Comfort Blogging

Okay, the need for blogging has arisen because snow is falling ONCE AGAIN outside my office window. Why that means it is blogging time, I don't know. Maybe it's because blogging is akin to comfort food – and there is no greater need for comfort food than when it is snowing outside and you can't do a blasted thing to stop it. Drat. And I needed to get my windshield wipers replaced. Let's hope I make it home in one piece! So, chickadees, let's see what's happened this week? Answer— not much! I was totally stoked to watch Northanger Abbey on Sunday (thank you PBS – and BBC – and Viewers Like You that make it possible!). I've never read Northanger Abbey. I tried, but swiftly found another book to draw my attention away from it. Cause of the lack of interest is unknown. I didn't know who the hero was in the story, nor even basic plot points. Yes, dear friends, I am sad to say that my Austen knowledge had a hole in it. But, thanks to the cliffnotes adaptation shown last Sunday, I now know the frivolity and insensibility of Catherine Morland, the adorableness of Mr. Tilney (Henry, as he is called by all close acquaintances, of which I count myself these days), and the evil influences of the Thorpes and General Tilney. This adaptation was light-hearted, to-the-point, and engaging. Not to mention, once again, the adorable factor provided in abundance of Mr. Henry Tilney, which made the viewing experience quite delightful. The only distracting part of this entire story was how young Ms. Morland appeared in some scenes. To find her being wooed by a 26 year old was somewhat distressing, no matter how accurate that is with the book. Oh, and then there was the horrible ape-ishness of Mr. Thorpe. Thank heavens she did not end up with him. I would have been forced to despise this adaptation if it were otherwise. To all those who have not seen this, you must. I repeat, you must. And if you say you musn't, well. I don't think we should be speaking on the subject again in the future. I might lose my self-composure.

Haha. I love Austen because her novels make me feel literary, old-fashioned, and in need of a cup of good, strong chamomile tea. I hope I'm not the only one with this reaction. To make matters worse for me, I have immersed myself in Dickens. I'm currently reading Bleak House and am thoroughly engrossed in the world of Esther, Mr. Guppy, and Mr. Jarndyce. Every day at lunch I am encountering a new, quirky, truly-Dickens character that just makes me relish in the worlds he creates through his words. Thus far, I recommend the novel. But I'm only 130+ pages into the 800+ page novel. More reactions to follow when I can provide them. Not only am I reading Bleak House, but I have been watching "Our Mutual Friend," a close-to 6 hour adaptation of the Dickens novel. Once again, Dickens creates an intricate world of characters that are intertwined in ways that only leave you confused for the first hour and then slowly enlighten you as you progress into the story. Most of the characters in this story are crazy, but when there are cute moments, they are dang cute. Okay, so, there is the all-to-frequent dead body found in a river and scheming and craziness, but….I liked this story. I might have to read it after Bleak House. I would detail the storyline for you, but…trust me when I say that there are no summaries on the backs of Dickens' books because the summaries just would not do the stories justice. Erego, rent it!

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Shifting gears -- so, here's a question that I've pondered with a couple of friends this week: do you need to date in order to feel you have worth? Let me give some background. One of my friends and I discussed the need for real men in the world – ones that are gentlemen. Ones who call you just because they want to talk to you. Ones that want to be around you and let you know it. Ones that open the car door and bring you a rose just because. Ones that will communicate face-to-face, rather than just text, hanging out, and Facebook message. He wants to be one of those guys, and in talking with him, I realized how few of that breed I have met in my life. And then I decided that I want to wait for one of those to come along! So, do I need to date whoever, whenever, just in order to feel my worth? I feel like in our single's ward, that is what they are trying to tell us: dating determines your worth – at least for us girls, that is. For example, the survey died. FINALLY. But now it's this Cinderella activity that in essence sets us up with guys in the ward to go out to dinner and play at the Bishop's house on Wii systems - all determined by a shoe that we give to the presidency and the guys pick. Hmm. HMMMMM. Once again, it's nice they want us to mingle. But must it be forced? And contrived?

I have not dated very much in my life. Shocking, isn't it. So does that make me less of a person or somehow broken and undesirable? Does my worth directly tie in to how many dates I have had over the years? I sure hope not. I mean, it is nice to have attention paid to you in the form of a voluntarily-solicited date, don't get me wrong. But do I need to have dating activities and be arranged a date for a single's ward activity just to say that I have been on a date this week? Maybe I'm old-fashioned. Maybe I'm before my time. I don't know. But I've always been of the opinion that if I know I am not attracted to and/or interested in a guy, I will not go on a date with him. It's a waste of his time and my time and his money, and I for one will not stand for frivolous dating just because I "should" date. I think what this all boils down to is that I am destined to be an old maid. At least for a while. Thoughts? Reactions? Suggestions? Advice?

On other topics- so, I found this adorable European jacket. No, it's not from Europe, but I will definitely be wearing it to Europe! It's black with big, shiny black buttons down the front and white trim around the collar and sleeves. Oh heavens, call me Holly Golightly because I feel like I should be breakfasting at Tiffany's in that jacket. I'm still hunting for the perfect travel shoe. I'm a fan of slip-on's, but I think with the potential for rain, they need to be as weather-proof as possible. While still being adorable and European, of course. If you know of any, please let me know!

Wow – just found out Heath Ledger died. Possible drug over-dose. What is with this fatal trend? First Brad Renfro, then Heath Ledger. All my childhood movie star crushes are dropping like flies in unexpected, tragic ways. I think I need to go home and watch 10 Things I Hate About You. Oh wait – I can't. I'm going to see 27 Dresses. Maybe that will lift my spirits and make me forget the moisture that is STILL falling from the sky. Grrr.

Finally, before I jet because this is way too long even in a word document, I want to thank all y'all for reading my blog. I write it for me, but I love knowing that there are the three or four of you that keep encouraging me to write and express myself. And I think you know who you are. So enjoy this Tuesday, my blogging friends, and drive slowly if you are in the greater Utah valley area. I know I will! Bless the day 4-wheel drive was invented!