Some Books

So I'm working on a few books:
- The Executioner's Song
- What was she thinking: Notes on a Scandal
- The Monster of Florence
- The Gargoyle
- I read the first couple hundred chapter's of Wally Lambs The Hour I First Believed

Besides those I've finished:

- Merle's Door: Lessons of a Free Thinking Dog
About a man who adopts a stray dog while on a kayaking trip. It goes through the bond created between the owner and Merle is strengthened through the dog's ability to make his own decisions...and again another tear jerker. Why does every dog book take you to the ultimate end. I finished this book on the plane and cried like a baby...had to put it down to compose myself as Elmond watched me sop the tears up with my hoodie. HILARIOUS!

- The Case for Christ: The Student Edition
This is the shorter version of Lee Strobel's The Case for Christ. It's a really good book for everyone...if you're not sure about Christ or if you're already a Christian - there are things to learn. It's not preachy but simply presents the facts that a journalist goes through as he tries to discover how likely it is that Christ was real and also the Son of God. I will definitely read the whole book - not just the student edition but thats all the library had available at the time :)

- The Executioner's Song
I've been working on this book since December....its a big one - I think about 1100 pages...maybe 1500. I don't remember. Anyway its a true story that covers the first man to be executed in Utah after a number of years and how it affects himself and those around him. It's very interesting, I think I'm about 1/2 way through where he's been sentenced to death and doesn't want to appeal. Can't quite say whether I'd recommend it but its an intense read and always good to 'mix it up'.

- The Monster of Florence
Another true story. This about a journalist who moves his family to Florence Italy to write a book about murder. Well he ends up looking into the notorious monster of florence serial killer - sorta like jack the ripper of his day. Anyhoo...its a decent read. Not a page turner for me but since I started it - gotta finish it.

Once I read more into the other books I'll post some information about those. In the meantime - I no longer have to call in about jury duty service - yay.

Have a great Valentines Day everyone....


St. Valentine
Patron of Love, Young People, Happy Marriage

Valentine was a holy priest in Rome, who, with St. Marius and his family, assisted the martyrs in the persecution under Claudius II. He was apprehended, and sent by the emperor to the prefect of Rome, who, on finding all his promises to make him renounce his faith in effectual, commended him to be beaten with clubs, and afterwards, to be beheaded, which was executed on February 14, about the year 270

The Client List

So if you've followed the new you know about Bernard Maydoff and how he scammed hundreds of people out of bajillions! So his client list came out and its really long...and the names being repeated more than once means they probably had more than one account with him. What a prick!!



I watched a special on his ponzi scheme and recordings of him talking about the loop holes in the laws that allowed for this to happen. I wonder what will happen to him...I also wonder - all those people who invested with him and saw large returns (on paper) during years in which the market was 'soft' - did anyone wonder how he was doing it? It's not their fault I just wonder....He's a true sociopath

Sociopath -
–noun Psychiatry.
a person, as a psychopathic personality, whose behavior is antisocial and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience.

Someone whose social behavior is extremely abnormal. Sociopaths are interested only in their personal needs and desires, without concern for the effects of their behavior on others

On a lighter note

Love IT

I heard this song months ago - and every time I hear it...love it just as much as the first time.

Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
Uploaded by jasonmrazworld

Hawaii Vacation

So if you're ever in Kauai I've listed some fun places to visit and eat...

1. Waimea Canyon - the drive is slightly curvy but from the turn-off its approximately a 20 minute drive to the viewpoint. It's worth the drive up.

2. Grinds Cafe & Espresso - the breakfast is delish. Beware: do not use the bathroom after anyone who's been in there for more than 5 minutes. There's also a local cat who likes to eat whatever you might offer.

3. Hyatt on Kauai - its gorgeous!!

4. Marriott Vacation Club in Kauai - the sushi bar is fantastic and the pool area is gorgeous. Try Duke's as well.

5. Line zipping - there are a few different places you can get your zip on but either way its worth the money. Locals can zip for 60 pp.

Though Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian island chain - its still the most primitive. The scenery is really natural and untouched; however, I've never seen so many wild cats and chickens. It rains a bit there but the temperature is really moderate so I didn't mind it at all. They're also known for their incredibly red dirt - its everywhere.

I personally loved being there - giving it a 9 for relaxation and setting. It loses a point for the 22 mosquito bites I received while there. :(

How Far Will It Go....

So almost everyday this week - and for that matter the past couple months - some company is laying off thousands. The US hasn't seen such an economic decline since 1982.....so bleak!!!!

I graduated in 2003 with my undergrad - soon after 9-11 and the economy still had not turned around in terms of jobs. Well now as a grad with my Master's its even worse. I don't even dare to look at my IRA that I've been investing in since starting college back in 1999.

So now I'm just wondering how far we're going to sink. Homelessness is up, Layoffs are up and maybe a couple times a month you hear some really bad news about people turning to suicide due to their problems. So how much more and for how much longer will people have to suffer??

The Line Zipping video

Hawaii'an vacation - Kauai and Oahu

Here are some of my pics from Hawaii this past January 2009.

The weather was off and on raining but warm. By the time I left Kauai I had about 21-22 mosquito bites...and they iteched like no one's business. I had seen more wild hens/roosters and feral cats in random places than I ever thought I would....and I trudged in mud that prob wasn't completely mud (we were line zipping on a huge ranch).

But all in all I luv'd every minute of it.