Blogger Takes Own Advice, Flaunts It

I was inspired by a recent post by the Paperback Bookworm.  As easily the most avid reader of my blog, I took my own St. Patrick’s Day advice and read a Maeve Binchy book for the first time since probably 2002.  I chose her novel Echoes based on a quick overview of the plot and the fact that it was $7 less than the other Binchy contender I considered on barnesandnoble.com  Don’t judge the Bookworm.

Echoes is everything I love about Binchy’s books.  I love her character development and sweet stories.  I love that in my head I can hear the Irish accent, but there are no annoying spellings of “favourite.”  I want to comment on the ending, but that could alienate my dear readers. 

A great read that I can’t lend to anybody since I read it on the Nook iPad app (sorry Most Frequent Reader, Mom).

Bookworm Confessions

I think all readers secretly wish they could write a book.  When I was in college, I thought it would be hilarious to write a coffee table book called Book of the Obvious.  It would include a truly captivating list of commonly used phrases like “I hate Mondays” or “It’s raining.”  I can say with confidence that this is the worst, most boring book idea I have ever heard.  I am pretty sure I dropped the project before filling even one measly page in Word.  Apparently the plan was to have the illustrator do a lot of the heavy lifting.

Needless to say, I pity the poor editor that will have to turn these rambling blogs into a cohesive, interesting and readable narrative.  But I’m sure they will get a generous cut of my riches.

Reading the Grays Away

There are certain activities that are made for readers.  Flying, going to the DMV, and of course – the salon. 

Sadly, I spend more time (and money) in the salon than I used to, due to a bad genetic draw that has this 30 year-old sprouting gray hairs.  No, not glamorous silky silver hair.  Kinky, coarse gray hair. 

Luckily I have a salon close to my house that is open on no-shower Sundays, so I can practically roll out of bed and flop into the chair.  My stylist regales me with stories about who she is dating and what band they are from.  I pretend to have heard of these bands.  She knows I am pretending.

This week she mentioned that she wants to go back to school and study English, then get a masters in creative writing.  Readers, this stylist is not interested in the musings of a certain Paperback Bookworm.

As my color set, I settled into my favorite part of pampering – the excuse to spend 45 minutes with a good book.  Unfortunately this book had to be plugged in with the hair dryers – the ebook is losing points all over the place.

Blogger Prepares for Busy Weeks Ahead – By Getting Hammered & Reading

I’ve had an intense few weeks at work, and was thrilled by the news that there would be no quality time in the office this weekend.  Especially since in the next few weeks I’ll be traveling a bunch and likely working around the clock.  So how did I enjoy this final weekend to prep myself for the busy time ahead?  Well shoot, I blew the surprise in the title.

Saturday night was spent enjoying a delicious dinner and then some local watering holes.  I would say we overindulged.  By about 3 hours.  Therefore Sunday has thus far been spent complaining about said overindulgence, and a delicate combination of reading and napping.  And watching the last 3 minutes of NCAA tournament games.

Some folks may not enjoy a good read with a throbbing headache, but I find it no more painful than watching whatever movie is showing on FX.  Plus, it makes me feel slightly more productive.  (A feeling that my as yet unwalked dog would certainly say is undeserved.) 

So while I probably should have stocked up my To Read pile for the long flights ahead in April, I killed a bunch of brain cells instead.  But not enough to watch the FX Sunday movie marathon.

Slow Reading Blogger Desperate for Content – Friend Comes Through

Shockingly, a friend of mine admitted to reading my blog this week.  As if that in itself wasn’t surprising enough, you’ll be interested to know that this friend is the absolute worst reader I know.  Meaning, I once tried to lend her a book and she asked me if there was a movie instead.  (Insert a snobby “humph” or eye roll – readers’ choice.)  Since she specifically asked me not to blog about this, I will grant her the gift of anonymity.  As if being mentioned on this blog wasn’t inherently anonymous.

I have never understood non-readers.  I always think that I can change them, and never fail to lend them a book that they “won’t be able to put down.”  More likely, they never even pick it up (or return it).  To her credit, my friend that is the subject of this blog didn’t steal anything.  I tried to hand her a book and she quickly raised both hands up and said “no way.”  I’m pretty sure she would have let the book drop to the floor if I had tried to hand it to her.  Friend, you can’t catch anything from books – don’t be afraid.

If any non-readers happen to read this blog, I’d like to recommend two of my favorites if you’d like to get into the wonderful world of reading:  The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and/or The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  These are two of my favorites, and are both quick (and ultimately) feel-good reads. 

My friend however, is more likely to appreciate a cookbook recommendation.  I prefer the “movie” version of that book – just eating the meal.

Reading Secrets Revealed

An added bonus for the ebook – secret reading.  In theory I could be reading, say, a very complex research report on my iPad.  So many graphs and charts!  Very important stuff.  But in reality I am just sneaking in a few pages of my novel while I have my morning coffee.  And then a quick look at my blog stats.  Oh good, still under the radar.

Ok, so I haven’t done that yet, but it just occurred to me while engaging in another procrastination activity (blogging).

I haven’t snuck around to read in a long time – I think I was reading Judy Blume under my quilt with a flashlight the last time it happened.    Luckily I haven’t matured too much since then, and engage in many of the same habits and activities, such as:

·         Spilling spaghetti sauce on my shirt almost every time I eat it.

·         Relishing in the fun of nail biting.

·         General clumsiness, with an emphasis on tripping.

So there you have it.  I’m still the same spaghetti-spilling, nail-biting, clumsy fool I’ve always been that has to sneak a read every once in awhile.  Or play a game of Angry Birds.

Blogger Spares Readership Boring Story; Takes Credit for Sacrifice

I hate hearing airport delay stories, because they are never interesting and I have pretty much heard or experienced all of it at this point.  With that same filter in mind, I will spare my readership the saga that played out last night as I tried to spend a gift card on barnesandnoble.com.  You are welcome, world!

Troubleshooting aside, I am now reading my first ebook using the Nook app on my iPad.  I am so modern.  Thirty-six pages in, here is my gut reaction list of pros and cons (subject to change).

Pro

·         Book purchases on a whim.

·         Book goes where the iPad goes.  (Insert complaint about no real lunch hour at work here.)

·         Blogging fodder.

Con

I'm gonna lick your "book." 

·         Book purchases on a whim.

·         World’s Greatest Dog Norman’s ability to turn pages with his tongue.

·         I don’t care what the technology claims, I can’t easily lend this book.

·         iPad is not a book. 

·         Bookshelf is confused.

Folks, I will keep you posted as this story develops.

Reader/Blogger Reaches a Crossroads

So here I am, in between books and not particularly excited about anything in my To Read pile.  I can say with some measure of confidence that the world is not waiting with bated breath for my selection, but I try to tell myself to enjoy it.  Once I become the Black Eyed Peas of reading, I’m sure I will long for the days of being anonymous.  Of being able to walk World’s Best Dog Norman without makeup on.  Worse, I’ll probably have to listen to lectures from my publicist about showering on Sundays.

So needless to say, it is nice to be able to choose my next book without all the pressure.  I’m even considering my first paperless book on the iPad.  I think now is a good time, before have the weight of a company like Apple on my shoulders, just waiting to hear my review of the experience.  All those jobs.  And Steve Jobs.  Yeah, I guess I better try it now.

Profound Wisdom & Nail Biting

This week I read Maya Angelou’s Letter to My Daughter. Angelou is very wise, and I liked the advice she gave when tied to her personal experience.  Based on her writing style, I can say with confidence that if she had a blog (or maybe she does?) it would not have grammatical errors.  Or use contractions.

Angelou does not have a daughter, but considers all of us her sisters or something like that.  Basically, she just has the memory of an elephant and most of us could learn a thing or two from her life.

As my Mom’s daughter, I can recount some of the advice she has given me here, none of which overlaps with Angelou’s so it won’t spoil the book for you.  My Mom’s advice has included (but is not limited to):

·         Stop biting your nails.  Right now.

·         Don’t wait until you need a dress to buy a dress.  (This has been proven true time and again.)

·         Always have girlfriends.

·         Seriously, get your fingers out of your mouth.

·         Black and blue do not go together and make you look like a bruise.

·         Get a bra that fits. 

·         Maybe getting a manicure would help you stop?

Finally, I’d like to offer some advice to the daughter I don’t have:

·         Read my blog often for sparkling bits of wisdom.

·         If you enjoy biting your nails, I say go for it.

Picasso Gets Me, Family Less So

I didn’t do much reading this weekend because I had family/blog readers in town to visit the Picasso exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.  My family did quite a job of simultaneously quoting my blog and saying how much they enjoy it while also making fun of it, and laughing heartily at my expense.

Well, even if they don’t respect readers/blog writers like yours truly, you know who does?  My main man Pablo Picasso.  He has a painting about it and everything.  Plus, it’s on display for two months just 3 blocks away from Hanover Avenue’s premiere book blogger.  Coincidence?  So readers, go see Picasso and feel appreciated. 

The Reader - Picasso

Others who can also feel appreciated by Picasso include:

·         Women who don’t wear shirts and have 2-3 off-kilter boobs

·         People with blue, pink, green or purple skin tone

·         Body contortionists

Reading vs. TV: The Epic Battle for my Brain Continues

My poor husband had to work until 2 a.m. on Monday – not a great way to start the week.  With just World’s Best Dog Norman and me at home, things tend to be a little…. Quieter.

Andrew is a TV lover.  He loves TV so much that when he reads his one, thick, dry historical book per year, he still has the TV on and muted.  Due to this influence, I watch more TV than I used to.  I was never one of those annoyingly proud people who brag about not even owning a TV (I mean hey, I work in advertising).  But, I watched a lot less.

On Monday, with no husband home, the TV was not turned on.  World’s Best Dog Norman and I listened to music; he licked himself and I read the better part of Kick Me by Paul Feig.  (Another loaner from occasional blog reader, and now twice mentioned Jenny.)  Kick Me is a quick read, which is a good thing because I can’t possibly read enough to keep up with these daily postings.  (Readers, I will try not to fail you but I can quickly see this devolving into “today I read the nutritional contents of a bottle of ranch dressing, and you would not believe…” Based on both my reading integrity and complete disinterest in exercise and nutrition, I will avoid this scenario at all costs.)

Back to the point at hand.  Kick Me is hilarious, and you should read it.  It’s a true story, written by the creator of Freaks and Geeks, a show I have never seen but it sounded good.  I get the impression that Freaks and Geeks is much like my beloved Arrested Development – it’s fun to rave that it was the greatest show ever, and that people are morons for letting it go off the air.  But maybe it went off the air because people were reading. 

Just kidding, they were watching American Idol.  Hopefully on mute.

Predictably, an Irish Themed Posting on St. Patrick’s Day

My maiden name is Donahue, which I am pretty sure is Gaelic for “drunk,” so I’d like to celebrate my Irish heritage by recommending a few of my favorite Irish books and authors.

Oh how I love love loved Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt.  It has three characteristics which almost always cause me to rave:  1. True Story 2. Made Me Cry and 3. Inspirational.  I read the sequel ‘Tis, which was also good, but not as wonderful as the first, which took place in Ireland before the family emigrated.  I have not read his third book Teacher Man because I think McCourt was simply milking it at this point.  Plus, I already know some teachers, so I think I am good on that front.

In college, I went through a major Maeve Binchy phase, who is best known for Circle of Friends.  (I actually haven’t read that one since I have seen the movie.  As a rule, I don’t like to read books when I already know what is going to happen.  Great movie, though.)  I always enjoy her books, and the simple but sweet way they are written.  But it must be asked – what were her parents were thinking when they named her?  “Maeve Binchy” does not sound like a person’s name.  It is just a weird non-sensical sound.  Don’t hold it against her though.  Do yourself a favor and read Nights of Rain and Stars or one of her other sweet novels.  A perfect beach read for ladies.

Round Ireland with a Fridge was written by British comedian Tony Hawks and is the funniest book I have ever read.  I’m usually dubious of books that promise you will “laugh out loud” but this one certainly delivers.  It was given to me as a gift by at-least-one-time-blog-reader Jed, and I have lent it out and gifted it to others many times since.  Another perfect beach read for ladies and gentlemen.

Other big time Irish authors include: James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and Bram Stoker.  I bet those guys would just get hammered on St. Patrick’s Day.  Or as they might have said it, “Donahued.”

Running & Reading: Revolutionary or Insane?

Boy do I hate running.  And also, exercise.  I really do not enjoy getting all hot, sweaty and worn out.  If I wanted to do that, I would scrub my tub more often.  Even so, this will be my third straight year running the Monument Avenue 10k, and I bet out of the 39,000 participants this year I am likely have the highest actually-running to complaining-about-running ratio. 

10k '09.  Don't be fooled - I'm miserable.

Sunday was absolutely gorgeous, so I forced myself to run 4 miles.  The only way for me to get through it is to A) Hope that people think I am on mile 19 when I am truly only 5 blocks from my house and B) Try to distract myself.  Usually my thought process while running goes a little something like this.  “Man, I am going to be able to eat anything I want all week since I slowly jogged 3 miles today.  Ooh!  I should make a sandwich when I get back.  I need to remember to put pickles on it.”  Not a very good distraction for an athlete.

Some people are motivated by upbeat music while they are running.  I usually resent the music’s pace for taunting my slow crawl.  But what if I could distract myself by listening to a good book?  Part of me thinks that sounds slightly insane.  I often wonder what everyone is listening to as they race past me, but I highly doubt any of them are listening to a British man describe Ken Follett’s tales of drama and intrigue in 85 different voices.  Of course, if they are crazy enough to think I am on mile 19, it’s probably not much of a leap to think that I am listening to some very cool underground indie techno beats.

Maybe I will try this books and running scheme.  Or better yet, just the book part. 

Blogging Pressure Mounts as Internet Fame Takes Hold

When I first announced my blog, my Mom asked me if I would choose specific books to read because of it.  I resolutely told her no, explaining that the blog was not meant to turn into a chore or book report.  Oh how times have changed by Day 7. 

For reasons my husband could never understand, I have always felt that once I start a book, I must finish it.  There have been rare exceptions to this rule.  It may stem from cheapness (“I paid $7.95 for this book at the used bookstore – I must torture myself over it for as long as it takes!”) or from wanting the feeling of completion when the last paragraph is finished.  Perhaps I was brainwashed by English teachers to finish assignments.  Either way, I have finished many books I did not like.  (Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos is a waste of paper.  At least blogs use no trees.)

But now, there could be as many as TWELVE people who accidentally stumble over this blog.  They are counting on me to include a single line “yay” or “nay” on the book I am reading surrounded by several paragraphs of sarcasm.  How can I let these good folks down?

This is where I stood when approaching page 50 of Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach.  This book was lent to me by my friend Jenny, who is infinitely smarter than me (and a Cornell grad to boot, casual readers Granddad and Brother).  I was hoping for a book more in the vein of Freakonomics – well researched and instantly engrossing.  Roach’s tone was certainly amusing, and I know she tried very hard.  Perhaps we would even be friends (until she saw this blog posting). The first 50 pages of her book was certainly well informed.  But it was a little too researched – too “science-y” – for my taste.  I was also a little creeped out by the studies done at the Kinsey Institute at my alma mater, Indiana University.  And by “Kinsey Institute,” I mean the attic equipped with video cameras in Alfred Kinsey’s Bloomington home.

So I am turning over a new leaf so to speak, and not finishing this book (no offense, Jenny – please continue to lend me books you approve of).  I do this for you, readers.  Now, off to a new selection from my increasingly famous “To Read” pile.

Publishers, this is where you want your books.  Sponsorships available.

Final Mention of Vacation, Then Officially Moving On

Dearest readers, I promise I am not rubbing your noses in my recent travels, but when you start a blog about reading a mere two weeks after a vacation where that’s pretty much all you did – it tends to come up.  But rest assured that this will be my final reference to our Caribbean jaunt, and there will be no further descriptions of crystal clear water, white sand beaches, and an endless supply of Coronas.

Corona® ad sponsorship available

On to the business of reading.  The second book I tackled on vacation was actually borrowed from my friend Erin, who got it as a gift from loyal follower #3 Beth Garrett. The Girls by Lori Lansens was an excellent (fictional) read about an unusual topic – a pair of conjoined craniopagus twins.  Or, as I always knew them, Siamese twins.  I really enjoyed the book – it was a wonderful beach read.  As the pages flew by I started to get nervous that I would finish it as a teary mess on the plane home.  I knew if I cried reading this book – especially in public – Andrew would laugh at me hysterically, which would make me fake mad and I would end up laughing too, thus ruining my sentimental book moment. 

I have cried at books on planes many-a-time, but usually no one notices.  I tend to ignore the person next to me and work hard to seem as unwelcoming to conversation as possible.  (Notable exception and true story: A man sitting next to me was trimming his fingernails and I asked him to stop, informing him he was gross.  He denied my request and pointed out it wasn’t “getting on me.” Hence my hesitation to befriend on-plane weirdos.)

Fortunately in this case, my teary moment happened in the comfort of my own home shortly after returning.  This still resulted in my husband laughing at me, but with fewer witnesses since World’s Best Dog Norman was maiming a toy at the time.  To each his own. 

A Ringing Endorsement for Vacations & Reading

We got back from our Caribbean vacation on a Wednesday night.  That Thursday, I was at the office until 4 a.m. (That is a 19 hour workday, faithful readers and slave labor attorneys out there.)  Sadly, no one pitied the girl with the splotchy tan whose nose was just starting to peel.  We had a big presentation on Friday, and I was the perfect overnight victim.

Whenever I have a particularly stressful week at work – or when I have just spent thousands of dollars on a Caribbean vacation – I usually don’t make extensive weekend plans other than dinner.  I mean, a girl’s gotta eat.  So what better way to spend my weekend back than reading a great book and snuggling with the World’s Best Dog, Norman.



For Reference: World's Best Dog Norman



Fortunately my “To Read” pile served me well.  I cannot stop thinking about Room by Emma Donoghue.  I don’t usually remember my dreams – and I really hate hearing about other people’s dreams unless I am in them.  (Blogs make people honest.) But I am pretty sure this book gave me nightmares.  Ok, that doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement.  The book was chilling that is the perfect word for it.  So creative, so unique.  An unforgettable read that is leading me to just plain ramble.

To summarize the key points of this post in no particular order:

1.       Allison works very hard and should not feel guilty about a few days in the tropics.

2.       Room is an absolute must-read.

Local Blogger Quadruples Readership Week One

It’s hard to believe I have four followers in less than a week.  Especially since both my Granddad and my Mom don’t know how to “follow.”  I don’t know what those hacks at Random House do all day, but they are virtually the only ones not eating up The Paperback Bookworm.

As I take the writing world by storm, I just finished The Imperfectionists by Tom Rathman this week.  In his novel, Rathman introduces you to the staff of an English language newspaper in Rome.  The book got rave reviews (which loyal readers of this blog know I don’t read or take much stock in anyway).  It reads like a bunch of short stories strung together, each chapter told by a different staff member.  If I were to rate this book, I would declare it “average, but certainly not the worst.”  If Rathman were to rate this blog, well… he’d probably laugh and say “yeah, right” while finishing the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle in ink.

In general, I don’t really tend to like collections of short stories, which is why I gave this book the equivalent of a half-hearted shrug.  I hate having to get to know new characters every 10 pages.  I’m sure that makes me lazy.  (Jhumpa Lahiri is a major exception.  Jhumpa – as I am sure we would be on a first name basis – if you are reading this, I think you are great.  Also, what do you think of my blog?)  In general, I prefer a big, thick heavy book with lots of deep character development.

Hey!  That’s the exact opposite of this blog!  So, dear readerS, please enjoy these short musings with zero character development.  And if you want the real deal, my close personal friend Jhumpa is just $12.95 US / $14.95 CAN away.

Trying to Impress My 8 Year Old Self

Other than the occasional thank you note to my grandparents and emails at work, I don’t write very much.  Though the letters to my favorite octogenarians are celebrated by their audience, my emails tend to get less acclaim.  Likely because they say things like, “Client would like harder hitting product copy in the voiceover.”  But throughout elementary school and all through college, I journaled in some form or another off and on.  I started at age 8, inspired by the world’s most famous diarist.

During most of my single digit years, I subscribed to Highlights Magazine.  (Goofus & Gallant, anyone?)  The only article I really remember is a spread on Anne Frank.  When I read the Highlights version of her story, I was fascinated.  I showed my Mom, who told me that my school library would have her diary if I wanted to read it.  I knew at 8 years old that Moms are not usually right, so I seriously doubted that Red Mill Elementary would have this one girl’s diary… but they did.

The Diary of Anne Frank is one of the few books I have read more than once.  I’ve probably read it four times, and visited her house in Amsterdam twice.  Though her story is so very sad, I have always been moved by her, and her book will always be a favorite.  At 8 I was so inspired that I addressed my diary entries “Dear Kitty” as she did – at least for awhile.  To this day I often read World War II era stories, especially non-fiction.

Tragedy aside, from a pure talent standpoint I am no Anne Frank.  In my college years, my “journal” devolved into just doodles of words describing what was happening in my little world.  A real page turner, my efforts consisted mainly of words like “exam” or “sooo drunk” in bubble letters.  So, in a rare moment of self improvement I am reviving my 8 year old writing efforts on the interwebs.  I think Young Allison would be proud.

Deep thoughts from Spring Break 2000.  Impossible to read here, but I noted two mentions of sandwiches.

Read About China, But Go to the Caribbean

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I spent almost a week with another couple in the Caribbean.  Our friends had suggested it, and they did most of the planning – we just nodded yes and packed our bags.  It wasn’t what I would normally choose as a vacation, but I was up for doing something new.  My ideal vacation usually involves strolling around a foreign city and stopping for a beer every 2 hours or so for fuel.  So this laying-on-the-beach-at-a-fancy-resort thing was a little different.  Luckily, Turks & Caicos has beers too (barely).

This was a perfect vacation for a reader.  I was so insanely, inhumanely busy at work that I didn’t put much thought into what book to bring, but luckily I had a gem in my “To Read” pile – Lost on Planet China by J. Maarten Troost.

Now as much as I just described my Caribbean vacation as not my usual cup of tea, I can now pronounce with certainty that visiting China definitely is not.  For example, I consider myself a fairly adventurous eater (with the exception of peppers).  While in the Turks, we snorkeled and caught (ok, we saw other people grab) fresh conch from the ocean.  Our boat captain pulled the conch from its shell and made it into ceviche right on the beach.  Raw ocean snail – yum.  It was actually quite delicious.  I ate conch three or four different ways in the Turks and enjoyed it.  But you can count me out on most of the goat organs that Troost described eating in China.  No thanks.

Conch fresh from the ocean - moments before eating it.

I don’t like reading the backs of books for the same reason I don’t like to see restaurant menus before I sit down to eat.  (It spoils the surprise.)  So, I will try my hardest not to spoil any books for my only reader (hey, Kiley).  But all three of Troost’s books are must-reads.  Just like China, his other two books Getting Stoned with Savages and Sex Lives of Cannibals are tales of faraway places he has visited, and in some cases lived.  He is absolutely hilarious, and the way he describes his unusual experiences is entertaining.  I even end up feeling smarter afterwards.  I can say interesting things to friends and colleagues like, “Did you know that 40 million Chinese men will never marry due to the lack of women there?”  I am riveting in meetings, I assure you.    

So, just as I would say in one of those meetings:  the key takeaway here is that reading about China while vacationing in the Caribbean is the way to go.  At least from this beer drinker’s point of view.

Profile of The Paperback Bookworm

I’m not a book snob.  I didn’t major in English and I don’t read the New York Times Book Review.  Typos bug me, but I don’t think that makes me overly literary.  I just love to read.  I always have a book (or two or three) with me when I travel, always have one on my bedside table, and a stack of ‘em ready to attack on my bookshelf.  I love borrowing, lending, browsing, recommending, chatting about, and getting annoyed with typos in books. So I guess you could say this is the story of me through one of my favorite things – books.

I’m always impressed by autobiographers who claim to remember detailed conversations from age three.  My memory is not so impressive, but I do remember falling in love with reading.  

At our house bedtime always meant story time, and my Mom would patiently let me sound out the words.  We were both surprised one night when I read the word “somersault.”  A better biographer would know what book this was, but I only know it was a story about bears.  Quite possibly of the polar variety, but no matter.  My feat gave me the confidence to attack this book- reading thing on my own.  And what better tome to conquer than Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs?  I was soon well on my way to lifelong friendships with Ramona Quimby, Superfudge, Matilda and the BFG.

So, there you have it.  Stories through books – that’s my stake in the ground.  I hope you find it more entertaining than my back-up option – stories through microwave dinners.