Reading in the Sun

Reading in the sun is something that I love doing in the summer time. I could sit on the porch, lay on the beach, or sprawl out on the grass and get lost in a good book. Reading is something that I can always remember doing and I love books! My friend Jennifer has a goal of reading a new book every week for 2009. So she has requested a list of my top 10 favorite books. I don't think that I can narrow it down to 10 books but I can list some of my favorite authors and some books that I highly recommend.

Some of my Favorite Authors:
1. James Patterson - I have always loved his books. I started reading his books after the movie, "Along Came a Spider" came out. He writes drama/suspense books. He writes series and individual novels. I highly recommend the Alex Cross novels and the Women's Murder Club. *make sure to read these in order.

2. Jodi Picoult - The first book that I read of her's was "My Sister's Keeper". It was a very good book and it is coming out as a movie soon. She writes of real life moments/events and how they effect the people not just for that person but the people that surround them as well. I have read about 15 of her books and have only found 1 that I didn't like. My favorite book of her's is "19 Minutes".

Some of my Favorite Books:
1. The Diary of Anne Frank

2. Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison - a book that I was required to read in college and it is a book that I read once a year.

3. Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich - Another book that I was required to read in college. I still have it on my bookshelf.

4. Ada Blackjack: A True Story of Survival in the Artic by Jennifer Niven - a book that was give to me by a friend. It talked about the early life in Nome,AK and this young native lady's life and how she was able to survive in a land that no one ever experienced.

5. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life - by Barbara Kingsolver - A really interesting book about how to live off the land, how to shop locally, live a more "greener" life. I read this about 2 and half years ago and it is still a book that I reference. They have some yummy recipes as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if you want to eat healthier and be a little bit more "greener"!

6. The Landry Saga by V.C. Andrews - a series that read back when I was in junior high. I have always wanted to go visit Louisiana and the bayous after reading this series.

7. Marley and Me - To tell you the truth I only bought the book because I wanted to see what the hype of the movie was all about. Lets just say that I recommend this book even if you do not have an animal.

So these are just a few of the books that come to mind and that have made some type of impression in my life.

I hope that you can take a little time to enjoy a book every now and then.

Welcome Obama!

We couldn't let this day pass with writing about it. We are big supports of Obama and are so proud to be a part of this country. Today was a day we thought we would never see. It is something that we will be able to talk about with our future children. It is exciting to see young people involved and passionate about politics and what the future has in store for us.

President Obama, Welcome! We are so glad that you are here.

Rachel's Challenge

I just returned home from attending a community event about Rachel's Challenge. Rachel Scott was the first victim in the Colombine shootings 10 years ago. I am the same age of Rachel and I remember when the shootings happened during my senior year in high school. The presentation opened my eyes to just the simple things that we can do everyday.

Rachel wanted just 5 things to start a chain reaction.

1. Eliminate Prejudice - Looking for the best in others.
2. Dare to Dream - Set goals - keep a journal
3. Choose your Influences - input determines output
4. Kind Words - Small acts of kindness = HUGE impact
5. Start a chain reaction with family and friends.

For more information go to http://www.rachelschallenge.com.

New Years Resolution?!?!

Typically I don't make New Year Resolutions but '09 is the exception.

My 2009 resolution is to run a marathon...eckkkkkkk...running...I know what am I thinking?!?! I haven't ran since high school (I jokes) but seriously I haven't ran since I moved to Nome.

On Christmas Eve my cousin Theresa mention that the Rock n Roll Marathon is coming to Seattle for the first time on June 27, 2009. I have been thinking about it since and have decided that I am going to do it. I haven't decided if I am going to do the full or the half but it should be fun. A few of the cousins are also going to be training for it as well. I am hoping that my mom will run it with me as well. Mom have we talked you into it yet?

For more information and if you think you may want to run it: http://www.rnrseattle.com/