now that's a fact

Weekend Reading

I am in the middle of a few books, as well as reading the Sookie Stackhouse series (the books the show "True Blood" is based on--and may I say that the show is actually better than the books, which is a surprise.) So, I don't have a particular book to review or recommend at the moment, but my son does!

My son is an avid reader. He is a year and a half. Crazy, right? For a toddler full of energy, the only time I can get him to sit still is with a stack of books. Before I had kids, I never knew what to buy other kids, especially ones under 2. So my solution to anyone ever wondering what to buy young toddlers is BOOKS. They last forever. They can be used over and over again. They (hardly ever) break. Oh, and the best part? They don't need batteries! What a relief!

My son's personal preference is any book about colors. The book above is just a collection of pictures categorized by color. He LOVES to point out each thing that I say: Can you point to the orange pumpkin? His face lights up every time he gets one right. So I thought I would just share a tip for anyone wondering what to buy nieces, nephews, etc. this summer. Happy reading!

Hey! It' Monday! Meet me....and the others who hang here....

I don't know about you but, I'm going to just ignore the fact that I completely spaced out doing this post last Monday.  Oh, I apologize for the spacing out....you know how things get....how LIFE gets sometimes and things just go by the wayside.

But, I'm back....still a little spacey but, that's pretty much normal anymore.

With that, let's get to it, shall we?

This is Miss Java's (over at NeverGrowingOld) 50th Meet Me on Monday meme....she's on vacation right now, but if you want to get to know some others doing this, go on over and click away.

And as always....what are YOUR answers to the questions?

This is the fun part about memes...finding out about each other.

Questions:

1. What is your favorite food?

There are many foods I love...but if I had to pick just one, it would have to be...

Pizza....proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

2. What color scheme is your bedroom?

The whole idea of "color scheme" doesn't really work with a traditional Japanese room...unless your color scheme is brown (tatami floor), white (paper doors) and green (walls).  We don't even have futon covers as, in the traditional way, futons are put away every morning most mornings.

*and no....this is not my room...mine is much messier!! sorry.

3. Do you carry a donor card?
When I lived in the States, I always carried one.  Here in Japan, the whole idea of donating organs is not one that is easily accepted....it is only in the last couple of years that it has happened...and very rarely, at that.
So, my answer is no.  I do not carry a donor card...but, I wish I could.

4. In your opinion, is the glass half empty or half full?
It all depends on what is in the glass....and how late in the day/evening it is when you ask.

5. Vanilla or Chocolate?

Oh, please.....

'Nuf said.

(^-^)

Ya'll have a good week. 

weekend reads

The joy of reading outside.

Summer has officially begun and with it, summer reading can begin in earnest. Do you read different types of books when the days are longer and warmer? I think I read more fiction during the summer.

I'm currently trying to finish a big ol' book I have little interest in: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. It's the last (thank goodness) in the Larrson trilogy. Reading it for book club although that book club meeting has come and gone. I just feel obligated to finish.

What I have coming up to read that I'm jazzed about are these books:

• Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls (author of The Glass Castle)
• Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson
• State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

What are you reading this weekend? Will you be reading outside?

Saturday Snapshot - Childhood

Weekend Review

I love the X-Men movies. I thought it was because I am madly in love with Patrick Stewart. But after watching the new "X-Men: First Class" movie, I think it is just that I am in love with the character of Charles Xavier. (I am now seriously considering naming my son Charles Xavier!)

Even if you haven't watched the other X-Men movies or know anything about the comics, I still recommend this film. It is a prequel and while it's helpful to know the ultimate destiny of some of the main characters, it certainly isn't required. This movie has an amazing cast, including the lovely January Jones. At first I was shocked to see Kevin Bacon cast as the villian, but he actually did a great job. This film was directed by Matthew Vaughn (director of "Kick-Ass") and I think it was actually better than the previous X-Men films. I read a few reviews where people didn't believe the friendship chemistry between Charles and Erik (later known as Professor X and Magneto) but I thought it was believable and well acted.

I think the reason I love the X-Men movies is because they are action packed (which my husband likes) but the plot lines are intriguing and captivating and the dialogue isn't cheesy (which I like.) So even if you choose to stay away from the typical comic book flick, you might actually enjoy this one.

beautiful banana baby bean

One of my previous students from the high school (now married and living in the States) sent this to me of her newborn son.

"Sure, I look like a banana.....who cares? 

It's comfy and I sleep like a...well...like a baby."

Wordless Wednesday - Before & After

Visit more Wordlessness if you feel so inclined