The Lesson Learned

The World

While the Youngest Son (YS) and I ran our standard errands earlier today, he grudgingly convinced me to stop into Wally World in search of a new skateboard he thought he needed. I despise Wally World and avoid the place at all cost; however, the YS was quite convincing and had already withstood several dull stops on my list including a stop at the local beauty supply store, so I figured he earned a new skateboard or two.

We found a skateboard that met his approval and a set of safety pads to go with it that met my approval. He was not all that crazy about purchasing the knee and elbow pads, as he claimed that his friends would think he was a “safety freak.” His words, not mine. When I stopped chuckling, I replied that he could tell his friends that I am the actual safety freak. As if they wouldn’t know anyway.

The book aisle drew our attention and we each decided to purchase a couple of books. The YS selected several books including one about Spider-Man and the Marvel comic series. And, in spite of the fact that I have a long list of books on my To Read list, I selected two more.

I’ve wanted to read Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, and since it is readily available as the summer selection for Oprah’s book club, I decided now was as opportune time as any. My second choice may seem a little strange to most people, but I actually purchased The 9/11 Commission Report intentionally. I want to read it for several reasons including the fact that it contains the official account of that terrible day; it received rave reviews in this week’s issue of Newsweek for being a well-written and fair representation of the events; and I like to read non-fiction, political pieces. I don’t expect to enjoy reading this, but I feel compelled to do so.

After selecting our items, we found our way to a newly installed self-checkout lane, which we found simple and expediate. It was much better than the typical manned checkout lane at this giant discount store of pain.

We drove home and the YS quickly made use of the new safety gear and skateboard. As I watched him practice his newly acquired skateboarding skills, I decided to review our Wally World receipt. I was surprised and amused to see that the 9/11 Commission Report rang up as a work of fiction. I sincerely hope that isn’t true.

Bookworm

I am a bookworm. Or rather, I was a bookworm as a child. As an adult, I find myself too busy to read. Maybe the truth of the matter is that I do not make reading the priority I should.

Oh, sure, I read Newsweek and PC World religiously, but I read those publications to stay on top of world news and the object of my obsession, technology and computer news. And they hardly count as book reading. And, lest I forget, I read blogs. I stay on top of the happenings of my favorite bloggers and favorite sites. You can count on me to know the ins and outs of what is happening in your life or what you share on your site, anyway.

But I don’t read as much as I should and that is something I plan to change in 2004.

Let the establishing of the resolutions begin.

Read My Blog

Sometimes I’m attracted to bright, shiny, colorful objects. These worldly things offer insight, wisdom, class, advice, tips, style, and a new, improved, better life. Smiling celebrities and beautiful people gaze upon me and I can’t resist the temptation.

I’m referring to the impulse purchase of women’s magazines. Cosmo, Glamour, Better Homes & Gardens, and, once in a while, O magazine. I recently succumbed to the urge and purchased the August issue of O magazine.

If I had any doubts about whether I was making a wise purchase, the teenage girl at Target who entered the purchase into the cash register quickly squashed them. She beamed at the magazine and, with a warm smile, remarked to my husband, “This will make her a better person,” nodding in my direction. I almost had to bite my tongue off to keep from saying something smart. Something along the lines of, “It’s just a magazine, not the bible!”

Poor Oprah. Making every woman in America a better person is a lot to expect from one magazine and one person. I think it’s a lot to expect, even from Oprah. And this is probably the only time I could ever refer to Oprah as poor.

Reading my blog; however, will make you a better person. You will experience a new, improved life. This promise comes with a lifetime guarantee or your money back.

On the List

It’s not everyday that a girl gets email from John Grisham. I have to admit it caught my eye. I love John Grisham. I’ve read most of his books and have been mesmerized and taken away to a world of lawyers, judges, criminals, politicians, and mystery. Don’t even try to get my attention when I have a new John Grisham book in my face. I hope you’re not bleeding or in dire need of any kind because you’re out of luck. I can’t hear you as I’m in a land far away deep into the plot of the story.

I’m sure I’m not alone in my addiction to his books because everything he writes ends up on the best seller’s list. The guy could publish a cookbook of cake recipes and it would end up on the best seller’s list and in my recipe book cupboard even though I don’t use half the cookbooks I have now. The Grisham cookbook would be well written and mysterious I’m sure. What do lawyers eat anyway?

So, I was disappointed to see the email was from John M. Grisham. The subject line boasted, “Increase sexual energy—Reduce body fat” and I was curious because it was from John, you know. So I opened it. They were selling diet pills that claim you will lose weight while sleeping. Yeah, right! But you have to give them credit for using celebrities to do their dirty work. Celebrities and sex. What a combination for someone selling diet pills. I guess there's a reason they say sex sells.

I’m just happy to be in John’s address book. That’s all I know! Maybe he’ll send me a cake recipe someday.