My son, the goiter

This I believe: That the free exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world. And this I would fight for: the freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes, undirected. And this I must fight against: any idea, religion or government which limits or destroys the individual. -John Steinbeck

The Bonesetter's Daughter

The Bonesetter's Daughter-Amy Tan
403 pages
Published in 2001

This was a school book. It was also a good book. It wasn't necessairly over the top phenomanal, but it was most positevly worth reading. It begins with a short chapter that is somewhat confusing and leaves you wondering. The next chapter is much more clear, following a woman in her thirties and seeing how she deals with a dwindling romance, an aging mother, and a life of secrets. Her mother is a Chinese immigrate and her story is told in first person. It is very seductive and very intriguing. The general concept and organization are unique, or at least to me. I enjoyed it because I can't think of another book similar to it. Even though I am not generally all that interested about Chinese history and culture, it was a more universal story than that. Overall: A-

Valentine's Day

First and foremost, Happy Valentine's Day! A day to celebrate the ones you love, the one who love you, and everyone in between. Originating from a dude named Valentine (that's bring back that name) who somehow demonstrated the powerful nature of love, the holiday has become an international event. And, like many other things, when something becomes extremely popular, it somehow becomes uncool again. Many, many people (at least the ones I encounter) seem to find Valentine's Day a corporate, Hallmarkian scam of a day. While this may be true in part, the tradition of sending Valentines dates back roughly three hundred centuries.

Secondly, people tend to see this as a romantic day only. That simply is not the truth. Today is a day to laugh, smile, remember fond memories, and share a hug with someone who loves you. This could be your parents, your brothers and sisters, friends, grandparents, pets, children, or your significant other. The point is simply that the day is not just for lovers, it is for loved ones.

My point is this: Yes, this day is commercialized and has become a bit of a spectacle, but I think it is nice that on one day, everyone gets together and says, "I love you," "You're important in my life," "I care about you." You don't have to be cynical about it. What's wrong with a designated day where we can all agree to love each one another? Sure, you should express your love everyday, but it's nice just to think that for one whole day, everyone agrees to love.

So, Happy St. Valentines Day.

Snow Day #3

This is most positvely a SNOW day. No questions about it. Apparently, I just don't go to school anymore. I stayed home on Monday, went Tuesday, snowday Wednesday, fieldtrip Thursday, and maybe I'll actually go on Friday. I'm sure it'll be a great time figuring out what I need to make up and do and what tests have to be taken when.

It's been a wonderful snow day. I woke up at seven, make some delicetable post-primary pancakes (An ingenious idea) and some hash browns. I then helped Cassie fix her mouse, played the country game (I can't seem to get pass 129), shoveled probably a ton of snow and played with the dogs out front. A little later, I even took then for a walk around the block by myself. They were surprisingly good. I have also found the kitchen table, washed a gizillion towels and some other things. Now it's off to work and time to do some homework. It should be a good and dandy time. I'm sure people will inform me that it is indeed snowing. I was completly unaware. Then Project Runway tonight. What a fabulous day.