WORD FOR WEDNESDAY

I love learning new words. And, it seems like I learn a new word every day. My kids say things I've never heard before and when I look at them with that slap-me-in-the-forehead kind of DUH look, they explain what it means. Here's one, I think is fun:

WORD: Shypod

Take a guess and then come back around 3:00 to see if you were right - or NOT.

Techy Tuesday - What do you think

Okay, we all love books - right? I love to hold them in my hands, late at night, as I curl up under the covers. But so many agents, editors and people are talking about the Sony Reader and the kindle...I'm wondering.

Do you think it's worth the investment, which looks like it's about $359 (according to Amazon) for the kindle? And which one is better: Sony Reader or the Kindle?

I would love to be able to upload books and take them with me wherever I go, without the bulk and weight of them. Plus, whenever I pack, I over pack. This way I could bring way too many books with me without having to worry about space.

But, what do you think? Is it worth it to invest in this new technology?

I'm considering it. But, then again, I've never been a big techy. Of course my kids are and my husband is an IT director - so I'm sure someone would use it even if I decided it wasn't for me. But, having grown up poor, I hate to waste money.

Any words of wisdom for a bookaholic?

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

I guess I'm the opposite of most people. I read Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim (2004) first, then When You're Engulfed in Flames(2008) and now I'm reading Me Talk Pretty One Day (2000).

I didn't read the first book first, I read the middle book first and the last book second, now I'm reading the oldest book. So I guess I'm a little mixed up but it doesn't matter which order you read the books in, they're all good and they all stand alone.

There is a lot of humor in each of these short essays, although some might think it's a little twisted. So, I guess twisted goes well with mixed up.

Me Talk Pretty One Day is an especially good book for anyone studying a new language. If you've read any of David's books, add your comments here.

Underworld, Rise of the Lycans

I went with my family to see Underworld, Rise of the Lycans. I enjoyed the film. Of course, I usually do enjoy a good vampire or werewolf movie.

Most of my friends, coworkers and family think it's funny that I love scary films. Give me a good zombie movie any day. I guess they think it's odd because I'm such a traditional Mom. But I love the adrenalin rush we get from the thrill of suspense.

I especially liked it when Viktor said, "Without the loyalty between us, we are no better than the beasts at our door." But he had a real strange look in his ice-blue eyes - I mean he was talking to his daughter - not a girlfriend. And, he seemed a little too . . . something with her. He should have been happy that Lucius (who was like a son to him) was in love with his daughter but instead... well, I don't want to ruin the movie for anyone. But, if any of you go see the movie, please come back and comment. I'd love to see what others thought of the prequel. Now, I'm going to be waiting for the next movie in the series.

BIG BEAUTY BLOG

Beauty is only skin deep and, if you aren't peaceful, relaxed and healthy, whatever beauty you may have, that others see in you, will soon be lost.

Mom used to always say, "It's what's inside that matters." Kind of like a beautiful apple pie crust - that's great - but if you cut into the pie and find a rotten filling, what is the pie worth? Nothing. Now, I'm not trying to compare people to pie but I'm sure you get the picture.

That's why I'm including this BIG BEAUTY BLOG post. Here, I'm going to talk about inner beauty. I honestly believe you can only look and feel your best, if you take a little "time-out" for yourself to regenerate, rejuvenate, and re-energize.

So, I'm just trying to encourage everyone to take time to relax. If you can't get a massage then maybe a nice long bath (remember the Calgon "Take Me Away" slogan?), or even a hot shower where you can spray some eucalyptus oil into the steam and have a nice moment of aromatherapy, it can't hurt and maybe it will help. At the very least, you'll probably have a more beautiful attitude.

ANSWER TO THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY AND EARTH-FRIENDLY FRIDAY

ANSWER TO THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY: Wikipedia shows 18. But there are at least twelve according to yahooanswers.com:

Andorra
Bahamas
Brunei
Kuwait
Maldives
Monaco
Nauru
Oman
Qatar
United Arab Emirates
Vanuatu

NOW FOR EARTH-FRIENDLY FRIDAY:

Winter has come and spring is just around the corner so it's time to start thinking about the garden. One of the best ways to help save the Earth is to compost and it's easier than you might have thought. Check out the info on the compost web page and see what you think. But remember, even a little bit means a lot...less.

So if you're only composting your coffee grounds and putting them back into your garden, that's more than most and it's saving space in the landfills while helping to regenerate your soil. Plus, your plants will love you for it. And we can all use a lot more love. :)

THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY

It seems like just the other day I was cooped up in my house, snowbound and enjoying the holidays. But I look up on the wall calendar and see the month is already more than half over.

At work, they handed out our W-2's. It made me think about one of the two certainties in life: Death and Taxes.

Well, at least the second part of those two certain things: the taxes part.

QUESTION: Do you know how many countries don't require their citizens to pay taxes?

And, can you name it/them?