Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts

Best Friends Forever: Jennifer Weiner

>> October 2, 2010

I have a thing for Jennifer Weiner books. I have to be in the mood, that girly, la-di-da... almost like a summery feeling to read them, but I like them.

The latest one I read when we went camping last month, its called Best Friends Forever

The book is about two former best friends, that I had sort of, lost their friendship at the end of high school. It's been 10 years since then, and when some crazy stuff goes down at their reunion, they are able to find their way to each other, and to the friendship they once had.






I really liked it. Y'all should check it out.


What are you currently reading?



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Tonight..

>> July 27, 2010

I'm not feeling too hot. I don't know if its the heat {probably} or the stress to get so much stuff done {likely} or the fact that Auntie Flo will be here in a few days {awww.. that's it}, but I've just got that nauseous, dizzy, tummy ache thing going on. It's not fun  I thoroughly enjoy it {NOT!*}

So tonight..

This is what I am doing..

Watching this..






and reading me new book...

I've only read the Prologue so far, and I LOVE it. But that shouldn't surprise considering this is one of my absolutely favorite books.






*Yelling "NOT!" at the end of a sentence that you mean sarcastically, completely proves that you grew up in the 90's. Guilty as charged. Move along.


What do you do when you don't feel well? 



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Why do you live... ?

>> July 2, 2010

SOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!

Voldemort: Why do you live?

Harry: Because I have something to live for!



ONLY I CAN LIVE FOREVER ~ Voldemort

OHH yeah.







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Say You're One of Them

>> January 26, 2010

I loved this book. Loved it.


Say You're One of Them, by Uwem Akpan


What it is, is a collection of different stories, from children's points of view, on their lives in Africa.


I got interested in this because of the attention it drew from both Anderson Cooper from CNN, and Oprah; but then with finals, and starting a new job, I didn't finish it until recently. But, it was well worth the wait, I would definitely recommend it.


So, at least that adds to my 50 books in 2009-2010 list, eh? Only 25 more to go.

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The Lost Symbol

>> October 9, 2009

I was so excited for The Lost Symbol release in September. I picked it up on the day that it was released, and started reading it the day of. However, I just barely finished reading it. I haven't had any time! And frankly, it wasn't as exciting and fabulous as I thought it was going to be. Oh well. I still think Angels and Demons was better than the Da Vinci Code, but both of those books were better than The Lost Symbol.

And this brings up the fact, that yes, I am deeply behind on my 50 books in 2009 goal. Shoot! I'm hoping that I can catch up. Here's my list as its gone so far..

  1. Sarah's Key, by Tatiana de Rosnay: LOVED it! Very educational, and an altogether really good book.
  2. Dispatches from the Edge, A Memoir of war, disasters and survival, by Anderson Cooper: might just be my favorite book now, but I do love me some Andy.. any day.
  3. Veil of Roses, by Laura Fitzgerald: very good book, interesting view of the United States and Iran.
  4. The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kid . I loved this story of Southern Life. I also really enjoyed the movie. However, as it usually goes, the book tops the movie.
  5. 1984, by George Orwell. I still am not sure how I feel about this book. I can see how it has influenced many other things I love, i.e.: The Matrix, V for Vendetta. (V for Vendetta the book is on my to read list!) But yeah. Not so sure I'd read it ever again.
  6. Holly Would Dream, by Karen Quinn. Anyone that loves Audrey Hepburn will enjoy. :)
  7. In Her Shoes, by Jennifer Weiner: Awesome book! See blog post here.
  8. Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot: I'm really loving these girly books.. what does that say about me? There are 2 more in this series, I am going to get them next week! Yay!
  9. 3 Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortensen. Good guy, good idea, but was really hard for me to stay interested..
  10. Cote D'Ivoire, by Patricia Kumer
  11. Aya, by Margarite Abouet ~ I read both Cote D'Ivoire, and Aya for my Cote D'Ivoire presentation for my French class. I actually liked Aya's graphic novel-esque setup. Never really read a graphic novel all the way before.
  12. The Muslim Next Door: the Qur'an, the Media, and that Veil Thing by Sumbul Ali-Karmali: this is an AWESOME book that is super helpful in understanding the world around you, and how Islam really is.
  13. My Sister's Keeper
  14. Michelle Obama, In Her Own Words by Lisa Rogak. I love Michelle Obama.
  15. Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld.
  16. Pretties, by Scott Westerfeld.
  17. Extras, by Scott Westerfeld.
  18. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (reread)
  19. Essentials of International Relations by Mingst (for school)
  20. Essential Readings for International Relations by Mingst (for school)
  21. Social Work Policy (for school)
  22. Parallèles (for school: en français)
  23. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown.
  24. Le Petit Prince (in progress)

Eek.. 26 more books to go..

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Alice!

>> July 22, 2009

The trailer leaked early.. so if this video gets removed, mine apologies, but I am so excited!

March 5, 2010 ~ Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland

"Alice. You're terribly late you know. Naughty."
~ The Mad Hatter, Johnny Depp

Awe, I love Johnny..



Must buy book with next paycheck. I must. I must.

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Uglies

Has anyone out there read the books, Uglies and Pretties by Scott Westerfeld? I really like it!! It kind of reminded me of The Giver.. and The Host. Sorta sci-fi, fantasy-ish, with a touch of political activism hidden motives. I like it. I like it.


















Now I just need to go get the last book in the trilogy, Specials, and the follow up book Extras!

Part The Lottery, part The Matrix, and part The Wave, Uglies is the first of a trilogy that shouts from the rooftops of literature why Westerfeld is a master of his genre. If Uglies isn't considered for a Hugo for 2006, then either Westerfeld got robbed or this will just have been an uncommonly good year for science fiction output. The pinnacle of speculative fiction for teen readers that does more than deliver pulse-pounding adventure but also forces introspection into the way we perceive ourselves and others.

~ excerpt of a review from The Trades
PS: Yes, I know these are made for teens, but did you ask if I cared? Cause I don't. :: wink ::

That's Number 13 and 14 on my 50 Book Challenge list (and the 2 more from the series will make me at 16). Slowly approaching the goal.

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Sarah's Key

>> July 9, 2009

This last Christmas, Amanda gave me Sarah's Key, a really good book by Tatiana de Rosnay. I loved it. Its a very fast-moving, suspenseful, yet historical, interesting book that centers in present France, as well as the 1940's war stricken France. I really loved the book. And the author, Madame Rosnay, is a really nice lady. I am friends with her on Facebook and Twitter.

Now,
I'm excited, because Sarah's Key is being made into a movie. How cool is that? See the Sarah's Key blog here, for more information. Apparently, they are filming this Summer and Fall, and the movie should be released sometime next year. Yay!

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Michelle Rocks

>> June 1, 2009

This country is suffering from an empathy deficit. If you don't have it in you to be able to walk in another person's shoes, it's going to be difficult for us to move through these problems. What we need as a country is to start caring for one another in a very deep and fundamental way.

~ Michelle Obama
July 9, 2007

I have been reading a book of Michelle Obama quotes, and I love it. I really do admire her, and am proud that we have such a great role model for all women. She's awesome. The book is entitled Michelle Obama, In Her Own Words.

I'm getting a little behind in my Reading goals, click here for my full list.

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New Harry Potter trailer!

>> April 25, 2009



Yay! I'm so excited!

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Fling off Thy Sadness!

>> April 1, 2009

I have been reading a lot lately. I got into a few girly~girly novels, and read one of them in just one day! So I have updated my 50 Books in 2009 list again. I've read 11 books now. I'm slowly creeping towards my goal. I hope I can really make it! Eek! At the rate I'm going, I don't know if it will work. Guess we will see. I think since I'm taking the Summer off from school I will have more time to read books and catch up.

Today is April 1st, and it still snowed here most of the day!!! WTF?! So not cool! Its like some sort of April Fools joke, by the Weather Guru or something. I don't know! But it better stop. This poem is perfect for today:

"Awake, thou wintry earth -
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!"
- Thomas Blackburn, An Easter Hymn
Tomorrow is The Grand Opening at The Rack. I hope there's not too many people! Ick. I worked at the Sugar House Rack on Saturday. It was interesting. I got to go with Lindsey from work, and she's pretty awesome, so it was good. I'm glad it was her I got to go with. The manager of that store, Bridget, took us out to a cafe nearby, and paid for our food. Way nice. The actual manager of the Accessories department was totally weird though. Our actual manager from the Sandy Rack called while we were on break and wanted us to call her back, the manager at Sugar House told us not to! She's like "oh, we need you to keep working, don't call her back." WHAT? So so strange. Yeah, here, let us disobey our actual manager, sure that makes sense..


I finally watched MILK the other day with Ashley, my sister. I can't believe how crazy this world is! WHY do some people think they are so important, and that they are so great and religious and wonderful, and think it is their right to belittle people that are "below" them!?!? I don't understand. It made me so mad.. and sad.. and happy that we are actually getting somewhere in the Gay Rights struggle. BUT at the same time, I was like dude! there was a proposition (Prop 6) that had similar arguments to Prop 8, and people are still so super bigoted?! Guess we haven't changed that much. I mean, Prop 6 was almost thirty years ago!! Ah, it just amazes me. My sister wrote more about the whole struggle, and the crazy woman, Anita Bryant that was the voice for the Religious Right during the movement. Click here for her blog post about it. All in all it was a good movie, and I am glad that it was made. We all need to be reminded of the different struggles for equality in this imperfect country.

In other current events, the G-20 starts tomorrow in London. I hope that people will protest for their causes peacefully, so that their voices can be heard, and not be overshadowed by not-needed violence and disruption. Although, I would love for someone to be like HEY Why didn't anyone arrest al-Bashir when he traveled out of The Sudan to Qatar, this past week?! Argh.

But the best news of today, I don't know if I said anything recently but I have been talking to my adviser at school about doing an Internship next Spring for my Social Work degree. It will get me so much closer to graduating. Well, last Wednesday, an opportunity came up in New Delhi. I thought it was a total long shot, but I thought what the hell, I'll apply. My adviser called me this afternoon to tell me I got in. So I will be in New Delhi, India from January 2010 to April 2010! Wahoo!! I've always wanted to go to Delhi! Now we're just trying to get my sister over there doing something, so we can go together. I'm so excited!
Just Kidding! APRIL FOOLS! :)

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In Her Shoes

>> March 26, 2009

Has anyone read In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner? I started reading it yesterday, and haven't really been able to put it down! I read over 200 pages in one sitting. Oops.



I remember wanting to see the movie, with Toni Collette and Cameron Diaz, but I never did. Now , once I am done reading it tomorrow or Saturday, I am going to have to rent the movie. Yay.

I'm still working on Three Cups of Tea but the book kind of drags. Its hard for me to fully get into. I think what he did is amazing and I love it, but I guess I'd rather not read the day-to-day minuscule details about climbing mountains, and all of the crazy details that worked against him in doing it. I don't know. I think it might just be better as a movie, not a book. I heard they might be doing that. Anyway, that's my progress on my 50 Books in 2009 Goal. I also checked out more books at the Library, since I seem to always get to school too early (amazing, right?) and need something to do, so I've been reading. These are the books that are next:

The first two are Graphic Novels.. Anyone like those? I can't decide what I think. At first I was like, oh, (disappointed sounding), V for Vendetta is a graphic novel? But then I started looking at it, and I kind of like it. And Aya, is by an author from Côte D'Ivoire, which I have to do a report on, in French for my French class, so I thought it might be interesting. We will see, we will see.

Yup. :) Exciting I know.. I just realized how boring that must be to read about. Oh well, its Thursday:

This must be Thursday, I never could get the hang of Thursdays.
~ Douglas Adams, British comic

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Mixed Fortunes

>> March 16, 2009

I have always really liked fortune cookies. I know that they can be cheesy, and I know that they are used over and over and over again at many places ~ especially where I most often go, Panda Express. But, I still like them. I think they are fun, and really, you can find meaning in the same fortune at different times, where it applies to you. Maybe its my way of getting some sort of forecast while I enjoy my Mandarin Chicken. Yum.


I've received these two fortunes in the last few months, and being a crazy that I am, have held on to them in my wallet. I really like them, maybe they're my version of Inspiration.

It has been nice the past week working at the Rack. Obviously, it is not my most favorite thing to do, and being that I have to go back to work tomorrow, and work everyday until Saturday, its not going to stay exciting for very long. However, it is nice to feel productive, and to know that my hard work will bring me some money. Because, unfortunately, I have yet to get the fortune cookie that says Plant this seed and a money tree will grow. I have merchandised some pretty awesome things at The Rack so far. I really want to buy everything . But I won't. Maybe just one or two small things. There's this cute bright green wallet that I want, that is only like $12, probably much more in my price range than the $230 Juicy Couture handbag that I covet. I should really buy more scarves, belts, and vests though, since we have to wear 3-piece outfits. Still not completely sure what that means. Guess I will find out when the store opens.

I have decided not to goto school this upcoming semester. Bummer, I know. I might be able to sign up for the one Statistics class that I need to take, but I am not sure. I really wanted to be able to get my Associates this August, but now I am thinking maybe I don't need to get the Associates, and I can just keep working towards my Bachelors. It makes more sense money wise to work full time this summer, and take more classes in the fall. We'll just have to see what exactly happens I guess. I should still be able to get my Bachelors either by December 2010, or May 2011. Which, sounds sooo far away, but one step at a time, right?*

I am slowly plodding towards my goal of reading 50 books in 2009. I just finished Holly Would Dream, by Karen Quinn, it was a fun book. The author, and the main character, are very obsessed with Audrey Hepburn. The book had something like 127 Audrey-inspired happenings. Which, was fun because I think I recognized quite a few of them, thanks to my own Audrey obsession, but even I got a little annoyed sometimes. Anyway, I felt like I needed to read a book that was going to be a light, fun read, instead of some of the harder books I have been reading. I tried to read the Poisonwood Bible, but sadly, I couldn't really get into it, it was so boring! Now I am reading Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. I have wanted to read this for a long time, and kept almost buying it at Target, but now I finally got it from the Library. I also just heard about a book called, The Muslim next door, the Qur'an, the Media, and that Veil Thing, by Sumbul Ali-Karamali, I am going to go get this new book from the Draper Library today, and it is next on my list.

* Unless there is some Millionaire out there, reading my very entertaining blog that wants to loan me some money (although, I accept cash presents as well).

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Je pense..

>> March 10, 2009

Bullets. I like bullets. As long as they are on a computer screen.. Guns are bad - but we will leave that for another time. On to some bulleted ramblings.

  • On Friday piece of shit Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir kicked out THIRTEEN HUMANITARIAN AID GROUPS OUT OF SUDAN. because he was so pissed off about his arrest warrant being issued by the ICC a few days prior (see blog post here). I am so mad! If you want to sign the International Rescue Committee's petition to the United Nations about al-Bashir's actions, click here: http://ga3.org/campaign/aid_sud.
  • Then as if that wasn't enough, he toured the city of El Fashir, the capital of Sudan's Darfur region... He makes my blood boil!
  • Proposition 8 is being re-thought about in the California State Supreme Court. They are attempting to overturn the ridiculous proposition that barely passed last November. The argument is one I agree with: The Majority should never be allowed to take rights away from the Minority and call it "democracy."
  • I finally watched the Oliver Stone movie W this week. Josh Brolin did such an awesome job at playing President George W. Bush! The movie was good, the plot was interesting ~but I really think my favorite part was how they were able to imitate all those famous faces so well! My favorite was definitely "dubya" but after that Condie Rice and Cheney were pretty good too.
  • Speaking of Mr. awful former Vice President Cheney, he is on CNN this weekend on State of the Union with John King. Should be very interesting.
  • I know it has been said a lot.. and my opinion is probably obvious to everyone who knows me, but all I have to say is Rush. Limbaugh. Seriously?!?!? He makes me SOOO nauseous!
  • I also watched Body of Lies this weekend. It was really good. I love me some Leonardo DiCaprio. Russell Crowe.. not so much. But I guess that is why I was so suspicious of his character during the entire movie. It was very interesting though. That, and Eagle Eye, remind me of each other. Sometimes I'm like WOW we really have that much surveillance? That is actually kind of neat. And then I think of 1984, which I just read a few weeks ago and think.. Oh no..
In happier news. I am so excited for American Idol's Top 13 tonight!

* Je pense = "I think" in French*

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Dr Pepper is Heaven

>> February 7, 2009

I haven't written in awhile. At least, not really written with updates and information on my life; just with little tidbits and lists here and there. So, I thought on this Saturday morning I would start by babbling. Babbling is one of those things.. I do best ;) haha.

A week and a half ago or so, I went and saw KITE with Kim at the University of Utah. It was a very interesting film, and I really liked it. It focuses on life with an ever changing border - between Lebanon and Israel. They have a Middle East Center at the University, and they are sponsoring Middle Eastern films there, about once a week, that is open to the public for free. This is how we saw KITE. It was fun, I hope to do it again and go see another one of the films. They are also having discussions and workshops as well, there is one about Middle Eastern Women that I really want to go to. After the movie, Kim and I went to Lunaberry on 4th South. It was really good! I had never been there before, and Kim was right, the crepes are really good! And they have funky French music playing. I like it.


Right after seeing the film with Kim, I got sick. Yuck. My dad and I both had the flu, and Tim was sick too, but I'm not really sure if he really got what we had because he was only sick for a day or two. So yuckie. I still have the stupid cough and am really tired. I hate being sick. However, having so much "down time" and not wanting to go around and get everyone sick, it gave me a lot of time to read my books and really make a dent in my 50 book project. I managed to finish Anderson Cooper's Memoir, which I LOVED. It was really fun to kind of "get in his head" and see things from his point of view. I loved me some Anderson before, but now its even worse. I'm sure I'm driving my sister crazy with my "Yeah, and did you know.. ?" comments of random Anderson Cooper trivia. Oh well.Link
I also read Veil of Roses, by Laura Fitgerald; and The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kid. I enjoyed both books. Quite a lot. Veil of Roses is about an Iranian girl that has escaped having an arranged marriage so far by going to University in Tehran, but now she is done with her studies, and will need to get married soon. Her parents are able to get her a passport and one-way ticket to visit her married sister in Arizona. She has three months to find a husband, and get married, so that she never has to go back to the oppressive "Revolutionized" Iran. It was more of a fun read then a cultural one, but I did enjoy seeing Victoria Secret and Starbucks through the eyes of Tamila in the book.

The Secret Life of Bees.. I loved! It was so good! I really need to go rent the movie now that I have read it. The story is really good, it's during the 1960 Civil Rights movement in South Carolina. I really liked it, it was one of those feel good, southern books. Almost reminded me of Fried Green Tomatoes.

Being sick also kept me from going to my first day of Tutoring with The IRC, which is a bummer. But I am excited for this week! We are going to have a Valentine's Day themed party, and teach the kids about collages. I am excited. I wonder if I can take pictures of the kids. Hmmm.

I don't talk about my Daddy very much. BUT I do have to mention that my daddy loves me. Haha. A couple of days ago my dad was going to go pick my brother up something to eat at KFC. He asked me if I wanted anything and I asked for chicken fingers; and then I was like "OOOH! I want a fountain drink! Will you get me a Dr Pepper?" (anyone who knows me.. knows I love me some fountain drinks! They are so MUCH better than from the can or bottle!). Anyway, so my dad said yeah he'd get me the drink and went on his way. When he came home he had two drinks in his hand, one from KFC, and one from the gas station. They didn't have Dr Pepper at KFC and he had gone to the gas station to get me a Dr Pepper fountain drink! How nice is that?! I love my daddy.


In other news, my Grandma Jean is home! I am so excited. I haven't seen her yet, or much really this week, I didn't want to get her sick so I stayed away! My whole family has been pretty sick with different things, (my mom had a bad bout of asthma too), so we haven't really visited much. I think my extended family is mad at us for this, but I would really rather not see Grandma and have her not get sick and them mad at me, than the other way around!! My Uncle and his wife.. ~ sigh ~ BUT that's not the point, family drama will always be just that: drama. But my Grandma is home now and that just makes me so much happier. I HATED seeing her in the Nursing Home. It made me sad every time. She didn't belong there. Sure she has some problems, and needs a lot of assistance right now, but she's still very much there "upstairs."

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50 Book Challenge List

>> January 26, 2009

As I talked about in this post: I love to Read I have decided to do the 50 book challenge this year. I have never done any of the book challenges I have seen other bloggers do, so this is a new experience for me. Here is the beginnings of my list..I will be adding to it periodically, as I finish the books and reach for the goal, to read 50 Books in the year 2009. Any suggestions for books are welcomed. ;)

  1. Sarah's Key, by Tatiana de Rosnay: LOVED it! Very educational, and an altogether really good book.
  2. Dispatches from the Edge, A Memoir of war, disasters and survival, by Anderson Cooper: might just be my favorite book now, but I do love me some Andy.. any day.
  3. Veil of Roses, by Laura Fitzgerald: very good book, interesting view of the United States and Iran.
  4. The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kid . I loved this story of Southern Life. I also really enjoyed the movie. However, as it usually goes, the book tops the movie.
  5. 1984, by George Orwell. I still am not sure how I feel about this book. I can see how it has influenced many other things I love, i.e.: The Matrix, V for Vendetta. (V for Vendetta the book is on my to read list!) But yeah. Not so sure I'd read it ever again.
  6. Holly Would Dream, by Karen Quinn. Anyone that loves Audrey Hepburn will enjoy. :)
  7. In Her Shoes, by Jennifer Weiner: Awesome book! See blog post here.
  8. Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot: I'm really loving these girly books.. what does that say about me? There are 2 more in this series, I am going to get them next week! Yay!
  9. 3 Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortensen. Good guy, good idea, but was really hard for me to stay interested..
  10. Cote D'Ivoire, by Patricia Kumer
  11. Aya, by Margarite Abouet ~ I read both Cote D'Ivoire, and Aya for my Cote D'Ivoire presentation for my French class. I actually liked Aya's graphic novel-esque setup. Never really read a graphic novel all the way before.
  12. Michelle Obama, In Her Own Words by Lisa Rogak. I love Michelle Obama.
  13. Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld. I can't wait to read the next 3 books in the series!!
  14. Pretties, by Scott Westerfeld.






I am excited. I have a lot of books written on my "to read list", both old and new, classic, and not so much.

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I love to READ

>> January 11, 2009


I just signed up for www.goodreads.com, a few friends had been talking about it, and Ardie sent me an invitation. I am already a member of www.livingsocial.com, where you can track your books and things (I first discovered it on Facebook). However, I don't LOVE living social, so I thought hey why not, I'll try Good Reads. I still haven't decided what I think but I have decided that I want to do a challenge this year that a blogger friend of mine: Marg, is doing. Where you track 50 books that you read in 2009. I challenge all of you to it. :)

Here's the beginning of my list..
1. Sarah's Key, by Tatiana de Rosnay: I am almost finished with it, and I am completely hooked! I would highly recommend it. Amanda gave it to me for Christmas because she's awesome like that. The book follows a Journalist as she investigates a real life incident that happened in Paris in 1942, during the Nazi occupation known as Vel d'Hiv. It's crazy and heartbreaking.. but also a really good book. I think once I am finished I will write a post about the Vel d'Hiv.

So, as you can see.. I have a lot of room left on my list, but we all have to start somewhere right? I am open to suggestions, if anyone can think of some favorite books that they love, or new ones that are awesome, I would love to hear about it. As I was looking at the books on Good Reads, I realized I haven't read some of the very classic books. Like Animal Farm, or 1984. I think I will read those next.

Here's a link to me on Good Reads. And on Living Social. Check it out ;)

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"Made in China" makes me nauseous

>> December 30, 2008

Today, I decided to write a post about why I don't like China. After writing about Sudan, like a week ago, I was like "man, I need to tell everyone why I don't like China. People probably think I'm mean." However, I DO have reasons to not like them, but I also have reasons to like China. For instance, I love Chinese food, I really do. I'm not so sure how much I would love it in actual China though, since they have a lot of fish and things I wouldn't like (besides, I suck at chopsticks). I still remember when my friend, Carmen, thought it was hilarious when she ordered CHICKEN FEET one day and I was completely disgusted by it! That's another thing I like about China, it is where my friend Carmen was born, and I like my Carmen. Haha. Except that she is from Hong Kong... and that's different. (right?)

However, the reasons I can't stand China, overwhelmingly outweigh the reasons I like it. China offers very cheap labor, and strict-and sometimes nonexistent - labor laws, so many corporations go to China to have their products made for cheaper. I personally don't think that this should be allowed in the United States.. these products to be allowed to be made overseas, with less than perfect standards on not only work conditions such as child workers' ages, as well as no regulation for work shifts, and dirty conditions; but also because of the National Security risked by these products. It is not right that there have been so many breaches in recent years. Remember all the pets that died because of the tainted pet food with the common nauseating sticker of "Made in China"? or the lead paint found in toys, where some children died and many more became seriously ill! That is not okay, to risk America's children and loved ones to such dangers. Moreover, more recently, the baby formula crises in China, killed many infants because the workers were trying to make the formula stretch further - to make a better profit, those babies DIED because of money. Fortunately, none of it made its way to the United States, but still! These were innocent children.

I am a big supporter of the Endangered Species Act, and the prevention of poaching and illegal fishing. I don't believe that just because something tastes good, or is a traditional medical treatment, that it is okay to kill animals that are endangered. I believe in respecting the animals. I am not a vegetarian by any means, I believe in eating protein ;) but I don't understand why many people in China are adamant about killing certain animals, such as bears. This is uncalled for, and makes me really sad. It is going t be awful to have to explain to my Grandchildren that there used to be certain bears and wildlife, but they were pointlessly killed. I don't understand that.

Speaking of Oil.. I am now to the issue that probably pulls at my heartstrings the hardest: Darfur. I don't blame China for the fighting. I don't blame China for the killing directly. There were problems and issues in The Sudan long before China had any interest in the area. However, the part I don't understand, is the Chinese government is well aware of what is going on in Darfur now, and they have yet to join the forces with many in the International Community to try and stop it. I don't even care if they never have any interest in Sudan again. I just want them to leave. I want them to stop buying Sudan's oil, because by buying the oil from the corrupt Sudanese government, they are literally fueling the crises. And not only are they continuosly buying the oil, but they are rumored to be providing modern strategic weapons to BOTH SIDES of the conflict. How great is that? Unfortunately, China has their hand in many conflicts on the African continent. It does not stop in the Sudan.

But again, why should I be surprised? I know how China is when it comes to provinces in their own land, think: TIBET. Remember those protesting monks, and how the Chinese guards trounced on them in March? That was great, wasn't it? It was kind of reminiscent of Tiananmen Square. What is it about Tibet that the Chinese need to hold on to? What's in it for them??? (I want to know this answer.. I will find it, one of these days!)

Sigh.. China, China, China. They also ruined one of my favorite things: The Olympics. I have to give it to them though, they had a really awesome Opening and Closing Ceremony in Beijing, it was awesome. Nevertheless, what was up with them cheating when it came to ages I mean, did you see those gymnasts? There was no way that some of those girls were any older than 12. And I could go off about why didn't the IOC find anything in their research, and blah blah blah, but I won't. And i won't go into how there were also rumors about the divers' ages too. I really just don't understand it. Why would you cheat? Especially when it was held on your home stage? Many Chinese viewed Beijing 2008 as a great way of welcoming the world to their land, to showing off the wonder of it. In many ways, I think they succeeded. I still want to walk on the Great Wall, and I still really love Disney's Mulan. I just don't understand how they can be so ruthless. What happened to honor?

To rap up my very long ramblings (OOPS! Sorry!) I would like to say just one more thing. Lin Hao, the very awesome little boy that walked with Yao Ming during the Opening Ceremony in Beijing. He was a little hero during the Sichuan Earthquakes, I think that what he did was very heroic, and very awesome, and perhaps, just maybe gives me a little hope for the future of China. Maybe it's not all bad, Right?

This is why... "Made in China" makes me nauseous.

Maybe I should read this book: A Year Without "Made in China": One Family's True Life Adventure in the Global Economy

Disclaimer: in no way do I blame the Chinese people. I have friends that are Chinese.. I just have some issues with their government. Which, I have issues with my own government as well.. so no need to feel bad.

For an interesting read also check out this article: China's year of tumult and triumph, from BBC News, published Dec 26th of this year.

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24 Things

>> December 23, 2008

I decided, that I am a list person. And, now that I have been 25 for one week, I have decided that 24 was a good year, and before I get too old 
and senile, I am going to write a list of things I accomplished when I was 24. 


So here we go.. 24 Things I did when I was 24 - in no particular order of course.

  1. I started this AWESOME blog.
  2. I then got addicted to writing this here blog.
  3. I learned how to properly fold Macy's textiles - very important.
  4. I got snowed on in JUNE. 
  5. Became VERY obsessed with Barack Obama
  6. I almost crashed on a plane while landing in Amsterdam, in The Netherlands.
  7. I moved back in with the parentals - and started sharing a room with my sister!
  8. I saw LOTS of aminals at Yellowstone.
  9. I got hit on by a German-Italian waiter in Berlin - who then gave us free Fanta.
  10. Got mocked by a Turkish-German man in Potsdam - who then gave me a free Döner.
  11. Planned to move out of the country.. 
  12. Then fled from a Crazy Germany family - on a train - by myself.
  13. Realized how much I truly need people to remain sane.
  14. Especially my sister, Ashley and my brother, Timmy-kins.
  15. I was involved in planning a huge literary event.
  16. I dressed as my true self for Halloween - A HIPPY!
  17. Volunteered at a big fancy Charity Gala - where I was in the room as they wrote checks for millions and millions of dollars!
  18. Voted for David Cook at least a thousand times. Yahoo!
  19. Was BITTEN by the Twilight Saga
  20. And was then pissed off and disappointed by Breaking Dawn.
  21. I visited Lagoon three times
  22. Listened to former-President George H.W. Bush and German Chancellor Angela Merkel speak at the re-dedication of the U.S. embassy in Berlin - on July 4, 2008.
  23. Worked a long 15 hour day at a poll center on Election Day.
  24. Plugged along in school - even when I wanted to strangle my Grant Writing professor.

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Twenty five, Vingt-cinq, Veinte cinco, Zwanzig fünf

>> December 16, 2008


Today, is my Birthday. Yahoo. I am 25 years old and it feels really strange. I don't feel like I am 25.. I don't feel like it's been SEVEN years since I turned 18 and became an adult. Eek. But at the same time, I see people that are 17 and 18 years old and I'm like "awe, they're such cute little naive kids" so I guess that means something. Right?

I think part of the problem with not feeling 25 is that I work in retail right now, and still haven't finished my Bachelor's. Life is funny like that, when I was 18 I would have been offended if anyone would have suggested that I wouldn't have it all done by now. However, I thought I was going to be a Nurse too, and that sure didn't work out. I'm not a fan of bodily functions, adult diapers, or death.

The other problem.. is probably that no one believes I am 25. Which, everyone says is a good thing, yaddah yaddah. But it's kind of annoying! I don't want you to think I'm 30, but when I get mistaken for 19 or 20, that offends me. So I'm 25 okay?! A lady at work the other day was telling me how her son is 17, and I "would really like him" I was like neat? And then I realised what she meant, so I was like "waiiit a second, how old do you think I am?" eek. She thought I was 20. I did have my glasses on though, and my eyes were retarded that day (hence the glasses I hate), so not a lot of eye makeup either.. so that was my Rationalization. But still. Makes me really want to go buy some "older looking" glasses. Whatever that means. Maybe I should buy some cat eyes.

So, since it's my birthday, I thought I'd look up my Personality Profile for what someone born on December 16 is supposed to act like. Well.. here it is. I got two versions because the one seemed so negative. Even if a lot of it is true, I needed positive too. Here is the positive one, from the New York Post.

December 16, 2008

A Mars-Neptune aspect on your birthday this year will fire your imagination and encourage you to express your artistic side. You don't have an artistic side? Oh yes you do, and it's time you did something with it. Aim to be extraordinary - always.

and the not as happy one, from this website:

A December 16 Sagittarius is extraordinary. They have a disciplined nature and can live on little, as long as they can express their inner fire. Blessed with an artistic temperament, they understand that success equals creative accomplishment, not money. They have much wisdom.

Sagittarius Information for December 16
You should embrace:
Impartiality, organization, social skills

You should avoid:
Destructive habits, poor judgment, ruthlessness

Friends and Lovers
It's not easy to be a friend to December 16 people. They have a habit of pushing people away, especially when they need help most. They refuse to accept the code of conventional behavior -- few people are as true to their own nature. They have an intense love nature and may prefer abstinence if no one special is in their lives. I think I am a pretty good friend, most of the time. :(

Children and Family

As children, these people never felt they fit in and may have developed a bad self-image. Later, they draw strength from their uniqueness. Because they don't want their children to experience the same difficulties, they can be strict and rule-conscious. I don't think this is true..

Health
December 16 people are not particularly concerned with health. They're even more stubborn if they have a health condition! They don't care to be told how to behave, even by a doctor. When they do exercise, it's usually done for emotional rather than physical reasons.

Career and Finances
December 16 men and women are usually drawn toward creative enterprises, though they may work at their talent for years while making a living at a job that means nothing but a paycheck. They have the good sense not to believe that money equals success.

Dreams and Goals
People born on this day live in a world of their making. They are not preoccupied with goals; they listen to their intuition rather than to conventional wisdom. They have high expectations for their talent yet let it develop at its own pace.

So there we have it people. A little something about me.. that I wasn't aware of. Haha. I was actually really into the whole Astrology once-upon-a-time, like Sophomore year of high school. Just ask Jihyei, she bought me one of those every day Calendars for my birthday that year. One of the coolest things about my Birthday is one of my favorite authors and I share the same Birthday. It must be fate or something. Eh? Jane Austen was born December 16, 1775. I love her Pride and Prejudice.. and Sense and Sensibility. Maybe that's what I should watch today, to celebrate our shared Birthday, instead of studying for my final. Finals shouldn't be anywhere near Birthdays. Yuck!!

A person who can write a long letter with ease, cannot write ill.
~ Jane Austen

So, today my "Teaser Tuesday" will be about Pride and Prejudice. My favorite part of the book is when Elizabeth's father says,

"An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. --Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never you again if you do."

It's from Chapter twenty, and I really like it. It shows how Elizabeth's father 'gets her' and her mother is all about money. And that's just annoying! AND the actor that plays Mr. Collins on ANY version of Pride and Prejudice is so ugly, and greasy.. yuck. That doesn't do anything for him. Maybe if he was cuter, it'd be a different story.. but really Mr. Darcy wins. Wahoo.

Happy Birthday to me.

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