Although We Walk...

Although my family and I walk on many of our daily excursions, I still see that it is an exception rather than the rule.  Why is that?  When did it become so abnormal to walk to buy a few items at the store? 
These are the thoughts that were running through my mind as I walked to the library with my daughter today.

I live in a pedestrian friendly town.  We could stand to have more sidewalks but the side streets aren't crazy busy, so for the most part it's fine.  The university campus is less than a mile, general store is a few blocks, the post office & banks are even closer than that, and restaurants and entertainment are literally just around the corner.  Why is it when I go out I find that I am the only person on foot?

When did we, as a society, decide that we had to buy twenty bags of grocery items when we go to the store?  I don't know about you but I have a lot of food in my pantry and yet I still come home with more bags than I can carry.  Are we that spoiled? 

Having a child that, because of blindness, will not be driving in her future, I think about how people get from place to place.  Rather than being reliant on cars, public transportation, or taxi service, why don't many people feel that walking is a viable form of transportation?  People spend tons of time and walk many miles on treadmills.  Wouldn't it be time better spent if they walk those same miles to the store and walked home with an errand done?  Instead, we go from the gym to our cars and drive to the store and then back home.  That just seems like a waste of time when you spend any logical time thinking about it.

All this thinking has gotten to me.  I've decided to put my walking shoes where they belong, on the road to the store.  I'm going to be walking for my groceries here in town.  So, if you see me walking down the main drag (pictured above), you'll know why.  It's not that my car is in the shop or that my divers license got revoked.  I just think more people should use their feet for the purpose that God gave them to you.

Book Review: Quiet; The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

What an enjoyable read.  I admit that when I ordered this book, I didn't think that I was going to like it very much.  I thought that it would be a very dry and academic study.  Wow, was I surprised by the content of this book.

"Quiet" gives numerous examples of how the U.S. came to prize extroverts.  Ms. Cain illuminates the transition from honoring the quiet, wise elder to idolizing the all American Ken doll ideal.  She pointed out things that I had noticed but never put much thought into connecting.  Such as, the people that we, as a society, hold up as "pillars" are those that enjoy being in the spotlight, those that enjoy speaking out, or those that can deliver a message the best.  They are not those that may have the best idea or those that can relate to a person on an individual basis.

Another aspect of this book that I really enjoyed was the empowerment I felt when reading it.  I found myself saying, "that's what I do." or  "I always feel that way."  It made me understand that I wasn't being anti-social or mean because I needed quiet time.   I felt that all the things that I thought made me weird or different than everyone, was really me just being an introvert.  That the idea of everyone being a social butterfly was skewed.  I had fallen prey to the marketing of the extrovert as an ideal!

For all those closet introverts out there, I would highly recommend this book.  For those of you with children that seem withdrawn and you just don't get it, run out and buy this book!

I was given this book by the publisher for the purpose of review.  All opinions are my own and not influenced by the publisher.

Book Review: Spirit Fighter by Jerel Law

Here is another good young adult sci-fi novel.  I actually found this one to be better than most.  It's still not up there with the Percy Jackson's or Harry Potter's but it will hold you over.  "Spirit Fighter" is the first novel from Jerel Law but it won't be his last.  This is actually book one of the "Son of Angels" series.

The publisher, Thomas Nelson, lists this book as "an imaginative adventure that is based on scripture in the book of Genesis."  While that is a good description, it doesn't do the story justice.  The story doesn't get bogged down in scripture.  It does stress faith in God but it doesn't detract from the story.

The story follows the trials that Jonah Stone goes through when he tries to save his kidnapped mother.  Jonah finds out that his mother is a nephilim, daughter of a human and a fallen angel.  This in turns makes Jonah and his siblings one quarter angel.  Needless to say, this comes as quite a shock to the seventh-grader.

Mr. Law does a great job at making his characters likable and "real."  They aren't goody-goody or abnormally troubled.  The kids seem to be typical kids until their angel-ness starts to show.  I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys good vs. evil sci-fi stories.  I will look forward to reading the next book in the Jonah Stone series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertisin

One Month Report

Well, it's been one month since we became vegan.  I thought I'd give an update on how things are going.  I'd say over all they are going SUPER DUPER!  We really do feel good eating this way.  I am still surprised at how easy our conversion was to accomplish.  I expected a lot more cravings and several more "cave-ins" during the learning phase.

Some of the things we have noticed:
1. Taste buds change in about three weeks.
2. Acne does clear up with no milk products ingested
3. There are a lot of choices available in the small town grocery stores
4. Some recipes are a fail with or without meat
5. Kids like convenience foods
6. There ARE vegan convenience foods
7. No sugar cereal is a great snack
8. We have less food waste

9. Some people think we eat only salads
10 We eat a larger variety of foods now

We have tried several new recipes.  Some are really good no matter what kind of diet you follow.  My dear hubby made a lentil stew that was super yummy.   Southwest eggrolls are a favorite of the family.  They take a  bit of extra time to make so they aren't my favorite, just for that reason.  I had never really eaten much hummus before changing over.  Now, I can't get enough of it.  I could eat a hummus burrito or sandwich everyday for lunch.  Sweet potatoes as still not a favorite, but they are better than I used to think they were. 

We have allowed ourselves to have something off the diet if we REALLY wanted it.  After all, this is a choice not a punishment.  When we have had something, we have found that it didn't live up to the expectation.  That just shows how much the taste buds have changed.  We had a slice of pizza about two weeks into the change and it just didn't taste great.  Mind you, pizza has always been my "if you could only eat one food" food.  It just tasted greasy and heavy to me.  I was both glad and sad at the same time.  I'm going to have to find a new answer to that question. Maybe it will be hummus.

The children are good with sticking to the diet for the most part.  They do eat anything they want when we go out to eat.  That being said, they tend to choose lighter fare such as fish, salad, or a veggie sandwich.  At home they are good as long as they have some quick cook items.  They are big fans of Amy's brand burritos and, of course, cereal.

I know that this lifestyle isn't to everyone's liking.  That's OK.  It is a choice.  If you are sitting there thinking "there is no way!" then you are right.  There is no way for you to switch.  You have to WANT to do this.

Book Review: The Voice: New Testament

I was given a copy of "The Voice Bible" by Thomas Nelson Publishers.  What a great translation for the New Testament.  "The Voice" is set up in a modern language story format.  It makes it very accessable to the average reader.

The book uses several devices to differenciate between the types of translations contained.  The four types are as follows:

Standard Type: this is the dynamic translation of the Bible.
Italic Type:  these are words not directly tied to the standard type.
Delineated Material: This is for writtings that expand the theme found in the text.
Screenplay Format: This is used to show dialogue, eliminating the endless use of pronouns.

I really like how they did use these type styles.  It let me know, right up front, what was expanded.  It also made the dialogue much more engaging for me.  It was easily noted who was talking.  I didn't find myself looking back through for who Jesus was talking to or about.

I would recommend this Bible to anyone wanting a fresh way to read the Good Book.  Sometimes it is fun to read something that presents a clear visual while you read.  This is one of those.

Disclaimer: I did receive this book from the publisher for the purpose of review.  All opinions are my own and I was not made to give a positive review.

Book Giveaway!

I received a second copy of a great book titled "Breath of Angel" by Karyn Henley.  This is a really good Christian young adult fantasy novel.  Just leave a comment here and I'll have a drawing for the winner.  Make sure and leave an e-mail so I can get in touch with you.  You can get a second entry by following this blog.  Just leave another comment saying you did it.

Here is a link to my review of this book. http://drinnondaily.blogspot.com/2012/03/book-review-breath-of-angel-by-karyn.html

Drawing will be on Easter Sunday at 9am.

Good Luck!!

Book Review: The Founders' Key by Larry P. Arnn

My wonderful husband was kind enough to guest review this book for me.  I thought this book would be right up his alley when I requested it.  I knew that it would not appeal to me.  So, the following review is from him.

"The Founders' Key" is an academic argument for the United States to reverse its recent history.  The author argues that we must return to adhering to the principles of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and how these two documents are interoperable.  A government state is not included in these documents.

Initially, the book begins with rhetoric that comes across as more "Rush Limbaugh" than a well documented and thoughtful argumentative debate.  Eventually, the author  finds his stride.  Utilizing the words of the United States and Virginia's Declaration of Independence,  the U.S. Constitution, the Virginia and Massachusetts State Constitutions, and the Federalists Papers to strengthen his argument.  I truly enjoyed these moments in the book.  I also appreciated the reference sources available in the last third of the book.

Some major points that I did not enjoy include:
1.  Chapter 6 "Hypocrisy"-- This chapter dealt with the hypocrisies of our framers being defenders of equal rights and then owning other human beings.  To me, the author's content seemed to try in a small way to justify their slave holding positions.  We know some compromise was necessary, but if your true belief is that all men are created equal, you have to put your money where your moth is.  At the least, these men should have freed the slaves they owned.  You lead by example!

2.  I enjoy arguments and debates that are aimed at a broad audience, liberal and conservative alike.  I feel some of the rhetoric in the book will turn off the liberal crowd, the exact audience for which the debate should be aimed.  Most conservatives are already willing to agree with Dr. Arnn's thesis.  Despite my agreement, I feel the religious conservative slant is to evident in the prose to be effective at persuading the other side of the political aisle.

In summary, "The Founders' Key" is not light easy reading.  This is a strong academic interpretation of our country's movement (and the dangers of this movement) away from being true followers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.  The reliance on the unelected, unregulated, and unintended "fourth branch" of government has created a movement toward a reliant welfare state and has changed our framers true intents that link these two documents.  The authors points and conclusions are extremely valid, and his quick touch upon a solution is, in my opinion, spot on.  But, will anyone dig deep enough to hear the message?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”