Alright, so I actually finished this book a very long time ago...really like, at least two weeks ago but I guess I've just been to lazy to write about it.
I love this book! I've read it several times and it's gotten to the part where I've just ear marked my favorite parts and whenever I get a Jane Eyre tug I'll go and read those parts (which are of course the romantic, touching, and heartfelt parts...) Now of course I didn't do that this time because that would be cheating, but I did definitely read those parts twice! :D
Jane Eyre is just a classic! It's the story about a girl who, in contrast to other heroins, is plain and little. Not handsome and outgoing. Jane is clever and has her own opinions but is shy in company and at ease with just a few people.
She spends the first years of her life in a loveless house with her aunt and cousins until she gets sent away to school, which is initially terrible but with the help of the headmistress turns into a pleasant place where she spends about 8 years of her life- first as a student and then as a teacher.
The true part of the story begins when she goes away to be a governess and meets the mysterious and charming Mr. Rochester--who is also described as fairly plain, and not handsome like most heros. (See here is my problem though, I saw the movie before I ever read the book and the movie stars Timothy Dalton as Mr. Rochester and I just can't see him as plain! It just doesn't work, so for me Mr. Rochester is forever handsome) They fall in love and all seems to be going well when an unfortunate incident is brought up and the whole tone of the book changes!
That's all I'll tell you about this particular book, because I think all of you need to read it yourselves to find out just what happens that stops the true love of these two, and how it's resolved. But I love this book! It ranks right up there in my heart with Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice- that's how good it is.
(*side note* I always thought it was interesting that one of my other all time favorite classics is not written by Jane Austen but the main characters name is Jane...anyways, that has no relevance to this blog)
But yes, I love this book! And I recommend it to all!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
My Birthday!!!
So, in an exciting turn of events Sunday was not only MY birthday but also the birthday of my little nephew, Samuel David Brown!! YAY! Yes, I am exactly 18 years and 40 minutes older than my little 9 lbs 2 oz, brown hair and blue eyed little nephew. I'm thinking that these numbers have some significance... :P No, but it was very exciting to wake up to that news and the congratulations for Steph and Mycal and the new little addition to the family!
My birthday was a wonderful day! I celebrated the first hour by closing up at work and dropping money off, but I came home at around 12:53 to a beautifully decorated house that my sister had spent about 4 hours on. (I am trying to get pictures!) Pam figured that since it was just me and her for my happy 18th she'd do her absolute best to make it the best she could, and she did a great job!
I got to bed at about 2 and I was woken at 6 by the phone ringing--it was my dad calling to wish me Happy Birthday! Apparently he'd set his alarm so that he could call me at midnight wishing me a happy birthday, but it was the wrong 12 that he'd set it for so he woke up realizing he hadn't called, but he very sweetly fixed that. After his call I promptly fell asleep again and woke to the news I had a new nephew! This was followed by church (in which many interesting conversations about dumpster diving ensued...) which was followed by my coming home to a very floral room. My cousin and friends had bought me 18 different types of flowers and hung them all over my room!
I then got to veg, and get calls from family, and eat, and veg more. I didn't study at all. I didn't clean at all. I didn't do anything productive at all! It was a beautiful day and I can't thank Pam enough for putting it all together! I love birthdays!! Aren't they just such happy days?! And I love being 18. I've never felt any different about any of my other birthdays, but I feel different about this one. I feel different. It's like I've entered a new chapter of my life--one I'm way excited for!!!
My birthday was a wonderful day! I celebrated the first hour by closing up at work and dropping money off, but I came home at around 12:53 to a beautifully decorated house that my sister had spent about 4 hours on. (I am trying to get pictures!) Pam figured that since it was just me and her for my happy 18th she'd do her absolute best to make it the best she could, and she did a great job!
I got to bed at about 2 and I was woken at 6 by the phone ringing--it was my dad calling to wish me Happy Birthday! Apparently he'd set his alarm so that he could call me at midnight wishing me a happy birthday, but it was the wrong 12 that he'd set it for so he woke up realizing he hadn't called, but he very sweetly fixed that. After his call I promptly fell asleep again and woke to the news I had a new nephew! This was followed by church (in which many interesting conversations about dumpster diving ensued...) which was followed by my coming home to a very floral room. My cousin and friends had bought me 18 different types of flowers and hung them all over my room!
I then got to veg, and get calls from family, and eat, and veg more. I didn't study at all. I didn't clean at all. I didn't do anything productive at all! It was a beautiful day and I can't thank Pam enough for putting it all together! I love birthdays!! Aren't they just such happy days?! And I love being 18. I've never felt any different about any of my other birthdays, but I feel different about this one. I feel different. It's like I've entered a new chapter of my life--one I'm way excited for!!!
Washington 2!
Oh, I have shamefully neglected my blog lately- it's been very shameful. And as a result I now have three blogs to do today... *tsk tsk tsk* you'd think I'd learn! :D
Well, on the weekend of the 17th through the 20th I went up to Washington. Dieuwke and Lance, being the stellar people they are, bought me plane tickets for my birthday and I got to fly up for the Salmon Festival! (Which of course included a fantastic Salmon Dinner! Ah, so good!)
I got in late Thursday night and got to bed even later (I suppose that's what happens when you just absolutely HAVE to watch certain YouTube videos with your sister...) and on Friday I got the chance to be a grandparent! I know, not your everyday honor is it?
The facts are that Friday was Grandparent Day at Aurora's school and since Aurora had no grandparents readily available to her she asked her teacher if I could come instead. Her teacher said that wouldn't be a problem and so it happened that I was the only person under 60 in her classroom that day...well, the only person under 60 but over 7, let's say it that way. :D
It was great though, I got to run around with her at recess (ha! none of the other grandparents could do that!) and we got to answer questions about ourselves, and we got snacks, and we got to sit on really uncomfortable chairs, and we got to make a book about grandparents (needless to say Aurora and I changed the wording around a little bit.) And the best part, Aurora sang me a song about how awesome grandparents were--I felt quite special!
On Friday evening Dieuwke and I got the chance to walk around town for a little bit which was wonderful, I do love that town with just about everything I have. Then, to correct the apparent travesty that is my education, Dieuwke rented Dirty Dancing and I got a chance to see it for the first time. (It was our personal homage to Patrick Swayze) and Dirty Dancing: Havannah Nights...I definately recommend the first one if you're only going to watch one of two--much better.
Saturday was started with a soccer game for Ethan and a nice big breakfast. Then Val and Jacob joined us and we got started at the Salmon Festival. I did indeed manage to complete the Salmon Treasure Hunt (which included a Salmon maze and a game of Salmon mini golf) and in return for my trouble I got a baseball shaped hackey sack (whom I've named Billy). I also got to see reptiles, and learn all about them which was very fun! We took a break in the middle to go to Aurora's soccer game and the day was finished off with a lovely dinner of Salmon, beans, and roasted potatoes (it was pretty happy) and of course Carmello salad!
Sunday was the day of parting... :( We did get to go to the Festival one last time and then I had to say goodbye and I boarded the plane to come home to school and work. But it was a blast! One of the best weekends ever and I thank Dieuwke and Lance for it so much! Memories are always one of the best gifts I can get! :D
Well, on the weekend of the 17th through the 20th I went up to Washington. Dieuwke and Lance, being the stellar people they are, bought me plane tickets for my birthday and I got to fly up for the Salmon Festival! (Which of course included a fantastic Salmon Dinner! Ah, so good!)
I got in late Thursday night and got to bed even later (I suppose that's what happens when you just absolutely HAVE to watch certain YouTube videos with your sister...) and on Friday I got the chance to be a grandparent! I know, not your everyday honor is it?
The facts are that Friday was Grandparent Day at Aurora's school and since Aurora had no grandparents readily available to her she asked her teacher if I could come instead. Her teacher said that wouldn't be a problem and so it happened that I was the only person under 60 in her classroom that day...well, the only person under 60 but over 7, let's say it that way. :D
It was great though, I got to run around with her at recess (ha! none of the other grandparents could do that!) and we got to answer questions about ourselves, and we got snacks, and we got to sit on really uncomfortable chairs, and we got to make a book about grandparents (needless to say Aurora and I changed the wording around a little bit.) And the best part, Aurora sang me a song about how awesome grandparents were--I felt quite special!
On Friday evening Dieuwke and I got the chance to walk around town for a little bit which was wonderful, I do love that town with just about everything I have. Then, to correct the apparent travesty that is my education, Dieuwke rented Dirty Dancing and I got a chance to see it for the first time. (It was our personal homage to Patrick Swayze) and Dirty Dancing: Havannah Nights...I definately recommend the first one if you're only going to watch one of two--much better.
Saturday was started with a soccer game for Ethan and a nice big breakfast. Then Val and Jacob joined us and we got started at the Salmon Festival. I did indeed manage to complete the Salmon Treasure Hunt (which included a Salmon maze and a game of Salmon mini golf) and in return for my trouble I got a baseball shaped hackey sack (whom I've named Billy). I also got to see reptiles, and learn all about them which was very fun! We took a break in the middle to go to Aurora's soccer game and the day was finished off with a lovely dinner of Salmon, beans, and roasted potatoes (it was pretty happy) and of course Carmello salad!
Sunday was the day of parting... :( We did get to go to the Festival one last time and then I had to say goodbye and I boarded the plane to come home to school and work. But it was a blast! One of the best weekends ever and I thank Dieuwke and Lance for it so much! Memories are always one of the best gifts I can get! :D
Monday, September 14, 2009
Washington!
Ok, here I am finally detailing my Washington weekend! (I find this rather ironic because by the time I got around to detailing this one I'm basically leaving on my next one...ah, good days)
So Cody and I left Ogden around 6:30 AM on Thursday morning and everything was going fine, it was all happy, and then we hit Oregon. (Bad things happen in Oregon, why does that state even exist?! :D) I was driving and I noticed that the check engine light was on. I pulled over onto the non-existent shoulder at the side of the road (another reason to hate Oregon) and we looked into the engine. Sure enough, something was wrong. We were out, and I do mean out, of coolant. Completely! So we let the engine cool down a little and we drove to Baker, which was about 10 miles away. There we purchased some coolant and we got scared silly by a man who turned out to work for the Department of Public Transportation and was really a very nice, if not quite as intelligent, man. He helped us get back on the road and FINALLY we made it into Moscow.
So we got into Moscow where I was picked up by Val and Jake and we had the chance to run some errands and get to catch up a bit, which was outlandishly fun! Jake was being a total clown and it was cracking me up, and I was just so excited to see Val again! We got into Colfax where I was given a happy greeting by Chuck, Maren, and the kids and that night we got to sort beads and watch all sorts of fun things.
Friday was a conglomeration of fun ideas, activities, and walks. Dieuwke and her kids came down and we had a miniature photo shoot for the kids as part of our activities. The only one missing was Kassel because she was with Chuck and Maren at the time *tear*
I'm trying to figure out why Dieuwke hasn't exploited her and made millions! :D
Ethan, in a true Ethan pose
Showing off his muscle
Cute Reipe bug!
Dancer Aurora
"Super Star" Pose
Sweet sweet Cha!
The kids were so absolutely hilarious! We played games and they were all so excited to see me and each other and Val's house and play games together and make jewelry (I did get a significant amount of jewelry made for me. Bracelets, necklaces, snakes, and rings- I felt pretty special)
Creative minds at work!
On Saturday we got to chill and catch up with each other and Val taught us how to play a crazy fun game! I believe it's called Martian (correct me if I'm wrong Val) and it was SO much fun! Word to the wise though, don't play with Chuck late at night, he'll frustrate you. Lots and lots.
Also Val and Jake have pretty much the cutest little dog I have ever seen in my life. Her name is Annie and she looks like a miniature black lab. Honestly she is so wonderful! She's tiny and full of life and very loving, and she hardly ever barks at all! She is the cutest thing I've ever seen in my life- I am a little bit jealous.
Little Annie
Sunday was church, walks, and final games and activities. Then on Monday morning I had to head home :( It was sad. Although I did get a parting hot chocolate on the way, that was pretty rocking. It took Cody and I forever to drive back due to campers coming home from their Labor Day Weekends and lots of stupid drivers.
But we made it, safe and sound, and then on Tuesday the daily grind began again. It was so much fun and I was so glad I got a chance to go! Thanks Val! Thanks for having me! Love you tons!!
Chillin' with the kids
Playing "Horsey" (for the 13th time in a row...)
Cuddling with stuffed animals, dogs, and nieces!
LOVE the look on Isabelle's face! "Can I trust you? I'm not so sure..."
Messing around
Sleep pile! Haha, Isabelle did a fake snore for the picture- hilarious!
Cha!
Chuck...enough said.
So Cody and I left Ogden around 6:30 AM on Thursday morning and everything was going fine, it was all happy, and then we hit Oregon. (Bad things happen in Oregon, why does that state even exist?! :D) I was driving and I noticed that the check engine light was on. I pulled over onto the non-existent shoulder at the side of the road (another reason to hate Oregon) and we looked into the engine. Sure enough, something was wrong. We were out, and I do mean out, of coolant. Completely! So we let the engine cool down a little and we drove to Baker, which was about 10 miles away. There we purchased some coolant and we got scared silly by a man who turned out to work for the Department of Public Transportation and was really a very nice, if not quite as intelligent, man. He helped us get back on the road and FINALLY we made it into Moscow.
So we got into Moscow where I was picked up by Val and Jake and we had the chance to run some errands and get to catch up a bit, which was outlandishly fun! Jake was being a total clown and it was cracking me up, and I was just so excited to see Val again! We got into Colfax where I was given a happy greeting by Chuck, Maren, and the kids and that night we got to sort beads and watch all sorts of fun things.
Friday was a conglomeration of fun ideas, activities, and walks. Dieuwke and her kids came down and we had a miniature photo shoot for the kids as part of our activities. The only one missing was Kassel because she was with Chuck and Maren at the time *tear*
Isabelle is a born model- the minute I whipped out the camera there she was in position. Isn't she a doll?
I'm trying to figure out why Dieuwke hasn't exploited her and made millions! :D
Ethan, in a true Ethan pose
Showing off his muscle
Cute Reipe bug!
Dancer Aurora
"Super Star" Pose
Sweet sweet Cha!The kids were so absolutely hilarious! We played games and they were all so excited to see me and each other and Val's house and play games together and make jewelry (I did get a significant amount of jewelry made for me. Bracelets, necklaces, snakes, and rings- I felt pretty special)
Creative minds at work!
On Saturday we got to chill and catch up with each other and Val taught us how to play a crazy fun game! I believe it's called Martian (correct me if I'm wrong Val) and it was SO much fun! Word to the wise though, don't play with Chuck late at night, he'll frustrate you. Lots and lots.
Also Val and Jake have pretty much the cutest little dog I have ever seen in my life. Her name is Annie and she looks like a miniature black lab. Honestly she is so wonderful! She's tiny and full of life and very loving, and she hardly ever barks at all! She is the cutest thing I've ever seen in my life- I am a little bit jealous.
Little Annie
Sunday was church, walks, and final games and activities. Then on Monday morning I had to head home :( It was sad. Although I did get a parting hot chocolate on the way, that was pretty rocking. It took Cody and I forever to drive back due to campers coming home from their Labor Day Weekends and lots of stupid drivers.
But we made it, safe and sound, and then on Tuesday the daily grind began again. It was so much fun and I was so glad I got a chance to go! Thanks Val! Thanks for having me! Love you tons!!
Chillin' with the kids
Playing "Horsey" (for the 13th time in a row...)
Cuddling with stuffed animals, dogs, and nieces!
Fish face!
LOVE the look on Isabelle's face! "Can I trust you? I'm not so sure..."
Messing around
Sleep pile! Haha, Isabelle did a fake snore for the picture- hilarious!
Cha!
Chuck...enough said.
And it wouldn't be complete without our lovely Maren!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Update
Look at me go! Three in one day! *sniff sniff* Steph you should be so proud!
Anyways, this is actually just a quick update to let you all know that I was in Washington this last weekend and a post is going to very soon follow containing information and pictures! I'd do it know but Costco is closing soon and I really need gas for my car...and I've already done two blogs today, let's not get over excited here! :D
Anyways, this is actually just a quick update to let you all know that I was in Washington this last weekend and a post is going to very soon follow containing information and pictures! I'd do it know but Costco is closing soon and I really need gas for my car...and I've already done two blogs today, let's not get over excited here! :D
#2c The Return of the King
So yeah, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this one! Do you want to know why? Well, it doesn't really matter if you do or don't because I'm still going to tell you.
First off it is the shortest of the three- it looks as long but the last half is the appendix, index, pronunciation guide, etc...
Secondly it wraps everything up. I don't know about you but I love to have things all neat and tidy. I like knowing everything has ended well, I like knowing that it is settled and done and it's happy. I like to have things come to their conclusion.
Also, this one has all the love stories in it! Aragorn and Arwen, Sam and Rosie, and my personal favorite Faramir and Eowyn. Can I just say how much I love Faramir?! So completely one of my favorite people in all the books if not my true favorite. He just rocks my socks.
And because it is the last one Tolkien needed to wrap everything up and so there is much more action and doing and much less description- it's quite nice. Although, I did almost cry at one point. Because I hadn't read it in so long I forgot about the part where ****SPOILER...well, you have all seen the movies, but this isn't IN the movie...but still...**** Pippin gets crushed by the giant! Oh so sad!!! I was really worried for a second but then I remembered that in the movie he lives but still- it was a heart stopping moment for me!
And to see Frodo and Sam at the pit of Mount Doom! They were there and then finally Frodo falls to the ring. Now I know that he has had it hard and all but I can't help but blame him there just a little bit. I mean come on! He's Frodo! *sigh* I do with good ol' J.R.R. had written that part differently. But then I suppose Gollum wouldn't have ever had a real purpose in the books, but still...
And then after all of thier travels the hobbits come home to find thier lovely home, The Shire, completely descimated. How hard would that be?! But they fix that up in admirable time and the books comes to a happy conclusion.
Ah, it's just a good book! :D
Tune in next time for a review I'm quite excited for! Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre"
First off it is the shortest of the three- it looks as long but the last half is the appendix, index, pronunciation guide, etc...
Secondly it wraps everything up. I don't know about you but I love to have things all neat and tidy. I like knowing everything has ended well, I like knowing that it is settled and done and it's happy. I like to have things come to their conclusion.
Also, this one has all the love stories in it! Aragorn and Arwen, Sam and Rosie, and my personal favorite Faramir and Eowyn. Can I just say how much I love Faramir?! So completely one of my favorite people in all the books if not my true favorite. He just rocks my socks.
And because it is the last one Tolkien needed to wrap everything up and so there is much more action and doing and much less description- it's quite nice. Although, I did almost cry at one point. Because I hadn't read it in so long I forgot about the part where ****SPOILER...well, you have all seen the movies, but this isn't IN the movie...but still...**** Pippin gets crushed by the giant! Oh so sad!!! I was really worried for a second but then I remembered that in the movie he lives but still- it was a heart stopping moment for me!
And to see Frodo and Sam at the pit of Mount Doom! They were there and then finally Frodo falls to the ring. Now I know that he has had it hard and all but I can't help but blame him there just a little bit. I mean come on! He's Frodo! *sigh* I do with good ol' J.R.R. had written that part differently. But then I suppose Gollum wouldn't have ever had a real purpose in the books, but still...
And then after all of thier travels the hobbits come home to find thier lovely home, The Shire, completely descimated. How hard would that be?! But they fix that up in admirable time and the books comes to a happy conclusion.
Ah, it's just a good book! :D
Tune in next time for a review I'm quite excited for! Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre"
#2b The Two Towers
Alright, well on my way to Washington this last weekend I finished off this book and so now here comes the review that most of you are probably dreading! :D Go blogs!!
This book is one of my more favorites (not my favorite- that's reserved for the 3rd and you'll find out in the next post...which will be posted almost simultaneously with this one) I definitely like it more than The Fellowship of the Ring. This book doesn't have the introductory job that the first one has and so it starts off more immediately. And it moves along faster.
One thing I noticed that the movies did and the book didn't is that the book is divided in half. The first half is Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimi, Legolas etc...and the complete second half is all Frodo and Sam. I like the way the movie did it better where it did a few scenes for one, then a few scenes for the other. Anyways...
I do like many aspects of this book! I like meeting Theoden and Rohan in general! I love Gandalf's new personality and the more fully explored friendship between Gimli and Legolas. I love the strength of Merry and Pippin- not to mention the humor that they provide. And I do adore the Ents! They just make me happy.
This book is fairly dark as well though- basically every part with Sam and Frodo leaves you aching a little bit on the inside. They have to go through so much! It's just sad.
Good book though, good book! Still lots of description though- Tolkien definately had a flair for description.
This book is one of my more favorites (not my favorite- that's reserved for the 3rd and you'll find out in the next post...which will be posted almost simultaneously with this one) I definitely like it more than The Fellowship of the Ring. This book doesn't have the introductory job that the first one has and so it starts off more immediately. And it moves along faster.
One thing I noticed that the movies did and the book didn't is that the book is divided in half. The first half is Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimi, Legolas etc...and the complete second half is all Frodo and Sam. I like the way the movie did it better where it did a few scenes for one, then a few scenes for the other. Anyways...
I do like many aspects of this book! I like meeting Theoden and Rohan in general! I love Gandalf's new personality and the more fully explored friendship between Gimli and Legolas. I love the strength of Merry and Pippin- not to mention the humor that they provide. And I do adore the Ents! They just make me happy.
This book is fairly dark as well though- basically every part with Sam and Frodo leaves you aching a little bit on the inside. They have to go through so much! It's just sad.
Good book though, good book! Still lots of description though- Tolkien definately had a flair for description.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The Letter Q
I would just like to post here and now my indignation that the state of Utah does not believe in having the letter Q on any of their license plates.
But maybe I should back up and begin at the start.
It all started about August 3rd when I began driving to and from Salt Lake City everyday (well, Monday through Thursday) and at random points during the drive (ESPECIALLY the drive home when I was stuck in rush hour traffic) I would begin the play the alphabet game with myself. After a while I noticed the only letter I got stuck on for longer than 1 minute was Q- and do you know why? Because Utah feels that Q is too easily mistaken with O and so they don't have either of these letters on their plates!
Ah, it was a terrible, sad sad day for me when I found this out! There are now only two reliable places to find a Q on the drive- in fact there is only one truly reliable one and it's in SLC already!!! You see on the occasionally happy day I can drive by a Qwest truck or some such and pick up my Q that way, but if I'm not lucky enough for that I have to wait all the way until I get down into downtown SL and see the sign with directions for Temple Square (although the fact that these two words have the corresponding letters from Q all the way to U does assauge my anger somewhat) and then I have one block to get from V to Z. Ah, it's a hard life I'm tellin' ya!
But maybe I should back up and begin at the start.
It all started about August 3rd when I began driving to and from Salt Lake City everyday (well, Monday through Thursday) and at random points during the drive (ESPECIALLY the drive home when I was stuck in rush hour traffic) I would begin the play the alphabet game with myself. After a while I noticed the only letter I got stuck on for longer than 1 minute was Q- and do you know why? Because Utah feels that Q is too easily mistaken with O and so they don't have either of these letters on their plates!
Ah, it was a terrible, sad sad day for me when I found this out! There are now only two reliable places to find a Q on the drive- in fact there is only one truly reliable one and it's in SLC already!!! You see on the occasionally happy day I can drive by a Qwest truck or some such and pick up my Q that way, but if I'm not lucky enough for that I have to wait all the way until I get down into downtown SL and see the sign with directions for Temple Square (although the fact that these two words have the corresponding letters from Q all the way to U does assauge my anger somewhat) and then I have one block to get from V to Z. Ah, it's a hard life I'm tellin' ya!
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