Feeling talkative this morning

I know, I know - I go months without posting and then post twice in a day. That's me!

May I just say that public libraries are arguably the greatest achievement of civilizations everywhere?

I've realized lately how much I've been enjoying reading for pleasure since I am no longer taking university courses of any sort (though am thinking about starting a PhD program. I'm a sadist). It's been really nice. Here's a list of most of the titles I've read in the past year (not counting a pile of Cam Jansen books con m'hija):

Richard R. Hopkins (This one is really interesting, if a titch repetitive in places. Good overview of major philosophers and movements included):

1. How Greek Philosophy Corrupted the Christian Concept of God

David Eddings (gracias a mi esposo por la introducción):

1. Pawn of Prophecy
   
2. Queen of Sorcery
   
3. Magician's Gambit
   
4. Castle of Wizardry
   
5. Enchanters' End Game
   
6. Guardians of the West
7. King of the Murgos
8. Demon Lord of Karanda
9. Sorceress of Darshiva
10. The Seeress of Kell
11. The Diamond Throne
12. The Ruby Knight
13. The Sapphire Rose
14. Domes of Fire
15. The Shining Ones
16. The Hidden City

Orson Scott Card (buscaba le serie de Ender pero de la biblioteca local alguien ya la tenía sacada):

1. Seventh Son
2. Red Prophet
3. Prentice Alvin
4. Alvin Journeyman
5. Heartfire
6. The Crystal City

R.A. Salvatore (otra vez agradezco a mi esposo...):

1. Canticle
   
2. In Sylvan Shadows
3. Night Masks
4. The Fallen Fortress
5. The Chaos Curse

Robert Heinlein (not as good as I remembered, though the theory on what creates a responsible citizenry is intriguing):

1. Starship Troopers

Jasper Fforde (LOOOOOVE this, read it twice, have the "Next" book on hold):

1. The Eyre Affair

Mark Haddon (una exploración fascinante del mundo de un muchacho con autismo:

1. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

J.K. Rowling (¿Qué puedo decir que no se ha dicho ya? Leí el sexto para prepararme a leer el nuevo relevo, y luego decidí volver a leerlos todos, así que terminé por leer el sexto dos veces):

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Margaret Peterson Haddix (una serie muy interesante para adolescentes - sólo he leído el primero, pero pienso sacar los demás pronto):

1. Among the Hidden

Ruminaciones

So I skipped blogging about a big event this summer. The collapse of the I-35 bridge came close to affecting us very directly, and here we are two months later sin que yo escriba nada sobre el acontecimiento. We had all of our out of town family here that week for a family reunion/50th wedding anniversary celebration for my parents. Ese día fue un miércoles. Mi hermana mayor y me hermano estaban por salir a ensaysar un número musical para la fiesta el sábado. They left the house late because my brother couldn't locate his sheet music. That 10 minute delay saved them from being on the bridge. My other sis was out shopping with one of the sobrinas, and decided on a whim to go a back way to one of the shops. Se salvaron ellas también así.

photo from http://www.dot.state.mn.us/i35wbridge/photos/aerial/aug-2/index.htm

Made me think a lot about how little choices have big effects. Which street do I walk down to get to the store? ¿Dormir unos 5 minutos más o levantarme ya? ¿Manejar el coche o tomar el colectivo? Eat in or go out?

You just never know.