Well, after living here more than a year – I finally discovered the local library and so I thought that I would share some book reviews as of recent (including a few that I actually got from Deseret Book not the library):

A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini

So I had already read The Kite Runner by Hosseini so I should have known what to expect. But I was still stunned by the multitude of emotions I felt for the characters. Much like in the Kite Runner, I was catapulted across the gamut of: fear, disgust, anger, remorse, pity, sadness, contentment, hope.

The story is about the lives of two women in Afghanistan. It’s fiction, of course, but completely enthralled me with the story of a girl about my age amidst the real history of the war-torn country. First the soviets, then the war lords, then the Taliban, then more war lords, and to the present day…

As I mentioned, I think that I was most shocked by the realization that my life is in stark contrast to Leila’s – although she is born about the same year as me half way across the world. I felt like an ignorant American. As I related to the storyline to WE, he quickly rebutted that this is a story exposing the degradation and mis-treatment of women  - to which I agreed. But for me it was about much more in addition to that.

As an aside, on my way to work this week I heard an interesting story about a Saad Mohseni -  ”Afghanistan’s First Media Mogul.”

The timing of the NPR newscast couldn’t have been more perfect as I was just finishing the book. The linked article is quite long – but is a fantastic read about this man that’s trying to balance freedom of expression and the state of Islam. Considered liberalist by many traditionalists, he’s famous for Afghan star, soap operas, and unordinary newscasters (i.e. uncovered women) – all only a few short years after the Leilas and Miriams of the world were not allowed to speak to a man in public and were burying their TV in the backyard to hide it from the Taliban.

Most poignant: An anguished letter from a remorseful father apologizing to his daughter…alas, but too late

Prayers that Matter – Robert Millet

Robert Millet is always a favorite of mine. Thoughts on communion with God. Not all prayers are equal, nor should they be.

Most humbling: “Being in agony, he prayed more earnestly” Luke 22:44 (i.e. Most simply put, we should pray because He prayed)

The Silence of God – Gale Sears

Another LDS historical fiction book – but this time not based in Missouri, Ohio, or Utah. Here’s a rather cheesy but telling book announcement from Deseret Book’s website:

I enjoyed the history behind the novel more than the novel itself. But still a very fascinating read. I think that anyone serving or once serving in Russia would love this book for the sentimental value of the history behind your mission experiences. I also thought it was awesome to have read this when I saw that the front cover of the Ensign this month commemorated the dedicatory prayer for Mother Russia.

Most enjoyable: Riddles laced throughout the plot

The Time Traveler’s Wife* – Audrey Niffenegger

Besides that she has a great name, I’ve liked this authors style. The book reads as any great love story should – easy. Yet hard to forget. I’ve got much of the story to get through yet – but have quite enjoyed the little I’ve heard (book on cd) already. It’s the attention to details that I’m fond of.

Most Romantic: Who doesn’t like a good love story – I’m not through with it so hopefully it won’t get too romantic (if you know what I mean)

The Historian* – Elizabeth Kostova

This is my “I’m too old / sophisticated  for Twilight” book (no offense to any ‘team Jacobs’ out there!). I was recommended this book by a woman that I had just told that I served a mission in Bulgaria. Raved as an incredible Eastern European travelogue (much of which is in Bulgaria, I guess), it’s also the main character’s quest for the truth about Vlad the Impaler (the infamous ruler that formed the basis of the legend of Dracula). It’s a doozy (640 pages) so I’m barely scratching the surface just yet. But I’m also hoping that I’ll get lured in real soon as the first 10 chapters have me on the fence.

Most difficult beginning: Hard to keep up with the narration and who is who since every character so far is being portrayed in the first person and there are no clear indicators when it switches all of the sudden

John Taylor – Mormon Philosopher, Prophet of God* – Francis M. Gibbons

Intriguing story of a Mormon convert turned leader of the young, new church. An uplifting bio of a prophet, for obvious reasons, but also surprisingly telling about other early Church leaders as well.

Most Spirit of Elijah Invoking: Talks about John’s early missions to the Isle of Mon, among other places – making me want even more to visit that place and follow my family history roots there.

*Books in progress – so take my opinions for what they are worth (‘half’ way decent!)

As of today, I’ve officially passed all four parts of the Certified Internal Auditor exam!! Wow, it’s nice to have that behind me.

And I can finally breathe a sign of relief now that girls camp, my big project / presentation at work, and this exam are all done. All that’s left now are warm summer days and an adventurous vacation to worry about! Yipppiee

Bring it on

Here’s the quick ‘n dirty (oh and it was dirty) on the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby:

Calvin Borel did it again – only this time on Super Saver! All I gotta say is that is one rich son of a Pee Wee Herman. Maybe instead of raising scrabble geniuses, I’ll teach my kids early how be jockeys. Easy enough, I don’t know how to cook anyway – so the starving yourself part will come naturally.

Anyway, here’s some of my favorite shots:

Our girls camp theme this year is ‘Forever Strong’ inspired by the youth’s 2010 worldwide theme “Be Strong and of Good Courage.” I especially enjoyed the YW broadcast in March as the messages focused on moral courage, having the courage to stand out, and never giving up.

Anyone have any suggestions for our camp flag???

This week I bought Natalie Merchant’s new album “Leave your Sleep.” She says on her website that she set out to capture the universal experience of childhood through music and poetry. I haven’t had a chance to listen to all the songs yet (there are 20!) but so far I really love the music.

There’s just something about the album that reminds me of when we were kids dancing around the family room to “Joy to the World.” I can’t remember the other records we used to play – but I remember that song and I remember standing on dad’s feet as he pranced around, swinging us round and round.

Probably my new favorite song on the album is a poem written in 1924 by Nathalia Crane – who at the time was only ten years old and experiencing her first boy crush….on a red-head!

“Oh I’m in love with the janitor’s boy,
And the janitor’s boy loves me;
He’s going to hunt for a desert isle
In our geography.

A desert isle with spicy trees
Somewhere near Sheepshead Bay;
A right nice place, just fit for two
Where we can live alway.

Oh I’m in love with the janitor’s boy,
He’s busy as he can be;
And down in the cellar he’s making a raft
Out of an old settee.

He’ll carry me off, I know that he will,
For his hair is exceedingly red;
And the only thing that occurs to me
Is to dutifully shiver in bed.

The day that we sail, I shall leave this brief note,
For my parents I hate to annoy:
“I have flown away to an isle in the bay
With the janitor’s red-haired boy.”

I’m in love with the janitor’s red-haired boy too!

This one’s for you Ry…WE tells me you are pining for the pad.

I recently read this article – referencing my generation of women (Y) as the most ignored leadership pipeline in business. (more…)

Vietnamese + College Basketball = Pure Contentment

So, for FHE this week WE and I used a borrowed ‘Back to Basics’ wheat grinder (from my awesome Visiting Teacher!) to hand grind wheat into flour. I admit that I’d probably really only want to use that thing IF 1) I really needed it and 2) because of the dire situation, I had nothing else to do all day.

But it was kind of fun too.

We both took our turns cranking and then used the freshly ground flour to make this cookie recipe.

The cookies were actually SUPER yummy. I used golden raisins instead of brown though because 1) they taste better and 2) they look better. Also, I didn’t worry about soaking the raisins in water/vanilla either. Too much effort

The best part was that the cookie stayed gooy on the inside and yet crispy on the outside! Yummmm

So yeah, we haven’t actually bought a wheat grinder or any wheat yet (we are still doing our homework). So if you have advice or tips on hand wheat grinders, do share. Maybe we’ll have to continue our little experiment and test a few more grinders based on how well the cookies turn out

I gave a talk (sermon) in Church yesterday. My assigned topic was “How I live the For the Strength of Youth Standards, especially regarding Entertainment and Media.” I spent a lot of time preparing an outline (ever since my mission I never actually write out a talk/lesson plan anymore) which ended up being really good because you never know exactly how much time you will have and then it’s alot easier to use less of what I had prepared/studied including only the most important points.

In fact, our Bishopric was reorganizeed (same Bishop but new counselors) so I ended up only speaking for about 7 minutes.

Anyway, one thing that I learned and wanted to share is that there are 4 specific things mentioned in the FTSOY pamphlet that the Spirit of God cannot be entertained by. In contrast, the 13th Article of our Faith includes 4 types of things that DO entertain the Spirit of God in our lives.

The bottom line when it comes to Media and Entertainment is: that God wants us to enjoy good entertainment in medias of all kinds. But more than to enJOY he wants us to have JOY.

We can only have true, lasting joy if we always entertain the Spirit of God by replacing things that are: 1) immoral with that which is virtuous 2) pornographic with that which is lovely 3) violent with that which is of good report and 4) vulgar with that which is praiseworthy.