"Jail for Kids" AKA High School

EDIT NOW LISTED AT THE END:
I haven't beefed up my iTunes at work in a while and I've been getting sick of its current rotation - not more than an hour ago, it dawned on me that I hadn't used my Yahoo Music Launchcast in months. Happily, I tuned to "Annejelynn's Station" and prepared myself for a delightful, totally random mix to be taken from the artists and music genres I'd specified in my preferences. The first song that played was "Ask Me" from The Smiths! and I was immediately hurtled back into my adolescent years! WHAT.A.HORRIBLE.FEELING; a total mish-mash of emotions, all quite strong and a tad bit overwhelming, yet can easily be summed up by a deeeeep-quiet-guttural groan. I'm tellin' ya, NO ONE could pay me enuff to re-live high school. I'd rather return to BYU (coughing - gagging now - pardon me - clearing my throat) in a cold heartbeat than go through high school again. Now, don't' get me wrong, it wasn't really that bad - nothing truly traumatic happened to me in high school - but, I only say this because I know without a doubt that it could have been so-so-so-so-sooooo much worse... I still don't think my parents realize how true this last statement is. It was no walk in the park for them, but it could have been BAAHHHD - really bad.

In H.S., I was known as a very smiley girl, often teased about my squinty, disappearing eyes. I was easily amused (still am) and I laughed a lot (still do) and was friendly to most anyone (no change there) and very anti-cliques (definitely no change there either). I had myself a wide variety of different friends/acquaintances (still do). Those I considered my true friends, most which were seen as artistic eccentric types (still are), were few and far between (now spread about across several state lines). After my freshman year, thoroughly disgusted by clothing brand obsessions (still hate 'em) and the never-ending quest to look cool, yet cute and attractive for people I didn't care about (and still don't), I wore a pair of blue-tinted "John Lennon" style shades, my mother's navy, wool peacoat, began sewing most of my own clothes and donned boy's Wrangler jeans, much to my father's dismay. Consequently, an uncle gave me the nickname "F.C." for Flower Child. NOTE re: School ID Card: check out the eyebrows!? and I was plucking?!? The pic for this ID card was taken during my jr. year, although issued for my senior year ID.

Most teachers either loved and adored me or I was hated = I was a subtle (very subtle) smart ass... Frankly, I believe some teachers found me entertaining while others, I feel, just didn't appreciate the challenge. Moreover, I was seen as a teacher's pet by some, although in each case it was genuine on my part. I worked a couple semesters as a TA for two of my favorite teachers. I often registered for "Advanced Placement" classes to avoid total boredom, although my parents argued against it until the day of my H.S. graduation. It's no coincidence that my most packed, chock-full year -that would be my sophomore year- was my best on record. Most of my H.S. activities revolved around pseudo-intellectual and creative studies: Jr. Achievement, Concert choir, Madrigals, women's chorus, Lincoln-Douglas debate club, Model UN, Amnesty International... I helped establish the school paper recycling program, dabbled a bit in the school newspaper and photography, and the school's annual poetry and lit publication, "The Plain Brown Wrapper." I also loved my pottery/ceramics classes. Outside of school, I was on the "Young Women's" church basketball team and participated in various church sponsored activities, including roadshows, youth conferences and summer camps. I spent a few summers playing tennis and volunteering as "Buffy," a Girl Scouts summer camp counselor. I also enjoyed private art lessons and spent many nights a week attending a ballet academy. I was busy, BUHT (and I got me a big butt) I wanted MORE - !?! - girls soccer team, swim team, theatre, MORE! NOTE: This desire I had for more activity has in the past tainted my memories of all that I did do/accomplish. Only when I finally made a list of all I had done, could I rightfully deny my previous feeling that "I didn't do anything in H.S." The accuracy of my memories were not helped in that by my mid-junior year, I had nearly given up on all of my activities except a few I could maintain while at school - stunted by the consequences of my own reckless behavior and resulting parental mistrust and parental complaints. Moving on to my point...

Whenever I see a group of teenagers, my inner self cringes to see them in their awfully awkward state. A rare few seem secure and remarkably well-adjusted, yet capricious, nonetheless, and utterly clueless as to who they really are and what lies ahead. Most look so painfully uncomfortable in their own skin; so desperate to be "cool" and well-liked; trying so hard to look as if they're not trying at all; acting all aloof, as if they don't care what anyone thinks, yet their world REVOLVES around fulfilling the expectations of some image they have in mind for themselves = usually an image that can't be attained without some self-harm of some kind. Who can blame them? High school, by no means does it serve to prepare kids for the real world... it's more like a disservice, just like teen magazines - that's a whole 'nother discussion though.

Knowing I will have to deal directly with teenager(s) someday, whether it be my own or my honey-man's angel boy-O, my heart just aches with hopes upon hopes that they will not fall down in such a way that it will negatively affect the rest of their adult lives. There's so much for them to face in this world that conflicts with what we try to teach to our kids, and despite all our best intentions to help and protect, to advise and admonish, we're bound to make some mistakes along the way, AND they will/should look for guidance from others beyond our reach and control. NOTE: The latter is GOOD and HEALTHY only if they choose to look to those who have their best interests at heart. Furthermore, I do NOT believe a parent should be a child's only source of wisdom and guidance = it's no good if kids cling to parental advice, unable to choose for themselves, unable to determine what they want for themselves, taking on only what the parents envision = either way, kids must find and make their own way.

Seeing teenagers struggle, it breaks my heart on a daily basis. There are a gazillion mixed messages being sent out to teens from all over. Although some may try to claim teenagers are the most fickle, superficial beings on this earth (I sooo beg to differ), teenagers are usually the most PASSIONATE when it comes to whatever they've choosen to value. Although they tend to be egocentric (tell me who isn't?), their strong-felt convictions are the very root of their energy and power, yet at the same time, the very reason life can be such hell for them. Almost every experience is the end-all, be-all of their existence; everything is crucial. Whether they see a light at the tunnel (life beyond H.S. graduation) or they live exclusively in the here-and-now with no thought to the long-term consequences of their actions, their sense of worth rides upon so many different things, things that mean the world to them.

I spent 4 years of my life as a "J.K.F. Cougar" at John F. Kennedy H.S. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa - I called it "Jail For Kids" and I couldn't wait to get out. For me, my adolescence amounted to a great deal of painful confusion and self-loathing. And of course, these feelings carried over into my undergraduate years... blak. And after my divorce? "Damaged" doesn't begin to explain it. I don't imagine things will be the same for my honey-man's angel boy-O, thank the heavens that be. I hope he will instead have a healthy sense of self, independent of those who love him, yet well grounded in our love for him. It will be so important for him in his efforts to successfully deal with the daily challenges and lifetime decisions ahead of him. Clear, consistent communication will be key to help him. I have my fingers crossed.

EDIT FOR CLARIFICATION WITHOUT GOING INTO SIGNIFICANT DETAIL: I hated high school not just because it was high school, plagued by superficial popularity contests, cliques n' fakers and 2-faced kids, etc. Most of my friends who knew me back then, said then and even now that I'm one of those people who thinks about everything too much. Honestly, I had a lot on my mind in high school - most of it involved everyday family dynamics rooted in DEEP, PAINFUL family issues revolving around the death of my mother and my own personal struggles with the Mormon church. That's the OVERLY oversimplied explanation.

Embracing One's Inner Child

Mah Inner Child Is "Surprised"

You see many things through the eyes of a child. Meaning, you're rarely cynical or jaded. You cherish all of the details in life. Easily fascinated, you enjoy experiencing new things.

How Is Your Inner Child?

Hooters in the Sky!

Here's a couple extra shots, one taken before our Montreal trip actually began (unless you count the fact that we were on the plane that was about to leave for Montreal at the time). And the 2nd shot was taken as our trip was just ending ~ see this first pic shown? Can you imagine what it is? oh no, don't dismiss the possibility... oh no, you're right... you're eyes are not deceiving you - it's A HOOTERS AIRPLANE! Yeeah. (apply heavy sarcasm)

The 2nd shot was taken as we flew right over Vegas during our return flight from Montreal to L.A. - I was surprised this picture turned out at all - mind you, I did take about 6 shots. CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR A LARGER VIEW = VERY COOL.

What the -Bleep-?!?

We watched a really, really good movie this weekend - thank you Mark!

"What the Bleep Do We Know?"

It was soooo good - it touched upon soooo many things my honey-man and I have recently discussed, questioned, and wondered about together... relativity, internal energy, reiki, the power of attitude and thoughts upon the "physical," addictions, the pull of our past experiences and how they can shape/limit our ability to change or see new opportunities and/or reality. We were constantly (well, I was the guilty one) pausing the video to discuss or share thoughts on what was being said, or to rewind, trying to better digest what we were hearing. At some point, my honey-man turned to glance at me during a profound movie moment, and he had to put his hand beneath my chin to close my gaping mouth.

Sure, the movie has some hokey scenes (the BB court and the wedding dance goes on too long), BUT OVERALL, I wish EVERYONE would watch it! The only two things I DIDN'T LIKE weren't until the end - something happens (a slow-mo slam dunk of sorts) and the movie fails to clarify what is meant by it. The implications of the action are HUGE and entirely inappropriate when left unexplained. The movie is merely an introduction to quantum physics and various other ideas, but to then make such a gigantic, assumptive leap at the end? Very risky; almost offensive. Nevertheless, the movie has its merit and I recommend it highly. That is all.

Nummy Gum

For months I've been an avid chewer of Extra's Sour Green Apple chewing gum (by the way, this guy has an interest ing take on it)... but this here below is my latest and greatest gum-chewing discovery! and my honey-man's has me all set for at least the next week or so, two packs now amongst my stock -one for work, one for the car- for my chewing pleasure.

The B.O.M.

With all the "Honeybaked Ham" stores out there and the fact that they can sustain regular business, I'm stunned that no one ever came up with this one sooner - I got this from Shiz, the Sarcastic Journalist... check it out
(I can hear my honey-man exclaiming, "HA! that's great!")

OHHHLD Montreal

okaybee, here's MONTREAL! FINALLY! Check it out ~ the next FIVE posts are all about my August trip. hope ya Enjoy!
For Larger views, click on the images.

Mmkay, I have absolutely no clue - ZERO CONTROL - as to how these photos will spread and position themselves on the page, so I'll just describe the photos and hopefully you can figure out which is which on your own... Our first day in Montreal, I was first introduced to the city from the water, then by horse-drawn carriage, and later that evening, by the use of my own two legs, walking the cobblestone streets of old Montreal. See the pic with the white clock tower with the strategically centered Canadian flag to the side? We were going up river and past this location, and I was taking, oh? a couple dozen or more shots? trying to get "the very best" angle! This one is it, I'm tellin' ya - the best I could get. You can even see old Montreal in the backdrop. The single spired church set behind a line of trees on the water = this is the marina where the boat of my honey-man's father is kept, where we spent 4 of our 7 nights' stay.

By no means "old" when compared to OLD Montreal, the oddly stacked cube-like building of sorts is called the "Habitat," built for the 1967 World's Fair Expo held in Montreal, now serving as private condos. The arrangement is way, way cool - can't think of any other way to describe it - very trippy.

The buildings in "old" Montreal are very much, indeed, quite OLD - the city was founded in 1642! Serving as a river port city, all the old building storefront "signs" were painted on the buildings themselves, intended to be visible from the river and they can still be seen. And the streets follow the crazy curve of the river. Sometime in the mid-1800s (sorry baby, I can't remember the year! -although you told me how many times? Edit: I've been informed once again - "sometime in the 1850s"), Montreal was nearly destroyed in a major city fire. Thereafter, the buildings were all built with staggered rooftops to prevent city fires from easily jumping from one wooden roof to another; structrually, everything but the buildings' rooftops are made of stone.

Montreal's "Notre Dame" cathedral - I love these old churches. The architectural design and the many decorative details are amazing. By the way, Montreal has loads and loads of Catholic churches!!! - the landscape is absolutely dotted with them, many topped with gleaming metal rootops that can be seen from far distances, shining in the sun. I know that on my next trip, I will want to take an afternoon alone (won't drag the boys along with me - I love them too much) so I can check out the local churches.

Le Bateau - dats "Boat" in French (just so ya know)

For Larger views, click on the images.

The big white boat - we cruised up and down and all around the St. Lawrence river in this beauty for 3 days and we had a total blast - we slept on it too, 4 nights. It was sooo fun and sooo relaxing.

Traveling the St. Lawrence river was a most wonderful way to see Montreal - all the various water ways, its industry, the many locations found off port and all the many, many islands - a ridiculous amount of islands - did you know Montreal itself is an island? The views from the river were fabulous. Oh, and the plaque shown for Landlubbers? - this was up on the wall, posted above each toilet found on the boat.

On the 2nd day of our stay, we went up the river and anchored off the isle of Sainte Marguerite, as can be seen in the boat's GPS monitor - the lil' red triangular thingy represents the boat. While I relaxed and read the new Harry Potter (didn't really read all that much), laying out on the front of the boat, my honey-man and his angel boy-O enjoyed the cool, clear waters, diving off the boat to swim. We saw a couple heron/cranes flying about and an adorable beaver -my camera caught him juhhst as he dove beneath the water's surface, lil' bugger. And we saw a little red fox come to the water's edge for a drink. That day we also used the Sea-Doo "dingy" (as his father calls it) to zoom around and investigate the waters (and harass the seagulls) - was a total blast. My honey-man said he could see the wreckless-thrill-seeking "Jacobson family influence" in me... It was another fabulous day.
Mah honey-man's father is a riot - here's my imitation of him: Now imagine (yes, this is somewhat pointless, but I love it!) - point a wagging index finger, and say (apply deep and heavy french accent, followed by a deep rumbling chuckle),

"Heeey yoou!" = My smiley muscles ached often. One time he had a most clever little idea - he was quite pleased with himself, actually... With all my picture-taking from behind the camera, there are often very few pictures of me, so he suggested that my honey-man take my camera from me for a picture; the first is well-composed despite the shadows, right? but the 2nd shot? For the 2nd, his father had planned to place a cold water bottle against my leg - you can see the top of the bottle in the lower righthand corner of the shot!

Seein' Dah City

For Larger views, click on the images.

The Olympic Stadium = purty dang cool building, I say! My first glimpse was from the air and later on, we could see it across the water from the marina. Up close? the place is phenomenal. One thing I noticed, the older apartments around Montreal, many have spiral staircases outside, leading to the upper floors. I asked around as to why this is (there are reasons for everything), and I even accidentally found stuff about this very subject online - The Reasons: with the very COLD winters in Montreal (not that I know yet from experience, but I'm from IOWA, so I KNOW COLD), these staircases are built outside rather than waste interior space and high heating costs on having interior stairwells. They're very different, but they give everything a very unique syle and an artistic appeal, regardless of any practical argument. I still can't imagine trying to maneuver a couch up those stairs though, moving into an apartment, nor do I see how it could be safe at all to scale such stairs during an ICY, SNOWY winter?!?

Ahhh, and the subject of gasoline costs... For our trip, we had a Dodge Durango for our driving use/pleasure - a.k.a. - TOTAL GASOLINE NIGHTMARE! Gas is priced by the LITER in Canada - it was at least $1.14/liter while we were there = yes, DO THE MATH PEOPLE! Well OVER $4 bucks per gallon!?!? PLEASE NOTE: No where on this earth does anyone outside of the U.S.A. care or sympathize with our whiney woes over increased gas prices, unless it will effect their economy (which it does). AMERICA - QUIT YOUR BITCHING!!! AND JOIN THE REST OF THE WORLD IN THE REALITY THAT IS HIGH GAS PRICES!!! - Conservation is the ONLY answer and this is why I drive a Toyota Echo - 43 mpg on the highway, baby! and Yes, if I lived in a city with a semi-halfway decent Metro system, my butt would so be on it! I would catch up on my reading each and every day instead of suffering through HWY traffic, stuck behind a steering wheel, staring at someone else's bumper for an hour - I love NPR, but sometimes I just wanna GET TO WORK!!! Now, I must offer a correction here: I haven't yet really had to "suffer" through major traffic with any real regularity, but I'll be in Cali next year and so, knowing this? I'm already saving up for psychiatric care. On to the next subject...

See the church pictures angled up toward the sky? The facade of this church is all that remains of the original structure - if you walk around it, to the side, you can see plain concrete, red bricks and modern utility windows = a totally different building built right onto the back of the church front, now serving as a University building.

See the old building with archways and lots and lots of little windows, streaked with age? I took this shot (and several others, quite blurred) from the window of the car as we drove by - I just thought it looked cool. Have I mentioned I love architecture? Yes, I know I say I "love" a lotta stuff, but I do!

See the church with the big, black set of exterior doors? This church has an oh-so lovely "god-light" breaking down through the tree branches, down toward the inner courtyard. Our Defition of God-light: Sun rays that either streak down and/or break through tree branches or from above/behind parting clouds. My honey-man will even produce the accompanying "angels chorus" vocals whenever we see this kind of light ~ I giggle like mad whenever he does this.

The pic of me with the crazy whisps of hair blowing, was taken in the parking lot of the Metro railway station in Longueuil. On our 3rd day, after lunch with Grand-Papa, we took the angel boy-O to downtown Montreal via the Metro, so he could experience a subway system. It was there that we crammed ourselves together in a blk & white photo booth for a 4-frame photo strip of our silly faces... Also there, the angel boy-O later saw a color-shot photo booth and we had to spend at least 5-10 minutes explaining why he had to "be happy with what you have." And it was there that the angel boy-O saw a crippled and twisted man in a mangled wheelchair begging for food. With big puppy-dog eyes and a clear interest and desire to help out somehow, my honey-man's angel boy-O asked if he could please give the man some money. Watching him then run over to that man, to stand in front of him so earnestly, a look of fascination, pain and pity upon his little face, and then see him give what he had to give ~ I thought my heart was going to burst! Brings tears to my eyes recalling the moment.

Zee Little Details of my Montreal Trip

Again, for Larger views, click on the images.

Mmmm, the yellow-wrapped candy bar is my favorite... "Votre cafe, vous le prenez comment?" Translation: "How do you like your coffee?" My sophomore year at Ricks College (gag - excuse me - clearing my throat), I had several Canadian roomies and was introduced to various Canadian candies... it was through dear Jodi that I discovered Coffee Crisp! - pardon me, I don't mean to drool! I think I bought 6 of them while we were in Montreal? And no, I did not eat each one - I brought some home, including a couple other Canada-exclusive candies and gave them to office mates. I also brought home some "Robin Hood Crepe Mix." While perusing the shops of Sainte Dennis (the 'hip' and trendy part of Montreal), we found a killer candy shop ~ hence, the first-time purchase of Harry Potter's Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans for my angel boy-O and his cousins - 4 boxes. We have a hilarious set of photos taken during our tasting of these AWFUL jelly beans.
The pic that shows FUNK written in red, was taken from a large, most-awesome, most-coveted poster illustration of the American Family Tree of Jazz, kept in the my honey-man's SIL's office. I took the shot for Maceo Parker - and I was also sure to first find the name of Bill Evans and take a pic for my honey-man.

The pic of downtown Montreal across the water, was taken from the window of a FAST moving, speeding vehicle, while driving across on a bridge with side and overhead beams, no less...at least every other shot included structure beams of the bridge. This one, however, came out perfect (I think). See the gorgeous, well-tempered chocolate Labrador? May I introduce you to Gaiya (no clue how to really spell his name - sounds like "Guy+yah"), the coolest Lab ever and youngest member of my honey-man's oldest bro's family. See the lovely strawberry "declenaison"? I'm tellin' ya, my honey-man's oldest bro can sure work wonders for the human palate! Try diced strawberries with pieces of crystalized ginger, garnished with Thai basil -tastes like licorice- topped with basalmic vinegar!?! WAS DUHLICIOUS! and the lil' capuccino cup was filled with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream and strawberry slices, covered in cool strawberry puree and warm ganache. OMG - soooo good! An amazing chef! I could go on and on.

See the oh-so quaint stepping stone path laid beneath the ivy-like garden archways? This is the home of my honey-man's parents!?! Um, can ya say GORGEOUS? I was utterly amazed - the whole place was like straight out of a Home & Gardens mag and it didn't feel like a museum - it was warm, relaxed and comfortable, welcoming and wonderful.

See the boy on his knees by the side of a stone bird bath, reaching into a tiny pond? this lil' spot was in their backyard and the angel boy-O discovered FROGGIES! And yes, he caught one and promptly brought it inside to proudly show his Gran-mama what he had ~ ahh, she wasn't so thrilled, but once she'd shooed him away, she graciously applauded his desire to share his find with her. He was so absolutely freakin' adorable - TOTAL CUTENESS, I tell ya!
See the little beach and lake docks? This blessed childhood haven served as a playground for my honey-man. How cool is that? and from the backyard where he lived, up on the hill (Saint-Sauveur ain't by any means "mountainous"), he could go through the woods and just hop right onto the ski slopes?!? and Yes, those are "ski slopes" = no poking fun! Growing up, did you ever have "ski slopes" accessible from your own backyard? I didn't, but I sure would have loved it! ~ even if it had to have been like skiing Miami Beach. OH, and the pic of the white hydrangea? it was loaded with busy buzzy bees! they were so cute! The flowers in Montreal were soooo abundant.
The picture of weird fuzzy green stuff is a sample of the different mosses (sp?) that were growing on the roof of the cabin we stayed at on Fraser Lake (did you know there are over 2 MILLION lakes in Canada!?!). During this trip, honestly, I can't tell you how many pictures I took of moss and fungi - let's just say LOTS. I find fungi fascinating, but right now, let's not dwell on that any further. We spent the night in an amazing location ~ my honey-man's younger, older bro just bought the cabin less than a year ago and it could be considered nothing less than a labor of love, all the work they've done since they'd acquired it. There was no electricity beyond a generator to operate the water pump and give some brief moments of light in the kitchen or bathroom. Otherwise, we were using candles and oil lanterns = way, way, WAY cool. We also went fishing and my honey-man's younger, older brother's sweetheart wife prepared the most awesome fishing fare - Before we hit the lake, I had thought she was preparing part of our dinner in advance, but it was for our fishing trip on the lake!?! Wine and wine glasses to the ready! Off that note: I HAVE NEVER DRANK SO MUCH WINE IN MY ENTIRE LIFE - and GOOD WINE at that! My honey-man's family loves to cook and dine and eat and eat some more and eat well - not in excess, but WELL. The cooking and all the restaurants were fantastic. See the forest trees shot? This is the ROAD to the cabin!!?! Can you believe it? we're talking REMOTE! BEAUTIFUL! QUIET! NATURE! UNTOUCHED! and their previously owned cabin? It had ZERO electricity and could only be reached by boating across the lake!?! Again, it was a wonderful, wonderful experience.
The fishing tackle spinner? The angel boy-O's ultra fisherman uncle/owner of a St. Hubert restaurant gave us a couple of them and they were taken from us by airport security - before they were confiscated, I snapped a couple camera shots for memory's sake.

My Final Take on Montreal!

And now, as you can see, yet can ONLY imagine since my earlier confession, these pictures shown here cannot tell even half the story that was my first trip to Montreal with my honey-man and his sweet angel boy-O. I could go on and on and on...

But let me share this, 'THE' ALL DEFINING MOMENT FOR ME ON THIS TRIP: While we were anchored off the isle of St. Marguerite, I stood at the back of the boat, hands on my hips, surveying the water and the sky. My honey-man's father was playing some beautiful music over the boat stereo system (AN INCREDIBLE SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM) in a way that was totally enveloping, as if it was an inner soundtrack playing in my mind, yet I could hear him laughing in the background and I could also faintly hear my honey-man from off the side of the boat, explaining little wonders of the world, so lovingly, to the ever-curious angel boy-O. I felt this feeling swell up inside me -and it revisits me, right now- and I was absolutely overcome with GRATITUDE for all that I have and ALL THE LOVE I HAVE FOUND IN MY LIFE, all around me. Tears welled up in my eyes and spilled over and down my cheeks, as if a faucet had been turned on. And I stood there feeling it, savoring the moment. Shortly later, my honey-man came to me and said sweetly something along the lines of, "You had yourself a 'moment' back there, didn't you?"

It was such a wonderful trip and my honey-man's families were all so kind and effusive, and I felt so well-received by all, accepted by everyone. I loved finally meeting everyone, all the same - I only wish we could have stayed longer. We now hope that our future schedules will accomodate an annual trip of a good length, and from here on out, we plan to save our pennies to afford the trek.

Banned Books

The idea of this meme is to take the 100 most censorially challenged books from 1990-2000 and highlight the ones you've read. It's based on Banned Book Week - and yes, I'm late - but better late than never (for who? for me!): Apparently I've read 44 of these controversial books!? I was surprised by this -

1. Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz
2. Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Willhoite
3. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
4. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
6. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
7. Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling
8. Forever by Judy Blume
9. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
10. Alice (Series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
11. Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
12. My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
13. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
14. The Giver by Lois Lowry
15. It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris
16. Goosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine
17. A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck
18. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
19. Sex by Madonna
20. Earth’s Children (Series) by Jean M. Auel
21. The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
22. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
23. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
24. Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
25. In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
26. The Stupids (Series) by Harry Allard
27. The Witches by Roald Dahl
28. The New Joy of Gay Sex by Charles Silverstein
29. Anastasia Krupnik (Series) by Lois Lowry
30. The Goats by Brock Cole
31. Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane
32. Blubber by Judy Blume
33. Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan
34. Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam
35. We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier
36. Final Exit by Derek Humphry
37. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
38. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
39. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
40. What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Daughters by Lynda Madaras
41. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
42. Beloved by Toni Morrison
43. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
44. The Pigman by Paul Zindel
45. Bumps in the Night by Harry Allard
46. Deenie by Judy Blume
47. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
48. Annie on my Mind by Nancy Garden
49. The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar
50. Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat by Alvin Schwartz
51. A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
52. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
53. Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice)
54. Asking About Sex and Growing Up by Joanna Cole
55. Cujo by Stephen King
56. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
57. The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell
58. Boys and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
59. Ordinary People by Judith Guest
60. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
61. What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Sons by Lynda Madaras
62. Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
63. Crazy Lady by Jane Conly
64. Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher
65. Fade by Robert Cormier
66. Guess What? by Mem Fox
67. The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende
68. The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney
69. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
70. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
71. Native Son by Richard Wright
72. Women on Top: How Real Life Has Changed Women’s Fantasies by Nancy Friday
73. Curses, Hexes and Spells by Daniel Cohen
74. Jack by A.M. Homes
75. Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo A. Anaya
76. Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle
77. Carrie by Stephen King
78. Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume
79. On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
80. Arizona Kid by Ron Koertge
81. Family Secrets by Norma Klein
82. Mommy Laid An Egg by Babette Cole
83. The Dead Zone by Stephen King
84. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
85. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
86. Always Running by Luis Rodriguez
87. Private Parts by Howard Stern
88. Where’s Waldo? by Martin Hanford
89. Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene
90. Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman
91. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
92. Running Loose by Chris Crutcher
93. Sex Education by Jenny Davis
94. The Drowning of Stephen Jones by Bette Greene
95. Girls and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
96. How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
97. View from the Cherry Tree by Willo Davis Roberts
98. The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
99. The Terrorist by Caroline Cooney
100. Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

55 Trivial Things about Me

Stolen from Cherry who stole it from Jomama...

1. Nervous habits? - general scratching
2. Are you double jointed? - nope
3. Can you roll your tongue? - you bet
4. Can you raise one eyebrow at a time? - not voluntarily without much pain
5. Can you blow spit bubbles? - ever since my days in diapers
6. Can you cross your eyes? - of course
7. Tattoos? - no, can't think of anything I like well enough to have it permanently etched on my body for life
8. Piercings? - one in my right ear, three in my left
9. Do you make your bed daily? - hell no, unless you count pulling the covers up and over the pillows as "making my bed" -?

ON MY PERSON
10. Which shoe goes on first? - the right, w/o thinking about it
11. Speaking of shoes, have you ever thrown one at anyone? - huh?
12. On the average, how much money do you carry? - ZERO; I typically don't carry cash
13. What jewelry do you wear 24/7? - my earrings and 3 rings; one on my middle lefthand finger, and two on my ring and middle righthand fingers
14. Favorite piece of clothing? ~ I love my pajamas and have many pairs

FOOD
15. Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it? - both
16. Have you ever eaten Spam? - I sure hope not
17. Do you use extra salt on your food? - I usually complain about foods tasting too salty
18. How many cereals are in your cabinet? - organic Cream of Wheat
19. What's your favorite beverage - Horchata, but rarely do I ever indulge
20. What's your favorite fast food restaurant? - Hires (not really fast food)
21. Do you cook? - yes, whenever I find time ~ I made Amish Friendship CAKE twice over the past week

PERSONAL GROOMING
22. How often do you brush your teeth? - morning n' night and sometimes at work
23. Hair drying method? - air dry
24. Have you ever colored/highlighted your hair? - yes, an old boyfriend once picked out the color and I hadn't even seen the name of the color until we were home and it was being applied: "Chocolate Covered Cherry" = I totally freaked!

MANNERS
25. Do you swear? - yes, although most of my friends think it sounds unnatural for me
26. Do you ever spit? - not on purpose = that would be gross

FAVORITES
27. Animal? kitty cats!!!
28. Food? - cheese
29. Month? - May
30. Day? - Friday = a good mood-day always, regardless of whatever crap may be going on
31. Cartoon? - um, dunno...Scooby Doo when I was a kid
32. Shoe brand? - don't have one
33. Subject in school? - M.P.A. - yet I wouldn't call it a favorite
34. Color? - anything blue
35. Sport? - does figure skating count?
36. TV shows? - IF I catch it, Law & Order SVU
37. Thing to do in the spring? - plant flowers and play outside
38. Thing to do in the summer? - go swimming or hide out in any space w/ AC
39. Thing to do in the autumn? - go camping (love the cool nights)
40. Thing to do in the winter? - CUDDLE!

IN AND AROUND
41. In the CD player? - Jessie Harris & the Ferdinandos
42. Person you talk most on the phone with? - mah sweet honey-man
43. Reading? - "Inside Bureaucracy"
44. Do you regularly check yourself out in store windows/mirrors? - probably not enough!
45. What color is your bedroom? - see right here
46. Do you use an alarm clock? - absolutely
47. Window seat or aisle? - an aisle seat for quick get away

SLEEPY SLUMBERING
48. What's your sleeping position? - on my back n' legs in the shape of a number 4
49. Even in hot weather do you use a blanket? - bedsheets at least
50. Do you snore? - if exhausted, yes and loud enough that I'll wake myself up
51. Do you sleepwalk? - not that I know of
52. Do you talk in your sleep? - ask me anything! most likely, I won't remember any of it
53. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? - do Otis and Owen count?
54. How about with the light on? - no, unless you count the glow of the alarm clock
55. Do you fall asleep with the TV or radio on? - I used to fall asleep to music, but I rarely do this anymore --I don't make it past the first song, I conk out so fast!