Olive Kitteridge

After the first chapter, I sat the book down in boredom and didn't return to it for another week. I began to wonder how books were chosen for the Pulitzer Prize(fiction). Is it just hype? Is this book worthy of such a praise.

I am glad I returned to it, because it turned out to be a great book. I wasn't used to collection of stories. It felt too abrupt or unresolved when one story ended and another picked up. But half way into the book, I was able to relate and sympathize with the characters and their crisis'. The book spanned a lifetime and I felt like I lived next door watching it all unravel. Great and powerful character development. I choked up towards the end regarding Henry.



I had finished another similiar book earlier called "Breathing Lessons" by Anne Tyler. The first several pages was hilarious and it reminded me a lot Hank and Peggy of King of the Hill. I need a break from life tragedies. I need some Richard Matheson.

Margaret Thatcher quote

I love this quote from Margaret Thatcher:

The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.

"Get Happy"

When I heard that Katie Holmes was taking dancing lessons, I became curious to see how she would do. I've always liked Katie Holmes. I saw the video in which she not only danced but also sang. I thought she did splendid! I am always impress with people who can re-invent themselves.

The Curious Case of...

Friday night -- margarita in hand (in the spirit of Fiesta) and Brad Pitt on Cinemax. Not a huge fan of Brad Pitt although I would like to see him back with Jennifer Anistan. I've heard a lot of good things about the movie and convinced Kevin to watch it. It was a long movie. I am glad I didn't see it in the movie theater. I really liked the storyline, but I thought Pitt was lacking. He was very aloof and indifferent just like in "Meet Joe Black". However, I really like Cate Blanchatt and I thought she shined. Taraji P. Henson as Queenie was my favorite and when she was not onstage, I looked forward to her return. Did I mention it was a long movie? The one good message that I got out of the movie was:

"I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again. "

When I was younger, it was easy to start over. Didn't like my job--quit. Didn't like where I live--moved. Didn't like who I was dating--broke it off. The cycle just repeated itself over and over again. But now that I'm older, I find it's hard to bring up the strength to leave.

What's in a name?

Woman changes her name to "Princes-Rainbow.com"

So silly, I thought I would do some more perusing and came upon "Tatula Does The Hula From Hawaii" - the name of a nine year old New Zealand girl.

My parents named us Pahoua (my sister), Pachoua (me), Pachee (brother) and Pacha(brother). The "pa" meant "flower". My dad's name is Blong Vangkhue Lee. But in Hmong, the family name is referred to first: Lee Blong Vangkhue. So when we immigrated to the US, they documented "Vangkhue" as our last name.

I remember being teased a lot for my name ("Pachoua Vangkhue"). When I was 12, we were naturalized and it was an opportunity for us to correct the family name and also change our first name. I picked the shortest name I could think of - "Amy". I also liked it's meaning --"beloved". When I was 14, I changed the spelling to "Aymiee" to differentiate myself. I was in Highschool -- what more can I say?

My sister loved Edgar Allen Poe and changed her name to "Annabel". My brothers fought over the name "Bruce", so they eventually ended up with their given name.

friends?

Have you guys been tricked to call: 401-285-0701.