Scrappy Sunday

Book Review

I just finished one of the most captivating, suspenseful, creepy-in-a-good-way, spine-tingling, page-turning books!! Wow. I couldn't put it down.

"This is the story of how as a girl of sixteen I went in search of my father and his past, and of how he went in search of his beloved mentor and his mentor's own history, and of how we all found ourselves on one of the darkest pathways into history. It is the story of who survived that search and who did not, and why. As a historian, I have learned that, in fact, not everyone who reaches back into history can survive it. And it is not only reaching back that endangers us; sometimes history itself reaches inexorably forward for us with its shadowy claw."
-- Elizabeth Kostova, The Historian, c2005

There are actually three stories being told (at least! possibly more). One is the narrator's story of finding out pieces of her father's past. Another is the story of her father's past, itself. A third is interwoven throughout, as the story of Draculya.

Yeah. Vampires. Spooky. But lots of history, and the characters travel all throughout Eastern Europe, and the people are intellectual, tragic, curious, courageous, determined, and fascinating. Good, good, good writing.

Lazy Bake Night

When TH and I went to the store this weekend, I was hungry. Do I need to state the obvious about what happened? So I saw this mix and thought, mmmmm...



So, so easy. It almost doesn't count.



While they were baking, I practiced my piano. I'm enjoying myself, but I find it tough to change habits and include practice time in my day. Luckily I'm intrigued by learning bass clef, and that's keeping me focused.

Yum. Can't wait to share these with my coworkers, after the week we've all had!!

Ryan Seacrest is a putz.

I mute him when I watch American Idol. Bring back Brian Dunkelman!!!

That's all I have to say about that.

No students were harmed in the making of this day.

I've had a pretty crummy day, what with one student after another missing obligations, not taking responsibility for themselves, asking me for things I can't provide (and have already told them I can't provide), giving me crappy excuses, and in general, just being the flawed, human beings that we all are. It's not the full moon, and the weather is gorgeous...hmmm, must be midterm fever. The plague that affects all college students when they realize they're halfway through the semester and now must WORK THEIR TUSHIES OFF. Panic inevitably sets in.

Like all things though, this too shall pass. I already had half a beer and sat in the sun with my book when I came home. Right now TH is making balsamic chicken with mushrooms, risotto milanese, and sweet tender peas. And there's always more Ben and Jerry's for dessert. And American Idol.