blueberries are June's favorite fruit
June waving and saying "hello" to her blueberries
strapping on the pickin' gear
June had a knack for picking the really low hanging fruit
In late May, Adrienne, Lauren, and Foster joined June for her first strawberry picking experience...
After hearing such great things about their outing, June and Adrienne joined me a few days later for my first strawberry picking experience...
Today, Lauren, Adrienne, June, and I headed to Frog Pond Farm for blueberry pancakes and blueberry picking...
delicious
for those keeping score, blueberries are June's favorite fruit
June waving and saying "hello" to her blueberries
strapping on the pickin' gear
June had a knack for picking the really low hanging fruit
Friday, July 11, 2008
new roommates
What a great couple of weeks! Four of my best friends and their families were blessed with new arrivals...
In late May, Kraig, Kerri, and Lukas welcomed Miles...
...picture to come...
On June 10th, Mike and Jenny welcomed Emmett Seed (8 lbs 8 oz)....
On June 24th, Tess and Damon welcomed Aurora Valentina...
And on June 28th, Brooke and Luke welcomed Johanna Starling (6 lbs 13 oz)...
Congratulations!
In late May, Kraig, Kerri, and Lukas welcomed Miles...
On June 10th, Mike and Jenny welcomed Emmett Seed (8 lbs 8 oz)....
On June 24th, Tess and Damon welcomed Aurora Valentina...
And on June 28th, Brooke and Luke welcomed Johanna Starling (6 lbs 13 oz)...
Friday, July 4, 2008
my peak week of geek
I'm a geek. Always have been. But this past week was ridiculous. Consider the following:
- I finished reading a 300+ page book on footcare. Any questions about blisters? Well, I now have the answers.
- I told Adrienne I would love a subscription to Consumer Reports, and for Father's Day she came through with the goods. I just devoured my first issue. Any questions about ceiling fan and room air conditioner ratings? Well, I can help you with that too.
- In my last post I wrote, "As an aside, this Dairy Queen is supposedly a popular stop for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, whom I presume to stink too." Using some standard guidelines for "who vs. whom," whom appears to be the right choice; whom is in the objective case, and if you substitute "them" for "whom" and rearrange the sentence, you get, "I presume them to stink too," which sounds okay to me. But if I had written, which I did initially, "whom I presume stink too," it's not as clear; "whom" is still in the objective case, but rearranging leaves you with, "I presume them stink too," which doesn't sound right. I spent over two hours trying to figure this one out. Our resident grammatical superstar, Adrienne, thinks it's whom. Any other English professionals out there (Emilie) care to chime in?
- I'm reading the science fiction book, Consider Phlebas, by Iain Banks. This was my friend Chris's choice for our book group. I don't think he'll be offended that I'm using Consider Phlebas as proof of my geekiness; when he chose the book, Chris said he "was nerd(ing) out with his pick." I think this is my first sci-fi book since reading Fahrenheit 451 my freshman year of high school . If I start planning a family trip to the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in Washington, please get me some help.
- And the coup de grâce: I built my own computer.
- I finished reading a 300+ page book on footcare. Any questions about blisters? Well, I now have the answers.
- I told Adrienne I would love a subscription to Consumer Reports, and for Father's Day she came through with the goods. I just devoured my first issue. Any questions about ceiling fan and room air conditioner ratings? Well, I can help you with that too.
- In my last post I wrote, "As an aside, this Dairy Queen is supposedly a popular stop for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, whom I presume to stink too." Using some standard guidelines for "who vs. whom," whom appears to be the right choice; whom is in the objective case, and if you substitute "them" for "whom" and rearrange the sentence, you get, "I presume them to stink too," which sounds okay to me. But if I had written, which I did initially, "whom I presume stink too," it's not as clear; "whom" is still in the objective case, but rearranging leaves you with, "I presume them stink too," which doesn't sound right. I spent over two hours trying to figure this one out. Our resident grammatical superstar, Adrienne, thinks it's whom. Any other English professionals out there (Emilie) care to chime in?
- I'm reading the science fiction book, Consider Phlebas, by Iain Banks. This was my friend Chris's choice for our book group. I don't think he'll be offended that I'm using Consider Phlebas as proof of my geekiness; when he chose the book, Chris said he "was nerd(ing) out with his pick." I think this is my first sci-fi book since reading Fahrenheit 451 my freshman year of high school . If I start planning a family trip to the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in Washington, please get me some help.
- And the coup de grâce: I built my own computer.
I started with this...
and finally, back up and running...
empty case...
a tangled mess...
nice and tidy...
But don't despair, my friends. Adrienne is not sitting idly by as I spiral further and further into the depths of dorkdom. She is doing her best to stem this ultrageek tide. While in Michigan, she snagged this ultra-not-geeky t-shirt for me. I love it...
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