Well, folks... Election Day is upon us, and I for one am ready for it to be OVER! That's right... I want it to be over. And at this point, I don't really care what happens, who wins, etc. I am just ready for us to know who our next leader will be.
It's funny, I have lots of opinions right now... all of which I want to share with you. But I have no idea where to begin.
How about this? I voted today. I chose to vote today, because I feel like I can, in good conscience, vote for one of the candidates. I have always heard people say that we have to vote, to not vote is the wrong choice. My opinion may have been swayed today. Read this article by Derek Webb. Interesting. But like I said, I, in good conscience, voted today.
Who did I vote for? I am debating on whether I should share this information on a public forum... but I feel like I should. Why? Well, first of all, if you know me at all you can probably guess who I voted for. But also because why should I keep it a secret?
I am proud to say that I voted for Barack Obama.
I think he is a good choice to lead this country for the next four years. I like his policies, how he has presented himself, and personally I think that we do need change in this country (ok, ok... it has become a cliche, but I do think we need it). How is that for vague? Not much substance... just know I have thought about it and done my research. I feel like Obama is the choice that I can in good conscience vote for. Here is a blog I read from time to time and the 14 reasons he voted for Obama... Part I. Part II. Overall I agree with what he said about Obama and am in line with him as to why I voted the way I did.
So what is next? I guess my final opinion (for today). I happened upon this guy's blog from the Burnside Writer's Collective Blog. Love the Burnside Writer's Collective and all the thoughtful opinions there. Bryan posted his thoughts about the election yesterday and I have to say I right there with him. Especially the part about how he hates what politics have done to America. Don't I know it.
Folks, I have been raised a Democrat. My parents are both Democrats so it is fair to say that was the way I was raised. However, I consider myself an Independent, a moderate, middle of the road voter.
Want to know something else? I have always, always been the "liberal" in the conservative circles. I grew up in Virginia (which has not always been a swing state... up until a couple of years ago it was always Republican). I went to a school with a heavy military base population. Needless to say I was a minority.
Then I went to the University of Michigan... which is very, very liberal. But not the people I hung out with.
I am a conservative, evangelical Christian.
So, needless to say my friend groups (both in college and now) tend to be on the right side of the political spectrum. And again, I am in the minority.
And normally, I don't think this is a bad thing. Unless it is an election year. And then I just am floored with how divisive and ugly and hateful politics make people, especially Christians.
Do you know that I once had a person I consider a friend tell me to my face "I don't know how you can call yourself a Christian and vote Democrat. Makes me think you aren't a Christian."
Yep, you read it right people... someone called into question my faith because I vote Democrat.
Correct me if I am wrong, but where in the Bible does it say that Republican=Christian and Democrat=unbeliever? Last time I checked the definition of a Christian is someone who has made a genuine decision to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. But, again, correct me if I am wrong.
Neither party is perfect. And both have policies that are blatantly against what Christians believe. But is our affiliation with one political party expressing to nonbelievers an incorrect view of what Christianity is? Christ came to this earth to reconcile us sinners with God. No matter what else is going on, I believe that nonbelievers need to know what we as Christians stand FOR, and not for what we stand against.
I stand for Christ first.
Then everything else. Let's spread His word. And by the way... politics isn't the best way to do so. I am finishing up Philip Yancey's "The Jesus I Never Knew," and in it Yancey points out that the church has failed the most to spread the Gospel when it has depended upon the government to do so. Forcing our beliefs on others isn't the answer.
Ok... so I feel like I have spent a lot of time ranting and raving today... just a lot on my mind. I lift up this country in prayer today... because we are all fallen and need help. Good thing God is in control.
PS, Go out and vote, if you can do so in good conscience. And if you do, make sure to get your free Starbucks, free Krispie Kream donut, and free Ben and Jerry's ice cream scoop!
PPS. Thanks for sticking with me to the end... I know it wasn't very linear in thought today.
11.04.2008
10.24.2008
Spiders...
If you know me, you know I don't spiders... of any kind. If they have eight legs, they are my enemy.
Daddy Long Legs? evil
Little Baby Spiders? evil
Needless to say, if this thing shown here showed up in my backyard I'd give him the backyard, the house, whatever he wanted... and then I'd leave the state.
Warning: If you don't like spiders, don't click on the article.
Daddy Long Legs? evil
Little Baby Spiders? evil
Needless to say, if this thing shown here showed up in my backyard I'd give him the backyard, the house, whatever he wanted... and then I'd leave the state.
Warning: If you don't like spiders, don't click on the article.
10.22.2008
Reconsidered...
Well Ladies and Gentlemen, I was going to write to you this morning about how frigidly cold my office is, and how it isn't even winter yet. But, nope. Not today. Instead, let me lead you down another path.
I opened up my blog, and rather than immediately go to writing, I instead decided to pursue some of my favorites (see the list to your right). And it led me to one of my favorite blogs, Bring the Rain. Click here for the article that changed me day.
Angie is the mom of five wonderful children, two who have already be called back into God's arms. She has chosen her blog as one way to grieve and in the grief minister to others out there, whether they have been through such a loss or not. And it has many times over ministered to me.
Today she wrote about one of her precious daughters, Ellie, the mother hen as Angie has dubbed her. Ellie sounds like a delight. A little girl that in some ways reminds me of myself. I wasn't a scaredy cat as a child, but I was definitely a timid child. I would talk to adults, as along as I knew exactly where mom and dad were standing. I would try things, but probably after a little coaxing. I have vivid memories of being terrified to try new roller coasters, and especially of having to ride my first roller coaster, the Big Bad Wolf. Seriously... I can remember the knots in my stomach, the inability to breath as I stepped into the cart, the desire to get out as soon as the restraint was locked. But I did it. I was determined to ride. And I can also remember how much I loved that first ride, how excited I was to get on it again and again, and to try another roller coaster, then another, and another.
Have you noticed how riding a roller coaster is never the same after the first time. It is always still enjoyable, but never quite the same? you never get quite as scared? never feel that determination you felt the first time? Maybe that is way they have to keep building bigger and better ones, to continue to scare us into enjoyment.
But that is a digression. Angie, in her post talks about how Ellie had this moment of determination to ride this ride, even if she was scared. And how this moment, with of course great pictures, reminded Angie of her own determination to follow Christ and the freedom He brings us.
Man, did that hit home. I have yet to share my testimony with all of you, blog-world, but I do intend to one of these days. I can't tell you how many times since that Early Winter of 2002 that I have had to literally decide to believe God and His Word over what I wanted to believe. How about an example?
During my Freshman year, I can vividly remember having this conversation with my now best friend, Jenn (who God has used tremendously in my life). We were talking about who we would consider marrying. She said, "well, whoever I marry has to be a Christian." And I said, "well, I wouldn't mind if he wasn't. I mean, as long as he respects me and my beliefs." And she looked at me like I had ten heads. So, I asked her, "Why does he have to be a Christian?" And we talked for a long time about being equally yoked, what the Bible says, etc. And I remember that evening talking to God and saying... "ok, I don't get it. I don't get why the man I marry has to be a Christian, but I am going to trust Your Word..." It has been amazing how God has worked in that decision, shown me relationships that have been disasters and mainly because of the fact that they don't share the most important thing, the love of Christ. It is amazing how God works when you let Him in.
I'll tell my testimony in more detail later... but I do remember the day I became a Christian. It was in the car with my friend Sarah. We were talking about the hypocrisy in the church and how disappointed we were with it. We were talking about all the "leaps of faith" you have to take if you believe in Christ. How could someone be fully God and fully man? How do we even know the Bible is true? Oh, there are so many. BUT, I finally said to Sarah, and more importantly, to God, "I don't care if I ever know these answers. And it sucks the church is full of fallen and sinful people. But I am choosing God. I am choosing Christ. From here on out, I walk according to the scriptures. From here on out, I follow Christ and what He has for me."
It was a scary moment and can still be scary at times. But I have never regretted that decision. I love the adventures God has taken me on. I hope that people can see the same expression of joy Ellie had on her face in mine. It is joy that is unexplainable, except to tell you it is God given.
Thanks Angie for sharing your story, it has been a good reminder of why I also chose to believe and why I walk with determination each and every day towards Christ.
I opened up my blog, and rather than immediately go to writing, I instead decided to pursue some of my favorites (see the list to your right). And it led me to one of my favorite blogs, Bring the Rain. Click here for the article that changed me day.
Angie is the mom of five wonderful children, two who have already be called back into God's arms. She has chosen her blog as one way to grieve and in the grief minister to others out there, whether they have been through such a loss or not. And it has many times over ministered to me.
Today she wrote about one of her precious daughters, Ellie, the mother hen as Angie has dubbed her. Ellie sounds like a delight. A little girl that in some ways reminds me of myself. I wasn't a scaredy cat as a child, but I was definitely a timid child. I would talk to adults, as along as I knew exactly where mom and dad were standing. I would try things, but probably after a little coaxing. I have vivid memories of being terrified to try new roller coasters, and especially of having to ride my first roller coaster, the Big Bad Wolf. Seriously... I can remember the knots in my stomach, the inability to breath as I stepped into the cart, the desire to get out as soon as the restraint was locked. But I did it. I was determined to ride. And I can also remember how much I loved that first ride, how excited I was to get on it again and again, and to try another roller coaster, then another, and another.
Have you noticed how riding a roller coaster is never the same after the first time. It is always still enjoyable, but never quite the same? you never get quite as scared? never feel that determination you felt the first time? Maybe that is way they have to keep building bigger and better ones, to continue to scare us into enjoyment.
But that is a digression. Angie, in her post talks about how Ellie had this moment of determination to ride this ride, even if she was scared. And how this moment, with of course great pictures, reminded Angie of her own determination to follow Christ and the freedom He brings us.
Man, did that hit home. I have yet to share my testimony with all of you, blog-world, but I do intend to one of these days. I can't tell you how many times since that Early Winter of 2002 that I have had to literally decide to believe God and His Word over what I wanted to believe. How about an example?
During my Freshman year, I can vividly remember having this conversation with my now best friend, Jenn (who God has used tremendously in my life). We were talking about who we would consider marrying. She said, "well, whoever I marry has to be a Christian." And I said, "well, I wouldn't mind if he wasn't. I mean, as long as he respects me and my beliefs." And she looked at me like I had ten heads. So, I asked her, "Why does he have to be a Christian?" And we talked for a long time about being equally yoked, what the Bible says, etc. And I remember that evening talking to God and saying... "ok, I don't get it. I don't get why the man I marry has to be a Christian, but I am going to trust Your Word..." It has been amazing how God has worked in that decision, shown me relationships that have been disasters and mainly because of the fact that they don't share the most important thing, the love of Christ. It is amazing how God works when you let Him in.
I'll tell my testimony in more detail later... but I do remember the day I became a Christian. It was in the car with my friend Sarah. We were talking about the hypocrisy in the church and how disappointed we were with it. We were talking about all the "leaps of faith" you have to take if you believe in Christ. How could someone be fully God and fully man? How do we even know the Bible is true? Oh, there are so many. BUT, I finally said to Sarah, and more importantly, to God, "I don't care if I ever know these answers. And it sucks the church is full of fallen and sinful people. But I am choosing God. I am choosing Christ. From here on out, I walk according to the scriptures. From here on out, I follow Christ and what He has for me."
It was a scary moment and can still be scary at times. But I have never regretted that decision. I love the adventures God has taken me on. I hope that people can see the same expression of joy Ellie had on her face in mine. It is joy that is unexplainable, except to tell you it is God given.
Thanks Angie for sharing your story, it has been a good reminder of why I also chose to believe and why I walk with determination each and every day towards Christ.
10.15.2008
One Year Ago
Don't you love these posts?
What were you doing one year ago today?
I can tell you what I was doing!
I was starting my job here at the Girl Scouts. :-). And what a fun change it has been. This job has been such a better fit for me and what I like to do. I get the human interaction that I like, but also get to work very independently. It is the perfect balance for my social-introverted self.
It is kind of fun, because today I working (for the first time mind you) on my goals. We have membership goals we are supposed to meet each yet... and well, for the first time, I am getting to set them. And after being here for a year, I feel like I am actually prepared to set them! I know enough about our council, what the ultimate goal of this organization is, etc to make this happen. Kind of cool (and scary!, I am evaluated based on this... eek!).
Anyway... I pray for each and everyone of you in a job you aren't too excited about that you find something you like to do. I also pray that I continue to enjoy this job! I am also extremely thankful for how God got me to this point. I love my life here in NC, my job... my church... etc. Thank you, Jesus!
What were you doing one year ago today?
I can tell you what I was doing!
I was starting my job here at the Girl Scouts. :-). And what a fun change it has been. This job has been such a better fit for me and what I like to do. I get the human interaction that I like, but also get to work very independently. It is the perfect balance for my social-introverted self.
It is kind of fun, because today I working (for the first time mind you) on my goals. We have membership goals we are supposed to meet each yet... and well, for the first time, I am getting to set them. And after being here for a year, I feel like I am actually prepared to set them! I know enough about our council, what the ultimate goal of this organization is, etc to make this happen. Kind of cool (and scary!, I am evaluated based on this... eek!).
Anyway... I pray for each and everyone of you in a job you aren't too excited about that you find something you like to do. I also pray that I continue to enjoy this job! I am also extremely thankful for how God got me to this point. I love my life here in NC, my job... my church... etc. Thank you, Jesus!
10.09.2008
Pandora.com
I have known about Pandora.com for a while. My friend, Jenn, told me about when we both started working full time about two years ago. I liked it, but never really used it. At my old job I had a more "mindless" job, if you will, and watched lots of movies while working.
Actually, I watched alot of things... try all 5 season of Alias, all 4 season of The OC, all 3 seasons of Roswell, many FRIENDS episodes and a handful of movies. The sad part? I actually still got all of my work done and did it well. Anyway... I digress.
When I started my job here, though, I had to concentrate much more. There are even times that, GASP, I cannot listen to music at all. WHOA!
Well, a couple of days ago, my friend Jessica had her husband blog about Pandora and its greatness here. After reading the review, I thought... let me give this another try.
And you know what? I really like it!
It really is a good compromise between the iPod and the radio. I am being exposed to new artists, which is great (but not for my pocket book... some of the songs I want to buy!)... however, my one complaint. Once you give a song a thumbs up, it plays that song almost every day. Just in case you were wondering.
OH... and my favorite feature. The "Quick Mix" feature. It takes all your playlists and gives you the best of all the worlds. AWESOME!
If you haven't tried, Pandora... do it! You'll love it!
Actually, I watched alot of things... try all 5 season of Alias, all 4 season of The OC, all 3 seasons of Roswell, many FRIENDS episodes and a handful of movies. The sad part? I actually still got all of my work done and did it well. Anyway... I digress.
When I started my job here, though, I had to concentrate much more. There are even times that, GASP, I cannot listen to music at all. WHOA!
Well, a couple of days ago, my friend Jessica had her husband blog about Pandora and its greatness here. After reading the review, I thought... let me give this another try.
And you know what? I really like it!
It really is a good compromise between the iPod and the radio. I am being exposed to new artists, which is great (but not for my pocket book... some of the songs I want to buy!)... however, my one complaint. Once you give a song a thumbs up, it plays that song almost every day. Just in case you were wondering.
OH... and my favorite feature. The "Quick Mix" feature. It takes all your playlists and gives you the best of all the worlds. AWESOME!
If you haven't tried, Pandora... do it! You'll love it!
10.08.2008
Uniquely Me!
I always knew I was unique!!
My co-worker took a mental break and found out, that on average, there is only one Jaye Kremers in the United States!
:-)
I don't know how she stumbled upon it, but you type in your name and spits out some random facts. I have listed them here for you all, just in case you were wondering about the name Jaye Kremers.
Top 5 Facts for this Name:
1. 36% of the letters are vowels. Of one million first and last names we looked at, 47.7% have a higher vowel make-up. This means you are averagely envoweled.
2. In ASCII binary it is... 01001010 01100001 01111001 01100101 00100000 01001011 01110010 01100101 01101101 01100101 01110010 01110011
3. Backwards, it is Eyaj Sremerk... nice ring to it, huh?
4. In Pig Latin, it is Ayejay Emerskray.
5. People with this first name are probably: Male or female... We don't know yet. We're working on it!
Name Origin and Meaning:
Forename: Origin: Hmmm... Sorry, we don't know.
Meaning: Hmmm... Sorry, we don't know.
3 Things You Didn't Know:
1. Your personal power animal is the Kalahari Meerkat
2. Your 'Numerology' number is 4. It means that you are practical, tenacious, traditional, and serious. You are well organised and have a strong work ethic.
3. According to the US Census Bureau°, 0.001% of US residents have the first name 'Jaye' and 0.0002% have the surname 'Kremers'. The US has around 300 million residents, so we guesstimate there is only 1 American who goes by the name Jaye Kremers
My co-worker took a mental break and found out, that on average, there is only one Jaye Kremers in the United States!
:-)
I don't know how she stumbled upon it, but you type in your name and spits out some random facts. I have listed them here for you all, just in case you were wondering about the name Jaye Kremers.
Top 5 Facts for this Name:
1. 36% of the letters are vowels. Of one million first and last names we looked at, 47.7% have a higher vowel make-up. This means you are averagely envoweled.
2. In ASCII binary it is... 01001010 01100001 01111001 01100101 00100000 01001011 01110010 01100101 01101101 01100101 01110010 01110011
3. Backwards, it is Eyaj Sremerk... nice ring to it, huh?
4. In Pig Latin, it is Ayejay Emerskray.
5. People with this first name are probably: Male or female... We don't know yet. We're working on it!
Name Origin and Meaning:
Forename: Origin: Hmmm... Sorry, we don't know.
Meaning: Hmmm... Sorry, we don't know.
3 Things You Didn't Know:
1. Your personal power animal is the Kalahari Meerkat
2. Your 'Numerology' number is 4. It means that you are practical, tenacious, traditional, and serious. You are well organised and have a strong work ethic.
3. According to the US Census Bureau°, 0.001% of US residents have the first name 'Jaye' and 0.0002% have the surname 'Kremers'. The US has around 300 million residents, so we guesstimate there is only 1 American who goes by the name Jaye Kremers
10.06.2008
Two Days
Have you ever noticed that you are never tired that first day after staying up late? It's always the SECOND day.
Or how about after strenuous activity? Again, not the first day are you that sore. It's always the SECOND day.
Well, I stayed up a little late on Saturday night and now I am paying for it. I can barely keep my eyes open. I am just sitting at my desk wanting to curl up and take a nap. Think anyone would notice if I did that? Hmmm... probably. Darn.
Are there other things where this holds? Anyone know why?
On other day themed things...
3 days until I leave to visit Michigan!!! WAHOO!! Hopefully, Michigan will play a decent came of Football. Don't laugh, a girl can dream. ;-).
35 days until my 25th birthday. whoa, who turns 25?
143 days until I go to Disney World. I know that seems like a far way off, but think of all that happens between now and then. Two trips to Michigan, my birthday, Fall Retreat, Thanksgiving, Christmas... it will fly by!
Or how about after strenuous activity? Again, not the first day are you that sore. It's always the SECOND day.
Well, I stayed up a little late on Saturday night and now I am paying for it. I can barely keep my eyes open. I am just sitting at my desk wanting to curl up and take a nap. Think anyone would notice if I did that? Hmmm... probably. Darn.
Are there other things where this holds? Anyone know why?
On other day themed things...
3 days until I leave to visit Michigan!!! WAHOO!! Hopefully, Michigan will play a decent came of Football. Don't laugh, a girl can dream. ;-).
35 days until my 25th birthday. whoa, who turns 25?
143 days until I go to Disney World. I know that seems like a far way off, but think of all that happens between now and then. Two trips to Michigan, my birthday, Fall Retreat, Thanksgiving, Christmas... it will fly by!
10.01.2008
Button Down Shirts
In effort to really wear all my clothes (remember, I am on a shopping fast...), I have been digging deep into my drawers and rifling to the back of my closet.
Today, I decided to wear one of my about 10 button down shirts.
And now, I remember why I don't like them.
THE GAP. Any girls feel my pain?
And if you try to buy button down shirts that don't gap, you end up with a shirt that you could wear at six months pregnant... and well, there is no need for that.
Oh well, I'll try the rest of them and see if they all do that. I know, I know... I can safety pin the gap, but that takes effort in the morning. And if you know me, anything that requires effort in the morning isn't going to happen. I like my sleep and I sleep until the absolutely last minute.
Anyway... how else can you look professional? any suggestions? the button down shirt is probably not going to be a staple in my wardrobe. I don't like them much.
Today, I decided to wear one of my about 10 button down shirts.
And now, I remember why I don't like them.
THE GAP. Any girls feel my pain?
And if you try to buy button down shirts that don't gap, you end up with a shirt that you could wear at six months pregnant... and well, there is no need for that.
Oh well, I'll try the rest of them and see if they all do that. I know, I know... I can safety pin the gap, but that takes effort in the morning. And if you know me, anything that requires effort in the morning isn't going to happen. I like my sleep and I sleep until the absolutely last minute.
Anyway... how else can you look professional? any suggestions? the button down shirt is probably not going to be a staple in my wardrobe. I don't like them much.
9.30.2008
"A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving
I have been trying to ready more... it's working ok. I finished this book in August, and am just now getting around to writing what I thought.I picked this book up because it is my Dad's favorite book. He likes it so much that he wants everyone at his funeral to get a copy. I know, I know a little morbid, but I think that kind of recommendation speaks highly.
It took me a long time to read it, not because I didn't enjoy it, but because I didn't (and sometimes don't) make reading a priority. But, I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. There were moments where I laughed out loud (on a plane no less) and there were moments where I cried (tears streaming down my cheeks).
But, I think I enjoyed this book the most because it made me think. It made me think about my faith, my political views, etc.
Oh, and I enjoyed how he tied in everything, especially the shot. What seemed like a trivial part of the played a huge part.
It's a shame I didn't write this sooner after finishing. I'll try to do it more quickly the next time.
9.29.2008
Disney World!
Guess who is going to Disney World? That would be me!!!
Laura, my roomie, Rachel, one of my closest friends, and I booked out hotel last night. We will be staying at the Pop Century All Star Resort. I am pumped, to say the least.
We are looking for a fourth person to go, but I don't know if that will happen. No matter what... Feb 27th-March3, I'll be in Disney World. EEE!!!! I am sooooo excited. So, today, I thought I would share some memories about Disney and all the greatness it has to offer.
Well, the first memory is one I have been told about. I don't know if I actually remember it. But, anyway, my mom and dad took Ross and I many times to Disney World. Evidently the first time I ever went, when asked what my favorite ride was, I answered, "The bus!". If they had know that, my parents could have saved a LOT of money.
There is also the story floating around in Kremers legend of my younger brother, Ross, throwing a HUGE fit in the middle of the Polynesian Resort. According to this legend, we also have this on video tape somewhere. I'll have to see if I can't dig it up.
I also remember staying at Grand Floridian. It was the period in my life where I didn't have to take naps, but Ross did. I have this memory of my mom telling me to "pretend to sleep until Ross goes to sleep. Then you and your dad can go ride rides just the two of you." And, I also remember staying up really late to watch the fireworks with Dad.
In High School, my parents took us two different times. In ninth grade, I took my friend Amy with me. Do you know what I remember most from that trip? Amy having to call her boyfriend at-the-time every waking moment of the day. Oh geez... I am still rolling my eyes.
Then in 11th grade, I took my friend Heather. Talk about a much more fun time. :-)!! But, if you asked us both about this trip we would remind you of how COLD it was. We each only brought one pair of pants and one sweatshirt. It is all you have pictures of us in because we were that cold.... the whole time!
I also have gone to Magic Kingdom twice since then; once with some girls for a Bachelorette weekend and once with some girls from Duke. But this will be my first staying on the grounds in about 8 years. And, I am about to jump out of my skin with excitement!!!
I am trying to decide what my favorite ride is. And, I don't know if I could tell you. Of course the Tower of Terror at MGM is great... and so is the Rock 'n Roll Roller coaster (you listen to Aerosmith the whole time). The are the classics at Magic Kingdom: Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, The Haunted House, etc. Animal Kingdom is cool just because of what it is. Epcot has never been my favorite, but I have heard they are working to make it much better. Oh man... I can't wait!
Do you all have any fond memories of Disney World? Anyone else, like my roommate, who has never been?
9.25.2008
Financial Crisis
I will be the first to admit that finance and politics really aren't all that interesting to me. I believe that I have said it before, but I will say it again... I have lots of opinions but ultimately don't know if blaming a party is the way to go.
So, here is the article of my frustration.
Do I know who caused this financial situation?
NO.
Do I care who caused it?
Not really.
Do I think Democrats blaming Republicans and Republicans blaming Democrats is going to help?
Absolutely NOT.
Ok, so personally, I have traditionally voted Democrat. Will that always be the way I vote? I don't know. I am very middle of the road. And probably because I don't think being bipartisan or blaming each other is going to allow for change or reform. Change, in my opinion, comes from the grassroots, from people acting out the change they want to see.
I do think that there is blame in situation. Some of those who were given mortgages and loans should have never been given them in the first place. Maybe there should have been more government oversight. However, we are here now people. Where do we go from here?
I don't know. I am trying to do my part... learn how to be financially responsible for myself and for my future. I am trying to learn what it looks like to truly honor God with all of my purchases, with all that He has entrusted to me.
Maybe if we all, businesses and government included, learned how to be financially responsible and not greedy, we might be in a better place. But, then that would call for a change of heart. A change in how we all approach money and life. We live in a fallen world, and I just pray for a day when we won't have know this type of worry and suffering anymore.
Christ, teach me and us how to trust you to provide for us, even amidst the uncertainty of these times. Teach me how to live You out to others during this time. Lord, come soon! We again have proven that we are fallen and can do nothing without You. I pray for those who are now without a home and little money. May this draw them to you. I pray for those who are now worried about their fortunes. May they, too, come to know you. May be we all just turn to you rather than to our own capabilities... because those will fail us. Lord, thank you for using all things to draw us to you. Amen.
So, here is the article of my frustration.
Do I know who caused this financial situation?
NO.
Do I care who caused it?
Not really.
Do I think Democrats blaming Republicans and Republicans blaming Democrats is going to help?
Absolutely NOT.
Ok, so personally, I have traditionally voted Democrat. Will that always be the way I vote? I don't know. I am very middle of the road. And probably because I don't think being bipartisan or blaming each other is going to allow for change or reform. Change, in my opinion, comes from the grassroots, from people acting out the change they want to see.
I do think that there is blame in situation. Some of those who were given mortgages and loans should have never been given them in the first place. Maybe there should have been more government oversight. However, we are here now people. Where do we go from here?
I don't know. I am trying to do my part... learn how to be financially responsible for myself and for my future. I am trying to learn what it looks like to truly honor God with all of my purchases, with all that He has entrusted to me.
Maybe if we all, businesses and government included, learned how to be financially responsible and not greedy, we might be in a better place. But, then that would call for a change of heart. A change in how we all approach money and life. We live in a fallen world, and I just pray for a day when we won't have know this type of worry and suffering anymore.
Christ, teach me and us how to trust you to provide for us, even amidst the uncertainty of these times. Teach me how to live You out to others during this time. Lord, come soon! We again have proven that we are fallen and can do nothing without You. I pray for those who are now without a home and little money. May this draw them to you. I pray for those who are now worried about their fortunes. May they, too, come to know you. May be we all just turn to you rather than to our own capabilities... because those will fail us. Lord, thank you for using all things to draw us to you. Amen.
9.23.2008
Spending...
Good Morning Blog world.
I took the day off yesterday and it was probably one of the best decisions I made in a long time. Today I am feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world. So, watch out here I come!
On another note... my thoughts on my spending habits.
I have very bad spending habits. I mean... very bad spending habits. And what is worse... I am not very good at denying myself things. If I want it, I buy it. Without much thought either. And as you can guess, that has probably gotten me into some trouble these last couple of years.
Now, I do want to say... people, I am not in serious debt. I am doing fine.
However, if I don't get these bad habits under control, I will be in trouble.
So, what am I doing about it? Well, I am praying about it. I am telling you about it, as well as considering telling a couple of people in my life right now so that they can help me and keep me accountable.
I am also praying about maybe taking a Sunday School class at church that goes through the Crown Financial Series. I think a class just started so I may have to wait until next "semester." (can you believe that semesters still rule your life post college...)
But I am also trying to go on a spending fast. I have read about people who do these for many reasons. They seem to be very trendy right now.... you now... the American kick to not appear to be so materialistic and all.
Well, I guess I am doing my own version of it. What does it look like you ask? Let me tell you.
Of course I can buy the necessities. Food... duh. But, only what I need. Hence why no more buying soda. no more buying ice cream or candy. Just what I need to survive. Do I need that candy bar? no.
Clothing. I have plenty... so no new clothes. There are a couple of items I am allowed to buy though. If I need new undergarments, I can buy those. I am also in desperate need for a new pair of tennis shoes. The pair I am wearing now, I have had since Junior year of college... maybe earlier. It is time to retire them. But that really cute black wrap dress? no... I don't need those. What about if a really cute shirt is on clearance? No... I don't NEED it. I have how many shirts in my closet? in my drawers? no... tennis shoes. And, if I get a hole in one of my pairs of jeans I can replace them. But that is it.
Books. Nope... no new ones here either. I have plenty of books on my book shelf that need to be read first. And then after that... it is called a library. They are your friend. I will use them.
What about Scrapbooking stuff, you ask? a no go there. I have plenty of materials to play with in my drawers. So... I am going to use that stuff first. It is time to let go of the idea that I need new stuff to be creative, to be happy. What is that idea, and where did it come from? I have plenty of stuff in my apartment. Stuff that I don't ever use. It is time to discover what I have, use it and let the idea that I need to buy something disappear.
The hard part is knowing where to draw the line socially. How many times a week is too much for eating out? I feel like I go out a lot, and that is a place I need to cute down. I'll let you know what I decide about that.
Anyway... that is a small part of my plan. A spending fast, of sorts.
Let me know if you have any advice on how to make my bad habits into good ones. Change is happening. I am growing up.... slowly but surely.
I took the day off yesterday and it was probably one of the best decisions I made in a long time. Today I am feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world. So, watch out here I come!
On another note... my thoughts on my spending habits.
I have very bad spending habits. I mean... very bad spending habits. And what is worse... I am not very good at denying myself things. If I want it, I buy it. Without much thought either. And as you can guess, that has probably gotten me into some trouble these last couple of years.
Now, I do want to say... people, I am not in serious debt. I am doing fine.
However, if I don't get these bad habits under control, I will be in trouble.
So, what am I doing about it? Well, I am praying about it. I am telling you about it, as well as considering telling a couple of people in my life right now so that they can help me and keep me accountable.
I am also praying about maybe taking a Sunday School class at church that goes through the Crown Financial Series. I think a class just started so I may have to wait until next "semester." (can you believe that semesters still rule your life post college...)
But I am also trying to go on a spending fast. I have read about people who do these for many reasons. They seem to be very trendy right now.... you now... the American kick to not appear to be so materialistic and all.
Well, I guess I am doing my own version of it. What does it look like you ask? Let me tell you.
Of course I can buy the necessities. Food... duh. But, only what I need. Hence why no more buying soda. no more buying ice cream or candy. Just what I need to survive. Do I need that candy bar? no.
Clothing. I have plenty... so no new clothes. There are a couple of items I am allowed to buy though. If I need new undergarments, I can buy those. I am also in desperate need for a new pair of tennis shoes. The pair I am wearing now, I have had since Junior year of college... maybe earlier. It is time to retire them. But that really cute black wrap dress? no... I don't need those. What about if a really cute shirt is on clearance? No... I don't NEED it. I have how many shirts in my closet? in my drawers? no... tennis shoes. And, if I get a hole in one of my pairs of jeans I can replace them. But that is it.
Books. Nope... no new ones here either. I have plenty of books on my book shelf that need to be read first. And then after that... it is called a library. They are your friend. I will use them.
What about Scrapbooking stuff, you ask? a no go there. I have plenty of materials to play with in my drawers. So... I am going to use that stuff first. It is time to let go of the idea that I need new stuff to be creative, to be happy. What is that idea, and where did it come from? I have plenty of stuff in my apartment. Stuff that I don't ever use. It is time to discover what I have, use it and let the idea that I need to buy something disappear.
The hard part is knowing where to draw the line socially. How many times a week is too much for eating out? I feel like I go out a lot, and that is a place I need to cute down. I'll let you know what I decide about that.
Anyway... that is a small part of my plan. A spending fast, of sorts.
Let me know if you have any advice on how to make my bad habits into good ones. Change is happening. I am growing up.... slowly but surely.
9.22.2008
Christmas in September?
So, I was in Target the other day... doing my normal wander around the store. Seriously, I cannot get in and out of that store in anything less than 30 or so minutes. No matter where I need to go or what I need to get done... I have to wander. I wander through the Dollar Spot, the Scrapbooking area, the clearance section of the women's clothing department.
But that is neither here nor there.
Anyway... I went in the store on Friday before I went to the Jars of Clay, Switchfoot, and Third Day concert to pick up a bottle of water and shower curtain. WAIT! Don't judge the purchases. Walnut Creek will allow you to bring in a sealed water bottle. That saved me like $4 dollars. AND, the shower curtain under the blanket is genius. My blanket didn't get wet like everyone elses. :-)
Ok... so again... I digress.
As I was looking for the shower curtain I ran across the Halloween candy. No big deal... Halloween is about a month out. It is to be expected to see the Candy. But what was in the next aisle over?
Christmas stuff... Christmas lights... Christmas decorations... Christmas cards.
REALLY? Is that necessary? Is anyone thinking about Christmas yet? I am not. Heck... I am not even thinking about Halloween yet... and I am a planner, people. So now we get to lose both Thanksgiving and Halloween. Christmas really will just start in July... won't it?
Well... anyone else seen Christmas stuff yet? I hope Walmart or Kmart haven't yet broken the stuff out.
But that is neither here nor there.
Anyway... I went in the store on Friday before I went to the Jars of Clay, Switchfoot, and Third Day concert to pick up a bottle of water and shower curtain. WAIT! Don't judge the purchases. Walnut Creek will allow you to bring in a sealed water bottle. That saved me like $4 dollars. AND, the shower curtain under the blanket is genius. My blanket didn't get wet like everyone elses. :-)
Ok... so again... I digress.
As I was looking for the shower curtain I ran across the Halloween candy. No big deal... Halloween is about a month out. It is to be expected to see the Candy. But what was in the next aisle over?
Christmas stuff... Christmas lights... Christmas decorations... Christmas cards.
REALLY? Is that necessary? Is anyone thinking about Christmas yet? I am not. Heck... I am not even thinking about Halloween yet... and I am a planner, people. So now we get to lose both Thanksgiving and Halloween. Christmas really will just start in July... won't it?
Well... anyone else seen Christmas stuff yet? I hope Walmart or Kmart haven't yet broken the stuff out.
9.16.2008
Random Thoughts
*update* I thought I had lost this post earlier today... but alas Blogger thought it would be nice to me and really save this (despite it not being here this afternoon)... :-)
TRL
I don't know about you all but I can remember when TRL was just Carson Daly and a black background playing the top requested videos... then it went live and went to the studio in Times Square. I can remember being in NYC in High School and being so excited just to SEE the windows of TRL. Now sadly, it has been said that TRL is being retired... and really, I guess it is about time. 10 years!?!?! When did I get old?
Boys
There is far too much detail to go into it here... but just know that boys are STUPID. Sorry if you are from the male species and are offended by the previous statement. But from my personal experience of the last week or so... Boys are just plain stupid... don't know what they want and aren't willing to go for it.
Discipline
I am pretty sure this isn't the first time I have written about this idea before.
Discipline.
For someone who is as organized as I am at times... I truly lack discipline and even sometimes follow through. Over time, I have gotten better. Maybe I never had good work habits... school up through college (and even at times in college) came very easy for me. I could put in little to just enough work and still get good grades.
Well, now it is catching up with me! This job is CRAZY... I could work all day long seven days a week and never sleep... and still not get everything done. My Inbox is ugly... both at work and at home. My room is a mess. I feel like I am not a good friend. And it is probably because I am not the best at budgeting my time.
So, I am beginning to work on it. I am vowed not to start watching any new shows this season. I am sticking to my One Tree Hill, Road Rules/Real World Challenge, House, and that is probably it. I am giving up Grey's Anatomy, American Idol, and others. I don't need to waste my time idly in front of the TV.
Now, I just need to get home and not play on the computer...
But, what do I want to do with my free time? Lots of things. How about some goals?
-Read one new book a month
-Complete one scrapbook page a week
-Keep my room clean and picked up
-Keep my personal Inbox at "zero" messages to return
-Keep my work Inbox at less than 10
Think it is manageable? I don't know... I'll have to ask you, blog world, and my roommate to ask me how it is going.
Soda
I have a never ending battle with soda. I love the stuff... and just can't seem to manage to cut it out of my diet for more than 3 or 4 months at a time.
This time around I am trying to slowly cut it out of my diet.
September was when I stopped buying it from the grocery store (and I only slipped up once by buying a 20oz Sunkist).
October I am no longer going to buy it at sit down restaurants, or at lunch on Sundays.
Then in November, it is cold-turkey. No more soda. Anyone want to help me on that one?
Sign-off
There is still more to tell you, but I need to get back to work. But this will be the last topic for today. Sadly, on Tuesday night... my computer at home crashed. I am currently mourning the loss of it... it can be fixed, but it takes time and time is not something I have a ton of right now. Luckily, God provides in different ways and about two weeks earlier I got a laptop for work. So, I can at least use that one.
Enjoy your Thursday. Hopefully I'll be back to blog tomorrow or this weekend about my thoughts on money, budgeting and why I suck at that, too. But, also my thoughts on how to approach it differently from now on.
TRL
I don't know about you all but I can remember when TRL was just Carson Daly and a black background playing the top requested videos... then it went live and went to the studio in Times Square. I can remember being in NYC in High School and being so excited just to SEE the windows of TRL. Now sadly, it has been said that TRL is being retired... and really, I guess it is about time. 10 years!?!?! When did I get old?
Boys
There is far too much detail to go into it here... but just know that boys are STUPID. Sorry if you are from the male species and are offended by the previous statement. But from my personal experience of the last week or so... Boys are just plain stupid... don't know what they want and aren't willing to go for it.
Discipline
I am pretty sure this isn't the first time I have written about this idea before.
Discipline.
For someone who is as organized as I am at times... I truly lack discipline and even sometimes follow through. Over time, I have gotten better. Maybe I never had good work habits... school up through college (and even at times in college) came very easy for me. I could put in little to just enough work and still get good grades.
Well, now it is catching up with me! This job is CRAZY... I could work all day long seven days a week and never sleep... and still not get everything done. My Inbox is ugly... both at work and at home. My room is a mess. I feel like I am not a good friend. And it is probably because I am not the best at budgeting my time.
So, I am beginning to work on it. I am vowed not to start watching any new shows this season. I am sticking to my One Tree Hill, Road Rules/Real World Challenge, House, and that is probably it. I am giving up Grey's Anatomy, American Idol, and others. I don't need to waste my time idly in front of the TV.
Now, I just need to get home and not play on the computer...
But, what do I want to do with my free time? Lots of things. How about some goals?
-Read one new book a month
-Complete one scrapbook page a week
-Keep my room clean and picked up
-Keep my personal Inbox at "zero" messages to return
-Keep my work Inbox at less than 10
Think it is manageable? I don't know... I'll have to ask you, blog world, and my roommate to ask me how it is going.
Soda
I have a never ending battle with soda. I love the stuff... and just can't seem to manage to cut it out of my diet for more than 3 or 4 months at a time.
This time around I am trying to slowly cut it out of my diet.
September was when I stopped buying it from the grocery store (and I only slipped up once by buying a 20oz Sunkist).
October I am no longer going to buy it at sit down restaurants, or at lunch on Sundays.
Then in November, it is cold-turkey. No more soda. Anyone want to help me on that one?
Sign-off
There is still more to tell you, but I need to get back to work. But this will be the last topic for today. Sadly, on Tuesday night... my computer at home crashed. I am currently mourning the loss of it... it can be fixed, but it takes time and time is not something I have a ton of right now. Luckily, God provides in different ways and about two weeks earlier I got a laptop for work. So, I can at least use that one.
Enjoy your Thursday. Hopefully I'll be back to blog tomorrow or this weekend about my thoughts on money, budgeting and why I suck at that, too. But, also my thoughts on how to approach it differently from now on.
8.04.2008
I need to read more!
Admittedly, I have been reading more in the last month than I have in the last year... but for someone who once read everyday for hours on end (granted I was a kid who didn't work), this just isn't enough. But... I am working on it. I am cutting down on the TV time (yea!) and ramping up the reading and scrapbooking (one of these days maybe I'll post some pictures of my favorite layouts).
Anyway, here is a fun list I found. It seems that there is a statistic somewhere saying that most adults have only ever read 6... I find that hard to believe because I would say you were forced to at least read 10 of these in school. But, anyway... here is how I fared:
Here’s how it works:
1) Look at the list and bold those you have read.
2) Italicize those you intend to read.
3) Mark in red the books you LOVE.
4) Reprint this list in your blog
1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte- it was recently recommended to me... I'll give it a try
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling- If you know me, you know I have read this, a million times (and listened to it on CD)
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee- I'd like to read this again since I read it in 8th grade and probably didn't have a grasp on all it offered
6 The Bible - I haven’t read all of it, I admit, but would like to someday
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman - maybe, I'll have to think about reading them
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott- I read this some much as a child... LOVE IT!
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare - don't ever plan to read all of them... but I'll watch them on stage, if you force me to
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger - another that I want to revisit now that I am an adult.
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell - never read it and don't plan too... the movie was bad enough (and normally I don't judge books by movies and visa versa, but this one... it was painful!)
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck - forced to in AP English... man it was over Christmas break and was AWFUL! But, the grayness of the book was the point, I think...
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis- I have only read the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe... shoot me... but I do plan on reading all of them
34 Emma - Jane Austen
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis - Why is this on here if the Chronicles are also on here?... but it is a favorite now that I am older... CS Lewis is a genius!
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne- is it sad I didn't know the show/movies were based on a book? maybe I did know this... but where have I been living not to know this?
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell- twice, once in Middle School and once in High School
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meany - John Irving- just finished it; I really liked it.
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker -
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett- as a kid I started this about 10 or 15 times and never finished... maybe one day I'll get through it
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White- as a kid, how could you not have read this classic?
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare- if the complete works is on here, why single one out? But no, I don't plan on reading it... Shakespeare is painful people.
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl- my second grade teacher read us all of Dahl's books after lunch each day.
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo- probably not... seems to daunting.
18 of the 100... not the best ever, but I at least beat the statistic. However, there are a good number I plan on reading someday. Too bad I have about 100 million books on the "to read" list. Its a good thing I like it! And it has to be healthier for me than the TV. :-).
Hope all of you are reading something you enjoy today!
Anyway, here is a fun list I found. It seems that there is a statistic somewhere saying that most adults have only ever read 6... I find that hard to believe because I would say you were forced to at least read 10 of these in school. But, anyway... here is how I fared:
Here’s how it works:
1) Look at the list and bold those you have read.
2) Italicize those you intend to read.
3) Mark in red the books you LOVE.
4) Reprint this list in your blog
1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte- it was recently recommended to me... I'll give it a try
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling- If you know me, you know I have read this, a million times (and listened to it on CD)
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee- I'd like to read this again since I read it in 8th grade and probably didn't have a grasp on all it offered
6 The Bible - I haven’t read all of it, I admit, but would like to someday
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman - maybe, I'll have to think about reading them
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott- I read this some much as a child... LOVE IT!
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare - don't ever plan to read all of them... but I'll watch them on stage, if you force me to
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger - another that I want to revisit now that I am an adult.
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell - never read it and don't plan too... the movie was bad enough (and normally I don't judge books by movies and visa versa, but this one... it was painful!)
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck - forced to in AP English... man it was over Christmas break and was AWFUL! But, the grayness of the book was the point, I think...
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis- I have only read the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe... shoot me... but I do plan on reading all of them
34 Emma - Jane Austen
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis - Why is this on here if the Chronicles are also on here?... but it is a favorite now that I am older... CS Lewis is a genius!
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne- is it sad I didn't know the show/movies were based on a book? maybe I did know this... but where have I been living not to know this?
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell- twice, once in Middle School and once in High School
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meany - John Irving- just finished it; I really liked it.
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker -
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett- as a kid I started this about 10 or 15 times and never finished... maybe one day I'll get through it
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White- as a kid, how could you not have read this classic?
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare- if the complete works is on here, why single one out? But no, I don't plan on reading it... Shakespeare is painful people.
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl- my second grade teacher read us all of Dahl's books after lunch each day.
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo- probably not... seems to daunting.
18 of the 100... not the best ever, but I at least beat the statistic. However, there are a good number I plan on reading someday. Too bad I have about 100 million books on the "to read" list. Its a good thing I like it! And it has to be healthier for me than the TV. :-).
Hope all of you are reading something you enjoy today!
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