Reading: Okay, so I really don’t need any encouragement to enjoy reading more but lately I have been feeling unsatisfied with my reading choices. Since I worked so hard for a master’s in Children’s Literature I try to stay abreast what is new and what books are considered the top contenders for the various awards and medals in young adult and children’s literature. Young adult novels are my favorite type of books to read. Before I had kids I used to go on a “search” through bookstores where I spent an hour or two wandering through the young adult section to find books that interested me. After writing down the titles I would try to find them at the library. But with two kids (one who loves to run through the bookstore tearing books off the shelves) searching for new books to read in this manner has not been a viable option so I rely on book reviews and book suggestions from a Children’s literature listserv. While many of the books I read this last year were great, unfortunately, I read too many in a row that I just did not like and now I am burned out on young adult novels. So I am recouping by reading a genre I have neglected until now: mystery. Since I am a newbie to mystery novels I started with the premiere mystery writer, Agatha Christie. So far I am enjoying her books greatly. After reading my fill of mystery novels I think I shall revisit some favorite classic novels and read a few new ones. And I will return to young adult novels with a new test to apply to books I find through book reviews and suggestions: if it is not a book I would normally chose during a “search” at a bookstore, don’t read it!
Running: I enjoy running and not only because it helps me stay (or return to being) fit. It does not matter how fast I run (or in my case, how slow), it does not matter if someone passes me, or how many miles I run. All that matters is that I do run and do the best I can on each run. There is also something gratifying about rhythm of running; the even strides hitting the pavement, the swing of the arms moving in pace to the legs, amazement that my body can actually run that far and most of all, the backdrop of the run, outside. I did not like running until I moved to Boston. As I ran along the Charles River and through the various parks, trails, and neighborhoods I fell in love with running through that city. I remember dragging myself out of bed too early on freezing Saturday mornings to meet Heidi at Harvard Square for our weekly long run along the Charles over the salt and pepper bridge through the Commons and Public Garden and back to Harvard on the other side of the river. I loved running down the Emerald Necklace or up the massive hill at Tufts to drop down through the quite streets of Medford. And I loved watching the seasons gradually change on my runs from the cold, barren winter, to the sudden blossoming of spring which hurriedly turned into a lush summer then transform into a vibrant autumn. I miss running Boston.
When I moved to Monterey, one of the first things I wanted to find was a new running partner and I was surprised how quickly I found one. While I missed running with Heidi (I still do), I loved this running partner so much that we agreed to be running partners for the rest of our lives. Running is how Brigham and I started dating. We had been on a date or two before we actually started running together but it was running that really got things moving. He would come to my apartment early on Saturday (I lived two blocks from the beach) and we would run along trail that followed the shoreline through Cannery Row, passed the aquarium to Lover’s Point and on to Asilomar State Park. Since I was trying hard to impress Brigham and he me, neither of us would admit that we were tired or wanted to stop so that 10 or 12 or even 15 miles would pass by before we arrived back at my apartment. Our mileage dropped drastically after we got engaged. In Boston and Monterey there was no such thing as a bad run, the run itself might not be good but the scenery was beautiful. I miss that running in Utah. The mountains are beautiful but I am not running through them; they just loom over there in the east usually not in my line of sight as I run through uniform blocks as I try to stay alert to oblivious drivers in my vicinity. So this year I want to find places to run with good scenery in Provo.
Cooking: I like reading cook books and cooking magazines. I like planning menus and making shopping lists. I even like going to the grocery store with two kids in tow. I love making and cooking new dishes especially complicated ones and I love eating them! I really want to learn how to make homemade pasta but after the back hurting work I experienced last year making raviolis I think I will wait on that until I can afford to buy the pasta maker attachment to my Kitchenaid. Since pasta making is on hold this year I think I will focus on learning how to cook authentic Middle Eastern food. I love the aromas of the spices and the bold flavors of this cuisine. A few days ago while I was running I remembered a Persian dish of baked apples stuffed with meat and herbs that I made a few years ago. Ohhh was it good! I need to find the recipe so I can make it again. It is so worth all the work and the expensive saffron.
James and Anna:
If I could, I would bottle the sound of James’ mischievous laugh mixed with the patter of his feet as his runs away that turns into a squeal of delight as I give chase because he has made off with my cell phone once again. I have tried recording it. I have tried videoing it. But nothing completely captures the sheer glee of it.
And next to that bottle of James’ laugh I would put Anna’s gurgling laugh and her sweet babble as she tries to tell me what she is thinking. Even at 3 months she has a lot to say. Then twenty years from now when my babies have left to start living their lives apart from me I will take down my jars and listen to the sound of pure unadulterated joy and remember why I love being their mother.
Brigham:
Brigham is definately my favorite husband, which is good since he is the only one I plan on having. This year I want to just enjoy being with Brigham. That should not be hard since he will actually be around this year! What I like most about being married to Brigham is that he makes my other favorite things even more pleasurable. I am looking forward to reading books with him and telling him about the books I am reading. I will get to fall in love with running with him all over again as we try to find running trails with good scenery (to be honest I am also soooo excited to have him push the double running stroller. James and Anna are heavy!) I want to make the stuffed apples for Brigham. I want to try to cook new recipes and old favorites for Brigham. I love cooking but it so much nicer to cook for someone who will appreciate my efforts instead of just throwing the food on the floor because he thinks its funny (toddlers!). And I will actually get to have a conversation with an adult during dinner. What a novel idea! Most of all, my favorite time of day will return. Around 4:30 or 5, James will start looking out the window, then laugh in delight when he sees his daddy turn onto our street. Then, while I cook dinner Brigham will play with James and Anna and once more I will hear the “daddy laugh” in my home. This is what I call James’ laugh when he is playing with his daddy. I would bottle several gallons of this laugh if I could. James’ mischievous laugh is delightful and joyous but it does not hold a candle to the daddy laugh. I also have a feeling that James’ daddy laugh will soon be mingled with Anna’s. Then when dinner is in the oven or simmering on the stove I will stand quietly in the doorway and just watch my darling children play with their equally darling daddy.
2 comments:
Oh Cassie!!
I almost started to cry reading this. I sure hope that you really get to enjoy a lot more of your favorite things. Especially the last few mentioned. I love the attitude that you have!! You just totally radiate positiveness, and happiness even in a situation that is beyond your control. Thank you for your example.
I'm definitely not a runner (David and I serious walkers though) but I did love walking through Provo. Mostly I liked looking at all the unique homes and architectural elements (especially on Center Street) but that kind of observation does not lend itself well when running. I know that there are some good trails around Provo River or up the canyon, but I don't know how far you want to go in search of a good trail. I do miss the boardwalk around Monterey Bay and running pass the monuments in D.C. I didn't do it very often, but it was always fun.
As for reading, I can't help you with children's books or mystery novels (not being a great fan of the latter) but I'm knee deep in several good historical fiction books and have a very long "to be read" list. I tend to read mostly historical fiction, biographies, or trade history books. I've been frequented the Compuserve Literary Forum as of late for literary discussion (I only lurk, I don't post) and book recommendations. If you've never been there, you might enjoy some of the discussions there. It's a large forum.
Now I've made homemade pasta (including ravioli which honestly wasn't worth the time) and it might be easier to wait for the attachment. The only pasta I'd love to learn how to make is gnocchi and my one and only attempt was pretty diasatrous. I've been bad at finding new recipes and branching out my culinary reportoire. But I spend most of my time and effort on baking. (Even made my first cheesecake with my new springform pans :-)
I can't wait to spend more time with James and Anna. I miss having babies to play with. It almost kinda makes me want to have one of my own....but I think we'll still probably wait another year. In the meantime, I hope you're able to bottle all their laughter so I can hear it too.
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