More books

Ok, since my last post I have finished Your Best Birth by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein, and Reference Librarianship: Notes from the trenches by Charles Anderson and Peter Sprenkle.

First up: Your Best Birth. I really enjoyed reading this, as it goes along a lot with what I think/feel about giving birth, but it was not as researched based as other books I've read. I think if I hadn't read other books that cite the research, I would not have liked it so much. I did like the birth stories included, and love that Ricki Lake is advocating for taking birth back from the medical field.

Reference Librarianship was a fun, quick read. It is based on a reference librarian's blog that he kept for a year. Each chapter starts out with notes on a certain subject having to do with reference librarianship, then ends with a the blog notes for a certain month. I found the writing to be sub-par, which suprised me for a librarian. It tended to be repetitive in the wording. However, I loved the notes from being on the job. As a librarian-in-training, I found the notes a fascinating glimpse into what maybe in my future. Some of it was laugh out loud funny.

Another birthday has come and gone for me, and it was a pretty good one. A pregnancy massage and a new lap top from my husband. The massage was awesome, now I might have to treat myself to another one later on. I still have 3 months ahead of me, which I'm sure will be less than comfortable. And my brother-in-law's parents gave me my very own Varga girl! It's a calendar page from the month of June, my birth month, and man is this chick hot! I have been admiring their many pin-ups, and my sister has one too. A great suprise! Here she is:



Other things on my mind: This baby is really active...I don't think it has stopped moving in two days, and it does not always feel great. I think I'm going to have a 10lb baby...

And are people serious with the things that they say? Some lady at my work, who I barely know, told me I look huge today. How nice is that? I thought I was looking small for once too.

And I know people are just trying to be nice, but I'm so sick of hearing "How are you feeling?"

OK, enough ranting. I just started My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult, my best friend's birthday gift to me. I'm only about 40 pages in, and I have already gotten weepy. I don't know that emotional pregnant ladies should be reading such a book! Anyway, more on that later.

Books, books and more good books

Ok, so I finished Factory Girls by Leslie Chang. What a great book! I found it very intriguing to learn about the great migration going on in China today, and Chang also weaves in some of the past. Since I know very little about China and its culture, I really learned a lot. Since I am a poor blogger and have pregnancy brain, it is hard for me to remember all that I learned right now...let me ponder it. I guess what I found interesting was the difference in the Chinese culture from American culture. They are extremely family based, and it seems everyone is a "cousin" or "uncle" or "aunt" and the young migrants are expected to take care of the family. The bits about the cultural revolution that China experienced was really interesting to me, since I know so little about communism. I also found it really interesting that many Chinese migrants believe that the path to success is through learning english. From these scattered thoughts, take this: A great, eye-opening read about today's migrant Chinese workers with the author's family history weaved in. I highly recommend it!

The weather is warm and summer session of school doesn't start for another month. Here's what I have on my to read list, that I'm currently reading or getting ready to read:
Reference Librarianship: Notes from the trenches by Charles R. Anderson and Peter Sprenkle
Your Best Birth by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Ok, I already read this, but I need a refresher)
Hold Tight by Harlan Coben (I borrowed this from my sister a long time ago and I think I will finally have time to read it)

And I'm working on a baby blanket and still finishing two little sweaters. Pictures to come!

How the States Got Their Shapes

I just finished reading How the States Got Their Shapes by Mark Stein. Quite an interesting read, but I guess I shouldn't say that I actually finished it. I had to return it to the library for two reasons: 1) It was way overdue, and 2) it was getting repetitive.

I learned a lot about why the state borders are the way they are. Some things I never knew:

-Arizona wanted to be a slave state
-There actually was a "war" over Toledo, which changed the border
-Congress planned to have states made to be as equal as possible (this is obvious, I guess, but I never thought about it before)
-The reason Nevada dips down into a point is to gain water access, which is moot now since the Hoover dam was built

I would have more to write, but I can't remember it all (pregnancy brain) and since I had to give the book back to the library before my fine gets too huge. I really thought it was interesting, but repetitive...for example, once you read about Alabama, it made reading about Mississippi a little boring, because you already covered their border in Alabama. Includes lots of maps to reference, and really is a quick read, if you have the time.

Speaking of Time....

I should have a lot more of it, until summer session of school starts, that is. Now I can get back to my knitting and reading! Currently, I'm reading Factory Girls by Leslie T. Chang. Very interesting look into the life of Chinese migrant workers.

I'm also finishing up two sweaters for the baby. I will post pictures once they are done and ready to be shown off!

Things I'm curious about

This is totally random, but I saw a depiction of an outhouse the other day and got to wondering...why do outhouses have half-moons on them?

The answer, according to straightdope.com, is that in the past (ie Colonial times) when not everyone could read or write, the moon was there to denote a female restroom (if you can call an outhouse a restroom) and a sun was put on a men's. As time went on, this fell by the wayside, and today, it is more of something you see in cartoons, not in the real world. The reason, supposedly, that the moon has prevailed over the sun is that women's outhouses were maintained better than men's. The funny thing is, that I never think of outhouses as being just for men or women...they are mostly for both to use.

Things I'm curious about

I have always been quite a curious person. For instance, I once asked my mom when I was younger if cats had lips. Another time it was if dogs get the flu. Seriously, who thinks of these things? Anyway, since I'm wrapped up in the pregnancy world, I was wondering where in the heck the word midwife comes from. Alas, you cannot access the Oxford English Dictionary online, which is *the* word on etymology, but I found this answer from Dictionary.com:

Origin:
1250–1300; ME midwif, equiv. to mid with, accompanying (OE; cf. meta- ) + wif woman (OE wīf; see wife )

I guess I was wondering about the whole "wife" bit. Makes sense that it means woman!

3 Things No One Ever Tells You About Pregnancy

So I am 24 weeks pregnant, and some days it is great, other days I'm ready for it to be over. I feel great right now, the second trimester is the best! I'm not so tired anymore and my belly is not too huge yet. And I am getting extremely excited to meet and hold my new baby in 16 weeks or so.

That being said, here are the top three things that no one ever tells you before you are pregnant:

1. Constant runny nose. Here's what the good people at What to Expect When You're Expecting (or as my husband calls it, What to Suspect When You Are Suspecting) have to say about it: "High levels of estrogen and progesterone increase blood flow to all the body's mucous membranes, including the nose, causing them to swell and soften." What I do know is that it is annoying and I'm tired of it!!

2. Discharge. Lots of it. That is all that I'm going to say.

3. Night sweats. I have never had this problem before, so I have to assume it is pregnancy-related...all those lovely hormones coursing through my body. I wake up in the middle of the night soaked and uncovered, while my husband is happily ensconed in the comforter.

Something else that annoys me:
Everyone asks, "Do you know what you're having?" When I say we are not finding out, the usual response is "Oh how cool/exciting! That's great!" So why do so many people have to know what they are having ahead of time? As my mom says, would you open your Christmas presents early?

The funny thing is that people say they need to be able to decorate the room. I know of several people who said that, then ended up decorating in gender-neutral colors anyway! It does not bother me in the slightest that I don't know what it is, but it drives my best friend crazy...she said, "Can't you just let them tell me?" But I am forcing her into the suprise-fun too, whether she likes it or not!

Books!

School has really forced me to cut back on my pleasure reading...which I hate! But I finally finished Eight Men Out: The Black Sox and the 1919 World Series by Eliot Asinof. I watched the movie on Turner Classic Movies some time ago, and got interested in the story. I found the book really good, factual but told the story like a novel. I felt it was sympathetic to the ballplayers, but that could be because I feel sympathetic towards them, maybe I was looking for it. I could totally see how they would throw the games after Cominskey paid them peanuts but threw lavish dinners for the sports writers. I think the book was written in the 60's, but I still really enjoyed it, especially since baseball season is almost back...Go Reds!

Now I'm onto Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched The World by Vicki Myron. It's an easier read, so I should fly through it, but already touching! I am a cat lover, and an emotional pregnant woman, but I know I'm going to cry reading this one...

This sounds good to me.

You Would Win Best Supporting Actor / Actress

You are a quirky, fascinating person. You understand the world well. There's no one quite like you. Your uniqueness leaves a strong impression on people. You are bold and willing to take risks. People may love or hate you, but at least they'll notice you. You are just different enough to make a great character actor. You can make a smaller part come alive.

What'>http://www.blogthings.com/whatwouldyouwinanoscarforquiz/">What Would You Win an Oscar For?

Good morning to me

So this morning, on my way to work, this guy has his blinker on to get in the right lane, and I did not let him over because he was slow. His retaliation? To get behind me and put his brights on. Which really pissed me off. So he's mad, now I'm mad, and he's right behind me with his damn brights in my eyes. So I hit the brakes to make him mad...not the best solution, but come on! What is with the brights in my eyes???? People are a**holes. I'm sure he thinks I'm an a**hole, but there is nothing worse than being stuck behind a slow van. That's the start to my morning, it can only go up, right...? I hate people in traffic. A lot.

And speaking of Girl Scout cookies...

Someone is selling them at my husband's work. And he will not buy any. How dare he deny a pregnant woman the delights of Girl Scout cookies!?! I am outraged.

Too bad, I prefer Thin Mints

You Are Caramel deLites / Samosas

You are blessed with a brilliant, dynamic mind. It's sometimes hard to figure out what your focus should be. You're the type of person who does almost everything well. You are very competent but also unfocused. You're not an easy person to pin down. You are vibrantly complex. You have many facets to your personality, and they're often in competition with one another.

What Girl Scout Cookie Are You?

I was meant for the stage

The below quiz is similar to the myers brigg personality that I just had to take for a class. I found out that I am an ESFP, otherwise known as the "Performer." I do love being the center of attention!

By the way, we got more snow yesterday. As if getting buried for three days was not enough! Then I have to come to work and listen to the ladies talk about their horrible drive in the snow. Which I hate to listen to. Suck it up!

Quiz

You Are Very Warm

You are kind, caring, and empathetic. A lot of warm energy radiates from you. And it's not an act - you truly like people. You get a charge from people being around you. You are are easy going and very socially adaptable. You're willing to overlook peoples'quirks. You enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and helping them if you can. Giving makes you feel good.

How Warm Are You?

I've got news for all those people who say I'm "cute"

You Are Sexy!

You're hot, and everyone knows it. How could anyone who looks at you not know it? You're physically attractive, no doubt. You're also quite smooth, witty, and charming. You know how to flirt, and you enjoy all of the attention that you get. You take care to look your best, but most of your sexiness comes from your confident attitude!

Are You Cute or Sexy?

Knitting, school 'n stuff

I started school last week, I'm officially a grad student! Whoo hoo! I'm loving being in school again and learning, but the downside of graduate level courses is all of the reading! Whew there is a lot of it...but it will be worth it in the end when I can say I have my Master Degree in Library Science.

On the knitting front, since I've had to buy expensive text books (what's up with that anyway?) and I have to pay for tuition (no loans for this girl!) I have been doing a lot of stash busting. Going through my stores of yarn I realized I had way more than I thought, and I've decided to try to use it. Thus came the umbilical cord hat. This pattern is from the first Stitch 'n Bitch book. My husband's coworker just had a baby girl, so I knit this little hat up with some soft pink terry yarn I had. It is a simple pattern, and really cute. I had a lot more yarn, so I added some stitches and made a bigger hat for my 2 1/2 year old niece. The hats both took a couple hours each, no problem. Here is my niece, enjoying her new hat:



And closer, side view:



I'm currently working on knitting a cabled baby cardigan in the somewhat gender neutral pale yellow. The pattern is from a book of vintage Vogue patterns, I think this particular pattern is from 1950. It is nice to do something that takes a bit more effort that the easy hats I've been doing recently. The yarn is also some from my stash. Hopefully I will have enough to finish the sweater!

I would have preferred to be Kate...

You Are Sun

You have a past history of being secretive and deceptive. You're the type of person who will protect yourself at all costs. While you can be crafty when you need to, you are usually giving, friendly, and likable. You truly care for other people, and you are very sensitive. People tend to underestimate you. You seem like a fragile flower, but you're not. You are gutsy and clever. You have a way of getting what you want without anyone noticing.

Who Are You on LOST?

Amen, List Universe!

Usually, I just read these and that's the end of it, but I feel I must pass on this top 10 list of the worst products ever. All I have to say is AMEN! Number 10, though, is by far my favorite--disposible eating implements. There is nothing worse then getting ready to sit down to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, eaten off of....paper plates? What? And the china sits in the cabinet. There is a reason you have china, people!!! I recently hosted a dinner at my house, served on my china. And someone said to me, why don't you just use paper plates? Because 1. I have a dishwasher that my dishes can go in; 2. why have it to not use it? and finally, 3. because serving dinner on paper plates to guests is tacky. Not to mention the environmental impact.

Diet products (#8 on the list) kill me too--whats wrong with a little eating less and healthier coupled with some exercise?

Finally, number 1 - bottled water. And recently I heard that reusing the bottles is bad for you. Is this just another marketing ploy by the bottled water people? Solution: get reuseable water bottle. Fill it with tap water. Drink and enjoy. Because it is all the same anyway.

But I digress. Read the list!

I have to find this book

I stumbled upon this article today from fark. It references a book that my library does not have! Oh no! Must find...

I think this all started when some idiot, or greedy type, didn't realize her McDonald's coffee would be hot. Question to ponder: Do you think she might have sued if the coffee wasn't hot??? And now everyone wants to sue for any little problem. I know a teacher, and his students constantly threaten to sue for any little thing they consider a problem or slight against them. Obviously, these middle schoolers really can't and don't, but who has taught them this threat?

On a positive note...I start school this week! Yay! I will once again be a student. What kind of nerd am I that this excites me?

Looks like I'm attracted to myself...hmm..

You Attract a Gemini

When flighty, unpredictable, restless Gemini meet you, they've met their match. You can keep Gemini on their toes, and that's exactly where you want them. You know how to add spice and newness to a relationship, quicker than your Gemini can even think about being bored. You keep life interesting for your Gemini. And your Gemini certainly makes life interesting for you!

What Sign Do You Attract?

I like this one...

Your Word is "Fearless"

You see life as your one chance to experience everything, and you just go for it! You believe the biggest risk is being afraid and missing out on something amazing. Sometimes your fearlessness means you're daring. You enjoy risky activities. And sometimes your fearlessness means you're courageous. You're brave enough to do the right thing, even when it's scary.

What's Your Word?

At least I'm expensive

You Are Copper

You are provocative and challenging. You help people realize who they really are. You live a very balanced life. You always take time for love and art. You are both a powerful and generous person. You always have time to give back. People find you to be incredibly ethical and loyal.

What Metal Are You?

I made it to failblog!

At least the voting page...


more fail, owned and pwned pics and videos

Check it out and vote here. You may have to scroll through the pages to find it.

This is a beer bottle holder that my in laws have. I think it's hilarious!

Just finished reading...

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. With all of the best books of 2008 lists floating around the internet, I've had a ton of books on my library list. When I saw this one, and a brief synopsis, I thought it would be short stories centered around an eccentric old lady, a character like Grandma Mazur. (Not sure where I got this idea, I guess I just made it up.) Boy was I suprised! This was an excellent collection of thirteen stories, all somehow involving Olive Kitteridge (however loosely), a grade school math teacher in the small town of Crosby, Maine.

The stories are touching, small glimpses of lives. Many of the stories are about aging or the affects of life changing moments. Not all stories are directly about Olive, in fact, she is only just mentioned in one of the stories. Elizabeth Strout writes beautifully, and often had me in tears I was so moved. In the first story, surrounding Olive's husband Henry, you get a feel for Olive through Henry's eyes. She comes across as a cold, harsh wife, and as a reader, I started to wonder why these stories were all surrounding such an unlikeable character. As I read on, you get to know Olive, and see what an amazing woman she is, dispite what some of the town's inhabitants may think of her. I don't want to give anything away, but I can see why this was on some of the several top books of 2008 lists I read. A truly amazing book.

Up next on my reading list: The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed. Winner of the 2008 National Book Award for Nonfiction. With all this reading, I'm not getting much knitting done!