Jinn's World

Latest Book Review

2012-02-21T08:48:00.000-08:00

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a very good read, with an interesting plot. There were a few twists and turns and unlike many books, the obvious questions of 'Why didn't they do this?' or 'How could he not know?' were eventually answered. It was a nice change from the 'fairy tale' endings I've been encountering in the Dean Koontz books I've been reading lately. The only reason I didn't give it a 4 star rating is because I'd occasionally get dismayed by the wordiness in describing things the author would use as a way of 'procastinating' on getting to the outcome of the situation at hand.

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Off the Hook

2011-11-08T17:58:00.000-08:00

I've been doing a lot of crocheting lately, and have just finished a slouch hat. I must say it is incredibly comfortable and not at all too hot. My Mom has bought some little knit hats from the dollar store to sleep in at night to keep her head warm in that drafty house. I visited over the weekend and really was much more comfortable with my head covered at night. I'm planning to crochet her some night caps to see if that will help.
I've also been wanting to make one of those cute little headband/earwarmers to wear in the cold also. And finally, I've found a pattern for it:

See Crochet Flower Earwarmer and 1000's of others - or share your own on Cut Out + Keep

I'm Back!

2011-11-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

We've had a rough couple of weeks lately. We even lost our gas and electric for a couple of days. Mom was nice enough to pay it for me, otherwise we would have been in sad shape last week and the weekend. We even got down to almost nothing but canned goods. I'm pretty sure I lost a few pounds too! Yippee!
But, I'm happy to say that none of the animals missed a meal.

Funny, they are literally eating me out of house and home as I make sure they are fed and try and get the squared away in the medical area. It's pretty sad, but I'm finding out that it really is difficult to find an organization that really WANTS to help animals. For the most part, all of them are about money. Why on earth did I think otherwise/

I'm in a catch 22. We have too many cats, and haven't found a home for any in over a month now.It cost money to get them fixed and shockingly, it cost money to surrender them! I'm stuck in a loop I can't get out of. Now, learning from the past couple of years, I will remain behind on my bills because I need to take the opportunity and use this time of year to get everyone fixed.

I plan to write to someone because at every turn there are fines and money to pay, and a slap on the wrist to go along with it, but there is no one to tell you how to get out of the loop or provide actual help to you and the animals. In my opinion, this catch 22 PROMOTES hoarding. People try to do right by the animals but the population gets out of hand too quickly, people are unable to keep up and unable to get help, become afraid for the animals, don't want them going to the over-populated shelter where they are sure to be put down first. Meanwhile the animals are still populating. Why is no one aware of this problem?! Why is there no true help, only punishment for the person and certain death for the animal!

We've Lost Another Good One!

2011-10-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

I can't believe he's dead! Steve Jobs, the Apple founder and former CEO who invented and marketed Apple computers, the iPod and the iPhone! He was 56. He had just I also can't believe I'm in tears about it. It's true I love Apple products, but I had no idea I'd be upset in this way.
It's only been about 6 weeks since he stepped down as CEO. That's so sad!

Happy 13th Birthday Google!

2011-09-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

That's right, today is Google's 13th birthday! It's hard to imagine life before it or without it now! I'm sure hardly a day goes by without me at least thinking, 'Oh, I've got to remember to go and 'Google' that when I get a chance. It makes me think of my growing up years when I'd ask a question and my Dad would always send me to the dictionary or encyclopedia to 'look up' the answer and report back to him so he'd know I'd done it. Where were you when I needed you most, Google?

Wow! It Snuck Up on Me Again!

2011-09-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Is here again already! I had been planning to pick up some Pirate's Booty to take in to work in honor of this day, but I forgot and probably won't have time in the morning. I guess I'll have to settle for dressing in red and black and saying 'aaarrh!' a lot!
Oh well, maybe next year.

Belated Book Review

2011-08-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

Recently, while cleaning, I cam across a letter from The Bantam Dell Publishing Group - A Division of Random House, Inc., The letter was a couple of years old and was congratulating me on winning a First Reads sweepstakes on Goodreads.com. I'd won and advanced copy of the book Hands of My Father by Myron Uhlberg.
Though its been a couple of years, i still have, and remember the book well. It was a heart-tugging memoir told through the young eyes of Myron Ulberg and his life growing up with deaf parents.
I'm not sure if I've ever posted a review on Goodreads or Librarything as they hope you will do when you win an advanced reader copy of a book but I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. In fact I did indeed lend it to a deaf coworker after I'd finished it.
"Does sound have a rhythm?" asked Myron's father. "Does it rise and fall like the ocean? Does it come and go like the wind?" These were questions Myron was challengeds with as a young hearing boy to deaf parents. I think I will take a look back at this book at some later date. It's always eye-opening to me to view life from the perspective of others who've experienced life differently.

In the Forest - Book Review

2011-07-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

In the Forest by Edna O'Brien

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book started off attention-grabbing, but almost mid-way through took a turn for the worse. At that point, the initially, misunderstood main character lost my sympathy when he began to live up to the communitie's negative expectations of him. At this point the 2nd primary character was introduced and another 'story' seems to have begun. Unfortunately, when the two characters come together the whole story falls apart and one wonders what the point of it all was.

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Newsprint Nails

2011-07-15T18:49:00.000-07:00

Everyday I get an email from Dealicious Mom telling me of deals and getting me connected with coupons and things. Today, there was a cool picture of some fingernails with writing on them and a link to the site where she got directions on how to do them for yourself. They looked really neat AND after following the link, I found that they were also very easy to do. I haven't done them for myself yet, but here is the photo she had as an example:

2011-07-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

This happens to me a lot!

Created by OnePlusYou

Upcoming Releases

2011-07-06T14:26:00.000-07:00

Goodreads has listed their July list of Early Reviewers books for this month. Among the books to be go on sale later this year are these few that I'd like to win a copy of.

Envy by Gregg Olsen (Sterling Publishing)
Description: "Dark and addictive, ENVY delivers a frightening look at online anonymity... with tragic consequences." -Jordan Dane, author of IN THE ARMS OF STONE ANGELS

"Olsen will have you on the edge of your seat." -Lee Child

One minute Katelyn's a depressed teen with a loser life. The next, she's lying on a stainless steel slab, eyes glassy, skin frosted over, and very, very dead. Was it suicide? Murder? Who's to blame? Twins Kayley and Taylor Ryan stumble upon the dark truth. Inspired by a ripped-from-the-headlines cyberbullying crime, ENVY is the gritty first volume in EMPTY COFFIN, a new bone-chilling series that takes you to the edge—and pushes you right over.

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Harbor by John Ajvide Lindqvist (St. Martin's Press)
Description: “John Ajvide Lindqvist is rightly seen as one of the most exciting writers working in the horror genre at the moment – a rival, indeed, to Stephen King.” —TheScotsman.com

From the author of the international and New York Times bestseller Let the Right One In (Let Me In) comes this stunning and terrifying book which begins when a man's six-year-old daughter vanishes.One ordinary winter afternoon on a snowy island, Anders and Cecilia take their six-year-old daughter Maja across the ice to visit the lighthouse in the middle of the frozen channel. While the couple explore the lighthouse, Maja disappears — either into thin air or under thin ice — leaving not even a footprint in the snow. Two years later, alone and more or less permanently drunk, Anders returns to the island to regroup. He slowly realises that people are not telling him all they know; even his own mother, it seems, is keeping secrets. What is happening in Domaro, and what power does the sea have over the town's inhabitants?
As he did with Let the Right One In and Handling the Undead, John Ajvide Lindqvist serves up a blockbuster cocktail of suspense in a narrative that barely pauses for breath.

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If Jack's In Love, by Stephen Wetta (Putnam Books)
Description: A Crime in the Neighborhood, told with the deadpan humor of Nick Hornby-a wonderful novel about a boy genius whose brother may, or may not, be a murderer.

It's 1967. Jack Witcher is a twelve-year-old boy genius living in a Virginia suburb at an address the entire neighborhood avoids. Jack's father has lost his job-again-and he's starting fights. Jack's mother, sweet but painfully ugly, works as a cashier at a local market. Jack's older brother is a long-haired, pot-smoking hippie.

If all of that isn't bad enough, Jack's brother suddenly becomes the main suspect in the disappearance of the town's golden boy. And to make matters even worse, Jack is in love with the missing boy's sister, Myra. Mr. Gladstein, the town jeweler and solitary Jew, befriends Jack; together, they scheme to win Jack Myra's love. But to do that, Jack must overcome the prejudices, both the town's and his own, about himself and his family.

Cute Crayon Craft

2011-07-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

I'd love to make these cute little crayon bottle cap candles posted on Craftyholics Anonymous' blog.

Crochet Lovin'

2011-06-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

Here's some more cool crochet patterns and places I've found.

I love this Slouch Hat pattern that Donna shared on her Knots and Loops blog. AND she has some really nice patterns in her Etsy shop as well.

Crocheting Again

2011-06-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine is expecting her first child. She's always talking about what we could get for her. I decided I'd make a teddy bear pillow that is stuffed with a removable blanket. I got the pattern years ago from Annies Attic when they were giving away a free pattern everyday. I'm not sure if they're still doing that because I couldn't find a link anywhere on the site for free patterns.
I searched other places for free daily patterns and was happy to find this site and a pattern for Flower Earwarmers. They are really cute and look like they could be made in a weekend. Here is the link:

See Crochet Flower Earwarmer and 1000's of others - or share your own on Cut Out + Keep

Pretty Clean

2011-06-27T17:06:00.000-07:00

I'd love to try my hand at making felted soap. These look so pretty on the Zach Abroad blog. It's good to know that they are not just pretty, but they also are good for exfolihating as well. Maybe I'll try them out by ordering from Etsy first.

2011-06-26T18:11:00.001-07:00

Good dog. Stay. by Anna Quindlen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you have a dog that has grown up with your kids and family; this book says it all. In just 96 pages I was brought to tears! This is a must read for dog lovers!

View all my reviews

2011-06-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

I really hate when I'm unable to keep up with things. This blog in particular. Can you believe EVERY computer in the house stopped working within a couple of weeks timeframe!?
Yesterday, I had it. I couldn't take running off to the library or bank to do some online checking of things. I actually made an impulse buy while out grocery shopping and I bought this new Compaq. All other laptops I've had were used, and they were Mac of course. I plan to get them fixed (doing it myself with 'i-fixit') because all of my graphics software is Mac based. For now, I'll just have to make do and find some kind of free software if need be.

Now, as far my reading list, I'll have to look back at what I've read and do some updates. I can say, that just this afternoon I read 'Good Dog. Stay' by Ann Quinland....Review to follow...

Still Tangling

2011-05-17T19:28:00.000-07:00

I'm still enjoying Zentangling. I create a tangle tile just about every day. I'll begin posting them once I get my camera together. Meanwhile, here are some tangle links I like:

http://bitze.wordpress.com/2008/02/01/mr-zentangles/

http://enthusiasticartist.blogspot.com/2010/11/this-afternoon-i-taught-zentangle.html

http://www.linkedin.com/in/shellyweaver

http://zenologydesign.blogspot.com/2009/12/welcome-to-zenology-design.html

http://artwithoutboundaries.blogspot.com/

http://tanglepatterns.com/

http://www.squidoo.com/zentangle-patterns

http://www.doodlepress.com/free-pattern.php

Can Anything Be Done?

2011-05-15T18:49:00.000-07:00

I'm still trying to get a grip on the tragedy that occurred the other week and am almost able to talk about it now. Now, I'm feeling more angry. At first I'd been extremely angry/frustrated/upset/hurt/uncomprehending. Then it went from sad to angry and that feeling that something is missing, something I've forgotten. Unacceptance, denial. I WANT HIM BACK! How can someone just nonchalantly RUN OVER a little dog and do nothing about it! I MISS THE LITTLE GUY and feel there should be some RETRIBUTION! I just don't know what to do about it! How can he not know? We all saw it, just in the hysteria could not get a license number or say without a doubt that it was HIM even though we were all pretty sure about the truck.
I'm just angry about letting it go. It's not like the dog ran into the street, he was just standing towards the side of the road with plenty of space in the middle of the street for the car to pass. I see it over and over again in slow motion. That truck running over my little buddy in slow motion, seeing him moving up under the wheels and having to close my eyes at realizing I'd see him go under the rear tire! WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT!? Is there anything that could be done since the dog was not on a leash? I'd just gotten home and opened the door. He went across the street to bark at the neighbor putting away the trash can. He'd just started warming up and getting adjusted to being here!

2011-05-08T21:10:00.000-07:00

Wow, I never seem to remember the things I want to talk about when I'm here. It's only when I'm doing something else that I have tons of things on my mind that I can write about.

Anyhow, I have finished reading In The Woods and I must say that it wasn't what I'd expected. I don't know if I will write a review or not but I'll mention it here if I do. Now, I am about to start reading, 'My Name Is Memory', which sounds right up my alley since its about a love that transends time through many lifetimes. That reincarnation thing strikes again!

Well, I guess I have leave it at this for tonight since I have to be up in 4 hours! Sunday nights are the worst!

What's Next?

2011-04-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

Last week was filled with tragedy and tribulation for me, from loss of life, loss of transportation, and possible loss of employment. In the past I would have done a lot of praying, but now I did do some praying, but also turned to the universe by way of Char Margolis' book, Discover Your Inner Wisdom - Using Intuition, Logic and Common Sense to Make Your Best Choices. I also turned to ideas promoted in The Secret to let the universe work for me in dealing with these hardships. I'm feeling better emotionally now and hoping to have a better week this week.
This is my second time reading Discover Your Inner Wisdom, but now I'm thinking I want to check out Char Margolis' other books; Life, A Spiritual Intuitive's Collection of Inspirational Thoughts, and Questions From Earth, Answers From Heaven: A Psychic Intuitive's Discussion of Life, Death, and What Awaits Us Beyond.

Current Reads

2011-04-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

I've been reading In The Forest by Edna O'Brien, which was a Book Crossing catch I picked up a while ago. The book started out pretty interesting for the first chapter or so, but after that it got confusing. It's not a very long book so I'll finish it, but I took a break from it today to read some of The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted, by Elizabeth Berg. I had been watching the news, listening to the talks about the government shutting down, news from Iraq, updates on the tsunami... I needed something light-hearted to take me away for a bit. The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted, is just the right book to do that. I only read the first chapter because I think I need to finish In The Forest first. I have friends who will keep trudging on reading a book they don't like because they hope it will get better or they don't like the idea of not finishing something. I used to think like that and it would keep me from reading at all because I'd not pick up another book even though I didn't go on to finish the one I'd been reading before. But, not too long ago I overheard two women talking in a book store and one of them said that '...life is too short and there are too many good books out there to keep reading something you don't enjoy!' Makes good sense to me!

Yoplait Light Fat Free Black Forest Cake Yogurt Review

2011-03-29T17:21:00.000-07:00

I just tried out New Yoplait light Fat Free Black Forest Cake yogurt.

I was seriously expecting the yogurt to be chocolate colored or maybe even kind of red in color. Turns out that the yogurt was actually sort of a light purple or plum color. The yogurt was smooth and had fairly large pieces of black cherries in it. I guess the black cherries may have helped to give the yogurt it's purplish color. Personally I've always used canned red cherries in juice or whatever that gel is that it comes \knin.

Anyhow, the Yoplait Light Black Forest Cake yogurt was pretty good, even though it didn't taste like Black Forest Cake. I'd say the yogurt tasted more like blueberry or raspberry yogurt. and it was pretty good. Only 110 calories per 6 oz. cup, but 6 grams or 12% of your days required protein. Also the yogurt provides 20% of your daily recommended amount of calcium and vitamin D. Yum! Now, I've got to try out Yoplait's Light Apple Turnover yogurt that I bought a while back.

2011-03-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

Currently reading, 'The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest' which is the third installment of the Steig Larson series. All books in the series are very good and flow together nicely. Some book series kind of miss a beat when one book ends and picks up again sometimes years later! I understand that they are all to be made into movies, just as the first one, was. I haven't seen the first movie, 'The Girl With The dragon Tattoo' yet, but now that I've finished the book I'm okay with seeing it.

Stress

2011-03-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

What a stressful week...and it isn't over yet! I'm starting to think this chess tightness I have every now and then are actually panic attacks. I realized when I thought of calming things and began to relax it would feel better.
Home Life:
I thought things were going well when we found homes for 2 of the older kittens. Then we discovered 3 of the outdoor cats that we hadn't had a chance to take to get fixed were PREGNANT! Not only that, my niece had a baby and decided she didn't want her dog anymore. (How Cruel) I'd like to believe she will change her mind when the baby gets a little older so I told her I'd take the dog. Since he is a small dog it hasn't been bad and doesn't seem to make too much more of a difference.
Now, yesterday The Kid asked if one of her friends could spend the night since she'd gotten kicked out by her father. This girl is sweet and okay so I didn't mind. They all stay in the basement out of the way anyhow.
Well, I've got to pop back out...the other job is calling.