Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Two Book Reports by the Vikster

I have now finished two more books, both which feature teenage, first-person narrators. "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" is about a British autistic boy's encounters around his neighborhood as he searches for a mysterious dog-killer. Reading a narrative written from the perspective of a child with autism is fascinating. The book will break your heart, but it is worth it to get inside the hero's mind.

"An Egg on Three Sticks" is the story of Abby, a thirteen year old girl in 1970s California whose mother is institutionalized after she attempts suicide. Another well-written teenage protagonist paints a vivid story for the reader, and another difficult story makes you want to hug the narrator. I was a little skeptical of this book when I picked it up at the library, and I still don't have any clue why it is titled as such, but it was a quick, good read.

Next up is a novel called "The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets," penned by lyricist Tim Rice's daughter. Becky liked it so I think I will like it to. I'll start that read as soon as I get poolside in Massachusetts.

By the way, keep my grandmother in your prayers. She is having major surgery next week, and I'm thankful I can be home to spend some time with her before she goes out of comission for a while.

Friday, July 25, 2008

I am so excited for tomorrow!!!

I hit up the Glen Burnie carnival tonight. Nothing like the opening night to bring out GB's "finest." I didn't win any of the games but here's hoping I win the car raffle. The night ended with a marshmallow covered snowball - not a bad Friday!

Maggie, Ken, Matt and I are all heading to the Crownsville Wine Festival tomorrow. Over 200 wineries will be there, along with plenty of vendors and great food. With a gorgeous forecast for the day and good friends to join me, it's going to be great!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Finally - it's a Maryland Summer.

Morgan brought about 50 steamed crabs to the department cookout last night, and we all sat for a good hour picking crabs and catching up on summer life. We followed our appetizers up with great burgers, fresh mozzarella with basil and tomatoes, homemade potato salad, and lots of other great summer food. I ended up staying a lot later than I planned last night because we were having such a blast - the fun people from work should get together more often.

I had my New England lobster for the Fourth of July, and now I had my steamed crabs for an official Maryland summer!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Run, don't walk. . .

To go see "The Dark Knight." Everyone is talking about Heath Ledger's performance (which is just as good as they say), but there are so many other reasons why this movie sets the bar for superhero films. Post comments if you have seen it!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

I started an herb garden.

I potted some basil and greek oregano over the past two weeks. I know I'm a little late for summer gardening, but better late than never! So far, the basil is still acclimating (and by acclimating I mean mostly dying), but the oregano looks and smells wonderful. I threw a little of both in with my grilled veggies tonight - fantastic!

The cool thing about our townhouse is that we have a big window made for plants. In the fall, we can move the herb garden indoors and keep on cooking with them all year long.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

What an amazing read.

I finished "Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult a few moments ago, and I would highly recommend it. My Aunt Barb and Becky had both read it and hailed its praises. The book's subject matter cuts to your core (the story begins with a school shooting in New Hampshire and backtracks through the lives of the shooter and his vitims) and is written so beautifully that one can't help but be drawn in. It usually takes me at least a month to get through a long novel, but this one took only a little over two weeks.

Next on the summer reading list is "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon. This is one of those books I have been meaning to get around to for the last few years. I look forward to seeing what it has to offer.

Monday, July 14, 2008

I thought this was interesting.

Hollywood is buzzing with this weekend's release of "The Dark Knight" (and I am ALSO excited for the release of "Mama Mia!" - but that is another blog for another day) and I found this interesting compilation of stars who died before their final films were released. Interesting stuff.

Speaking of "The Dark Knight" - who wants to go check it out this weekend? Between that and "Mamma Mia," I am going to spend most of my weekend in a theater so let me know!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

My new favorite pictures

I spent last night at my first Washington Nationals game, courtesy of Sara and Danny. Club seats on a gorgeous night - can't beat it!!! Sara and I want to go back soon. What a fun park - great food, running bobblehead presidents during the 4th inning, a HUGE jumbotron screen, and comfy seats. I'd recommend this park to any baseball fan.
Sara and I stalked the bird until we got a picture! The "handler" was going to snub us, but Screech the Bird INSISTED our picture dreams be fulfilled!!!
Tim and I at the gate - the new park is really nice.
After the game with Tim and Ryan.
Nothing like a little rickshaw to get Danny, Sara, and Matt back to their car. Good thing the boys weren't driving. ;)

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

We won at trivia last night.

It was an almost perfect evening at Irish Channel last night. Trivia wench was not there, and our friend Debbie was announcing in her stead. Debbie's voice is so much more pleasant than Katie's, and she also does trivia much more efficiently. Instead of getting out at 9:30, we were out of both games a little after 9.

Best part of the night - we won game two!

Monday, July 7, 2008

4th of July Fun and Antics

Tim and I went to my parents' house for a few days over the holiday. Good times were had by all. My grandfather is starting to give me a complex - he told me I am not allowed to come home unless Tim is with me!

Yesterday we packed up and headed in to Brooklyn to drop Tim off for his peds rotation, and today I started teaching summer school. It's a bit of a shock to talk in to my classroom and see twenty-two faces staring back at me. Last summer, the program had about nine kids. Thank goodness the morning went by quickly.