week 121

So between traveling, work and Halloween, I have been a slacker in doing the posting. That being said, I did get a couple of things done during the absence.

#8 Read 4 books:

1. Malefice--good conceptual book about a witch trial. Each chapter was told from a different perspective i.e the witch on trial, the town doctor, witch's daughter, the clergyman, the hangman and others. You get a good lesson in perception of events and how everyone sees events differently and interpret them differently from the person standing across from them.

2. Carrie--Stephen King classic was a great read right before the Halloween party. Very spooky!

3. Eye of the Dragon--Another Stephen King tale that was perfectly timed before the party. I remember reading this book in high school and loving the artwork. In fact, I drew some of the illustrations and it was the 3 months of my life that I could draw freehand.

4. Griftopia--Matt Taibbi. You must read this now. I thought this was going to be a very political book about why the other side is wrong. I was hestitant to read it, however, I hold the opinion of the friend that told me it was a must-read in a very high regard. I read it and was blown away. It lays out the entire ins and outs of the banking industry, insurance industry and all sects of the government and how these three entities got us into the mess we are in today. My most eye opening experience was the chapter that talks about why gas prices are so high. Think it is a lack of oil? Nope. Think it is the major oil producers in the Middle East holding out to prove a point? Nope. Think it is because we drive too much? Not even close. Think it was because the banks, Goldman Sachs, got greedy and wanted to become speculators in the oil business and drive the price up to make oodles of cash for themselves? Ding ding ding. You win the prize! Read this book. You will soon see who the bad guys are and why they suck so bad.

#36 Gave M a footrub after the OO in October. My toleration of feet might be turning a corner. I rubbed for like, 20 minuted on each foot. A couple glasses of wine certainly help.

#40 Three more movies off the list:

1. Sound of Music--I have been singing these songs for the last month. Do a deer, a female deer....
2. Nashville--Why does Stanley confuse me so? I understand that this was a great slice of americana, but to me it was choppy, slow and ended with a question mark. I loved the opening credits though.
3. The French Connection--Am I the only one that thinks that Gene Hackman got better looking with age? I also could not look at Roy Schneider without saying "We're gonna need a bigger boat". What can I say, Jaws spoiled me.

#35 M got an I love you in the best possible way--written in chocolate on a toaster strudel.

#29 Had lunch with C yesterday at a new place that opened near us. Great munchies, but expensive for a lunch place. Also had dinner with M. We had a great night that started with wine, apps and dinner and ended with Cheesecake Factory pumpkin cheesecake and coffee. Fantastic night except for the fire alarm that went off during dinner. It was a false alarm, but very loud.

#74 Listened to these CD's:

Southern Comfort Rocks the Blues--Various artists
Jazz Squad--Katherine Whalins
Natural Thang--Tanya Blout
The Jazz Messengers--Art Blakey

Still drinking water every day. I feel like crap if I skip a day.

My dentist is very impressed with my new flossing habit. I got a platinum star for my beautiful gums!