Learning to Read

I guess some sort of clarification is required...
I know how to read.
However, I have never been a 'reader'.
And I have defintely never been a trend follower. I used to refuse to go into American Eagle or any other store that was considered 'trendy'. Perhaps it was my own way of saying "look here world, i'm an individual."

A little over a month ago I learned about this phenomenon that has swept the globe (well, atleast America) by stirring the hearts of young teenage girls.
What is it you say?

one word.... Twilight

Before you classify me as one of 'those people' understand that I had my doubts about these novels. First off ...it was trendy. Ugh. Second, aren't these books about vampires? I don't like horror stories and I definitely do not enjoy anything that makes me question what could be hiding in my closet late at night. Third, these books (total of 4) run between 500something -700something pages. Rememebr... i'm not a 'reader'. Intimidation run through my veins.

(What a strange thing to be intimidated by... words on a page. Maybe intimidated isn't the right word. Maybe it's more that I feel like I could be doing something more productive with my time than reading.)

Thanksgiving came and my entire family was together. After filling our stomachs with a variety of meats and vegetables we looked around the room aimlessly waiting for someone to come up with the next activity.

We flocked to our cars, buckled up (safety first) and headed to our destination

the movie theatre

again, one word... Twilight

At this point I had not read the books nor did I have much information about them.
The movie ended and thus began my motivation for reading the books. (The movie was great but I heard, as always, the books were a bagillion times better).

Over the last three weeks I have read all 4 books. And loved every single minute. It is a fantastic love story. 95% love story 5% vampires.

Not only did I love the books, but I have started to enjoy reading. I can't tell you the last time I sat down to watch tv. Which, for me, is extremely out of character.

I like getting caught up in a story; absorbing all new information.

So, well done Twilight. Cheers to a job that allows me to read while working. And way to go annoying teenage girls of America, for being so persistent in your pursuit to make everyone understand how wonderful this series truly is.

I'm becoming a 'reader'

Maybe next i'll become 'trendy'... nah...

Reading: Jesus Wants to Save Christians- Rob Bell

The Project

An opening post needs to be exciting, riviting, possibly breath-taking, right? Well, mine is going to be funny and reflect the nature of one of the most important people in my life.

My dad, is... hilarious. The man loves movies, but not just the NEW movies that get rave reviews; on no, he loves movies that are in the $5 bin at Wal-Mart, type:VHS, and the plot is completely told just by the title of the 'film'. So, many years later he is now realizing that the word VHS is becoming "foreign" and it's time to make a change.

The Project: copying every single one of our VHS tapes onto DVDs.

This is no small task. He has literally collected hundreds of movies consisting of everything from, Lake Placid to Zombie Force V. Not only will this take about a bajillion hours... but the man is totally and completely fine with this painfully dredful process. There has to be an easier way than: 1) put in tape 2) put in DVD 3) copy them by playing the film (approx. time 2 hours) 4) remove DVD 5) label 6) start over

(if there is an easier way.. please feel free to enlighten me)

Not only is my dad so wonderfully overjoyed by this new project, but he has assigned me the great honor of retreiving the DVDs when they are finished copying, labeling the case, and labeling the DVD. Yes... I know; jealous much?

As drawn out as this project is.. I am actually a little excited. It's like every time one gets done.. my turn! It's a father-daughter project that will last approximately 9 years; and 4000 man hours :) (... i did the math.. for real)

Oooo... look at that I just received one:) YAY

It makes me happy to know that my dad, who gets so excited about the little things in life, passed those genes on to me :) Maybe someday I will create a Mother-Son/Daughter project .. consisting of re-writing all the recipes I have collected over my life ... they can do the writing and i will pick out the color of the index cards.. oh yes; it will be a great joy!