Monday, February 28, 2005

Thought of the Day

"Rejection only happens to those brave enough to take a risk."
-scrawled across my wannabe writer whiteboard for inspiration.

Sunday, February 27, 2005

Random Thought: Heroes Among Us

Words will fail me as I attempt to express how amazing people are. My Dad, for one, is simply remarkable; but many others have demonstrated how one person can touch the life of another. During just the last few days, several people have done meaningful things such as remembering my name, giving me heartfelt advice on an airplane, listening to me ramble along a cold and noisy street, sending my Dad chocolates, keeping me company in long airport lines, and simply asking how I am and actually listening to my reply. I am very thankful to know the wonderful people that orbit through my life. Sappy and convoluted, but true.

WIRT: Final Superheroes Thoughts

Mr. Next-door on the airplane today was intrigued by The Science of Superheroes by Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg (John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2002), and rightly so! Here's my favorite quote, concerning "Flash" the superhero with super speed:

"On a related note, does the Flash sweat? If not, why not? If so, then his uniform must be fairly porous. All that running might steam off the sweat, but the chemical residue might make the Flash the superhero whose body odor announces his presence before he arrives!" -( p. 122-123).

WIRT: Pedro and Me by Judd Winick

This is the story of Pedro, the HIV-postive AIDS activist from the Real World reality show. This powerful and moving read was written in graphic art format by his friend and former castmate. This book was a Robert F. Sibert Informational Honor Book in 2001 should be on everyone's list of books to read this year. (Oh, it seems Winick also illustrates the Complete Idiot's series. See how things come full circle?)

WIRT - Annie and Superheroes on the Run

Another exciting Friday night in Denver! Sure, I could do homework. Sure, I could work on my writing projects. But, instead, I thought I'd write another dorky WIRT update, while waiting on hold ("expect 45 minutes wait") to change my weekend flight.

What I'm Reading Today:
The Science of Superheroes by Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg.
I've only just begun this fascinating title...but have you ever wondered about the scientific principles in comic books? Well, okay, I haven't either. But think about it, how can Superman lift up a car by it's roof and the car doesn't fall apart when held from the top? Stay tuned for the explanation...

Nurse by Peggy Anderson is already packed in my luggage, but it is mocking me from the depths of my bag.

What I've Finished:
Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden (powerful novel for teens).
Nerd Gone Wild by Vicki Lewis Thompson (grocery store purchase along with lowfat frozen yogurt - enough said).

(IT"S RINGING! Leonard is helping me!!! Oh, no. I don't think he likes his j.o.b.)

What I'm Going to Check Out on Monday:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Running by Bill Rodgers.
I'm sure many of you have heard my whining about not having a treadmill here in CO. And, yes, I know that running outside is a possibility. Anyway, I seem to have an inability to pace myself while running outside. Yes, I know, what a moron. I run too fast and then have to stop! I'm sure you'll want to stay tuned for the next installment of "Ryann Tries to Run."

Tuesday, February 22, 2005

WIRT 2/23/05

For my Young Adult Literature Class: Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden.
This book is a captivating look into the lives of two girls who are discovering their attraction for each other. I'm captivated by how one character, Liza, is dealing with the idea that her feelings are "wrong" but says that nothing else has ever felt so right. However, this story is written as a flashblack so I am not confident that things will work out for the girls. Some foreshadowing makes me think that a shoe is going to drop in the future.

My Brain Candy Read: Nerd Gone Wild by Vicki Lewis Thompson.
I've read some of Ms. Thompson's other "Nerd" stories, and this one stars newly rich Ally and her grandmother's nerdy bookkeeper (a bodyguard in disguise who is hot to guard her body!). She is trying to ditch him in the wild and wooly woods of Alaska...but he's not giving up easily!

For Writing Inspiration: Nurse by Peggy Anderson.
This book is a true life look into the life a nurse in a large hospital. It is moving and sometimes hits a bit to close to home, if you know what I mean. I have to read it in very small amounts...

What else is lying around waiting for me to read:
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver.
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane.
The Science of Superheroes by Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg.

Any thoughts?