Review: A Future for Tomorrow by Haley Hatch Freeman

Blog contests are great. I love them. I won another book through the monthly blog contest at LDS Publisher (all you have to do leave a comment and you get entered into the contest). This time I won A Future for Tomorrow, by Haley Hatch Freeman.

I'll be honest, I was suspicious of this book. It's non-fiction, and immediately that made me think, 'Dry, documentary-type.' Also, the subject is Haley's battle and victory over anorexia. I had the opinion that this topic has been over-written, over-dramatized, and over-done. I've read a number of books on the subject and doubted that Haley's book had anything new or important to add.

I was wrong. Haley's book, written in the first person, is as tense and dramatic as a thriller novel. And though the information she gave might not have been new, she portrayed it in an engaging, personal, and interesting way. In fact, the journey she took as a young girl into an eating disorder and how she clawed her way out of that pit will have you biting your nails, wondering how on earth this will work out. (I mean, you know it's going to, since she survived enough to write the book. Though that would be an interesting plot twist.)

The only thing I really didn't understand was why she had the first part of the book in backwards chronological order. She explained it in the preface, that she wanted to reader to see the depravity of the situation and view all of the decisions that led to it. But I found it disconcerting. I loved the narrative of part one, but couldn't wait for it to end so I could read the events in the order they occurred. Maybe it was just me. Go figure.

All in all, it was a great book. I recommend it for all, even if you think you know everything about surviving from an eating disorder. And kudos to Haley. It took a lot of guts and courage to come forth and bare her soul like that, open for judgment and ridicule alike.

Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 23,561
actual: 23,581 (+2,020)
tomorrow's goal: 25,581

Happy Meeting Day!

On this day, five years ago, I met my husband. Our marriage has been hard. We've had more than our share of downs. But as I spoke to him on the phone today, and reminded him of the importance of this day, I was also reminded of how much I love him. In spite of it all, I love him a heck of a lot more than I did five years ago!

Here's an account from our wedding album:

Tamara's version:
Mark and I met at ward prayer. I walked into the house where the ward (BYU 107th) was assembled. I saw this guy sitting in a chair against the wall, talking to some people. When I looked at him, he looked at me, and we made eye contact. I thought he was cute but didn't think much else of it. But at ward prayer, he and his apartment introduced themselves. His roommates mentioned he likes to run and teased him about his build and pretended like they wanted to take his shirt off. He seemed embarrassed,which I thought was endearing.

Then he proceeded to tell a story. What impressed me was how animated he was, and I remember thinking he seemed enthusiastic. But still I wouldn't have done anything--except as I was walking out, some people in front of me stopped to talk, which meant I had to slow down. The result was that I happened to be right next to Mark for a few minutes. He turned and started talking to me. I asked if he was a BYU student,and he said he'd just transferred from the University of Montana, to which I said, "Oh, the U of M?" and he said, "Yeah! You know it?" And I laughed and said no.

Then he asked if he could give me a ride home and I said, "No, I live close by and I like to walk." So he said, "Can I walk you home?" I said sure. As we walked I mentioned that I'd served a mission, and at my house he looked at my mission pictures. He seemed impressed by me and when he stood up he said, "Can I get your phone number? I like you." And he laughed and said again, "I like you." I gave him my phone number and then he left. He came over a little while later with two chocolate chip cookies, one for me and one for my brother. He asked me to go for a ride with him but I turned him down. That is how we met and that was the first day we knew each other.

Mark's version:
I first saw Tamara from a short distance jsut before the start of sacrament meeting on August 29, 2004. On the same Sunday I was asked to give a spiritual thought for the ward prayer meeting, which is a regular practice among the BYU wards. When we arrived I was secretly hoping that I might get the chance to be seen by her when I spoke. I was happy to see her come in that night. After the meeting I asked to walk her home and she said it was alright.

Upon arriving home I learned a lot about her that I really liked. I was shocked to learn that she was a return missionary, thrilled that she was from the south (a beautiful accent) and lulled by her beauty. I wanted to spend more time with her, but I really wanted to go home and tell my roommates about how I felt. I was so excited--almost giddy! That night I decided that my plans were going to change. I had to be in a position to be around this girl. The next day I bought a cell phone and enrolled for night school and quit my day job. I could see where this relationship was going to go from here!

Well, there you have it, folks. I don't know what he was talking about southern accent wise (because I don't think I have one), but there were definitely sparks the day we met. (At least from his side--I thought he came on a little strong, but I warmed to him!) How fun. He's been a lovely acquaintance.

Gonna have to take a nap today. Really tired!

Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 21,354
actual: 21,561 (+2,207)
tomorrow's goal: 23,561

Spotlight Friday

I am directly stealing this idea from Sara Eden. She's doing a "Friday Friends" or something like that in an effort to make more friends. So I decided to do the same! She didn't copyright the idea, so I don't feel bad using it. Plus she's so cute. She totally reminds me of my dear friend Abby. (Hello, Abby! No, I haven't forgotten you, I just never ever call or email. I still love you!)

Sometimes I'll spotlight authors, famous celebrities, and millionaires looking for a tax break. Other times they'll just be people like you. In fact, it might even be you!

Today I'm having some serious doubts about my sequel. I'm afraid it won't be as good as the first. The first one went through so many drafts. I just don't have the time or manpower to take that long with this one! What if I finish it and my editor laughs? Scoffs? Doesn't want it?

Silly thoughts. I have to get the first draft done. I'm sure most authors feel jittery, nervous, even uncertain. I do need to make things realistic. Did you know the FBI actually has a page on their website for artists? IE, authors and filmmakers. They have an 'info request' hotline just for us! Isn't that awesome??? It's so nice when people cooperate with you.

On another note, I think I'm being too easy with myself. I set my goal to 1,000 words a day but consistently hit at least 2,000. Sometimes, though, I start playing online because I think, "I already hit my goal for the day." So I'm bumping my goal up. 2,000 words a day. Hold me accountable, people! I'm pumped. At that rate, first draft might be done by the second week of October.

Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 18,683
actual: 19,354 (+1,671)
tomorrow's goal: 21,354

Must Write

I'm like going obsessively crazy because I can see the entire book 2 in my head. And I want to get it down on paper NOW. Like, this instant. It's driving me crazy! All I want to do is write, but unfortunately real life calls to me too.

But I think we're on chapter 5. And things are about to get crazy. I wish I could tell you what's going to happen, but per WiDo's publicist, I'd have to kill you afterward. Too bad.

On to another note. The car started today without any problems. Except the auto-down and up button on my window won't work. Weird. Oh well! Everything else looks good.

And I won a blog award! It's called the Lemonade Award, and I'm not sure the origins behind the title. Maybe I'm a sour person? With lots of sugar to try and make you feel better about my sourness? Who knows. But here it is, and now I get to give the award to ten lucky bloggers!

Thanks, Frankie, for the award!

The Lemonade Award is a feel good award that shows gratitude or a great attitude.

Here are the rules:~Put the Lemonade Award logo on your blog or post.~

Award at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude.~

Link your awardees within your post.~

Let the bloggers know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.~

Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.

So the ten blogs/people to whom I give the Lemonade Award are: (Click on everyone's name to go to their blog and check them out!)

1. Melanie J

2. Sara Eden

3. H.B. Moore

4. Karen Gowen

5. InkMom

6. M. Gray

7. Amber Anderson

8. Emily Severson

9. JennyMac

10. Kate Palmer

I realize I need to expand my circle of friends. Most of them already received this award. Congrats anyway!

For those of you wondering how I did in the Christmas Story contest, well, there's a reason I haven't said anything about it. Need I say more? Okay, I'll elucidate a bit more: I was told it was too short and not fleshed out enough. What can I say? Not good at the short story thing.

Totally random update: It's naptime for the boys (that's when I write). I heard Asher in his room kind of grunting and fussing. He did it for long enough that I decided to check on him, since often that means he's thrown his stuffed animal overboard and won't sleep without him. I open the door and there's Asher, walking around the room! HE SLEEPS IN A CRIB. Crib was still up, in one piece, but there's Asher. I know my mouth fell open and I was totally flabbergasted.

HOW DID HE GET OUT??? I'm hoping he used his magnificent climbing skills and scaled the crib using the dresser next to it. I moved the dresser. If he gets out again, I'm putting a camera in the room so I can catch him next time and send it to America's Funniest Home videos.

Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 16,118
actual: 17,683 (+2,565)
tomorrow's goal: 18,683

A New Battery and a Plan

I guess jumping the battery yesterday didn't completely revive it. It was like a zombie for a day, functioning but not really. Today, as I go to leave the house (of course--when else except when you have your children buckled into car seats and you put the key in ignition are you going to notice these things?), the car won't start. I realized at that moment that we had a bigger problem: the battery had run out of its own juice. I needed a new one, or I'd be jumping it after every stop.

Sigh. Jump car. Buy a new battery.

At least the tatooed man at the car shop was complimentary, telling me I looked like a cute little hippy fairy. He invited me to a hippy festival. Thanks, dude! (I don't look like a hippy, btw, nor even know how to act like one. But I'm wearing a long, flowing skirt today. I guess that counts.)

Next month I'm not spending any money on this car. I promise. My fingers aren't crossed.

So! Next item of business. Because I know you're all dying to find out how I plan on cleaning my kitchen, let me detail it out for you. First, I'm unloading and loading the dishwasher. Second, I'm getting everything off the counters. Third, empty the cupboards (yes, I know I changed sentence structures. No parallel structures here). Fourth, clean cupboards. Fifth, reload cupboards. Sixth, clean counters/stove. Seventh, restock counters. Eighth, sweep floor. Ninth, mop floor. Tenth, clean laundry room. Ignore the fridge.

There. It doesn't sound too hard now that I have a plan.

And an update on little Asher! He hasn't thrown up since last night!!! Let's see if we can make it all day...

Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 13,953
actual: 15,118 (+2,165)
tomorrow's goal: 16,118

Having an Anti-Domestic Day

Wow. I am totally and completely stressed out. For you to understand, I need to start at the beginning.

Remember the ants? My ant invasion? I won. I killed them. Don't ask me how, but I did it. Now, for the last five or so days, I've been finding dead bodies. Everywhere. (I see dead ants. All the time.) In my cupboards, behind my sugar jar, everywhere they were. Ahh!! So, I decided on Sunday that this week would be deep clean week.

Let me tell you something about myself. I hate cleaning. HATE IT. I used to think it was a woman's honor, pride, etc etc. to be a good housekeeper, mom, cook, everything else. I have relinquished my ego. If I had the money to hire a maid and never clean again--I would. (One more thing I'd do with my billion dollars.)

And then Sunday night Asher (the baby) started throwing up. He's done this before. (warning: lots of nauseous terminology ahead.) But usually he only throws up maybe twice a month. And it's the big throw-up, the projectile vomiting, the kind that shoots out three feet and leaves his clothing untarnished. One good thing.

Sunday he started throwing up and hasn't stopped yet. I told myself yesterday, if he's still throwing up today, I'm taking him back to the doctor (we were just there a week ago). I did manage to deep clean the living room yesterday. Poor Asher. He's not sick. No fever, no runny nose, no cough, just vomit after every bit of food.

He threw up on my bed last night. Changed the blankets. Threw up on it this morning. As I'm throwing all my blankets and sheets into the washing machine, I call to make a doctor's appointment. Then we head out to the car. I'm buckling in Jacen (my 3-year-old) and he says, "Mommy! You left it open!" I look at what he's pointing at. The mirror on my visor. And there's a light on that mirror. Stomach drop. Uh-oh.

Sure enough, I get in and the car won't start. Luckily Mark's car is in the driveway next to mine, so I pull out his keys and my jumper cables and jump the car. Twenty minutes later, we're on the road. Whew! We get stopped behind the train track, to Jacen's joy and my dismay. And then I hear it. Asher. Throwing up. In his car seat.

Wow. Not good.

I strip him before I go into the doctor's office. My car stinks. I need to wash his car seat. And the doctor doesn't know what it is. He looks and acts perfectly fine. But since Asher's growth has been a cause of concern (he's in the zero percentile. Yay Asher! No one else is ever so small!), we made an appointment with the Children's Hospital in Little Rock. For a consultation in October. Not even the actual procedure. Have I mentioned that Little Rock is four hours away????

Mark will be home by then. He can help. In the meantime, they gave Asher a prescription to help the vomiting. If it doesn't help, we have to go back, b/c the poor kid has to keep some food down over the next six weeks.

I just put the kids down for a nap. I don't know that I'll get to the kitchen today. I need some me time. That means writing. Excuse me while I scream and throw pillows around the house.

Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 11,495
actual: 12,953 (+2,458)
tomorrow's goal: 13,953

Review: Abinadi by H.B. Moore

As previously mentioned, I had the fortunate luck (how's that for redundant?) of winning a copy of H.B. Moore's book, Abinadi. Set in Book of Mormon times, Abinadi explores the (fictionalized) life of the prophet for the three years before he was martyred. Moore includes wonderful gems of cultural history, including the clothing, the food, and even a wedding ceremony.

The story line itself is obviously predictable, since the fact that Abinadi dies by fire is...well, a fact. The love story is also predictable: Raquel loves Abinadi but thinks he won't like her because she's rich and not a believer, and Abinadi loves Raquel but thinks she won't like him because he's not rich and is a believer. Any questions how it will play out? Didn't think so.

Perhaps the most interesting character was Alma. I was a bit surprised at what a big part he had to play, since I thought it was Abinadi's story, but it sets up the second book, Alma, quite nicely. Alma was so multi-faceted and interesting. Raquel and Abinadi were far from flat, but they definitely weren't as dynamic. Their romantic relationship didn't feel quite genuine or real to me, until the end when they said goodbye. Moore did a good job of capturing the emotions of a husband and wife separating for a time.

The book fits the genre of historical fiction. Not a heart-stopping thriller with nail-biting page-turners, but historically fascinating and enjoyable. I look forward to Alma. I think this book will be even more satisfying.

Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 10,174
actual: 10,495 (+1,321)
tomorrow's goal: 11,495