Half way there...

My New Year's resolution for 2009 was to read 52 books. I got half way there with 26. June and July were my worst months and I didn't read anything. Also, packing and moving in September didn't help much either. Here they are. Yes, there is some smut, I am the first to admit, but there were a few classics, too.

January:
Eclipse - Stephanie Meyer - I admit, I got sucked into the whole Twilight Saga and it's all Maranda's fault.
The Rescue - Nicholas Sparks - I knew better than to read anything by him. I've hated everything I've ever read by him and this one was no different. I blame it on being a cheap download on the Kindle.
Breaking Dawn - Stephanie Meyer - What? I had to finish it up to see what happened.

February:
The Hour I First Believed - Wally Lamb - I found three or four good stopping points in this book, unfortunately, the author missed them.
Outlander - Diana Gabaldon - This was the first book club book I've ever participated in. Being part of the book club made the book much more interesting to me because other readers brought out a lot of things that I missed while I was reading. I got Maranda hooked on this series and I quit after the first one. Payback to her for the Twilight thing.
Being Martha - Lloyd Allen - I've always liked reading biographies and this one about Martha Stewart was no different. It was a quick and easy read about an interesting, if not controversial, lady.

March:
The Shack - William Paul Young - While it was eye opening and made me look at things a little differently, I don't think it lived up to all the hype it received.
The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini - The best book I've read this year and in the Top 3 of my all time favorite books. The movie did not compare, but they rarely do.
The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupery - A short and sweet little book. I read it and marked it off of the list of 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die. Actually, I worked quite a few off that list this year. You can find the list online if you care to search for it. Use Google.
Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte - I'm glad I read it but it was just so-so. I would have enjoyed the book much better if ole Emily Bronte could have come up with different names for the characters. It was confusing that the mother and daughter had the same name and half the time I didn't know who I was reading about.

April:
The Reader - Berhard Schlink - Not the best book, not the worst, but a quick read with a decent story, just not enough plot.
A Walk in the Woods - Bill Bryson - One of the only books this year that literally made me laugh out loud.
P.S. I Love You - Cecelia Ahern - Super sad, but I have to say, the movie was better than the book.
Sex and the City - Candace Bushnell - I thought I would really enjoy this book because I loved the HBO series so much. Worst book of the year, by far!
My Best Friend's Girl - Dorothy Koomson - Good book, interesting story line, quick read. Would read more from this author.
Taking Heat - Ari Fleischer - Another autobiography of Fleischer's life as Press Secretary in the Bush White House. I dig autobiographies. What an interesting and stressful job!

May:
Handle with Care - Jodi Picoult - For some reason I can't even remember what this book was about. Obviously it left no impression on me at all. Seriously, I have to go look at it now to see.
Confessions of a Shopaholic - Sophie Kinsella - I read this because I saw there was a movie coming out. I never made it to see the movie so I'm not sure which is better but the book was cute. Easy read.
The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver - I struggled, A LOT.
It's All about Him - Denise Jackson - An autobiography from Denise Jackson about her struggles in her marriage to country singer, Alan Jackson and her struggle to find her identity.

August:
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Shaffer - Odd name, good book. My second favorite of the year. Totally charming.
The DaVinci Code - Dan Brown - I know I'm a little late on this one. Couldn't put it down once I started it though.

October:
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen - Why haven't I read this before now? Wonderful book! I want to be Elizabeth Bennett so badly! Seriously deserves its "classic" status!
(I read the majority of Freakenomics this month too but I don't count it because I didn't quite finish it. I lost interest.)

December:
Dead Until Dark - Charlaine Harris - I blame this one on Jill. I think I've had enough vampire books to last me a while.
The Christmas Bus - Melody Carlson - A free Kindle download. Nice story, not much depth.
Little Women - Louisa May Alcott - I really like this book and like the story but for some reason, I've struggled to get it finished.

So there you have it. What did you read this year? What do I need to put on my 2010 list? Have you read any of these? What are your thoughts?

There's a New Kid in Town!

We got a new puppy! Bridget came to live with us on Thursday night. Dr. Burnop and his wife were fostering her for the Humane Society. Her mother and three puppies were found abandoned in a barn. We're not sure what kind of dog she is but we really don't care. She's sweet as she can be, but she's definitely a PUPPY! There's a lot of training to do and Chris and I are totally worn out, but she's a lot of fun and will live a happy life here. I think she will help us heal from missing Brady. She will never replace him but she has her own special personality. We love her already and we'll love her even more when she is housebroken!

Chris gave her two rules. No sitting on the furniture and no sleeping in the bed. Neither rule lasted long and it wasn't me or Bridget who broke them.

Pictures soon!

As promised (a month late)...A Virtual Open House

127 Magnolia Lane

We've moved! Still getting settled, as you'll be able to tell from the pictures. Please ignore the fact that all the walls are white and there are virtually no curtains.

Patio in between the carport and back porch. Great place for a hot tub, don't ya think?

Back porch. These doors go into the living room.

View from office, front of the house. NEED CURTAINS. :)

Here is where my sweet guests will lay their heads when they come to visit. BYOC! (Bring your own curtains) :)

Basement.

Computer center. This is right at the back door when you come in off the carport. A nice place to collect all that junk you bring in with you.

Laundry room.

View of dining room from kitchen.

View of dining room from living room. NEED Curtains. (Notice a pattern here?)

Note to self.... clean black smoke dust off of bricks.

Another note to self... read stack of magazines and throw away.

Quite possibly the ugliest mantle ever.

What would you all put on these shelves?

Foyer

Living room

Opposite side of living room

Master bedroom

Ahhh... my reading chair!

Back in May I flew to my sister's house in St. Louis for my niece's high school graduation. Thankfully, my sister Sharon asked me to stay with her. This was the first time I had stayed in her new house and I felt very comfortable immediately when I walked in the door. Sharon is one of those people that just have a knack for decorating. I want my house to look just like hers. I, not unlike her, can't stand clutter. She has the neatest house but at the same time it feels comfortable and welcoming. Mine? Not so much. It's looking pretty sterile around here at the moment. All the walls are contractor beige and I've only got curtains in two rooms. Sharon's coming to spend Thanksgiving with me and I hope she gets bored while she's here, takes pity on me, and helps me fix this place up. (Hint, hint.) ;)

My friend Sarah is the same way. She has the best ideas and best paint colors ever! (You can see for yourself if you follow her blog link on my page.) When we moved into our last house, Sarah picked out all my curtains. I hate curtains. Sarah's coming to spend a weekend with me in December and I hope she gets bored while she's here, takes pity on me, and helps me fix this place up. (Hint, hint.) ;)

Chris Dodd (D-CT) Seriously?

Most of you know that I rarely post my political views on my blog even though I have pretty strong ones, but with this one, I just can't help it. I'm livid about this one. Here is the article from Chris Dodd's website.

******************************************************************************

October 19, 2009
At a press conference at Stamford Government Center today, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-CT) unveiled The Fairness and Accountability in Receiving (FAIR) Overdraft Coverage Act, a bill to protect Americans from excessive checking account overdraft fees. Dodd was joined at the event by Attorney Ellery Plotkin, a consumer advocate, and Mario Livieri, a resident of Branford who was unfairly hit with overdraft fees earlier this year.

“At a time when many can afford it least, Connecticut consumers like Mario are being hit with hundreds of dollars in penalties for overdrawing on their account by just a few dollars. Banks should not be trying to bolster their profits at the expense of their customers,” said Dodd. “My legislation gives Connecticut consumers control over their bank accounts – giving them the chance to choose whether they want overdraft protection, establishing strict limits on these fees, and shining more light on these practices.”

So-called “overdraft protection programs” enable customers to overdraw their accounts, without their knowledge, they make debit card purchases, electronic transfers, ATM withdrawals or use checks. Account holders are often enrolled in the programs without their consent and many banks will slap customers with fees of upwards of $30 for this “courtesy” even if their account is only overdrawn by a few cents.
*********************************************************************************
Etc. etc. You can read the full article if you follow the above link to Dodd's website.




Here's a thought, Mr. Dodd -

I don't think people need "government protection" from these "ridiculous" overdraft fees us evil banks are charging. Here's a novel idea... Maybe consumers could just balance their check books and not spend money they don't have. That would be the quickest and easiest way to ensure they aren't hit with these huge fees. Problem solved, no need for legislation. Taken directly from the article..."so called overdraft protection programs enable customers to overdraw accounts without their knowledge" WITHOUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE? Are you kidding me? Do they not have a check register and a calculator? Give me a break! Where does taking personal responsibility for one's actions fall into this bill?

Secondly, if this legislation passes and banks are only allowed to pay overdrafts only six times per year, what happens when consumer habits don't change? Let me just inform you. Our bank currently charges $25 for an overdraft account per item. If we instead (after the alloted 6 per year) sent those items back to the businesses they were written to, guess what their fee is for a returned item. At Wal-Mart and most convenience stores, it's $35.00! Shall we save your constituents from evil Wal-Mart, Family Dollar, Sally's Salon and Bert's Barbeque Pit as well?

This proposed legislation helps no one, not banks, and definitely not consumers. What are you thinking?

Granted, I'm a banker and probably more than a little biased on the topic, but seriously, can someone tell me why this is a good idea? Really, what am I missing here?

Our right and our responsibility!

I've voted. Have you?

Thankful, Fortunate, and a Little Selfish, Too.

2009 has had it's ups and downs in the Robertson family, no doubt, but as we head into the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, I can't help but think about how fortunate and how blessed we truly are. As we prepare to celebrate the holiday seasons in our new home, I am acutely reminded of those who have nowhere to call home. As I am surrounded by family and friends, I remember that the holidays aren't such a happy time for so many. I've been blessed beyond measure with more happiness, health, and financial and job security than I've earned or deserved. I don't take it lightly. I don't take it for granted.

All day I've been thinking about that quote (Bible verse maybe) "Too whom much is given, much is required." Yesterday, my mom asked me for a Christmas list. I've thought of a couple of things, but in all honesty, I don't NEED anything. I think I'm going to ask her to get an angel from one of the trees at Wal-Mart or the Department of Social Services and make someone else's Christmas special. A donation to Habitat for Humanity is also on my list.

One of the best gifts I've ever received at Christmas was something I couldn't unwrap or hold or even see, but I'll remember it forever. Chris and I were opening gifts a few years after we were married. Chris has a tradition of buying one or two of the things that are on my list and then there are these small things that he buys year after year for me (Chapstick, Christmas tree cakes, magazines, etc, etc.) Not big items but they are a tradition and he always, ALWAYS shops for them on Christmas Eve. That year, I didn't get any of those things while we were opening gifts. After we finished, he told me the story. He was doing his shopping and overheard a husband and wife having a small arguement in the aisle beside him. The wife wanted to buy their child a toy, the husband wanted to buy her new winter coat. They went back and forth a little bit and the husband finally decided that maybe the child could get by with the old coat a little bit longer because he wanted her to have a toy to open on Christmas morning.

Chris said, I'm sorry Heidi but I left all your gifts in the basket and gave them your Christmas money. I was so GLAD he did. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I hope that sweet baby stayed warm that winter and had a BIG fun TOY to open on Christmas morning. I think about that kid every year, even though I have no clue who she is, and hope she's having the best Christmas ever.

Of course, we all have that selfish side too, and with all that I've said, I would be thrilled if this would show up on my doorstep Christmas morning. I'm finally ready!

Don't you think I'd be an awesome Peekapoo mommy?

A little deal for you...

Do you like "Real Simple" Magazine?

Amazon.com has a special right now: A one year subscription for $5.00, no tax, no shipping!

Sweet, huh?

The ABC's Book...

Many of you know I have an ABC scrapbook of mixed drinks that I'm working on filling up. The goal is to pick a new drink for each letter of the alphabet and get pictures of the drink and the aftermath. Some of my favorites are Appletini's with mom, Levi and Maranda. And Margaritas with Sarah in Myrtle Beach. Oh, and Jello Shots with Justin and Jill in Gatlinburg. That one was not pretty!


Me and Carrie are going to be documenting W and B tonight. This could get ugly!
FUN TIMES! I love summer!

So I log onto my blog today...

after spending a good 10 minutes trying to remember the user name and I quickly remember why I have been avoiding it for so long. All the pictures of Brady! Does it ever really get any easier? Seriously?





Let's see... since my last confession... I mean update...





I have turned 32.


I have booked a trip to Disney.


I have not visited anyone else's blog. (Going to check them when I finish writing)


I have not gotten another dog.


The King of Pop died.


I have updated to an iPhone which is the single greatest gadget I've ever purchased. If it is possible to be in love with an inanimate object such as a cell phone, I'm so there. I should have listened to mom months ago.

I've missed you guys!

We're watching...

The Battle of Tobacco Road.

Let's Go, Duke!

Please join me in congratulating Chris!

He has a new JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris will be working at Blue Ridge Beverage beginning next week. I am very proud of him and excited for this new opportunity. Blue Ridge Beverage acquired Evans Distributing in January of this year. They distribute several different drink products including Miller Beer, Chateau Morrisette Wine, and my personal favorite, Yoo-Hoo.

The pay and benefits are good and all, but the best part??? Yoo-hoo by the case - AT COST. :)

When life gives you lemons...

Yeah, yeah, yeah.


News flash for you....


Unless your life also gives you water and sugar, your lemonade's gonna SUCK!

Where I'm From

- I am from God is great, God is good.
Let us thank Him for our food
And supper at 5:00
Where I will inevitably spill my milk.

- I'm from just say "no" to drugs
and "yes, Ma'am" to teachers.
I am from telling secrets on the
Merry-Go-Round and giggling at boys.

- I am from crawling into Mamaw Cullop's
flannel sheets and being intoxicated
by the wonderful smell of the cold cream
she used faithfully.

- From trying to count the rainbows
in the plaster pattern on her ceiling
and never getting it done because I fell asleep
While she read her Bible.

- I am from young girls dreams of being Mary Lou Retton
And prancing around Crockett
In a red, white and blue leotard.
And I'm from the realization that I'm not that coordinated.

- I am from climbing the dogwood tree in the back yard
With Levi and from picking the leaves off Boxwoods
And sliding them down the concrete rail
While Levi pretended to be shot by war planes.

- I am from envying Sharon's beauty
And eavesdropping on talks with her boyfriend.
From suffering thru middle child-ness
With Jonathan and making it fun.

- I am from swinging on the front porch
With my mom and watching a storm roll in
And I'm from knowing my Dad could do
Or fix anything.

- I am from a small town in Southwestern Virginia
Where everyone knows everyone.
And where you marry that boy
You used to giggle at while you were on the Merry-Go-Round.

Life goes on...

I know I have been a shitty blogger lately. I probably don't have any readers left since my posts have been so depressing lately. If any of you are still sticking in there with me, I apologize. Thank you all for the cards, well wishes, etc. since we lost Brady.


Chris and I spent the weekend in Pigeon Forge to celebrate our 9th anniversary. We enjoyed being away but I spent a lot of time thinking about Brady. When we got home on Sunday I heard some terrible news that really put things into perspective for me. As hard as it is, I know I need to move on and keeping living life and enjoying my family and friends. Although Chris and I will miss Brady for a long time, we just have to remember the good times we had with him and be thankful we had him in our lives.

We have some exciting things on the horizon for us and I want to be "in the moment" and appreciative of our opportunities.

Thank you for allowing me some time to sulk and cry and be mad and sad and hurt. Life goes on...

Remembering Bray-Bray