It is time to move on to making this blog what I really want it to be. Therefore, today I intend to finish the remaining prompts on the 30 Day Challenge that turned into a 30 Prompt Challenge because of...well, life. Life and all its unexpected turns, needed extra work, and both ugly and beautiful distractions.
-Remaining Prompt #1: Five Words or Phrases That Make Me Laugh:
1. "Dobby did not mean to kill; only maim or seriously injure."- said in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
2. "Bitch can see."- said in Pretty Little Liars
3. "Don't you have enough books?"- said by anyone to me (because it is such a silly question)
4. "Hi. I'm Tate. I'm dead. Wanna hook up?"- said in American Horror Story (BONUS: The words Infantata or Croatoan from the same source when said in certain tones by my hilarious husband.)
5. "Cyanide?...As if we'd run out."- said in The Addams Family
-Remaining Prompt #2: Something I'm Currently Worried About
There is so much to be worried about right now: the current state of the presidential election, whether or not I will get into or do well in police academy, possible apocalyptic futures, bills and more bills...but I suppose what is worrying me most overall is time, or the lack there of it. Will I have time to see all the places and things I want to in this great, big world? Will I have time to have children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren? Will there ever be enough time to read all the amazing works of literature, view all the glorious (and not so glorious) films, or make a positive impact on this planet? Will there ever be enough time in a day, a month, a decade, or evem a lifetime? All I can hope for is that there is enough time for a fair share of everything. Even still, the topic of worry ends up getting us nowhere. Worry less; pray more...because at least the praying is productive.
-Remaining Prompt #3: Things I Like and Dislike About Myself
I like that I am feisty. I don't like that I can be quicktempered. I like that I can get lost in a book. I don't like that I sometimes unfairly compare my reality to expertly crafted fiction. I like that I am smart. I don't like when I sound like a know-it-all. Honestly, I could go on and on. However, I am happy to say that I generally and genuinenly like myself, all oddities and imperfections included. If at the end of the day, I can say I'm doing a little better than I was yesterday, then great.
-Remaining Prompt #4: A Quote I Try to Live By
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." I try to live by this quote, because I do believe in the beauty of my dreams. I believe in doing things simply because they make me happy. I believe I have a purpose here on this Earth, and that I know what it is. I dream of having multiple successful ventures: justice and law enforcement, becoming a mother, and even capturing others' precious moments with a camera and a vision. I believe in using my talents, big or small, to help myself and others create a more beautiful future. The future, or at least my future, really does belong to me and that makes it my responsibility to determine. I choose to determine by dreams and faith, rather than by paychecks or societal norms.
-Remaining Prompt #5: Somewhere I'd Like to Visit or Move to
There are so many places I would like to visit or re-visit: Boston, New York, the Bahamas, Greece, Rome, England, Germany...I truly do have a wanderer's heart. Still, there is one special place I would like to visit and that is Ireland. My husband and I are both very fond of our Irish roots, and dreamily discuss retiring to the snake-free and green land. We would love nothing more than a quiet cottage in Ireland with lots of land for lots of dogs.
-Remaining Prompt #6: Five Weird Things I Like
1. I like the taste of dill pickles and animal crackers together.
2. I like when horror and comedy mix genres, like on the show Scream Queens or American Horror Story.
3. I like the smell of old books and gasoline, but never together.
4. I like to study true crime, even the really gruesome stuff.
5. I like to discover new paranormal takes on things like vampires and witches... the more original, the better.
-Remaining Prompt #7: One Thing I'm Excited For
I am excited for the holidays! This will be my first Thanksgiving and Christmas with my side of the family and my husband in YEARS. I am excited for all the traditions, both old and new. I am excited to see what Pittsburgh has to offer this time of year. I am excited to cook for everyone, buy presents, and decorate together. With that expressed, I wish you all a happy Halloween and bid you goodnight.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Monday, October 3, 2016
What I Miss
What I miss are the types of things all people miss: childhood memories, lost loved ones, and places long ago visited. I miss rollerblading around Victory Park with my mom, cooking holiday meals in my great grandmother's amazingly tiny kitchen, and playing outside with the neighborhood kids. I miss the people who were once my best friends, and now only a memory or an occasional email conversation. I miss reading books I love for the very first time, like the Harry Potter series or even Nancy Drew. I miss anxiously awaiting the arrival of my younger siblings, and wondering what they would be like. I miss the experience of falling in love. I miss my childhood days, my high school days, and my college days. I miss thinking I knew everything, and I also miss the first time I realized I didn't. I miss all of the amazing moments that I have had in my life, and every milestone along the way, that I would go back to if given the opportunity to travel through time. I miss all the things those people who are wiser and older than me told me I would.
The question remains though: What can be done by missing someone, something or somewhere? If we're lucky, the answer is that we are inspired to do something about it. If you miss someone, reach out to them. If you miss a place, go there. Fall in love again (if you're married, you can get creative with your spouse and engage in some cutesy courtship...don't feel left out). Remember to live in each moment, because you will probably miss it later. Do it all again and again- there is no expiration date, no maximum or minimum usage, and no restrictions which apply. No, not when it comes to life and all the moments that it consists of.
The question remains though: What can be done by missing someone, something or somewhere? If we're lucky, the answer is that we are inspired to do something about it. If you miss someone, reach out to them. If you miss a place, go there. Fall in love again (if you're married, you can get creative with your spouse and engage in some cutesy courtship...don't feel left out). Remember to live in each moment, because you will probably miss it later. Do it all again and again- there is no expiration date, no maximum or minimum usage, and no restrictions which apply. No, not when it comes to life and all the moments that it consists of.
Monday, September 12, 2016
My Academics
Socrates once said, "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." It is true that the more I learn, the more I realize there will always be more to learn. Still, my academics are very important to me, and always have been. When I was a child in elementary school, I prided myself on Good Citizenship, Excellent Attendance, and Academic Achievement awards. I apparently even played teacher with the other neighborhood kids, doling out report cards to their parents. In elementary school, I also started playing the flute, something I associate with my academics because I think music should be forever linked with schooling. I have always loved to read, and was known for consuming whole books in a day as I read in my great grandmother's backyard. My favorite series were "A Series of Unfortunate Events", "Harry Potter", "Goosebumps", and the Nancy Drew mysteries.
The teenage years for me were this mad dash to get as many accomplishments in as possible. I maintained a high GPA, volunteered and performed hours of charity work, participated and held leadership roles in Speech and Debate/Swimming/Teens Against Tobacco Use/Students Against Destructive Decisions/etc., made sure to get certifications in everything like CPR and First Aid, and took my stab at journalism as a writer for the school paper. During this time, I became the youngest person in Washington to create a School Walk for Diabetes event for the American Diabetes Association. In the end, I graduated with Honors, a scholarship, and an acceptance to Brigham Young University-Idaho. I also was listed as a National High School Scholar.
I spent one semester at BYU-I before I took two years off to help in the care of my siblings when my mother became a traveling nurse. I use the phrase "two years off" lightly, because they were a productive two years. I got married, homeschooled my siblings, and learned a lot of life skills like bill paying, business call making, and both money and time budgeting. I came back to BYU-I in 2013 and studied according to a major of Sociology with emphases in Home and Family Studies, Psychology, and Criminology. I had the opportunity to take amazing classes, have inspiring professors, and learn so much! This July, I graduated with my Bachelor's degree and a certificate in Criminology.. In my time at BYU-I, I served in various leadership roles including BYU-I Sociology Society President (working my way through Treasurer, Activities Coordinator, and VP first) and Student Director of Safety. I also worked with the Parking Appeals Committee and the Academic Advising Center.
While my formal education may be done for now, I plan to attend the police academy soon. I am currently studying and honing skills in photography. I study the scriptures on a regular basis. I'm even learning all there is to know about cheerleading as I am helping coach my sister's squad. I love to have debates with my friends, and learn more and more about politics (this is prevalent now in this election year.). I am not done learning, and I never will be, any more than I am done loving or living. Hopefully, neither are any of you reading this.
As Nelson Mandela said, "a good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."
The teenage years for me were this mad dash to get as many accomplishments in as possible. I maintained a high GPA, volunteered and performed hours of charity work, participated and held leadership roles in Speech and Debate/Swimming/Teens Against Tobacco Use/Students Against Destructive Decisions/etc., made sure to get certifications in everything like CPR and First Aid, and took my stab at journalism as a writer for the school paper. During this time, I became the youngest person in Washington to create a School Walk for Diabetes event for the American Diabetes Association. In the end, I graduated with Honors, a scholarship, and an acceptance to Brigham Young University-Idaho. I also was listed as a National High School Scholar.
I spent one semester at BYU-I before I took two years off to help in the care of my siblings when my mother became a traveling nurse. I use the phrase "two years off" lightly, because they were a productive two years. I got married, homeschooled my siblings, and learned a lot of life skills like bill paying, business call making, and both money and time budgeting. I came back to BYU-I in 2013 and studied according to a major of Sociology with emphases in Home and Family Studies, Psychology, and Criminology. I had the opportunity to take amazing classes, have inspiring professors, and learn so much! This July, I graduated with my Bachelor's degree and a certificate in Criminology.. In my time at BYU-I, I served in various leadership roles including BYU-I Sociology Society President (working my way through Treasurer, Activities Coordinator, and VP first) and Student Director of Safety. I also worked with the Parking Appeals Committee and the Academic Advising Center.
While my formal education may be done for now, I plan to attend the police academy soon. I am currently studying and honing skills in photography. I study the scriptures on a regular basis. I'm even learning all there is to know about cheerleading as I am helping coach my sister's squad. I love to have debates with my friends, and learn more and more about politics (this is prevalent now in this election year.). I am not done learning, and I never will be, any more than I am done loving or living. Hopefully, neither are any of you reading this.
As Nelson Mandela said, "a good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
What I Hope My Future is Like
I've seen my goals in life achieved and my dreams come true: getting a baby sister and then a baby brother, high school graduation, fancy prom night, seeing New York City, a wonderful wedding, a great marriage, a puppy of our own and so much more. Now, in about a month, I will graduate from my university. Therefore, what I hope my future is like is based on my goals and dreams, and my faith that they will come to be.
I hope I always consider myself to be best friends with my husband.
I hope we have children that grow up healthy and strong, intelligent and kind...
I hope we have lots of dogs and cats and ferretts. Pets galore!
I hope we have a beautiful home, all customized to our tastes.
I hope we travel, especially to London, Ireland and Germany.
I hope we both find careers in the fields that we love and remain happy in them for years.
I hope we go to Disney World, school reunions, and out camping.
I hope we make many lifelong friends, and keep those we have now.
I hope we only continue to grow closer with our family.
I hope we never have to live a moment without the other.
I hope for so many wonderful things, and I know some too.
I know we will be together forever through all eternity. I know I will get to meet God and Jesus Christ someday. I know, no matter what, there will be laughter and tears and love aplenty throughout our lives.
I hope I never stop appreciating everything, loving fully, and finding ways to be kind in an unkind world.
I hope. I love. I dream.... And I know that will never change.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
My Fears
I have the same fears a lot of people do, for the most part. I'm afraid of being alone in life, of the dark after watching a scary movie, of things that can eat and/or kill me, of being the victim of a crime, of death even though I know I shouldn't be, and so on. There are things we all fear but hopefully that fear becomes a motivation to truly live.
There is one fear I have though that I will admit has crossed the line into ridiculous, and that is because it is an irrational fear. In other words, according to the psychological definitions, I have a phobia. It is what is known as a specific phobia, and mine is about snakes. I am truly terrified of snakes. I put a toilet lock in my bathroom after watching the Facebook video that went around of snakes coming out of the toilet. If I have a nightmare about snakes, my husband has to check the entire house to convince me there's not one hiding to get me. If I see a picture or a video or even hear a snake-like sound, I could have a panic attack but at the very least, I am startled and have a bodily reaction similar to the beginning stages of fight or flight. I avoid whole sections of zoos, pet stores, and even the outdoors. Some of my favorite books and movies, like the Harry Potter series for example, have scenes that need to be watched or read through my fingers covering my face...if they're not skipped entirely. I have a very hard time walking alone at night because I can see a twig that m brain tells me is a snake...and the next thing you know I'm running my fastest mile ever. You would really be surprised how much the nasty little buggers show up: on Facebook, in movie trailers when I go to the theater, on billboards, on every TV show ever eventually, etc. If I do have a phobic attack, my nervous system initiates my fight, flight, or freeze response. This is draining and exhausting to my body and leaves me with general anxiety for hours afterward.
About a year ago, I had a horrible nightmare about my phobia. I was hiking with my future children (don't ask me how I know they were my future children...that's just what my brain told me). We come across a large rattle snake ahead on the path. I turn and run, leaving my children behind and at the mercy of a poisonous, lethal animal. When I woke up, I was more bothered by my phobia than ever. How could I, even subconsciously/unconsciously allow a fear to control me and even overpower my maternal instincts? How could I leave any child, but especially my children, in despair? I finally decided to get help. That was when I started exposure therapy, which is a progressive process of confronting your fear. I started out with things like saying the word "snake" over and over until it sounded like nonsense. Yes, I was to the point of being afraid of the word, and would become terrified when people discussed the subject to any degree. Now, I am to the point of watching movies that have snakes and making myself watch. I also make myself look at snakes in the zoo and pet stores, so long as they are in a cage and separated from me. I am so grateful for the progress I have been able to make, to my husband/friends/family for being so supportive and understanding, and to my amazing therapist. My school provides free therapy for students, and I will forever be thankful for this wonderful service. The best part of my therapy was actually during our first session. He said, "How wonderful is it that God gave you that dream so you could change before your children even get here?" Since then, I have had a good perspective about that dream and conquering my phobia overall. While I am not completely cured, I know I will be. I will never want a snake as a pet. I will always have a healthy fear of snakes, as they are lethal. I will not, however, leave my children or anyone I love because I am afraid. I will not be prevented from living my life the way I want to. I will take my siblings to zoos. I will go to the pet store with my husband without cutting off the circulation in his hand as we pass the terrariums. I will not let my fear control me.
Of course, this is all very personal so why am I sharing it on my very visible blog? For two reasons. One, if you have a phobia, I want you to know that you can beat it. Yes, it will be terrifying. Yes, the therapeutic process is really hard....but you can do it, and it will be worth it. Two, if you know and love someone with a phobia, try very hard to be supportive and not belittling. I can't tell you how small I have felt when people tell me my phobia is stupid, that I just need to grow up, or that I'm a wimp. I can't tell you how angry it makes me when a "friend" chooses to terrify me by texting me a picture of a snake, making snake sounds through my open window, or even trying to force me to touch a snake in person by inhibiting my control of my body. This is not okay behavior. You are causing more emotional damage, and even physical damage, than you realize. Even if you don't understand, try to learn or at least to be supportive. Phobias and mental illnesses in general are real and really do impact one's life, even if you can't see them. Please don't make your loved one's problem worse. If you wouldn't tell them their cancer is stupid, don't tell them their phobia is. If you wouldn't expect them to just get over a gunshot wound, don't expect them to just get over their depression. If you wouldn't punch their broken arm, don't shove the source of their anxiety in their face. If you would do any of that...I'll pray for you because you clearly need prison and probably involuntary commitment.
The answer is simple. If you understand, great! Even if you don't, be kind. That's all it takes to go from twisting the knife in their wound to helping them heal.
There is one fear I have though that I will admit has crossed the line into ridiculous, and that is because it is an irrational fear. In other words, according to the psychological definitions, I have a phobia. It is what is known as a specific phobia, and mine is about snakes. I am truly terrified of snakes. I put a toilet lock in my bathroom after watching the Facebook video that went around of snakes coming out of the toilet. If I have a nightmare about snakes, my husband has to check the entire house to convince me there's not one hiding to get me. If I see a picture or a video or even hear a snake-like sound, I could have a panic attack but at the very least, I am startled and have a bodily reaction similar to the beginning stages of fight or flight. I avoid whole sections of zoos, pet stores, and even the outdoors. Some of my favorite books and movies, like the Harry Potter series for example, have scenes that need to be watched or read through my fingers covering my face...if they're not skipped entirely. I have a very hard time walking alone at night because I can see a twig that m brain tells me is a snake...and the next thing you know I'm running my fastest mile ever. You would really be surprised how much the nasty little buggers show up: on Facebook, in movie trailers when I go to the theater, on billboards, on every TV show ever eventually, etc. If I do have a phobic attack, my nervous system initiates my fight, flight, or freeze response. This is draining and exhausting to my body and leaves me with general anxiety for hours afterward.
About a year ago, I had a horrible nightmare about my phobia. I was hiking with my future children (don't ask me how I know they were my future children...that's just what my brain told me). We come across a large rattle snake ahead on the path. I turn and run, leaving my children behind and at the mercy of a poisonous, lethal animal. When I woke up, I was more bothered by my phobia than ever. How could I, even subconsciously/unconsciously allow a fear to control me and even overpower my maternal instincts? How could I leave any child, but especially my children, in despair? I finally decided to get help. That was when I started exposure therapy, which is a progressive process of confronting your fear. I started out with things like saying the word "snake" over and over until it sounded like nonsense. Yes, I was to the point of being afraid of the word, and would become terrified when people discussed the subject to any degree. Now, I am to the point of watching movies that have snakes and making myself watch. I also make myself look at snakes in the zoo and pet stores, so long as they are in a cage and separated from me. I am so grateful for the progress I have been able to make, to my husband/friends/family for being so supportive and understanding, and to my amazing therapist. My school provides free therapy for students, and I will forever be thankful for this wonderful service. The best part of my therapy was actually during our first session. He said, "How wonderful is it that God gave you that dream so you could change before your children even get here?" Since then, I have had a good perspective about that dream and conquering my phobia overall. While I am not completely cured, I know I will be. I will never want a snake as a pet. I will always have a healthy fear of snakes, as they are lethal. I will not, however, leave my children or anyone I love because I am afraid. I will not be prevented from living my life the way I want to. I will take my siblings to zoos. I will go to the pet store with my husband without cutting off the circulation in his hand as we pass the terrariums. I will not let my fear control me.
Of course, this is all very personal so why am I sharing it on my very visible blog? For two reasons. One, if you have a phobia, I want you to know that you can beat it. Yes, it will be terrifying. Yes, the therapeutic process is really hard....but you can do it, and it will be worth it. Two, if you know and love someone with a phobia, try very hard to be supportive and not belittling. I can't tell you how small I have felt when people tell me my phobia is stupid, that I just need to grow up, or that I'm a wimp. I can't tell you how angry it makes me when a "friend" chooses to terrify me by texting me a picture of a snake, making snake sounds through my open window, or even trying to force me to touch a snake in person by inhibiting my control of my body. This is not okay behavior. You are causing more emotional damage, and even physical damage, than you realize. Even if you don't understand, try to learn or at least to be supportive. Phobias and mental illnesses in general are real and really do impact one's life, even if you can't see them. Please don't make your loved one's problem worse. If you wouldn't tell them their cancer is stupid, don't tell them their phobia is. If you wouldn't expect them to just get over a gunshot wound, don't expect them to just get over their depression. If you wouldn't punch their broken arm, don't shove the source of their anxiety in their face. If you would do any of that...I'll pray for you because you clearly need prison and probably involuntary commitment.
The answer is simple. If you understand, great! Even if you don't, be kind. That's all it takes to go from twisting the knife in their wound to helping them heal.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Five Things I Lust After
5. Chocolate- there are just some days where only a Herhsey bar will do the trick. Now, I'm no Anna or Elsa but I do get some crazy chocolate cravings every once in a while. My two favorite chocolate treats are Ritter butter biscuit with milk chocolate (German like me 😀) and Hershey's Symphony. I love milk and dark chocolate but am not a huge fan of white chocolate. Oh, also once a month (you know when), I firmly believe there are dementors in me that can only be staved off by c-h-o-c-o-l-a-t-e.
4. Other Foods- I love food from all kinds of cultures and styles. My favorite food is green bean casserole. My favorite type of food is probably a tie between Italian, Mexican and Chinese. I love everything from cheap, nostaglic foods like PB&J sandwiches to fancy delights like fondue.
3. Movies/Board Games/Books- If I can find it at Barnes and Noble, most of the time I want it. I love to read and get lost in a good story; I love the classic fun of board games with your friends and family especially when it's double fun like during a blackout; Finally, sometimes there is nothing that beats curling up on the couch to watch a really great movie. I love all kinds of books from all kinds of different authors and genres. It's very hard to pick a favorite book...I love so many. The enduring favorite has been the Harry Potter series, though. My favorite board game changes a lot, depending on my mood and what we've been playing lately. My current favorite is Curses; my enduring favorite is Scattergories. My favorite movie is pretty hard to pin down too, but I usually say one of my top 5: The Boondock Saints, The Princess Bride, Avengers, The Little Mermaid, or Titanic (in no particular order and prone to substitution).
2. All things Nerdy- Harry Potter scarves and replica wands? City of Bones temporary rune tattoos and collector's editions? Hunger Games pajamas and Mockingjay jewelry? Star Wars sheets and his/her hand towels? Disney EVERYTHING? Gotta have 'em. I love all things nerdy from the original creations as far as books or movies, to gatherings like Comic Con, to all the amazing gear and novelty items, to the opportunity to visit scenes straight from the pages or the film strips.
1. TIME- More time for family. More time for crafts. More time to read. More time to serve. As much as I love sleep, I wish I didn't need it. There are always too many things to do and not enough hours in the day. However, with each day we try harder, I know God blesses us in ways we will never understand and not according to a 24-hour-cycle.
4. Other Foods- I love food from all kinds of cultures and styles. My favorite food is green bean casserole. My favorite type of food is probably a tie between Italian, Mexican and Chinese. I love everything from cheap, nostaglic foods like PB&J sandwiches to fancy delights like fondue.
3. Movies/Board Games/Books- If I can find it at Barnes and Noble, most of the time I want it. I love to read and get lost in a good story; I love the classic fun of board games with your friends and family especially when it's double fun like during a blackout; Finally, sometimes there is nothing that beats curling up on the couch to watch a really great movie. I love all kinds of books from all kinds of different authors and genres. It's very hard to pick a favorite book...I love so many. The enduring favorite has been the Harry Potter series, though. My favorite board game changes a lot, depending on my mood and what we've been playing lately. My current favorite is Curses; my enduring favorite is Scattergories. My favorite movie is pretty hard to pin down too, but I usually say one of my top 5: The Boondock Saints, The Princess Bride, Avengers, The Little Mermaid, or Titanic (in no particular order and prone to substitution).
2. All things Nerdy- Harry Potter scarves and replica wands? City of Bones temporary rune tattoos and collector's editions? Hunger Games pajamas and Mockingjay jewelry? Star Wars sheets and his/her hand towels? Disney EVERYTHING? Gotta have 'em. I love all things nerdy from the original creations as far as books or movies, to gatherings like Comic Con, to all the amazing gear and novelty items, to the opportunity to visit scenes straight from the pages or the film strips.
1. TIME- More time for family. More time for crafts. More time to read. More time to serve. As much as I love sleep, I wish I didn't need it. There are always too many things to do and not enough hours in the day. However, with each day we try harder, I know God blesses us in ways we will never understand and not according to a 24-hour-cycle.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
A Problem That I Have Had
I try really hard not to air my dirty laundry on the internet so I'm going to try to be funny about a problem I have had. We'll see how that goes!
So here goes. I have a serious...book problem. I love to read, even though I never have time to (well, for fun anyway). I read every time I can, and love curling up on the couch or in my bed with a good book and a cup of tea. I claim allegiance to no particular genre or author. I do have my favorites, like Young Adult Fiction/True Crime or Catherine Coulter/Jim Butcher, but I try to never say no lest I miss the best book of my life in some unexpected section of the library or bookstore. Speaking of bookstores, you know how some women joke to not let them near shoes with their credit card? Don't let me near Barnes&Noble, or any bookstore for that matter. I've already gathered quite the selection in my collection (hey, that rhymed!) but there will never be a number that is too many books to own. I even prefer audiobooks to the radio in the car, especially on long drives. I have a never-ending list called "Books to Read" and several related Pinterest boards. Every Facebook post ever mocking bookworms has applied to me, word for word. I even get slightly agitated when people claim to be a fan of Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Divergent, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Gone With the Wind (or any title ever, really) based simply on watching the movie/s. You are no true fan until you see that material in its true form: the book. I do love when people write books based on movies or TV shows, too. Not to be a hypocrite, I refuse to see a movie based on a book until I read the book. I'm quite the sucker for all merchandise related to my favorite books. If Parker wouldn't stop me every once in a while, we'd look like hoarders. I could go on and on, but that could make this blog post a book in itself.
So, instead, I will close with a polite no thank you to your suggestions for seeking help, such as self-medicating with Netflix. You see, if I have to have a "problem" with anything, I'd like for it to be books. What other "problem" makes you smarter, takes you to other worlds without the cost of airfare or the discovery of time/space travel, AND helps you find the soul of so many "characters" and the lessons therein all the time? I not only have my friends and my family...I've got my fandoms.
And she lived happily ever after in a home ever smelling of books, THE END.
So here goes. I have a serious...book problem. I love to read, even though I never have time to (well, for fun anyway). I read every time I can, and love curling up on the couch or in my bed with a good book and a cup of tea. I claim allegiance to no particular genre or author. I do have my favorites, like Young Adult Fiction/True Crime or Catherine Coulter/Jim Butcher, but I try to never say no lest I miss the best book of my life in some unexpected section of the library or bookstore. Speaking of bookstores, you know how some women joke to not let them near shoes with their credit card? Don't let me near Barnes&Noble, or any bookstore for that matter. I've already gathered quite the selection in my collection (hey, that rhymed!) but there will never be a number that is too many books to own. I even prefer audiobooks to the radio in the car, especially on long drives. I have a never-ending list called "Books to Read" and several related Pinterest boards. Every Facebook post ever mocking bookworms has applied to me, word for word. I even get slightly agitated when people claim to be a fan of Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Divergent, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Gone With the Wind (or any title ever, really) based simply on watching the movie/s. You are no true fan until you see that material in its true form: the book. I do love when people write books based on movies or TV shows, too. Not to be a hypocrite, I refuse to see a movie based on a book until I read the book. I'm quite the sucker for all merchandise related to my favorite books. If Parker wouldn't stop me every once in a while, we'd look like hoarders. I could go on and on, but that could make this blog post a book in itself.
So, instead, I will close with a polite no thank you to your suggestions for seeking help, such as self-medicating with Netflix. You see, if I have to have a "problem" with anything, I'd like for it to be books. What other "problem" makes you smarter, takes you to other worlds without the cost of airfare or the discovery of time/space travel, AND helps you find the soul of so many "characters" and the lessons therein all the time? I not only have my friends and my family...I've got my fandoms.
And she lived happily ever after in a home ever smelling of books, THE END.
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