Everyone should read this book-- Lean In

I just started it and already I feel empowered.

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's chief operation officer, hits on many points that I feel equally about and discusses hurdles as a woman that I have experienced or have yet to  deal with.

She describes the book in a way as her non-feminist manifesto, feminist manifesto. It is completely a feminist manifesto and there is nothing wrong with it. Feminism is not a dirty word.

The book talks further about how more women need to be leaders in the world, however, you can choose your own path with strength and dignity whether is to run for a political office, run a company or be a full-time mother. She quotes statistics that show more women are educated than men, are more successful in higher education and more drop out of the workforce than men.

There is a chapter about being a mother and still having a career-- which I look forward to reading.

My husband and I are getting to a point where we would like a child (in a year or two...or three). I don't want to give up my career because I feel like I am just getting started, but I want a family too. Can woman have it all?


Men or partners, should lean-in. Life and family should be taken care of 50/50.

No, I won't ask my husband to buy me clothes. However, why should I be the one working crazy hours, rushing home, cooking dinner, doing laundry, cleaning the house and going to the store? He never not offered to do those thing, the responsibility was just somehow embedded in me and assumed. He might not be the best at folding clothes, but he needs to do his part equally in this little family. Which, thankfully, he mostly does. Now, he just needs to learn to cook-- sorry, ordering a pizza is not cooking.

We need to take care of each other... equally. And I think women need to take care of each other too.

My only negative critique on the book, so far, is that it gets me so pumped that I can't sleep. Reading it before bed is out of the question.

Here is a link:

http://leanin.org/book/

The website is interesting too.

Starting again... and again… and again.

My husband always jokes at me that I'm "What's next Stephanie" and it's true. I have not spent more than two years in a place since graduating from college. It might be a problem or it might be the right thing. I truly can't tell. 

I am constantly searching for my little slice of the "American Dream". Nothing Hollywood or what someone else would consider it to be, but my version of it. And, unfortunately, I'm still trying to figure out what that is. 

My own answer to my own issue is-- hopefully, I'll know it when I find it. 

I very much loved Columbia, Mo. My quality of life there was great. I exercised, ate well, loved the downtown and overall felt happy. The cost of living is low and the people are very nice. I was even offered a job on two separate occasions that would have set my husband and I up very well. He could have comfortably finished his master's degree and gone on to pursue and complete his doctorate. 

Why the hell did I turn it all down? 

The only answer I can come up with is that it just did not feel right. It wasn't for me. It wasn't what I wanted. 

I suppose it is a fear of failing myself. Of making the wrong life decision (and goodness knows I've made plenty of those). I know that I hold myself to sometimes unreachable standards and also fear that I will continually be disappointed.

I took a job in Pennsylvania as a staff photographer in an area that is very busy, difficult to navigate, expensive to live in and pretty much the polar opposite of Columbia. 

Everything leading up to right now has been a bit of a struggle-- flying out for an interview during a hurricane on my own dime, finding a reasonable place to live, my car breaking down halfway through the move here, trying to purchase a new car while still being registered in Mo., miserable people, getting lost, shitty pay, being constantly sick, getting lost and getting lost. My dog hates the apartment, nearly everyone I work with is miserable, and I'm apart from the one person that means more to me than me. My husband. I get choked up just thinking about not being with him. 

So why do it? 

Because it was my choice and I fought for it. It's something I want to be a part of (no matter how miserable everyone is) and it's a new adventure. Don't get me wrong, there have been a few time already where I've cracked and asked myself: Did I make the right choice? 

Is it my dream?

No. But it might become that. I think this is one step toward finding my little slice of heaven and I know good karma is right around the corner. 

I'd be unhappy doing anything else. I'd have no stories to tell. I don't know to be someone that hates what she does and just does it to go home on the weekend and put in her time until she can retire. I think too hard about things to be able to do that.

I'm having an adventure. I'm controlling my destiny and not letting it control me. 

Maybe this is where I stay, have a family and 'settle down'. Maybe this is just leading to another grand adventure… I'll let you know in two years.  

Next up: staying positive around miserable people. 

-S

Opinion: Hurricane Sandy

 We, as Americans, disagree on politics, religion, rights, fashion, and plenty more topics subject to millions of views, but man-oh-man, when a storm is a’bruin, everyone prepares (even the skeptics). There is an almost giddiness in the air before the storm – the metonymy of our day to day is being interrupted. We get our flash lights and bring in the wind chimes. We fill buckets with clean water and gather food. We care about each other’s well-being.

When a loved-one dies, a family usually comes to together and puts aside differences. From tragedy comes compassion because we realize (once again) what is important. The same can be said for a natural disaster, but on a larger scale. It’s hard to tell if the politicians are so involved because it’s an election year… I mean, would Mitt Romney have been there handing out water if he weren’t up for president? No. What would really be great is if all of the politicians physically united whenever another state needed help (we are the United States after all). Yes yes, one can dream of political peace. What can I say, I’m a beauty queen at heart.

What is interesting to me about Hurricane Sandy is our straight-on view of what’s happening to the people of NYC. During Hurricane Katrina, we only had the news. Journalists would choose what they thought were the most important visuals and would portray the aftermath as such. With Sandy, we get a more direct view because some of our favorite shows are “Straight from New York!” I watched the opening of Jimmy Kimmel with no audience. I saw The View this morning and know their experience. Rather than tuning into CNN to view the devastation, I see pictures of people helping people and struggles, but also triumphs straight from the people being affected. It’s refreshing.

-Julia

The Underdog

There are so many ways that we beat ourselves up... I did this wrong or said that wrong and while I could make a list for you right now, I'd rather tell you about a self-quality I can't help but like.

Today I was thinking about... well actually I don't remember (but for some reason I still feel the need to struggle through this post). Anyway, I was thinking about something and as always, I couldn't help but hope the underdog of that scenario comes out on top.

It doesn't matter if it's something obvious like football when I root for the less popular team of the two, or something just in my head like my slightly-subconscious need for the less popular: yellow-gold jewelry, green tea (believe me, it wasn't popular among my peeps when I started drinking it in high school). I'm not super-different from others, but I'm just drawn to some things because to me, they are the underdog.

These thoughts have probably been rooted from an early age when my mother would consistently take my friend's side as I told her about an argument. Didn't matter what it was about, she would have comments that eluded to me being wrong. "Why did you say that? Don't act like that." And lets not forget the eye roll ((OMG... I'm just now realizing my eye roll is strictly a hand-me-down from my mother)).

To get back on track here, I see myself doing this same (less extreme) eluding whenever the people are telling me about their disagreements with others. For me, it seems more like trying to see both sides of the story and giving the best advice possible, but sometimes (especially in the case of my hubby), it can seem like I'm not taking his side (no matter wife, as any good wife should ;).

All in all, it's something I like about myself. I think I could make a good counselor and someday I might try to pursue that career path, but for now, I'll happily settle for having a quality I admire in myself. Go Underdogs!

The Power of a Good Romantic Comedy

I watched "You've Got Mail" tonight and it made me wish for something whimsical and magical to happen.

So much of day-to-day life is chaotic and though we plan days of fun, it's almost too much pressure. Make sure you fit all the fun into your day trip or your week of vacation because come Monday, it'll be back to groceries, cooking, cleaning, and a job you don't exactly jump up-and-down for.

Yes, I feel the need to express my regret for my last statement by telling you all I am grateful to have a job and I know many others have it worse, but why should I apologize for wanting more - for wanting to live everyday doing something I truly enjoy?

Life slowed down in this movie... just two people doing what they love and falling in love. It's just nice to stop for a moment and daydream.

It's not often that I watch a girlie movie these days. I rarely have a moment to myself and when with the hubby, we compromise. If he was to watch a romantic comedy with me though, it would mean I'd have to watch a horror movie in return and that is a no-go! So, we stick to the action/drama and all is good.

My point is that in watching this simple and beautiful movie, I've realized I've somehow forgotten what giddy love feels like. And not just that, but basking in that brisk autumn air or taking a walk in fresh fallen snow... letting the summer sun warm my skin without wondering what I'll make for dinner.

I am so in-love with my husband and he does romance me, but I guess I'm just so caught up in the next thing I need to get done that I don't stop and give enough appreciative thought to the kiss, or the breakfast he made for me... even just the genuineness in his voice when he tells me he loves me. I can blame it on the work day and trying to be that typical woman who feels she should accomplish it all, but really... there is no good excuse. I just need to make time slow down and breath in the little things.

Here's to giving it a good shot... and to watching more inspirational romantic comedies!

-J

If you need a dose of ridiculousness.

Then watch and read this.

http://gawker.com/5936050/republican-senate-nominee-explains-that-women-dont-really-get-pregnant-from-legitimate-rape


I don't think I need to comment any further.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

As a college instructor, I tend to dish out a lot of advice—whether it’s career, ethical, life, journalism or course related.

Hopefully, some students walk away with at least one decent piece of advice while others, most likely, are not listening.

All of the giving has made me think about advice that I’ve got. Honestly, only one stands out and I have no idea who gave it to me or when it was given.

It goes like so:

“What’s the worst they are going to say? No?”

For me, this is the best advice I could have ever gotten. I’m always worried about bothering people or being in the way. And seriously, what’s the worst that could happen?

I’m not afraid of the big N-O, I’ve just always worried about making people mad or looking like a jerk.

In my carrier, you can’t worry about that.

As a journalist/ photojournalist you’re going to get looked at like you’re selling dead kittens, get told no constantly, yelled at, ignored… the list goes on. I even had someone run away from me once. Yes, run!

You have to be made of steal and you have to laugh it off. You can’t take it personally and you can’t let yourself get jaded about people.

Yet, to this day, if I have to make a cold call or walk into a place unannounced and ask if I cant take pictures, I get a tight feeling in my chest. Sometimes I even procrastinate before getting on with it.  I don’t know why or if it will ever go away.

In the end, I always pull the Band-Aid and it never hurts as bad as I thought it would. Because, what’s the worst they’re going to say? No?

-Steph

A Short Picture Book

Once upon a time there was a kitten named Pippen.Pippen was sweet and cuddly.

As Pippen grew older, she become more and more playful.

One day, and for many days, a big bad wolf teased Pippen so much that she became mean and nasty. She is now known as "That B."

Just as every other time her mother tried to walk through the living room, Pippen rolled around and began to grab at her mother's feet.

To avoid getting grabbed and bitten by Pippen, her mother took a small leap and *BAM* -- ended up smashing her leg on Pippen's window seat.

Now Pippen's mother is left with a big, painful purple bruise on her leg.

And while you may think "That B," Pippen's mother is actually contemplating smashing a bolted, heavy peice of wood into the big bad wolf's leg.








Moral: Watch where you're going when trying to get away from attack cat, and don't allow your husband to torture said attack cat; it just makes her more nasty.


Julia

The 'Lady' Upstairs

Never have I considered coming to an age when I would be referred to as 'lady.' I look in the mirror and while I'm painfully aware that tiny wrinkles are starting to form around my eyes and saggy skin around my jaw, I still see a young girl. I feel energetic most days and don't dress like I'm 50. I am young as far as years-of-life go! The real youngsters don't agree.

The first time it occurred was when an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old moved into the apartment below me and my husband. I don't remember exactly what I heard them saying, but I was definitely referred to as 'the lady upstairs.' My face looked like this:  =-0

I told my husband - 'I'm the lady upstairs!!' He just laughed at my shock and horror.

The second time was when I was driving down the street. I was heading to pick up my husband from his grandmother's house and while attempting not to hit two young people who were driving past me on a quad, one yelled 'Come onn lady!' Guess I was driving too slow...

So it's official. When I walk past the strapping young men at the mall, and I think they are probably checking out my hot, young bod (lol), they are actually thinking 'What is wrong with this lady?' This realization wont stop me from exercising, buying fashionable clothes and using wrinkle cream to prolong feeling young! Okay, I haven't gotten to the wrinkle cream stage yet, but if I'm called lady by a stranger again, it might just happen.

Julia

Time heals all wounds. Should it?

I’m sitting in my favorite coffee shop with the purpose of a very sad attempt at being productive. I’m, of course, eaves dropping and people watching instead of working.

A man and a woman near to me are sitting across from each other having a conversation, staring deeply into one another’s eyes, not drifting away for a second.  The intensity of their eye contact can only lead me to assume that there is a mutual attraction.

“I just need time before I can let myself get that close again. I need time to heal,” the man said.  Head nod. Fake smile. Pessimistic laugh.

Okay, now I’ll never get work done.

Obviously, I don’t know the circumstances, but that statement is surely powerful—cliché as well. At least once in our lives, we have said or will say something similar.

As Cheryl Crow belts out how she’s leaving Las Vegas over the stereo speakers I can only think of one thing.

Should time heal all wounds?

I look at the pair in the coffee shop and all I think is, “Get over it!” He cares about her or he wouldn’t have agreed to meet, on neutral territory, for coffee—another cliché.

Gosh just kiss her already! “Love” heals all wounds!

That’s a lie.

I have loved and I have had my heartbroken. I have even forgiven when I should not have. The ship had already sailed. The book rental was past due. If I stayed any longer,  I would not have healed no matter how much I loved. Walking away definitely made things better for everyone.

Back to time.

What if you need more time than the other? The other can’t wait any longer and when you realize you’re all healed up, it’s too late?  Then you need more time to heal all over again. Gosh, this is starting to sound like a romantic comedy.

The term is circumstantial. For love, you will heal the more removed your are from a situation.  You heal because you don’t have to think about that person anymore.  Just like Cheryl Crow leaving and starting anew in her song.

However, if that situation comes back to haunt you, no matter how many years removed, you’ll always feel a twinge of something. It will drudge up feelings you thought disappeared over time. 

It might not hurt as bad and it might not even bother you, but the scars are still there.  And those scars might open.

Perhaps they should. If you've been hurt to the point where you voice that you need time, then you should learn something from it. 

These two are definitely into each other. Maybe they’re no good for each other. It could be a poisonous relationship. In that case, they don’t need to heal their feelings for each other, they need to move along.

It’s okay to heal, not to forget.

  

-s

An excellent Q&A with Liz Winstead

Mother Jones did a Q&A political satirist and co-creator of The Daily Show,  Lizz Winstead. I find her thoughts and answers insightful. I completely agree with Windstead that women need to be outspoken about their beliefs all of the time instead of when there is a crisis.

http://www.motherjones.com/media/2012/03/daily-show-lizz-winstead-lizz-free-or-die-interview

-Steph

Catching Up

Hello Readers (if there are any out there)!

Since my last post, "The 3am blues," I've pretty much fallen off the blogger radar. I'm okay and my husband is okay, but how does one really come back from such a depressing post? Well, time heals all wounds and it's been doing pretty good work on mine. Mother's Day weekend was a bit difficult and probably somewhere around September 27th I'll be crying and boozing again (unless we're pregnant again of course, then it'll just be the crying). The baby had Turners Syndrome, which is why it didn't survive -- I was told about 90% of pregnancies where the fetus has Turners ends in miscarriage. It's the best we could hope for in a shitty situation. It wasn't due to our genes, it was just missing an X Chromosome. We like to joke around and say "The next one just has to remember all its chromosomes!"

Moving on to random thoughts and catching up, I'm learning to sew! It's not much of a story yet, but tonight was my first lesson. I can thread the machine and the bobber, take the bobber parts apart and put it together and create a barely decent line of stitches, but it's a happy start! I'll be sure to post my first piece.

In other news that has nothing to do with sewing, I might start a "Bucket List." I've never had any interest in making one before because I don't like the idea of subjecting myself to a list of things that may never happen and thereby creating a list of disappointments. I had never given it that much thought, but just knowing me, I like to take things as they come and don't like to ever say "This MUST happen!" However, today as I was listening to the radio and envisioning the perfect music video for "Feel So Good," by Calvin Harris and it occurred to me that this is obtainable! I am constantly creating the perfect scene while I listen to music and let my thoughts drift through winding roads, bright green mountains and a setting sun. I know exactly what I want.. pretty much, but I wont tell you because you might just steal my idea! It's officially a part of the list (a cringe ran through my arms while typing that). I do have an great friend with expertise and a camera! You might know her as my fellow blogger. I haven't yet mentioned this idea, but I feel a short project coming on this summer :-D

I'll end the randomness with one of my favorite quotes:
"It's not about ideas.
It's about making ideas happen!"

Remember that kiddies!
Julia

40 miles

Recently, I went on a 40 mile bike trip and made a short video about it. It was so much fun! Exhausting, but a blast!



 

I'll post what I want on Facebook, but keep your opinions to yourself

Facebook land. Make sure you post that picture! Did you tag me!? Has Sandy put on some weight? Bill's status updates are really sad, is he okay? Awww, they look so 'Leave it to Beaver' happy!

 There's no denying it. If we have it, we do it. My mom does it. Post, comment, tag, stalk-- it doesn't get any better.

 As a working journalist and being well aware that I have some very ignorant/ one track minded Facebook friends, I rarely post anything to stir the pot. That's not why I have a page. I'd rather keep it more like a digital scrapbook and way to keep in touch. Basically, I like it G rated.

 I was grocery shopping the other day and my phone buzzed with an AP news alert stating President Obama voiced his support of gay marriage. I was so excited. I stopped in the middle of the pasta isle and posted the link to Facebook with a big 'yayyyy!!'. This is not a typical action of mine and the most I usually post are funny videos of cats.

 Yet, this was one of the few things I found important to me and that I very openly support. It came at an appropriate time with North Carolina announcing it is only recognizing marriage between a man and a woman. And, it's always a hot topic during an election year.

 I think President Obama played it well. I think it is his honest opinion and I think, as always in politics, it was partially a strategic move to gain the attention of the more liberal minded folks. It was also risky because it is a heated topic. (( Politics fascinate me. I hate it, but it's such a part of our daily lives it's insane. Post on politics coming soon.))

 It doesn't necessarily do much for the LGBTQ community and their rights, but I think the support of our President is vital-- especially if you are a supporter of him.

So again, I thought it was important to post.

 Of course, in came the ignorant, one track minded comments. 'Wow big deal', 'marriage is between a man and a women, call it something else', and the beat goes on.

 I found myself thinking, as I was deleting their comments from my page, geeeeez, keep your opinions to yourself! I don't want to be associated with your nastiness!

 But wasn't I the one that started the opinion sharing?

 It's not like I don't like to stir the pot every once in a while, and I don't mind making some people angry-- especially when it comes to this. A good debate is always healthy... but not of Facebook!

Nothing ever comes across well in a few hundred word posts. It's like when your dad just learned to email and he would write to you in all CAPS. Are you yelling at me dad?

 Plus, if you don't like what someone has to say, you can just delete it. Like I did.

 In the end, that is why I like to keep my Facebook opinions to myself. I don't want to be a moderator.

 Here is a link to one of many articles if you haven't read about it. http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/story/2012-05-11/obama-equality-romney-clooney-fundraiser/54896138/1

-Steph

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The 3am Blues

Prepare yourself for a not so up-beat post.


Well, my intention this week was to talk about my pregnancy. To tell you how excited my husband and I were to be expecting a little bundle of joy, finally. Having children is something we've talked about since before marriage... since even the early stages of our relationship because it's just something we both want and have always been 'prepared' for. What were weren't truly prepared for is the chance of a sick fetus that will most likely result in miscarriage.

Why talk about this on the Internet? We are now in our 14th week and the pregnancy is pretty much public knowledge at this point -- our families know, friends know and even co-workers know. We thought we had waited the necessary amount of time to avoid just what is happening. So now every person that knew we were pregnant (and technically still are) will know once it is no more.

At our first ultrasound at nine weeks, the doctors thought they saw a very small amount of fluid build-up. We were sent for a follow-up at a center with really good technology to get a better look two weeks later. That appointment was promising; our baby for the most part seemed okay, but possibly had a small amount of fluid under its skin on the back of its neck. Depending on the amount of fluid and how much it grows, this could mean abnormal chromosomes (resulting in Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, or other), but it would most likely be absorbed. It appeared that there was no other fluid to be found. We were told that it had to be monitored, but to proceed with cautionary optimism.

Our next appointment was this past Tuesday (12 weeks, 5 days). During these appointments, before the doctor does a consult, the technician does an ultrasound and takes multiple pictures at multiple angles. My husband and I could see instantly. "Is that the fluid?" I asked the technician. "Yes" ..."F."   ...no really, the letter F came out of my mouth.

First thing the doctor said when he came in is that he doesn't like the results of this ultrasound. Neither did we.

Not only does our baby have a significant amount of fluid build-up under the skin in the back of its neck, it also has fluid under the skin in its abdomen. This is called Fetal Hydrops and most fetus's don't survive the pregnancy. Even when they do, they die shortly after from all the swelling, or are very sick and have to be aggressively treated. However, in my case it was first trimester diagnosis and so I'm told chances of even coming to term a low.

Here is a link for more info - Fetal Hydrops - Children's Hospital of Wisconsin It's more readable then the medical websites. If your interested, go for it, but don't Google images - it's not pretty.

So, here I am wide awake at 3am again, like every other night since Tuesday. Life lessons learned?
--Don't tell acquaintances before 13 weeks, especially if it appears early on that there could be a problem because it could mean for multiple heartbreaking explanations.
--You're never prepared for everything.
I'm sure there are more that I can't see quite yet..


The worst part at this stage is the waiting. It is the hardest thing I've never had no choice but to do.

The fetus is tiny - the size of a peach, but the weight of only a slice of cheese. It doesn't have feelings yet, I don't think.. So why can't I treat this like something that just happens? I know of many other women who have gone though similar situations, through a miscarriage. Life doesn't go smoothly, it's not meant to. During the day I can accept that and my husband and I carry on. We cry, make each other laugh and talk bluntly about how it sucks. We have each other for support and the support of our family and friends, whom we are so truly blessed to have. But, damn. 3am is tough.

I do believe the time heals wounds and I'm sure we'll probably try again... but it's not time to think about that because for now I'm stuck waiting. I'll keep you updated - next appointment Wednesday.


-Julia

Radiohead and a sour puss--Am I Veruca Salt?

We all have a bucket list of some sort.

Whether we take the time two write one down or just keep a mental check list, we have things we want and hope to do before we die. 

I don't keep a list compiled entirely of prominent hopes. Somethings I'd like to do before I cross those pearly gates are: see all 50 states, join a band, have a flower garden, meet Paul McCartney,  skinny dip, publish a photograph in Rolling Stone magazine, raise a family, truly help someone, write a book, run a coffee and pie shop, volunteer for something I care about, buy an outfit not on sale, see Radiohead in concert…

You might look at some of these goals and think that they are petty, selfish and meaningless in the grand scheme of life. But, this is my list and I'm sticking to it. 

Last week, I got to check one of those items off my endlessly growing tally. For my birthday (age and gray hair, let's not go there) my husband purchased us tickets for a Radiohead concert in St. Louis. YES! 

The day started wonderfully, we finished teaching, packed our things, kissed our furry babies goodbye and hit to road for STL. We were early, so we found a mall and I dived head first into the sales wracks of some of my favorite stores. 

Later, we arrived at our hotel, met up with his brother, sister-in-law and  their two friends, and went to dinner. The day was going ideally. 

With the concert and some sort of haunted house convention occurring in the area, service was slow at our restaurant of choice. While passing the time, our companions looked at their print-out tickets to check the start time. 

Earlier, I asked my man if he had the tickets and he said not to fret because all we had to do was swipe our credit card for entrance. Great. Easy. No worries. 

During this time, the look of doubt appeared in his eyes and he began feverishly checking his phone to make sure he read the directions correctly. 

"Are you sure we didn't need to print them?," I asked about the tickets. Yes, he was sure. Then what could possibly be the worry? 

Hubby started questioning if he had the correct credit card with him to do the swipe thing.

My Favorite Reads

Below you'll find some of my favorite books -- these range from books I read over three years ago, to the one I'm currently reading, A Series of Unfortunate Events. I love these books because of the story within, meaning if you're looking for a challenging read, you wont find it on this list!


A Song for Summer by Eva Ibbotson

Ellen is an 18-year-old girl who goes to the Hallendorf School in Austria, which turns out to be full of eccentric teachers and  interesting children. She finds love, of course, but war may be upon them. It has beautiful imagery and it's a wonderful way to 'get away.' 

Broken by Daniel Clay

I bought this book in Virgin Records store in Downtown Disney to read on the plane ride home, and it completely sucked me in. It's follows a young girl, Skunk Cunningham as she observes her outrageous neighborhood after the beating of Rick "Broken" Buckley by Bob Oswald, the father of five promiscuous and badly behaved daughters. 

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

This is such an enlightening classic that I think it wouldn't hurt if everyone would read it. I love Maya Angelou's sense of the world and loved this book because as someone who grew up differently than Maya Angelou, it opens my eyes a different culture and not only that, a different time in the world completely. 

666 Park Avenue by Gabriella Pierce

Who isn't at least a little intrigued by magic and witches? I know I am! This book is about architect Jane Boyle who grew up in Paris and move to New York with the handsome Malcolm Doran after he swept her off her feet. While Jane is learning to cope with her new magical gifts, she learns Malcolm's family has something else in mind.

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

I bought this book a couple of weeks ago at the local indoor flea market. This one in particular holds three stories: The Bad Beginning, The Reptile Room and The Wide Window and has some illustrations by Brett Helquist. This is definitely a kid-friendly read, meaning it is so simple that I cannot wait to read it to my child at night before bed. It is quirky and intriguing, and I'm having difficulty putting it down. 

I feel the best way to explain is to quote the short note on Limony Snicket published in the book itself:

"Lemony Snicket was born before you were and is likely to die before you as well. A studied expert in rhetorical analysis, Mr. Snicket has spent the last several eras researching the travails of the Baudelaire orphans. His findings are being published serially by Harper-Collins."

Well, I hope this list has given you some ideas! Feel free to e-mail us or comment with any books you suggest.

-Julia

'How Jeans Conquered the World'

I found a really fun and informative article on denim jeans. Did you know that they were 'first designed as workwear for laborers on the farms and mine of America's Western states in the late 19th Century'? Boy, have they come a long way!

Enjoy!

Read the story HERE


-Stephanie

To Eat or Not to Eat Meat

It began with an inspiring article on Veganism and ended with a craving.

Yes, I must admit the story about cows being frightened by the sounds of a slaughter house and trying to back up, but not having a choice but to continue on really broke my heart. That was it. I was done eating meat. How could we as living animals shut our minds off to the feelings of other animals? Well, if you were to ask my husband, he would tell you "Good for us! We found a way to mass produce food and took advantage." I heard that and thought 'that's a valid point.' It was obvious at that moment that I could be easily swayed.

It's part of who I am and love to be -- a person who can see all views. Not a promising quality for a vegetarian.

Throughout my two and 1/2 months as a vegetarian, I became quite the chef (or at least I like to think so). It started with a bland cauliflower soup (lesson learned: always cut the recipe when trying it for the first time). From there, I tried spinach and artichoke lasagna and black bean soup. It was just all lacking something.... something hearty and filling. It lacked meat!

It came to a point where my desperate feelings for cattle and chickens had faded. I do feel for them, but to be blunt, I just don't care enough. It's feels terrible to admit. I'm an omnivore.

Research also helped sway my decision. Vegans and Vegetarians have so many videos and blogs to back up their beliefs and at first it was difficult to find anybody rooting for meat. I spoke with a friend, who was 100% behind me when it came to my feelings for animals, but when I mentioned the belief that we were never meant to eat meat, she did a 180. I did more research and found information about human organs, teeth, etc. and how we are omnivores because of our capabilities to digest meat as well and fruits and veggies.

At the core of the debate, it doesn't matter who is right or wrong. We have the ability to choose, and that's wonderful because we are such thought-filled creatures and rarely prefer to rely on our natural instincts.

One good thing that has come from my short-lived vegetarianism is the amount of meat vs the amount of fruits and vegetables I now consume. Meat really doesn't have the same appeal to me any longer, but when my mother-in-law makes that delicious beef stew, or I come home to smell that my husband has breaded and baked some pork chops, I no longer have that awful internal struggle. Call me weak if you wish, but damn does it taste good!

-Julia