As you may recall, I adopted a kitty last August, and named him Sweetness. 

He has been such a good cat - well behaved and very affectionate.  He’s a sweet, sweet boy who loves to cuddle… and to whom I have discovered I am very allergic.   Even though he isn’t allowed in my bedroom, I wash my hands after each cuddle, vacuum almost daily - my skin is not fooled.  It knows there is kitty dander in the air and has been reacting with itchy hives - on my face.    I will spare you any photographs of said hives.    So, as much as I have loved my time with Sweetness, I knew he needed a new home.   

 Today, he joined his new companion named Amy - who is excited to shower him with love.   Although I will miss him, I am happy for him.   Farewell, Sweetness… farewell.

It’s not often that I regret taking time to read a book…  wishing that I’d never picked it up.  But such is the case with Augusten Burroughs’ memoir, Running with Scissors. 

I’m not even sure where I got this book (if you gave it to me, let me know and I’ll be happy to return it to you), but I noticed it sitting on my desk about the time I was looking for some holiday reading material.  I seemed to recall previews for the movie - a scene with Gwyneth Paltrow and some kid knocking a hole in the ceiling to let in more light, and the dad thinking nothing of it….  and I thought it sounded kind of quirky, and decided to read the book.

I was NOT prepared for what lay in the pages.  Well written, yes.  Funny, at times.  Engaging - well, I did finish the book….  and then when I put it down, wished I hadn’t.  In fact, wished I’d never picked it up.    It was extremely disurbing, disgusting, crass, depressing and downright bizarre.    These are characters you’d expect to see shouting obscenities at each other on the Jerry Springer show.  While I’m all for finding the humor in any situation, these stories of abuse and mental illness were a bit graphic and disturbing for me to be able to enjoy them.      That this is a memoir is truly sad….   though a testement to the human spirit’s ability to be able to survive the most horrifying of childhoods.  

I mentioned to Kathy that I reading it the other day, and she said “Oh - I started reading that and put it down half way through… and I rarely decide not to finish a book.  Just too disturbing.”   I wish I’d talked to her before I picked it up….

So that’s my review.  I give the book 1.5 stars out of 5. 

On the other hand - I highly recommend Eat, Pray, Love and believe I’ll read it again.

Have you read this book and have a differing view?  Did you feel the same as me?   What books have you read, then wish you hadn’t?

I wondered if anything would be able to pull me away from my love affair with and/or addiction to online paper snowflakes this year - besides carpal tunnel.    I did find a new object of affection which, unfortunately, also puts strain on my mouse hand… but has been entertaining nonetheless.

Try your hand at Travel IQ - the online geography game! 

My first score was 6, then 8… and now I consistently get to level 12, but haven’t topped the required 60,000 points to complete level 12 (the final one) yet. 

I do, however, know where Mogadishu is.  As well as Togo, Jakarta and the Taj Majal.     See how you do - then return and report!

For some non-carpel tunnel online fun, check out my brilliant nephew Sam’s new blog - Jacob’s Escalator.   Be sure to read the Prologue and Disclaimer.

I was so thrilled with the results of the Iowa causes tonight.  Turn out was record breaking, and as many of the caucus goers were under 30 as over 65 - a big change from the past… and over 50% of those younger voters caucused for Obama.   Many independents and more than a few Republicans also chose to be counted among his supporters in Iowa….   VERY exciting, don’t you think???!

Listening to Obama’s victory speech, I was so moved. The thought that this intelligent, articulate, reasonable, respectful, hopeful man could actually become our president nearly brought me to tears.  I’m so ready for change.  Ready to hope again.  I’m ready for unity.  Obama inspires me and I would be so proud to have this man as our president.    If you agree, I encourage you to donate $25 or more to his campaign.

Here is his speech - what do you think of Obama, of his message?