The Fault in Our Stars by John Green Review

http://www.amazon.com/Fault-Our-Stars-John-Green-ebook/dp/B005ZOBNOI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1402277086&sr=1-1&keywords=the+fault+in+our+stars
This is probably not going to be a popular review. Full disclosure, I listened to this as an audio book, the unabridged edition.

I gave this book three out of five stars. Quite frankly, I just couldn’t connect with the characters and found the book a bit boring. There was one point about ¾ of the way through that I thought was a great place to end the book. It would have left me guessing and wondering. Now, I don’t have to do any of that and I probably won’t give this book another thought.

I always question whether or not books (and movies for that matter), just get overhyped. I had this on my to be read list right after it came out. But then it was pushed so much and the audiobook was cheap in anticipation of the movie release.

I thought this was generally predictable and shallow and required too much suspension of belief on my part. I was disappointed in it. But then, I’m not a teenage girl either.

Thanksgiving Project – Daddy

Another long day at the hospital. Dad had surgery at 9 am. Back in his room before 11. No pain or discomfort all day. He was able to get some almost normal food (cream of wheat and pudding). He had been able to do all the things he needed to do to be released. But his doctor didn’t release him until almost 6. So, lots of sitting and waiting.

So, the mass they saw on day’s kidney when they did the cat scan on Tuesday…they ordered an MRI in Wednesday and his doctor said they were looking to see if it was positioned so they could do a needle biopsy to check for cancer. Now, he has our attention. My dad is already a natural born worrier. And I was hoping he didn’t hear any of that. So now he was upset. Had a minor meltdown on Wednesday.

But the good news is, his doctor called me after I had left (and dad was asleep) the hospital for the night. He wanted to tell me that it was likely a fatty cyst and since he hadn’t had any symptoms, he didn’t think we needed to pursue anything. The urologist would still look at the film, but he would need to make a really compelling argument for any further tests. I should have driven the ten miles back to the hospital to tell my dad…but I didn’t. Wish I hadn’t been so selfish. When I got there this morning, he said he didn’t sleep all night. I gave him the news and he was so relieved.

Today, I’m thankful for my daddy. He is my beacon. I know someday I will likely have to live without him, but I just cannot imagine that.

I’m staying at his house tonight just in case. I expect an uneventful night though. And I’m looking forward to going home tomorrow and resting lots this weekend.

Hug the people you love today. Tell them you love them. Don’t wait…you don’t know how much time you have.

Thanksgiving Project – Ultimate Thanks

What could be better than having a dear friend announce that she is CANCER FREE? Absolutely nothing! Ionia, you have made my day and I am totally thankful for YOU today!

Ionia, the Phoenix

Like a Phoenix she has risen,
The conqueror, the victor.
A mythical creature up from the ashes
Ionia, the defeater.

A renewal of body and spirit,
She kicked cancer to the curb.
A chance for rebirth,
Ionia, the long-lived bird.

She vanquished the demons as
She wears jewels and pearls.
The Phoenix has risen,
Ionia, the goddess of squirrels.

Love you, friend. I just wish I could have written something more worthy of such wonderful news.

Thanksgiving Project – Whew!

What a day. I spent it all with our consultant. In the middle we had two 90-minute meetings. It was all very very good, but it was also stress I didn’t need. Not bad stress, just stress. I have a killer headache tonight…I need it to rain. So, combine stress, with sinus, throw in sitting in fluorescent lights all day…and you get a huge throbbing head.

But I do have very good news! My MacBook Air arrived today. I’m so excited. After a tiny learning curve (mostly my own stupidity), I’ve got most of it set up. I need to get Office for Mac and a couple of other things downloaded tomorrow and I will be good to go. I just love that everything talks to each other with iCloud. Besides, my other laptop is a 17″ monstrosity. Hardly portable. This is 13″ and plenty big for my needs. And I hear the battery life is great.

So today, I’m thankful for my new laptop. And I’m thankful for a great day with my board and volunteers and our consultant.

But as exciting as all of that, I’m most thankful today for good news from Ionia. She is recovering (and sort of resting). I’m just happy that her prognosis is 95% she has beaten that nasty cancer. What a great friend and I am so happy. I love that lady and need her to help keep Charles and Bradley the boys in line!