Moby Dick

Moby-Dick or, The Whale by Herman Melville

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I happen to have the Usborne 161-page edition of Moby Dick in my possession, which I understand is a VERY condensed/watered-down version of the original, but nonetheless I enjoyed it VERY much! I couldn't put this book down. The author's writing is almost poetic. The plot, while somewhat foreseeable, kept me intrigued and fascinated. Some of the other reviews mentioned a long and tedious description of the whaling industry. Being that this particular edition of the book is VERY much abridged, I did not have that experience. Ishmael, the main character and narrator of the story, only discusses the whaling business briefly. In addition to being a great fictional novel, this book also has a lot of "food for thought." For example, Ahab's fatal obsession with Moby Dick clearly demonstrates what can happen in life when we ourselves choose to channel all of our emotion, passion, energy, and focus on one thing. Ahab's life could have been so very different. He could have lived a long and happy life with his wife and son, but instead allowed revenge and hatred to consume his entire being. Life has to be balanced or else our happiness and progression are at stake. That is only one of many insights this book has to offer. I would definitely recommend it to others.



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My First Ticket in Texas!

So, I'll keep this short and to the point. 


I was pulled over by a policewoman this morning. 

I wasn't speeding. 


I didn't run a red light or stop sign. 

I used my blinker and was wearing my seat belt. 


I was pulled over for driving on the wrong side of the road to get to the right side of the road. (I drove approx 40 ft on the wrong side of the road to get over to the right side since I don't have a direct outlet in front of my apartment complex because it is a brand new development in the community). 

Hence, a ticket. 


I don't know how much it is for, but I do know that I am going to fight it.


I feel it was a complete waste of my time, her time, and tax-payer dollars. 


Boy it feels good to vent!!!

Lemon Spinach Ginger Root Green Drink Recipe

It might sound kinda weird, but I tell you...this green drink tastes good! It isn't a sweet drink by any means, but it has a tangy flavor that I really enjoyed. Here it is:

1 small lemon or 1/2 large lemon peeled & seeded
1 bunch spinach (just get a large handful & dump it into your blender)
3 celery sticks (cut them in half)
1 cucumber (cut them in fourths)
1 green chard leaf
1 apple seeded and cut in fourths
1 dime-sized ginger root (if you are new to ginger root: cut off a little section from your root and remove skin with a paring knife)
1-3 cups 100% no-sugar-added apple juice (I know that 1 to 3 cups is a huge difference, but people have different preferences. Just add a       little at first. If it still needs more, add more.)
**1/4 cup water (optional)


Wash all fruits & vegetables before using.

In blender add:
1. Lemon, cucumber, and apple. Blend.
    **You may need to add 1/4 cup water if your vegetables & fruit do not have enough water content. If they do, omit the water.
2. Add ginger root and celery. Blend.
3. Add chard leaf and spinach. Blend.
4. Add 1-3 cups of 100% no-sugar-added apple juice to taste.

DRINK IMMEDIATELY! (You'll get the most nutrients from your drink when it is fresh).

My Three New Health Rules

Since I am constantly getting sick and my average cold sets me back at least two weeks AND my symptoms seem to be worse than the average person's...I have decided to incorporate some new rules into my everyday living. 

1. Drink a gallon of water every day 
2. Drink two green drinks daily (otherwise I don't get enough vegetables in my diet)
3. No white sugar or white flour

Yep...that's it. I've been doing it for almost two weeks now. Please don't misunderstand one thing...I will still be eating "sweets." They will, however, be sweetened with stevia, xylitol, fruit juice concentrates, honey or agave, sucanat, etc.. 

I'm just SO tired of getting sick any time a cold goes around. Granted, my immunity is shot (which is partly why I get the cold) BUT ANYTIME I eat sugar I almost immediately get a sore throat. Apparently, according to various articles I have read, sugar lowers your immunity. Go figure! 

I'll keep ya'all posted on how my desserts turn out from this point forward. 

Halloween

Quick Summary:

Kennedy was a "pumpkin fairy" for Halloween. I made the tutu and bought the fairy wings at the dollar store.

We went to our ward's Trunk or Treat. It was a lot of fun. I decided that Kennedy is too young for sugary sweets, so she didn't get to eat any of her candy. I figure she has PLENTY of years to enjoy Halloween candy in the future. Just so ya'all know, Brandon and I didn't eat it either. It is still sitting in her treat or treat bag in the kitchen pantry.

Later that night Brandon and I watched "Wait Until Dark" with Audrey Hepburn. I know it's an older movie, but I really enjoyed it. The ending was pretty suspenseful. The main bad guy is sooooooooo creepy!

Halloween Happiness!

Brandon giving a piggy back ride to Kennedy.

Dancing with my daddy!

High Five Dad!

 

Our Little Pumpkin Fairy