Hmmm...

There are quite a few things/people (don't worry, you're 99.9% likely NOT one of them) on my "suck it" list currently, but time is definitely number 1 because it's truly getting the best of me.

I wish there were more hours in the day!

Mission 101 August Update

Confused?

Accomplished:
31. Host some form of a get-together once per quarter.
Had friends over for Labor Day
36. Watch the original Star Wars trilogy.
Now seeing the prequels (not as good)
43. Do not commute to any job more than 30 minutes, unless our financial independence relies on it. School would be an exception.
Just barely accomplished this one
61. Dog-proof the house.
72. Have at least a part time job by October, whether it be as a librarian or something else.
Currently a work-a-holic
79. Attend church more often.
99. Find a good and safe place to board the dog(s) when traveling.
Right now, they're set to go to the breeder when we get married.


In Progress:

10. Continue to pay bills in full and on time.
11. Continue to stay credit card debt free (neither Jon nor I have ever been in cc debt) and continue to only use cards for what we can afford.
16. Continue to contribute any small amount to the high interest travel fund.
17. Stay insured for health and dental even if unemployed.
18. Do not impulse buy books because they'll likely be donated within the year anyways.
24. Practice new cooking recipes to become a decent cook and not focus so much on baking.
25. Get used to high altitude baking.
29. Get a dog and successfully train and socialize it. (TWO!!!)
33. Watch all Doctor Who DVDs available on Netflix.
52. Eat red meat at the most twice per week, preferably less.
56. Never leave dishes unwashed.
84. Read 100 classic novels that I have not previously read. (2)

Failure:
45. Eliminate coffee to very special occasions and drink only tea for caffeine needs.
I drink coffee a lot more now than I did in Georgia. It only has skim milk added though, so I don't worry too much
46. Drink only one soda per week.
Yeah, we have some nice root beer in the house...

Book Review: Frankenstein

Author: Mary Shelley
Date Originally Published: 1818
Start Date: August 27th
Completion Date: September 4th

Frankenstein is yet another classic novel that I have been meaning to read over the years. I initially knew enough about the book to know that Frankenstein is not the monster himself, but the creator of the monster. However, I had no clue of the novel's eloquence and emotion.

Most people know the story of Frankenstein. A man with a vision creates what he hopes to be the perfect human out of inanimate materials. When this creation comes to life, Frankenstein realizes that the new human is so ugly that he is terrifying. Confused and hurt by his creator's (and others) repulsion, the monster has a difficult time comprehending his new body, emotions, and not to mention language acquisition (could you imagine being born adult?) The monster develops a deep revenge for his creator and vows to follow him throughout events in his life and even seeks to murder Frankenstein's family and friends. By the end of the book, many lives are in peril and the novel serves as a reminder that nobody should mess with mother nature.

I enjoyed this book for many reasons. First, I admired the eloquence of all the characters, even the monster (to the point where I find myself sympathizing with him at certain points.) The book is beautifully written and the plot evokes some beautiful imagery and emotion. Second, Frankenstein is indeed the modern retelling of the Prometheus myth. He discovers something initially thought to be great and wonderful for society, but in actually many horrors come with his creation. Frankenstein himself, like Prometheus, also suffers consequences for his actions. Third, I think it's great that a classic novel was written as a result of friendly competition between great writers/poets when they were stuck inside during an unusually cold summer.

Most people have read this book, but I highly recommend it if you haven't gotten around to it yet.

August Books

I've somewhat given up on reading more than 3 books per month with my new life in Colorado. It's a sad, but true revelation and I should be happy that I'm even reading 3 at this point. I've already reviewed one book, but here is a recap of the others.

After Wuthering Heights, it was time to pick up the last in the Twilight Saga (have I mentioned that I think it's stupid that they call the series a saga???) Breaking Dawn. I've kind of stuck with the series, despite being constantly annoyed with the main character. I do love my vampires though and the imagery of the Northwest is always enticing. Anyways, I won't detail any of the plot because it would really give everything away. I will say that the book has A LOT to take in, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that Bella wasn't so whiny and desperate as she usually has been in the previous three books (granted, I realize that teenagers are this way, but it still doesn't mean that I can't be annoyed with her off and on.) I think the series was tied up nicely though and I'm glad that she decided to stop at 4 books. It's best to end well while you're still ahead I suppose.



I've been meaning to re-read some Madeleine L'Engle since she sadly passed away last year. I decided to read the Austin Family series because they always make me feel good and remind me of my childhood. Meet the Austins is a detailed account of the lives of the Austin family told by one of the daughters, Vicky. I think Vicky is one of my favorite characters in literature. She's sweet, but tempered and has many faults. Things get crazy for her family when a friend dies in a plane crash and the co-piolot's daughter is left without a home. The spoiled girl, Maggy, has trouble adjusting to her new temporary home, but eventually settles and dreams of a more permanent situation away from her rich, but uncaring biological family. The plot in these stories isn't the most exciting ever, but sometimes I need something simple and sweet. It was perfect for me as I started my new job.

I'm almost finished with Frankenstein, which I am really enjoying, and then it's on to try House of Leaves if I can stand the scariness!