*photo from Amazon

What is wrong with this picture?  Would you read a book on a handheld device? 

Today the iPad was introduced and its main purpose is to compete with the Kindle.  I scratch my head at these gadgets and the concepts behind them - reading novels electronically.  I get the electronic part, and the gadget part, but I dont get the 350 page novel part.  How can you read that many pages on a handheld device?   Thats a whole heck of a lot of scrolling and I think my thumb is already preparing its picket sign. 

All I see is the lack of the cracking of the book binding.  The lack of dog-eared pages.  The lack of rusty mildew smells if the book is a library book.  What would I use for a bookmark?  There would be no cover flaps, or fancy bookmarks I've gotten over the years or best yet, the receipt from the bookstore or library with the date due.  All of these elements add to the experience of reading the content on the pages. 

So for those Kindle or iPad users, I hope you are enjoying your latest gadget.  As for me, I'll continue enjoying my library card. 

Those are the words spoken to me almost a week ago now and are still resonating. 

I suspect its my independence.  Or the things I do for myself to make my dreams come true.  Or the standards I have for myself to have a career, not a job.  All these are my responsibility anyway, whether there is a man in my life or not.  I have to make myself happy, no man can do that.  I am employed doing something I enjoy, no man can do that for me.  Maybe this person I've become is a direct result of being raised by a first born fiercely independent woman.  However it may be, I wouldnt change me for anything in the world, let alone to have a man in my life.

Those who look at me and think no man will want to be with me, or think 'what a shame she couldnt snag herself a husband', I am very happy with my life.  And someday, the right man will come along and it will only add happiness to my life. 

Both my brother and my sister are going back to school, to take courses to change the direction of their careers.  I am excited for them.  They get to experience college at a different time in life, where they will take it seriously.  Or atleast I hope so!

I watch the tv show Community on NBC.  I find it pretty funny, the element of ridiculous they put into the show, but then again is it truly an act or are we/were we really this ridiculous?? 

I can totally see my brother playing the guy in the hawaiian shirt.  Too funny!

Ever feel torn between good and bad? 

I do.  I am. 

I cant seem to find the balance between the two.  I see the good, but the bad overshadows the good.  I hold out for the good to overshadow the bad.  But have very little faith this would happen as the bad has been bad for so so long.  Though I continue to pray for the good, because in the end, if the good were to take over its a very pleasant experience. 

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With ALL the news in the world, all the tragedies, the nightmares, the news gives time to Jay Leno + Conan O'Brien???  Are you kidding me?  Both of them should be canned.  How can they be SO self-ish during a time like this?  They have not a leg to stand on trying to carry on a 'has-been'.  Give it up, both of you.  Maybe give some of your millions to the Red Cross. 

 
**photo from MSN.com

This week the its been all about Haiti in the news, on the radio, in the newspapers.  This is what breaks my heart.  The kids.  The 'now-orphaned' kids.  What is going to happen to them?  Where are they going to go?  I want to bring this little boy to my house, give him a bed with clean sheets and all the cereal he wants to eat.  I want to give him love and know that he will not see such devastation again.  He can be a kid while being a kid, something that has been ripped right out from underneath him. 

It seems like Haiti is almost helpless.  No matter what donation, or what relief organization, can do, just doesnt seem like it would be enough.  Tiger Woods, Mr. Flander-er himself, donated $3M.  Alyssa Milano, tv actress, donated $50,000.  The Jolie-Pitts, $1M.  Me?  None, as of yet.  I have a hard time believing that the $3M that Tiger Woods gives the Red Cross cannot get some help in there, so how can my $10 make it in there?  

Maybe the money gets caught up in the operational costs of the organization, or tax laws keep it 'in holding' for so many days.  What exactly is this money doing for the Haitians?  Buying food, water, medical care??  I would like to think so.  However, when watching the news or reading online, it has taken a while to get the stuff to Haiti.  Now there are looters and gangs hording supplies.  Do they not care about their common Haitian?  Share people.  Share.

In time, I'll decide how I want to donate.  I hope that my prayers for these people, especially for the kids are working, bringing them faith and an ounce of hope.   And maybe not tomorrow, but soon, the smiles will return to the faces of the Haitians. 

I love toying around with Picnik and my photoshop tool.  I get to take ordinary pictures that I find 'eh' and make them fabulous!  The new banner is a picture of me and my niece Erika's feet.  This was taken last summer (2009) when Erika was visiting from Florida.  We were just haning out in my mother's front yard, up to no good, but enjoying the awesome summer weather.  I love her toes.  All dirty and proof of long summer days where shoes are optional! 

Playing with all the different exposure options on Picnik and then using the text and framing features of photoshop are just another way for me to use the opposite side of my brain and relax!! 

Today I had to attend my niece's confirmation at church, and then babysit the twin nephews in the evening.  Busy day...but all worth it, good quality family time. 

I just read my post for 2009 resolutions.  I wanted to know if I followed thru with any of them.  They are listed here.  I have to say that the 'obvious' resolutions set for 2009 were NOT met.  Whoops!  Not to say I didnt try.  I did make an effort to eat more fruits and veggies.  I also worked on the debt.  The 15 pounds...yeah, not so much. 

For the 'not-so-obvious' resolutions.  I ... 
1.  see the city, see the local sites can be seen here, here and here.
2.  something about spirituality...this might be one that gets moved to the top of the list.
3.  do more creative things can be seen here.
4.  spend more time with family and friends, probably my favorite category, can be seen all throughout this blog.  Though I have to say this is one of my favorites.    

2010 is already panning out to be a completely different year than all the others.  I am very optimistic this will be a good year for everyone.  I think this is the time for reunions, rebirths and new beginnings.  We have 363 days left to make a difference, change the things we want and make room for the things we want in our lives.  I cannot wait to see what 2010 brings!