Book update: Finished The Appeal today. I think from now on, I'll provide some info on each book I read. So for a New York Times book review for The Appeal, [click here].
Very good book, with a bit of scary realism as far as politics and the practice of law go. The ending was disappointing for me, but not enough so to ruin the story. [Unlike, say, Dear John].
That's now 3 books in 15 days. 954 total pages. My roll continues. In fact, my pace has increased. We'll see if that lasts.
Next selection: The Partner - John Grisham
This will be my 3rd Grisham novel in a row. At the moment, I'm thinking of taking a break from Grisham after this one, since a few of my other books of his are longer [longest one: 598 pages]. This one, 366 pages.
Other notes: - Today, my first ever college crush got married. Congrats, Sarah!
I have one picture of Sarah and me, but it's about 6 years old, my hair was super long, and I looked really high [I wasn't]. So I won't be posting it. But still, I'm really very happy for her. Now...can it be my turn yet? Please? Why not? *Sigh* But everyone else gets to go...[little kid voice].
-Perhaps the hardest run of my life this evening. Already on a sore knee, I was running through the rain [I love it], and mostly on dirt roads. The rain I was running in was manageable, but I didn't take into account how much it had already rained. For a one mile stretch, I was running in mud that came up past my ankles--that was messy. But there's nothing more liberating than a good, long run in the rain. No one reads these things, Derrick
My friends at Wikipedia tell me that Valentine's Day was established in 496 AD. --that's 1,514 years ago for you math wizards out there. Long time. So far, I'm 2 for 1,513 as far as having someone to share it with goes. And still, unlike most perpetually single folks out there, I really like Valentine's Day. The overall mood and ambiance it evokes are just really cool to me.
True, one shouldn't need a particular day to show their love. But who's it really hurting? I've never understood why more people don't embrace the fun of the occasion.
"Single Awareness?" Not even a little bit... Ghost of Valentine's Past... - 1999: First time I ever gave a flower to a girl. As an 8th grader, I bought one long-stemmed red rose (with my own money) and placed it in the locker of a skinny redhead. *Shivers at the thought* Live and learn. - 2003: As a Senior in High School, I bought my first ever girlfriend [Cassandra] a dozen red roses, a stuffed animal, and who knows what else? I got a tin full of almond candies. Yuck. Oh well, live and learn... - 2007: Girlfriend #2 [Janon]. I seem to recall the gift-giving on both ends was more sufficient this time around, but the relationship itself? You guessed it, live and learn... - 2009: Girlfriend #3 [Stephanie] broke up with me the day before...needless to say, she never got her gifts. Some wound up in the grateful hands of others, some I kept for myself...some were burned in the bottom of a barrel. I may still be young-ish, but you'd think I'd have learned my lessons in love by now, right?
Ghost of Valentine's Present... - 2010: No legitimate Valentine's prospects to speak of.
I did go see Dear John(still pretty angry about the movie itself) in the theater with my friend Katie this past weekend. I suppose that could be construed as a friend date of sorts, but...that's about the extent of it.
Hold-ups: Girls I like usually have either an unfortunate-looking, unworthy boyfriend (one in particular comes to mind), making the girl entirely unapproachable...or simply have no interest in me whatsoever.
Girls who like me usually have: lots of baggage and/or an affinity for drama. No, thanks.
Ghosts of Valentine's Future... - Who knows? All I know is that this is a fun holiday. Part of me can't wait to share it with someone...but part of me will wait patiently, because when it's meant to be, my time will come. *eats fortune cookie, throws away wrapper*
Final notes:
Married, engaged or just generically-attached friends: Enjoy yourselves this Valentine's Day. Find a babysitter, go out to dinner and a movie, or do something romantic. Might as well. :)
Single friends who disagree with me, and hate Valentine's Day: Shut up. Open up your heart and stop being such a bitter, jealous fun-hater.
Single friends who are also OK with Valentine's Day: High 5!
Single friends who also happen to be foxy ladies: Well hello there. Here's a video clip just for you...
