This was an interesting read for me. It was published the year that I was born, and was one of those novels that I simply had to finish. Yet I didn't feel enamored of it. I'm still not certain if I even liked it.
I can state firmly that I'm glad I have read it (past tense). The idea of being an accidental tourist through your own life, without taking chances or adventures or making any concrete decisions yourself, is an interesting one. The protagonist of the story is a man guided by routines, logic, and efficiency. His life seems to be on a set path, but he manages to find some "accidental" detours, until at the end of the book he takes charge of his own destination instead of floating idly through life.
The story is immaterial, although it intrigued me. I don't remember any language, although there is the implication of extramarital sex, as he is separated from his wife but not divorced when he meets another woman.
Pick it up if it interests you. After all, Anne Tyler received a Pulitzer for an earlier novel. I can't really say I would recommend it, as I don't know to whom I should recommend it. But I'm glad I read it.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Provo Farmer's Market
Having lived in Provo for several years, today was the first time I went to the farmer's market in Pioneer Park. 5th West and Center St.
I've always wanted to go, but felt a bit out of sorts going by myself. Since Josh swears he hates farmer's markets I knew I couldn't count on his company.
So this morning Guy and I made the adventure, and it was awesome! There's a great playground right next to it, so Guy had fun, too. I met a cattle rancher who sells grass-fed antibiotic and hormone free beef. We bought some cherries, an enormous head of cabbage and a big zucchini. I bought some fresh herbs and Guy got a chocolate chip cookie approximately the size of his face. You can imagine he thoroughly enjoyed that one!
I enjoyed looking at all the different vendors, and the overcast, cool weather was perfect. We'll definitely be going back
I've always wanted to go, but felt a bit out of sorts going by myself. Since Josh swears he hates farmer's markets I knew I couldn't count on his company.
So this morning Guy and I made the adventure, and it was awesome! There's a great playground right next to it, so Guy had fun, too. I met a cattle rancher who sells grass-fed antibiotic and hormone free beef. We bought some cherries, an enormous head of cabbage and a big zucchini. I bought some fresh herbs and Guy got a chocolate chip cookie approximately the size of his face. You can imagine he thoroughly enjoyed that one!
I enjoyed looking at all the different vendors, and the overcast, cool weather was perfect. We'll definitely be going back
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sundays
Sundays just got harder.
I love the Sabbath day, and all that it represents. But it's not quite so restful when I spend so much time trying to teach my boys how to honor and appreciate the gift of a day of rest.
Josh left at 9:30 this morning for meetings, leaving the boys and I to our own devices. I had grand visions of a tidy house and a yummy dinner waiting for him when he got home. Then reality laughed and threw her shoe at my head.
Okay, maybe it was Dr. Seuss' ABC book, but it still made contact with my head. Multiple times. Rough morning, to say the least.
I got the kids dressed and to church on time, without forgetting anything at home. But Guy just wanted to run, and jump, and play, and yell his name to the fluorescent lights on the ceiling (he loves looking up and saying, "Hi, Lights!" to fluorescent lighting- or "Guy-yah-yah!"). After the sacrament, Guy threw a fit, so I dragged him onto my lap, where consequently Leo was also sitting, and started thinking about what to do next when two lovely young ladies came to my rescue. They sat down on either side of me, one taking Leo and the other looking to amuse Guy and fetch the things he "accidentally" dropped on the floor in front of us. Talk about a blessing from heaven.
These girls managed to turn my Sunday from I-want-to-pull-my-hair-out-or-curl-up-and-cry-in-a-corner to peaceful and mindful in a manner of a minute. I could actually listen to the testimonies. Thank goodness for angels.
I think I can handle this--especially if I can get a little extra help through sacrament meetings. Although dinner was still a bit hairy. Fast Sunday dinner always is when one doesn't manage to get home before 5:45 p.m.
But the blueberry pancakes were a hit, the boys are in bed, and with any luck won't wake up before 7 a.m. I could really use a morning where I'm allowed to stay in bed past 6:15. Please.
I love the Sabbath day, and all that it represents. But it's not quite so restful when I spend so much time trying to teach my boys how to honor and appreciate the gift of a day of rest.
Josh left at 9:30 this morning for meetings, leaving the boys and I to our own devices. I had grand visions of a tidy house and a yummy dinner waiting for him when he got home. Then reality laughed and threw her shoe at my head.
Okay, maybe it was Dr. Seuss' ABC book, but it still made contact with my head. Multiple times. Rough morning, to say the least.
I got the kids dressed and to church on time, without forgetting anything at home. But Guy just wanted to run, and jump, and play, and yell his name to the fluorescent lights on the ceiling (he loves looking up and saying, "Hi, Lights!" to fluorescent lighting- or "Guy-yah-yah!"). After the sacrament, Guy threw a fit, so I dragged him onto my lap, where consequently Leo was also sitting, and started thinking about what to do next when two lovely young ladies came to my rescue. They sat down on either side of me, one taking Leo and the other looking to amuse Guy and fetch the things he "accidentally" dropped on the floor in front of us. Talk about a blessing from heaven.
These girls managed to turn my Sunday from I-want-to-pull-my-hair-out-or-curl-up-and-cry-in-a-corner to peaceful and mindful in a manner of a minute. I could actually listen to the testimonies. Thank goodness for angels.
I think I can handle this--especially if I can get a little extra help through sacrament meetings. Although dinner was still a bit hairy. Fast Sunday dinner always is when one doesn't manage to get home before 5:45 p.m.
But the blueberry pancakes were a hit, the boys are in bed, and with any luck won't wake up before 7 a.m. I could really use a morning where I'm allowed to stay in bed past 6:15. Please.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Austenland
Yesterday afternoon, I started reading Austenland by Shannon Hale, on a recommendation from a friend, and I LOVED IT. I finished it this afternoon during naptime.
It was light, funny, a quick read, but still thoughtful and engaging. And even had a few fun vocabulary words, if I remember correctly.
A great read for any of us who've fallen in love with Colin Firth, our delicious Mr. Darcy.
Go for it. You know you want to :-)
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Life Just Changed Again
Josh is now the 1st Counselor in the bishopric of the BYU 9th Stake, 57th Ward. No, that is not our ward, it is a singles ward whose members live south of campus. Sacrament meeting is in a large lecture hall in the Clyde Building, where Guy is just barely heavy enough to hold down the seat cushions, and just barely skinny enough to maneuver his way anywhere in the room (I suspect).
The boys did great during sacrament meeting, but it's going to be a bit of a wild ride I suspect. :-)
The boys did great during sacrament meeting, but it's going to be a bit of a wild ride I suspect. :-)
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Oh, boy
Yesterday I was really close to totally losing it. Leo was nursing, and I was hot, itchy, and sweaty. I had been ready to go run errands for half an hour while waiting for Josh to finish something, and Guy was whining.
I looked at Guy and gave him a warning in a stern voice.
He looked right back at me and said, "Momma, take a nap!"
Awesome.
I'm fixing the albums on Picasaweb, I accidentally marked them as unlisted.
I looked at Guy and gave him a warning in a stern voice.
He looked right back at me and said, "Momma, take a nap!"
Awesome.
I'm fixing the albums on Picasaweb, I accidentally marked them as unlisted.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
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