Monday December 19th was just like any other Monday. I didn't want to wake up, I didn't want to get the kids ready for school or go to work but since I'm an adult, I did what I had to. I was completely fine all day. Work was work, house work was house work and helping the kids with their homework was all par for the course. I made the fam dinner and had a meeting at church. The meeting was just like the rest of my day, fine. After the meeting, I came home and sat down to eat dinner with a book. About 10 minutes into dinner and my book, a headache struck like lightning. I'm a pro at headaches and realized immediately that this one was going to be a doozy. It was so bad that I didn't even take care of my dinner plate, I just popped three Tylenol and laid down. This is when things get crazy and hazy and not so good. Maybe 30 minutes later I woke up and realized that I had gotten sick. My poor husband, on the couch watching football and absolutely oblivious, didn't realize that this was just the beginning of his life of drudgery and nursing his sick wife. Immediately I started shaking so badly that I could barely speak. Jimmy acted fast and had both the ambulance and my best friend on their way to our house.
The ambulance ride was surreal. I knew I was sick, I knew it was bad and yet I could barely focus on the here and now at the time. I was so cold, it felt like I was never going to get warm again. The EMT was baffled because my skin felt cool to the touch but the thermometer kept saying my temp was 102. This was just the beginning of my medical mysteries. Note to self: baffling medical professionals never turns out well for the patient. Or their insurance company. At this point, all I wanted was to get warm again and go home. I knew what the ER held in store. I couldn't bend my head to my chest and that meant a spinal tap. I had been tested once, several years ago, for meningitis and it was a very unpleasant memory.
If possible, I started to get even worse once I arrived at the hospital. I was so ill that Jimmy overheard a nurse saying they were going to treat me like a chemo patient and automatically put me on antibiotics. This made the spinal tap results almost pointless because once I was on antibiotics, they wouldn't be able to grow a bacterial culture if it was indeed bacterial meningitis. Still, they forged ahead with the spinal tap and apparently, I was a guinea pig for the ER resident. He made three separate attempts to get fluid and caused a leak of spinal fluid in the process. They ended up having to send me to radiology to have a spinal tap done with an Xray. At this point, my mental facilities were almost gone. While I was getting the first three spinal taps, I started to lose my ability to speak. I didn't recognize my husband. Eventually, I became unresponsive. By about 2:30 that morning, they had moved me to ICU and put me on oxygen.
Jimmy spent that night pacing and praying and hoping that I would open my eyes and talk to him. Sadly, for his sake, Tuesday brought no good news and if anything, my condition worsened. The hospital staff wasn't able to tell him if I would even make it.....
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Medical Adventures
Someone (my family physician actually) recently told me that I should write a book about the medical journey I've been on in the last few months. I laughed at her and wondered to myself, "Who on earth would want to read about my medical drama?". Isn't it enough that the poor souls on my Facebook have been subjected to it day in and day out as I whine and moan about the newest development? I've shared this story with numerous doctors, hospital staff and nurses. I've shared it to a group of high school leaders at my church. I've talked about it for what seems hours on the phone to my friends and family, my coworkers and church members. I've emailed the story. Haven't I spewed enough? Now mind you, this comment was made a few weeks ago and now it has had time to stew in the back of my mind. Maybe it would be therapeutic for me to vent it all in one spot. Maybe some other person is suffering through something similar to what I've gone through in the past two months and this could encourage them. Heaven knows I could have used some encouragement when there seemed to be no end to the pokes, prods, problems and tests. And maybe, just maybe, I could get it all out of my system.
So in honor of the fact that my life has been like a House episode for the last two months, I've decided to resurrect my blog yet again. This poor, forgotten meme has been sitting out in cyberspace, ignored for over a year. I trot it out when I feel like being witty, or trying my hand at writing and promptly forget about it when life gets, as it is prone to do, very busy. I haven't worked in almost two months due to this illness, so I have plenty of time on my hands at the moment. In fact, I have so much time on my hands that I am tired of reading, tired of watching tv and tired of living what I had supposed would have been a life of pure leisure. Over the next few days as my meningitis story unfolds, maybe someone will see the story and realize that they are not suffering alone. Or maybe no one will read it and it will just be a spot for me to salve my wounds and work out the tangled knot this has made in my heart and mind. Either way, it ought to be interesting.............
So in honor of the fact that my life has been like a House episode for the last two months, I've decided to resurrect my blog yet again. This poor, forgotten meme has been sitting out in cyberspace, ignored for over a year. I trot it out when I feel like being witty, or trying my hand at writing and promptly forget about it when life gets, as it is prone to do, very busy. I haven't worked in almost two months due to this illness, so I have plenty of time on my hands at the moment. In fact, I have so much time on my hands that I am tired of reading, tired of watching tv and tired of living what I had supposed would have been a life of pure leisure. Over the next few days as my meningitis story unfolds, maybe someone will see the story and realize that they are not suffering alone. Or maybe no one will read it and it will just be a spot for me to salve my wounds and work out the tangled knot this has made in my heart and mind. Either way, it ought to be interesting.............
Sunday, February 6, 2011
God's blessings
A few weeks ago, my husband would have told you that I was a flaming shrew. The combination of a currently high stress job, being back in college with actual homework, gymnastics, youth group and my own two children who struggle with homework, my own bible study/mentor meetings and I was ready to tear my hair out. It was only going to take one small thing to send me over the edge...
.....it was a poorly painted wall that did it. Frantic to finish the back room, I demoted my husband from painter and took over. For some reason, in all the painting we've done in the last few years, we still do not have a stepladder. So here I was, standing on a very unstable and rickety stool trying to paint near the ceiling. This, after a few early birthday drinks with some friends (and btw Mark, thanks for that shot of liquid cocaine....nasty), does not a good combination make. My lovely husband is quite protective of me and did not want me on the stool. I was not, of course, listening to reason and it lead to an argument. About how I absolutely HAD to finish painting because it was the one thing I could control. Jimmy said.....wait for it.....that I sounded just like my mother. Now that's something no woman wants to hear. And it certainly did nothing to improve my frantic mood.
Later that night though, that little comment gave me much food for thought. And my comment leading up to that was a definite eye opener. Who was I to think that I could control anything??? It was apparent that I was trying to do this all on my own. Silly Meghan. You would have thought that I would have learned this lesson by now. Over and over again I try to assert my dominance over my own situation, my own destiny. And over and over again, God gently reminds me that He has the reins. You would think that since I'm a reasonably smart woman, I'd have caught on by now. Properly chastened, I bowed my head in obedience to the only One who can carry me through anything.
Let me just tell you how He has blessed me since then. We had a blizzard. I might have been one of the few people that found that to be a blessing but it was, in a huge way. My class was canceled on Tuesday night and she gave us no homework for the week so that freed my week up. Then, my hubby & I got a snow day from work on Wednesday due to the weather conditions. A full day to chill with no homework to do?!?! Yes please! I was able to catch up on laundry and read whatever I wanted to read to my little hearts content. It has been a very relaxed week and I am very thankful to God for it. I know Jimmy is certainly thankful that his wife is no longer a psycho termagant.
Next week, it's back to the grind but I will be going back to it with a renewed heart and spirit. I know that with God, all things are possible. Even facing down the 5th graders homework on prime factorization in both expanded and exponential notations.
.....it was a poorly painted wall that did it. Frantic to finish the back room, I demoted my husband from painter and took over. For some reason, in all the painting we've done in the last few years, we still do not have a stepladder. So here I was, standing on a very unstable and rickety stool trying to paint near the ceiling. This, after a few early birthday drinks with some friends (and btw Mark, thanks for that shot of liquid cocaine....nasty), does not a good combination make. My lovely husband is quite protective of me and did not want me on the stool. I was not, of course, listening to reason and it lead to an argument. About how I absolutely HAD to finish painting because it was the one thing I could control. Jimmy said.....wait for it.....that I sounded just like my mother. Now that's something no woman wants to hear. And it certainly did nothing to improve my frantic mood.
Later that night though, that little comment gave me much food for thought. And my comment leading up to that was a definite eye opener. Who was I to think that I could control anything??? It was apparent that I was trying to do this all on my own. Silly Meghan. You would have thought that I would have learned this lesson by now. Over and over again I try to assert my dominance over my own situation, my own destiny. And over and over again, God gently reminds me that He has the reins. You would think that since I'm a reasonably smart woman, I'd have caught on by now. Properly chastened, I bowed my head in obedience to the only One who can carry me through anything.
Let me just tell you how He has blessed me since then. We had a blizzard. I might have been one of the few people that found that to be a blessing but it was, in a huge way. My class was canceled on Tuesday night and she gave us no homework for the week so that freed my week up. Then, my hubby & I got a snow day from work on Wednesday due to the weather conditions. A full day to chill with no homework to do?!?! Yes please! I was able to catch up on laundry and read whatever I wanted to read to my little hearts content. It has been a very relaxed week and I am very thankful to God for it. I know Jimmy is certainly thankful that his wife is no longer a psycho termagant.
Next week, it's back to the grind but I will be going back to it with a renewed heart and spirit. I know that with God, all things are possible. Even facing down the 5th graders homework on prime factorization in both expanded and exponential notations.
Friday, January 28, 2011
What to do on a Friday night........
when you have kids and just had to spring for a rear brake job on the fam-mobile?
Well some people might make a nice big dinner and then play games like Monopoly or Sorry with their family.
Others might curl up with a good book.
Our family....well we clean on Friday nights. And do dishes, laundry, and whatever other chores might have been left undone during our busy week. And then I make a homemade pizza, toss it in the oven while surfing the net and the hubs scratches away at his vinyl. As the one glass of Moscato turns into two or three, we might even dance to Madonna's La Isla Bonita or Deee-Lite's Groove is in the Heart while the rugrats giggle at what dorks their parents are. Ahhh the joys of family living.....
Well some people might make a nice big dinner and then play games like Monopoly or Sorry with their family.
Others might curl up with a good book.
Our family....well we clean on Friday nights. And do dishes, laundry, and whatever other chores might have been left undone during our busy week. And then I make a homemade pizza, toss it in the oven while surfing the net and the hubs scratches away at his vinyl. As the one glass of Moscato turns into two or three, we might even dance to Madonna's La Isla Bonita or Deee-Lite's Groove is in the Heart while the rugrats giggle at what dorks their parents are. Ahhh the joys of family living.....
Thursday, January 27, 2011
There and back again.....not a Hobbit's tale
As if I didn't have enough on my plate....I spent my last few days contemplating bringing my blogging back up to speed. Since I am back in college now...and I am in a writing class, what better way to practice right? Only on my blog, I can write about whatever I want, in any fashion I choose and in any length that I want. So there! I assert my ability to control at least one form of writing in my life. Heaven only knows "the man" is controlling the rest at the moment.
So what to blog about? How about the fact that I'm miserably sick and wishing to take another day off work tomorrow but won't because I swear I have some inherited-Catholic-guilt thing going on? Or maybe about my partially made meatloaf loafing about on the counter waiting for the eggs that my shopping-challenged husband is out to procure? Or possibly about the homework that I'm procrastinating on? Even better, how about the fact that we are going to have a joyous weekend bonding with an angsty teen who just can't understand why everyone is mad at her for failing her freshman year in high school?
......on second thought, maybe I'll just go back to the couch and my newest book instead.
So what to blog about? How about the fact that I'm miserably sick and wishing to take another day off work tomorrow but won't because I swear I have some inherited-Catholic-guilt thing going on? Or maybe about my partially made meatloaf loafing about on the counter waiting for the eggs that my shopping-challenged husband is out to procure? Or possibly about the homework that I'm procrastinating on? Even better, how about the fact that we are going to have a joyous weekend bonding with an angsty teen who just can't understand why everyone is mad at her for failing her freshman year in high school?
......on second thought, maybe I'll just go back to the couch and my newest book instead.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Absence.....
Wow, I've been gone for a very long time. A slacker, that's what I am! I've always thought that my life started speeding by once I had kids and now I'm convinced that it goes by even faster, the older they get. The summer is already more than halfway over and it hasn't even felt like summer at all. Gotta love Michigan weather. That being said, I'm definitely ready for the advent of actual autumn. I'm ready for football, fires, manicotti and our annual trip to Traverse City. I'm also ready for school to start. Ani and I were window shopping for school stuff today while we were waiting for her prescription to be filled and we are both looking forward to school shopping this year.
I really need to make an effort to keep up on this blog...and on my book reviews. Really. I'm going to :)
I really need to make an effort to keep up on this blog...and on my book reviews. Really. I'm going to :)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
What my name says about me
Thanks to Diane for this interesting link: http://www.kabalarians.com/index.cfm
I also do not believe in kabala but this is pretty interesting. I'd be curious to see how they came up with it.
· Your first name of Meghan has given you a responsible, expressive, inspirational, and friendly personality.
· Expression comes naturally to you and you are rarely at a loss for words; in fact, you have to put forth effort at times to curb an over-active tongue.
· Self-confidence has made it easy for you to meet people and you are well-liked for your spontaneous, happy ways.
· You sincerely like people and do not often experience loneliness; your work and home-life are likely filled with association You enjoy music and could have a fine singing voice; however, the study could be somewhat difficult because you do not find it easy to apply yourself to concentrated study for long periods.
· In this respect, this name is not altogether constructive; it creates a somewhat scattering influence which makes it difficult for you to finish what you start.
· This name brings disappointments and emotional involvements through being too sympathetic and easily influenced.
· As a result of your active nature, you have an appetite for quick-energy foods, which you could consume to excess.
· Health weakness appear as skin conditions, or as ailments relative to the liver.
I would definitely concur with having a problem curbing my overactive tongue as well not often finishing what I start. Yep, in general, this pretty much describes me.
I also do not believe in kabala but this is pretty interesting. I'd be curious to see how they came up with it.
· Your first name of Meghan has given you a responsible, expressive, inspirational, and friendly personality.
· Expression comes naturally to you and you are rarely at a loss for words; in fact, you have to put forth effort at times to curb an over-active tongue.
· Self-confidence has made it easy for you to meet people and you are well-liked for your spontaneous, happy ways.
· You sincerely like people and do not often experience loneliness; your work and home-life are likely filled with association You enjoy music and could have a fine singing voice; however, the study could be somewhat difficult because you do not find it easy to apply yourself to concentrated study for long periods.
· In this respect, this name is not altogether constructive; it creates a somewhat scattering influence which makes it difficult for you to finish what you start.
· This name brings disappointments and emotional involvements through being too sympathetic and easily influenced.
· As a result of your active nature, you have an appetite for quick-energy foods, which you could consume to excess.
· Health weakness appear as skin conditions, or as ailments relative to the liver.
I would definitely concur with having a problem curbing my overactive tongue as well not often finishing what I start. Yep, in general, this pretty much describes me.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Weekly Wrap-Up
WEEKLY WRAP-UP
10/06/08-10/12/08
Weather: Mostly perfect fall weather with a weekend that was like an Indian Summer, in the middle 70's and sunny.
Sunday sermon: Pastor Kyle did an amazing job as usual, discussing how we move forward in our walk of faith. He described the process as starting with getting to know Christ, then accepting him and so on, until you become completely Christ-centered.
Life lessons: That life is short and it throws us curveballs but if we rely on God, everything will be ok.
Favorite meal(s): Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn & rolls
Treasured moments: My kiddos "taking care of me", a quiet weekend at home with my family.
Talked with: My parents, my friends & my Uncle
Things I read: Finished Doesn't She Look Natural? and started The Thirteenth Tale
Things we watched: Harry Potter, Bones, a few Gangland episodes, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and football
Places we went: ER, doctor's offices, more hospitals, grocery shopping, Detroit and church
Blessings: I've been blessed with good friends and a wonderful family
Challenges: Not stressing things that I have no control over
Family happenings: A diagnosis of Chiari Malformation for me Tuesday night in the ER which was followed by doctor visits and an MRI.
10/06/08-10/12/08
Weather: Mostly perfect fall weather with a weekend that was like an Indian Summer, in the middle 70's and sunny.
Sunday sermon: Pastor Kyle did an amazing job as usual, discussing how we move forward in our walk of faith. He described the process as starting with getting to know Christ, then accepting him and so on, until you become completely Christ-centered.
Life lessons: That life is short and it throws us curveballs but if we rely on God, everything will be ok.
Favorite meal(s): Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn & rolls
Treasured moments: My kiddos "taking care of me", a quiet weekend at home with my family.
Talked with: My parents, my friends & my Uncle
Things I read: Finished Doesn't She Look Natural? and started The Thirteenth Tale
Things we watched: Harry Potter, Bones, a few Gangland episodes, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and football
Places we went: ER, doctor's offices, more hospitals, grocery shopping, Detroit and church
Blessings: I've been blessed with good friends and a wonderful family
Challenges: Not stressing things that I have no control over
Family happenings: A diagnosis of Chiari Malformation for me Tuesday night in the ER which was followed by doctor visits and an MRI.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
A night in the ER
I spent Tuesday night in ER which was definitely not fun. I was given a CT scan and new diagnosis that I was not expecting. Instead of blogging here with that drama, I've created a new blog for it.
http://megscmipage.blogspot.com/
http://megscmipage.blogspot.com/
Monday, October 6, 2008
Honeymoon
Yes, I am a slacker. I've FINALLY gotten around to getting some of our honeymoon pictures organized and I thought I would post a few here.
Here is the view from the top level of CityWalk at Universal Studios.
Jimmy with Jaws at Universal Studios
Jimmy at Universal Studios
Me at Universal...obviously
Jimmy at the Luau
Here is the view from the top level of CityWalk at Universal Studios.
Jimmy with Jaws at Universal Studios
Jimmy at Universal Studios
Me at Universal...obviously
Jimmy at the Luau
This was a fire eater at the Luau Jimmy & I went to on our first night in Orlando. This guy was amazing! He even rested the fiery ends of the batons on the soles of his feet. OUCH!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Thursday Thirteen #7
13 Things that prove God blessed me with an amazing husband
1. He does dishes
2. He does laundry
3. He cleans the kitchen
4. He mops floors
5. He (and this is a VERY important thing here!) has become a true father to my children and he's wonderful at it! He loves the kids just like they were his own.
6. He waits on me hand and foot if I'm not feeling well.
7. He constantly tells me how much he loves me and he shows it too
8. He would take care of all the stressful things in life if I let him
9. He cleans toilets!
10. He always asks for my opinion
11. He (and here is another extremely important thing) has brought me so much closer to God in my walk of faith, it's amazing.
12. He watches chick flicks with me
13. He loves me for me...really! He loves me if I put on an extra 10 pounds, or get a bad haircut. He loves me no matter what.
1. He does dishes
2. He does laundry
3. He cleans the kitchen
4. He mops floors
5. He (and this is a VERY important thing here!) has become a true father to my children and he's wonderful at it! He loves the kids just like they were his own.
6. He waits on me hand and foot if I'm not feeling well.
7. He constantly tells me how much he loves me and he shows it too
8. He would take care of all the stressful things in life if I let him
9. He cleans toilets!
10. He always asks for my opinion
11. He (and here is another extremely important thing) has brought me so much closer to God in my walk of faith, it's amazing.
12. He watches chick flicks with me
13. He loves me for me...really! He loves me if I put on an extra 10 pounds, or get a bad haircut. He loves me no matter what.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Word-Filled Wednesday
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
Psalm 103:8
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin
I am a picky reader. By this I mean, I may love a genre, but certain types of books in that genre do not appeal to me. I love a good fantasy novel. My favorite fantasy novels are generally urban fantasies and my least favorite is the very in depth, intricate fantasy (for an example, I have never been able to finish The Silmarillion by Tolkien). So when I picked up Magic Lost, Trouble Found, I wasn't sure where it would fall on the spectrum. Three days later, after putting it down only for necessary reasons (i.e. work, sleep & kids), I can tell you that it's a keeper. Magic Lost, Trouble found is a very well written, fast paced fantasy novel that will definitely remain on my "to read again" shelf. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series.
The main character, Raine, is a witty, kick butt sorceress of mediocre talent. I love the whole cast of characters in this book and I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions. Raine finds herself as the very unwilling keeper of a beacon that will lead her to a very dangerous artifact. I don't want to give too much away for those of you who might read this book. If you like fantasy and humor, I highly recommend Magic Lost, Trouble Found. Now I'm off to find the second book......
Magic Lost, Trouble Found
Lisa Shearin
A
The main character, Raine, is a witty, kick butt sorceress of mediocre talent. I love the whole cast of characters in this book and I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions. Raine finds herself as the very unwilling keeper of a beacon that will lead her to a very dangerous artifact. I don't want to give too much away for those of you who might read this book. If you like fantasy and humor, I highly recommend Magic Lost, Trouble Found. Now I'm off to find the second book......
Magic Lost, Trouble Found
Lisa Shearin
A
Friday, September 26, 2008
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
First, let me say that I am not a big fan of murder mysteries. In fact, the only ones I do read are the ones by Rita Mae Brown with Sneaky Pie Brown and JD Robb. So, in truth, I wasn't prepared to enjoy this book much but I figured that it wasn't actually a challenge if I didn't read anything that challenged me. Not so amazingly, I did enjoy the book. Hercule Poirot is a neat, amusing little character. He reminds me of the character, Sidney Wang (played by Peter Sellers) in Murder By Death. The book was well written and very easy to read. I loved how Christie kept me guessing until the very end. I admit, as is my habit, I had already predicted several suspects. Then, as the book would go on, I'd change my mind. Again and again. I don't want to give any spoilers so I won't say much more, but I will concede to all of those murder mystery lovers out there....Agatha Christie was very skilled at her chosen genre. I may even check out a few more of her books in the future.
Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie
B
Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie
B
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Simply Divine by Wendy Holden
Here was another quick read (I wonder if this says anything about my attention span?) that was light, funny and relatively predictable. I am a big fan of chick lit, primarily because I don't have to think while reading it and it almost always has a happy ending. This book did not disappoint on either front.
Poor Jane has a typical chick lit existence with her rather useless (and then nonexistent) boyfriend, her dead-end job, her concern over her weight and her crummy flat. The icing on the rotten cake is when she gets saddled as a sort of a ghost writer for Britain's newest, brashest and most obnoxious socialite, Champagne D'Vyne. The story follows Jane as her life goes through its various ups and downs. A lot of the book isn't very realistic (i.e. Jane getting dumped via phone by her live-in boyfriend and it's barely a blip on her radar), but this is chick lit and who expects realism from that?
This is a cute, popcorn fluffy type read that would be perfect on the sort of day where you've forgotten your purse at home, spilled coffee on yourself, accidentally hung up on a customer and then gotten a speeding ticket on your way home.
Simply Divine
Wendy Holden
B-
Poor Jane has a typical chick lit existence with her rather useless (and then nonexistent) boyfriend, her dead-end job, her concern over her weight and her crummy flat. The icing on the rotten cake is when she gets saddled as a sort of a ghost writer for Britain's newest, brashest and most obnoxious socialite, Champagne D'Vyne. The story follows Jane as her life goes through its various ups and downs. A lot of the book isn't very realistic (i.e. Jane getting dumped via phone by her live-in boyfriend and it's barely a blip on her radar), but this is chick lit and who expects realism from that?
This is a cute, popcorn fluffy type read that would be perfect on the sort of day where you've forgotten your purse at home, spilled coffee on yourself, accidentally hung up on a customer and then gotten a speeding ticket on your way home.
Simply Divine
Wendy Holden
B-
Seal Island by Kate Brallier
First, I will start by admitting that I am already on my third book for the Fall into Reading challenge. I just wasn't sure how the reviews were done so I wanted to wait until I saw one on someone else's page. :) Yes, this means that I read WAY too much. I know, it's an addiction. To be fair though, the first three have been very easy reads. That being said, on to the review....
This was an extremely quick read that didn't require much, if any, thought at all. The writing style itself was extremely repetitive. I stopped counting how many times the author used the word lugubrious after I hit eight. Brallier definitely went overboard on the adjectives. Beyond the writing, the plot itself was fairly predictable. The big "surprise" was obvious to me within the first few chapters and I already knew "whodunit" well before I reached the end. All in all, I wouldn't recommend this book and it's not likely to encourage me to search out any of the author's other works.
Seal Island
Kate Brallier
D
This was an extremely quick read that didn't require much, if any, thought at all. The writing style itself was extremely repetitive. I stopped counting how many times the author used the word lugubrious after I hit eight. Brallier definitely went overboard on the adjectives. Beyond the writing, the plot itself was fairly predictable. The big "surprise" was obvious to me within the first few chapters and I already knew "whodunit" well before I reached the end. All in all, I wouldn't recommend this book and it's not likely to encourage me to search out any of the author's other works.
Seal Island
Kate Brallier
D
Thursday Thirteen #6
13 Movies I loved as a kid
1. Dunderklumpen
2. Murder by Death
3. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
4. Return to Oz
5. ET (now I can't stand the movie!)
6. The Explorers (bought this movie as an adult and cannot remember for the life of me why I liked it in the first place!)
7. The Pirate Movie
8. The Hobbit
9. McClintock
10. Ghostbusters
11. Jungle Book
12. Cinderella
13. The Goonies
1. Dunderklumpen
2. Murder by Death
3. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
4. Return to Oz
5. ET (now I can't stand the movie!)
6. The Explorers (bought this movie as an adult and cannot remember for the life of me why I liked it in the first place!)
7. The Pirate Movie
8. The Hobbit
9. McClintock
10. Ghostbusters
11. Jungle Book
12. Cinderella
13. The Goonies
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Word-Filled Wednesday #4
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but
Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
Monday, September 22, 2008
Weekly Wrap-Up
WEEKLY WRAP-UP
09/15/08-09/21/08
Weather: Lots of warm, but not too warm, and sunny weather
Sunday sermon: This was the final sermon in the Getting Political series and it was war and its biblical perspective. Pastor Wayne did a great job as usual and he gave me a lot to think about in terms of the upcoming election.
Life lessons: That friends are the family that I get to choose and that they can lift me up if I just let them.
Favorite meal(s): Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn and rolls
Treasured moments: Saturday afternoon with my kids, Small Group on Sunday night, going over my son's first graded quizzes. He got an A- on his spelling test! A B+ and a B- on his math quizzes and an A on his geography!
Talked with: My parents, my small group members
Things I read: The bible, Frankenstein, Change of Heart
Things we watched: Fringe, Bucket List, Waitress, Gangs of New York and Igor
Places we went: Dance, swim, church, small group, the movies, shopping
Blessings: I've been blessed with good friends and a wonderful family
Challenges: Letting go and leaving God in charge of ALL of my life
Family happenings: Ani's dance class, Aidan's swim lessons, an outing to the movies to see Igor, Small Group
09/15/08-09/21/08
Weather: Lots of warm, but not too warm, and sunny weather
Sunday sermon: This was the final sermon in the Getting Political series and it was war and its biblical perspective. Pastor Wayne did a great job as usual and he gave me a lot to think about in terms of the upcoming election.
Life lessons: That friends are the family that I get to choose and that they can lift me up if I just let them.
Favorite meal(s): Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn and rolls
Treasured moments: Saturday afternoon with my kids, Small Group on Sunday night, going over my son's first graded quizzes. He got an A- on his spelling test! A B+ and a B- on his math quizzes and an A on his geography!
Talked with: My parents, my small group members
Things I read: The bible, Frankenstein, Change of Heart
Things we watched: Fringe, Bucket List, Waitress, Gangs of New York and Igor
Places we went: Dance, swim, church, small group, the movies, shopping
Blessings: I've been blessed with good friends and a wonderful family
Challenges: Letting go and leaving God in charge of ALL of my life
Family happenings: Ani's dance class, Aidan's swim lessons, an outing to the movies to see Igor, Small Group
My Fall into Reading 2008 List
Since I'm completely addicted to reading, my list is 20 books long. :) Here's to hoping I haven't bitten off more than I can chew!
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie-I've never been big into murder mystery type books but I recently read a fictional book club book in which they read this and it actually seemed pretty interesting. I've never seen the movie either so I won't know the ending, which I hear is a surprise.
Dracula by Bram Stoker-I've recently realized that there are several classics out there that I have neglected to read and I need to remedy that. Considering it's fall and near Halloween, I thought I would go with Dracula. I've seen the movie in its many incarnations but I've never picked the book up.
(The Keep by Jennifer Egan-This is not a horror novel but it seems like it will be another good Halloween read with its gothic environment and creepiness. I've never read any Egan but I'm trying to expand my repertoir. I tend to find an author I love and then read all of their books. )*
The Shack by William P. Young-I'm definitely intrigued by this one....it is based on the diary of the author which he then fictionalized. It's about his journey to God.
The Queen's Bastard by C.E. Murphy-I've read all of Murphy's other books (see above, about falling in love with an author) and this one seems like it will be right up my alley. It's supernatural mixed in with court intrigue.
Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin-Fantasy, a weakness of mine.
Seal Island by Kate Brallier-This one is a mystery/love/supernatural story.
Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult-I love her writing and the fact that she takes such controversial topics and makes you look at every side of them. She can make you feel pity for the supposed "bad guys" and anger at the "good guys". I'm trying to finish all of her books (again, see above).
Beyond Left & Right: Helping Christians Make Sense of American Politcs by Amy Black-Our pastor recently recommended this book while doing a series on voting biblically.
Chocolat by Joanne Harris-I'm sad to admit that I've never read this or seen the movie.
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield-I picked this one up from the library before because I always love a good ghost story, but somehow I never had the time to read that. It's time to remedy that.
Imaginary Men by Anjalii Banerjee-A well rounded reading list for me always needs to have some chick lit on it!
Doesn't She Look Natural? by Angela Hunt-And one step better than chick lit is Christian chick lit.
Finding Anna by Christine Schaub-This is the first in a music series where Schaub gives a story behind certain hyms. This is based on one of my favorite hymns, It is Well with my Soul.
Gods and Kings by Lynn Austin-This is a fictionalized account of the Old Testament.
Simply Divine by Wendy Holden-British chick lit.
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry-A little bit of love, a little bit of suspense. It takes place in Salem, MA.
The Beach House by Jane Green-Green is another one of the authors that I have fallen in love with.
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff-This is a ficitionalized account of one of the many wives of Brigham Young and how she devoted her life to destroying the Mormon leader.
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke-A young adult fantasy novel....it has always been on my list to read but it was recently moved to the top when I took my kids to the movies this weekend and saw that it has been made into a movie that will be coming out in January.
If you are interested in seeing what everyone else is reading, or in joining yourself, check it out: http://www.callapidderdays.com/2008/09/fall-into-reading-2008-time-to-read.html?showComment=1222089300000#c5547571690504590999
*I've removed The Keep from my list. I got about 80 pages in and I just could not force myself to go any further. I'm going to replace it with the second book in the Raine series by Lisa Shearin, Armed & Dangerous.
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie-I've never been big into murder mystery type books but I recently read a fictional book club book in which they read this and it actually seemed pretty interesting. I've never seen the movie either so I won't know the ending, which I hear is a surprise.
Dracula by Bram Stoker-I've recently realized that there are several classics out there that I have neglected to read and I need to remedy that. Considering it's fall and near Halloween, I thought I would go with Dracula. I've seen the movie in its many incarnations but I've never picked the book up.
(The Keep by Jennifer Egan-This is not a horror novel but it seems like it will be another good Halloween read with its gothic environment and creepiness. I've never read any Egan but I'm trying to expand my repertoir. I tend to find an author I love and then read all of their books. )*
The Shack by William P. Young-I'm definitely intrigued by this one....it is based on the diary of the author which he then fictionalized. It's about his journey to God.
The Queen's Bastard by C.E. Murphy-I've read all of Murphy's other books (see above, about falling in love with an author) and this one seems like it will be right up my alley. It's supernatural mixed in with court intrigue.
Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin-Fantasy, a weakness of mine.
Seal Island by Kate Brallier-This one is a mystery/love/supernatural story.
Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult-I love her writing and the fact that she takes such controversial topics and makes you look at every side of them. She can make you feel pity for the supposed "bad guys" and anger at the "good guys". I'm trying to finish all of her books (again, see above).
Beyond Left & Right: Helping Christians Make Sense of American Politcs by Amy Black-Our pastor recently recommended this book while doing a series on voting biblically.
Chocolat by Joanne Harris-I'm sad to admit that I've never read this or seen the movie.
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield-I picked this one up from the library before because I always love a good ghost story, but somehow I never had the time to read that. It's time to remedy that.
Imaginary Men by Anjalii Banerjee-A well rounded reading list for me always needs to have some chick lit on it!
Doesn't She Look Natural? by Angela Hunt-And one step better than chick lit is Christian chick lit.
Finding Anna by Christine Schaub-This is the first in a music series where Schaub gives a story behind certain hyms. This is based on one of my favorite hymns, It is Well with my Soul.
Gods and Kings by Lynn Austin-This is a fictionalized account of the Old Testament.
Simply Divine by Wendy Holden-British chick lit.
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry-A little bit of love, a little bit of suspense. It takes place in Salem, MA.
The Beach House by Jane Green-Green is another one of the authors that I have fallen in love with.
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff-This is a ficitionalized account of one of the many wives of Brigham Young and how she devoted her life to destroying the Mormon leader.
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke-A young adult fantasy novel....it has always been on my list to read but it was recently moved to the top when I took my kids to the movies this weekend and saw that it has been made into a movie that will be coming out in January.
If you are interested in seeing what everyone else is reading, or in joining yourself, check it out: http://www.callapidderdays.com/2008/09/fall-into-reading-2008-time-to-read.html?showComment=1222089300000#c5547571690504590999
*I've removed The Keep from my list. I got about 80 pages in and I just could not force myself to go any further. I'm going to replace it with the second book in the Raine series by Lisa Shearin, Armed & Dangerous.
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