Public Libraries Rock

I love public libraries. A friend once told me that whenever she had a hankering to go shopping and frivolously spend money, she would just go to the library. By the time she leaves the library, she no longer wants to spend any of her money and she gets to take home all the books she wants, without paying a cent. I’ve since taken her advice to heart and have been finding myself at the library more often than in previous years.

The other great thing about public libraries is that it saves me from having to purchase books (which can be an expensive habit). I do have my little own library and I do buy books, but the books I purchase often are used from the internet or thrift stores, plus I would not be offended if someone gave me a used book as a gift. Only on a few occasion have I purchased a book from a bookstore at its full price. Anyhow, I also find that once I’ve finished reading the book, it just stays on my shelf. That’s another reason why libraries are so great – I can return the borrowed book (save my shelf space) and check out another.

Books of 2007

I love reading (although my siblings will claim that my love for reading stem from the possibility of using it as a means to escape chores). The winter makes it so ideal to cozy up with a nice book beside a warm heater (sorry, but I don’t have a fireplace). Since finishing all of my graduate schooling, I’ve had A LOT more time to read for pleasure and have been devouring books like crazy. Sometimes I’ll get into a certain mood (e.g. classics only, or nonfiction, or fiction) and sometimes I’ll just pick up a book based on a friend’s recommendation. About a month ago I started making a list of all the books I’ve read so far this year. Of course, the length of the list depends on my memory (and my memory is somewhat bad), but I’m only keeping track so that I may meet my goal of reading at least twelve books per year. It’s also cool to find lists of “must read” books and check to see if I’ve read any of the listed books.

Anyhow, the following is a list of the books I remember reading this year:

1. Pride and Prejudice—Jane Austin
2. Out in the Garden—Dean Riddle
3. My Garden—Jamaica Kincaid
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows—J.K. Rowling
5. The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse—Louise Erdrich
6. Fall on Your Knees—Ann Marie MacDonald
7. Finding Midas—Russell Cleveland
8. The Money Book for the YF&B—Suze Orman
9. The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom—Suze Orman
10. For One More Day—Mitch Albom
11. The Five People You Meet in Heaven—Mitch Albom
12. Otherwise Normal People—Aurelia C. Scott
13. The Eyre Affair—Jasper Fforde

14. The Flanders Panel—Arturo Perez-Reverte

15. Diary of a Wimpy Kid—Greg Heffley

16. Midwives—Chris Bohjalian

Bus Schedules Don't Mean a Thing in a Winter Storm

The New England states are just being burdened with several huge snow storms (and parts of the Midwest have been without power, due to a huge snow storm). Yet, Minnesota has already experienced several storms (though not as harsh as the two previous regions) and the storms have caused havoc on many bus riders (i.e. me). I am serious when I say that bus schedules don't mean a thing in a winter storm. For example, one evening after work, I waited for thirty minutes in the cold for my bus (I was lucky since others were already there for at least an hour and a half, and were still waiting). When I finally saw my bus, it just passed me by-it was already full and the driver refused to allow any more passengers on. I thought it was best to call someone to come and just get me. An hour later, due to REALLY bad traffic, I finally got home (my home is only a fifteen minute drive from my work).

Anyhow, Minnesota hasn't experienced any more snow storms, but it has been very, very COLD. I believe it is currently zero degrees in my part of the State. I heard on the radio today that the cold keeps out the "rift raft" from Minnesota. Whether this is true or not, I am wishing that I am a "rift raft."