NPR Interview With a Libyan Protester

I've taken to listening to NPR lately. I love the voices of the different radio personalities. There is just something so soothing and comforting in those voices. I also love the interview questions they ask their guests. Whether it's an author, an expert, or a person-on-the-street, the questions are intelligent and they really try to get to the heart of the topic. 

I don't get too caught up international politics, but it's hard to ignore what's taking place in North Africa and the Middle East. I heard this interview yesterday with a 31-year-old protestor in Tripoli, Libya. His words have stayed in mind. If you have time, click Listen to the Story. During the interview, Ahmed made the statement that they [the Libyans] are just "fed up." He said it more than once. But it was his tone that made me catch my breath. I knew it was the truth. He was just DONE.  And I know from experience that humankind can take quite a bit and carry quite a burden, but when it has had enough, it has had enough. It was the resolve and determination in Ahmed's voice that made me think, "They can do this. They can break this government."

I hope I'm right ... especially because Ahmed and his wife have a baby on the way. Thoughts and prayers to you, Ahmed.

Books and Blogs

Two books are on  my mind this week.

I just finished The Danger Box by Blue Balliett. It is one of my all-time favorite YA lit books. Charming, thrilling, mysterious, clever. Lovable characters. Well-researched. Blue (very cool name, yes?) is one of my favorite authors. I discovered her through Chasing Vermeer. Then I moved on to The Wright 3, and just devoured The Calder Game. These last three three books follow the adventures of the same three characters. Check them out! I'm on a hunt for more of Blue's writing.

The peeps are loving Emily Gravett's Orange Pear Apple Bear. Actually, I think they just like the picture of the pear bear because he has a big hiney, and the peeps are all about hineys right now. And that's ok. At least, that is what I keep telling myself.

Lastly, I am really enjoying Bull E. Vard's KC Beer Blog. If you're into beer, blogs, and/or Kansas City, get to reading!

Of Marriott's and Monster Jams

Looks like I've been away for a little bit. Just haven't felt inspired. Or witty. I've just been pluggin' along.

Mark and I had a Marriott & Monster Jam-themed Valentine's Day celebration. Through a credit card promotion, I earned a free night's stay at Category 4 Marriott. In KC, a Category 4 means the downtown Marriott. As luck would have it, the Monster Truck Jam was in town (and downtown) Valentine's weekend. I've always wanted to go to a Monster Truck Jam (Bucket List Item), so we ordered up some tickets. It was great fun! My favorite was TMNT (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle). I can't wait to go back and take the peeps. I snagged two bottles of Boulevard's Limited Edition , Much Coveted, Chocolate Ale (beer stalking does pay off). We drank a bottle in our hotel room pre-Jam. IT WAS SOOOOO GOOD!

Let's see. What else? Both peeps have been sick, but I think they are on the mend. I've applied for a few teaching jobs, and I'm freelancing for one of my previous employers. Oh! And I booked a November cruise for the Bahamas with three friends. We're calling it the 40X4 cruise.

I'll leave you with this random thought: Why are there hearts and flowers on my toilet paper? Do that many people really need pretty poo paper?

Just Thinkin' Out Of My Head This Morning

I was listening to my car radio yesterday, and the song As She's Walking Away came on. It's by two country artists that I really enjoy: the Zach Brown Band and Alan Jackson. (Side note: AJ is my country singer boyfriend.) (2nd side note: Colin Firth is my British boyfriend). But I digress. There is a line in the song about "the one who got away."

That got me thinking: Am I anyone's "the one who got away"?  Hmmm ....

Well, enough of that. I'm on a quest today. Must find some of Boulevard's Chocolate Ale before it is gone ... gone ... gone.

Missing My Mom

Every time I hear the song, The House That Built Me by Miranda Lambert, I cry. It makes me miss my mom so much. It also makes me want to go to our little house on 99th Street in Kansas City, knock on the door, and begged whoever lives there to let me in. For just a little bit. So I can collect the memories I didn't know I was supposed to be collecting when I when I lived there so long ago.

This is what's on my mind today ...