Mimi's Bucket List!

What an awesome read! While it was heartbreaking to see children suffer from the irresponsible actions of their addict-parents, it was inspiring to see these brave little souls overcome the crazy obstacles that an unstable childhood threw at them. It makes you just want to grab them and hug them! Children that are forced to grow up at such a young age just breaks my heart, but when you see them beat the odds it makes you want to jump up and do a victory dance for them! I couldn't help but Google Jeannette after finishing this book to learn of all of the accomplishments she's achieved even in the face of such adversity, and was surprised to find out that I've seen her countless times on MSNBC and would have never guessed that she had such a rough time growing up!

The Glass Castle: A Memoir-Paperback
The Glass Castle: A Memoir-Kindle Edition

I LOVE Oberon's journals and I've had mine for what seems like forever. Well, they've recently come out with Kindle covers with the option of velcro or corners. Most of you know that I HATE velcro so I'll probably go for one with corners. I'm bummed that their design selection is kinda of meek at the moment, but I've been eyeing the Tree of Life Kindle cover for awhile now, and considering my most recent horror with an M-Edge cover purchase, I'm thinking of getting myself a nice one for a few bucks more! So help me decide before I end up getting one of each!

Oberon Design

It's been a busy week of Christmas shopping so I haven't had time to blog at all, but i thought I'd post a quick tip for all the readers! If you're like me, sometimes you just can't figure out what to read next. Well, since I love Pandora for my music, I was thrilled when I stumbled across this handy little site!

What Should I Read Next?

Just plug in the name of a book you enjoyed and a list of suggestions will pop-up for your reading pleasure! Enjoy!

How's THIS for a blast from the past? George Michael. Yep, you heard me right! Read me right, whatever! So I was helping a friend do some major Spring cleaning in preparation for his move and he finds a crazy old CD. Then "Kissing a Fool" comes on and wouldn't ya know that the sap in me rears its ugly head? I'm sure a few of you can relate like I did to the song!

You are far,
When I could have been your star,
You listened to people,
Who scared you to death, and from my heart,
Strange that you were strong enough,
To even make a start,
But you'll never find
Peace of mind,
Till you listen to your heart,

People,
You can never change the way they feel,
Better let them do just what they will,
For they will,
If you let them,
Steal your heart from you,
People,
Will always make a lover feel a fool,
But you knew I loved you,
We could have shown them all,
We should have seen love through,

Fooled me with the tears in your eyes,
Covered me with kisses and lies,
So goodbye,
But please don't take my heart,

You are far,
I'm never gonna be your star,
I'll pick up the pieces
And mend my heart,
Maybe I'll be strong enough,
I don't know where to start,
But I'll never find
Peace of mind,
While I listen to my heart,

People,
You can never change the way they feel,
Better let them do just what they will,
For they will,
If you let them,
Steal your heart,

And people,
Will always make a lover feel a fool,
But you knew I loved you,
We could have shown them all,

But remember this,
Every other kiss,
That you ever give
Long as we both live
When you need the hand of another man,
One you really can surrender with,
I will wait for you,
Like I always do,
There's something there,
That can't compare with any other,

You are far,
When I could have been your star,
You listened to people,
Who scared you to death, and from my heart,
Strange that I was wrong enough,
To think you'd love me too.
I guess you were kissing a fool,
You must have been kissing a fool.

With Thanksgiving Day just around the corner, I'm curious to see what you all feel you're thankful for in your life! A few things I give thanks for on a daily basis include:

My family who encourage me to make my own decisions and make my own mistakes yet love me anyway.
My friends who are always there to catch me when I fall, and don't yell at me until AFTER they've told me they love me =p.
My dog that loves me even when I'm late feeding her!
A roof over my head.
A steady job (a rarity these days!).


So what are you thankful for this holiday season?

Remember how much I used to love to go fishing? Well, I'm considering learning how to hunt now >.< I love being outdoors and I don't get many opportunities lately to spend time with nature, so I'm learning new ways! I tagged along a few times with some friends and cringed at the sound of the rifle or crossbow going off, even when I would be sitting at camp and hearing rather than seeing the shot. Lane doesn't think I can "kill Bambi" as he so eloquently put it, but I'm thinking of giving it a shot. I have to say that I'm honestly excited about learning how to properly shoot a rifle and a crossbow, but Lane may prove to be right when it comes down to the execution! Nevertheless, it will give me more time outdoors and that's my ultimate goal!

Years ago I read and raved about A Child Called "It". I couldn't fathom a mother hurting her own child as much as this crazed lunatic. It made me realize that even though we all have a right to privacy, we also have the responsibility to report suspected activities to the appropriate authorities. There are times when things are none of your business, and there are times when you need to make it your business. Learn the line and don't cross it! That being said, years after my first time reading this book and its sequels, I discovered that David Pelzer's brother, Richard, came out with a book highlighting a different perspective of David's experiences as well as his own traumatic experiences.

A Child Called It: One Child's Courage to Survive-Paperback
A Child Called It: One Child's Courage to Survive-Kindle Edition






A Brother's Journey did not leave me in awe with the writing, but it was interesting to read Richard's accounts of what happened when he was just a child. It's hard to say anything more without giving too much away, so I can't say much more than--it can be repetitive at times and worth the read if you can keep from comparing it to his brother's book!

A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse-Paperback
A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse-Kindle Edition

You know how I've been waiting forever and a day for this movie to hit the theaters? I finally find a theater locally that's playing it and drag a friend of mine with me to a known "chick-flick" only to be.....SORELY disappointed! I rarely check reviews or spoilers for a movie (other than the trailer) since I don't want someone else's opinion to influence me either way, but this time I really wish I had! With its amateur actors (even Kirk Cameron seemed noobish!) and poor picture quality (I guess it could have just seemed poor because of the theater we went to), this movie in NO WAY did the book any justice! Makes me such a sad bunny!

Fireproof-Paperback
Fireproof-Kindle Edition

What is this fascination with Oprah?! Ok so now I've had my Kindle for about a year now, right? I've even turned a few of you guys onto them =p. Well, when I find something I think is great I like to share it with everyone so that they can share in the wealth. I mean really, the initial cost is saved in a matter of maybe 20 Kindle books? Not to mention, it saves bookshelf space and is great for traveling without lugging around a bag of books. Fast forward a year. All those people that told me they thought it was a waste of money and useless? They get a Kindle...why? BECAUSE OPRAH SAID TO! It's scary that one person has such a great influence over so many that don't have a clue as to what they REALLY think! All of a sudden people are asking me where I've been getting all my books and if they can get copies! I honestly don't mind sharing, I mean I've let people borrow my Kindle in the past when they were considering the purchase, but it makes me laugh that the people that had firsthand experience with it didn't purchase it until Oprah said "OMG YOU MUST BUY THIS!". When will people learn to think for themselves?!

Since you guys are all posting your Halloween costumes I thought I'd share mine too!

As most of you know, I've been putting off this read for quite some time just because I truly feel that it is extremely arrogant that any author believe they can express the thoughts of God or Jesus, directly from the lips of God. I finally picked it up out of sheer boredom, and let me say that it left a bad taste in my mouth! I swear people don't have a mind of their own anymore! Oprah says that it's a great book and then her cronies all think it's a great book without even giving much thought to the jibberish they just read! Ok ranting aside, as far as the fictional aspect of this book goes it was definitely sad and tugged at the heartstrings. The writing started out rough with a lot of awkward sentences and some amateur-ish style, but by Chapter 4 things seemed to smooth out. The problem I personally had as a Christian was with the theological aspect. The author makes it impossible to separate the two here, but I'm as open-minded as they come, right? Sure. Moving on...without giving too much away...there are some gross (not the kind of pickled herring gross!) contradictions in this book that I can only describe as Universalist Unitarianism mystical philosophy. I'll give on God possibly being female, but since when does God not punish or hold you accountable for your sins (page 119-120)?!

"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36)

Or how about where God is said to be the same as the Great Spirit from some Indian folktale (page 31)?

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works." (II Corinthians 11:13-15)

Now I'm no expert in the Bible, but I do know enough to see the contradictions to it. Now if Young meant for the contradictions in his book to lead people to pick up the Bible and study it more, kudos to him! I highly doubt that was his intent though. Moving on..."Jesus was not meant to copy. He is not our example." (Pg 149) Really? Since when? And what of these passages from the Bible?

"Imitate me(Paul), just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1)

"14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." (John 13:14-15)

"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher." (Luke 6:40)

Ok enough spoilers and I'm sure I've given you enough info to see where I'm coming from. If I, as a fairly non-practicing Christian realize that there is something seriously wrong with Young's version of God and the Trinity, then how is it that so many so-called Christians are raving about this piece of work?! Seems to me that there are many church-going Christians that need to dust off their Bible some before wasting any of their time reading something like this. People warn voters and consumers to make informed decisions all the time before casting a vote. The Christians that are raving about this book seriously need to be better informed on the Bible!

The Shack-Paperback
The Shack-Kindle Edition

Ok I'm forewarning everyone! This is going to be a heated response to what happened to a dear friend of mine recently, and it revolves around religion! It surprises me to see just how many people are out there who are not only close-minded and judgmental, but also hypocritical! Am I Christian? Yes. Am I a perfect one? No. I don't claim to be a devout or perfect Christian, however, considering the so-called "Elders" that lead our churches these days it's not hard to understand my discouragement or disinterest in being a member of one. Being an Elder does NOT give you the right to judge someone in God's stead. Being an Elder does NOT give you the right to act self-righteous and not be held accountable for your actions. Being an Elder does NOT mean you get to walk all over someone and not apologize for your hurtful actions. Being an Elder does NOT make you a superior human being that no longer needs to EARN respect! Being an Elder you have a responsibility to lead by example. Lead the Christian life and teach those who want to learn the TRUE Christian way. Being an Elder means you forgive the sins of others the same way you've been forgiven of your own (I know plenty of Elders that have pasts full of drugs, alcohol, and partying which they've conveniently forgotten about!). Now don't get me wrong, I also know many Elders that should be greatly respected despite their pasts. I respect them for acknowledging their imperfections and for trying to lead us in a Christian way of life despite our everyday struggles. I respect them for showing us that when we as humans make mistakes and stumble, we as Christians should continue to love, accept, and respect each other. As most of you know, most of my Dad's family all serve as Elders in their church which they've been a part of for over 20 years, and not once have they used it as a license to put someone down or brag. Have they all been perfect Elders? No. But I will say this much. In due time they've ALWAYS apologized for any hurt they've caused or mistakes they have made. They don't make the same mistakes twice, and they strive to live by their hearts every day. They commit to the responsibility that as Elders they must acknowledge, admit, and apologize for their mistakes no matter how difficult it may be. We must forgive each other as Christians if we ever expect to gain forgiveness by God! That, to me, makes not only a true Christian, but a truly respected Elder!

Every so often I like to read something that doesn't require my "grownup" side of my brain. If you're like me and are a fan of the original V.C. Andrews books (not the ghost-writer...I'm talking Flowers in the Attic original one and only!), and you haven't read the "Twilight" series yet, get it! I have to say that way back when the second book of the series came out, it lacked a little something, but "Breaking Dawn" made up for that disappointment! There are some crazy plot twists that make it impossible to put this page-turner down!

Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4)-Hardcover
Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga Book 4)-Kindle Edition

Yep. This is for chicks! Let's face it, if you could honestly get your guy to read this book, chances are you don't need it! It's a GREAT relationship workbook in many ways if you can get past some of the repetitiveness. Ideally, you would both read the book and make the changes together, but maybe after he sees some of the changes he might be inspired enough to pick it up even if he doesn't want you to SEE him pick it up! We can dream, right? All kidding aside, commit to the little changes in this book and I can't see how it wouldn't work. Marriage is about committment, right? =p On a side note, my Kleenex and I CAN'T WAIT for Fireproof to hit the theaters!

The Love Dare-Paperback
The Love Dare-Kindle Edition

From Publishers Weekly
Elected the first black president of the Harvard Law Review, Obama was offered a book contract, but the intellectual journey he planned to recount became instead this poignant, probing memoir of an unusual life. Born in 1961 to a white American woman and a black Kenyan student, Obama was reared in Hawaii by his mother and her parents, his father having left for further study and a return home to Africa. So Obama's not-unhappy youth is nevertheless a lonely voyage to racial identity, tensions in school, struggling with black literature?with one month-long visit when he was 10 from his commanding father. After college, Obama became a community organizer in Chicago. He slowly found place and purpose among folks of similar hue but different memory, winning enough small victories to commit himself to the work?he's now a civil rights lawyer there. Before going to law school, he finally visited Kenya; with his father dead, he still confronted obligation and loss, and found wellsprings of love and attachment. Obama leaves some lingering questions?his mother is virtually absent?but still has written a resonant book. Photos not seen by PW. Author tour.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

First of all, THANK YOU KRISTY FOR SHARING THIS! Ok politics aside, this book was such an inspiring memoir that took me by surprise! Let's keep in mind that this was written WAY before his political campaign began, so we might do well to think of it as simply a successful black man's memoir. It could be that I was able to identify with many of his struggles being a minority myself (a double minority at that in the corporate world! An Asian WOMAN!), or it could be that I'm a hopeless sap. Either way, this book deserves more attention! Dare I say it? Oprah might need to start promoting it!

Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance-Paperback
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance-Kindle Edition

So I know it took me long enough to make the transition from LJ considering how long it's been since most of you made the switch, but I finally did it! Since the most recent craziness of them losing my past month's posts happened, I finally took the leap and made my new home! For the time being I'll re-up some of my past month's archives from LJ so that my new home doesn't feel so empty!