Recently I was asked by a few friends if I had thought of moving from the apartment I share with my brother in Glendale, AZ to Tempe, AZ. I had to admit that I really hadn't thought of moving to Tempe yet, but next year, when I hear residency in Arizona and can go to ASU without paying out the nose, I was thinking of moving out there. One of them brought up the idea of moving in together. We started looking at different apartments in the Tempe area when we were approached by another friend who is going to need a place in Tempe, so the three of us started looking at bigger apartments in the area. I was looking at a pretty nice place when I stopped and thought, 'There will be three of us, why don't we find a house instead?' So now the Tempe apartment has changed to a Tempe house search.
The other issue about moving, besides finding a place to live, is I now need to find a place to work in the area. I, along with everyone else I know, hate job searching. I started putting out applications and resumes on Sunday. The earliest time I could start would be the 24th of August, unless the job is so amazing that I would quit the job I am currently and imideatly move back to AZ, but I don't forsee that happening.
All this is pretty exciting. I am hoping that it all works out soon but, really, nothing needs to happen for another month and a half cause I don't think I'll be back in AZ before the 20th of August. I just hate the combination of excitment for these new adventures and patience needed till things get figured out and set up.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Random Venting
When I sit down to write my blog, I always hope that whatever comes out makes people think or just laugh (I usually, unintentionally get the latter.) Most of the time I have an idea of what I want to write. Today is not one of those days. Really wasn't that good of a day, but for some reason I feel it was better than it could have been. Let me explain. (Isn't that a writer's 'no-no'? Ending a paragraph like that? Anyone know?)
Today started as poorly as any other when working for Siren, way too early at 7am. I am not a morning person, I don't really get up well and it takes me awhile to get going. Being responsible, I try to get up around an hour before work, usually I still lay in bed for about 30 minutes looking at things on my iPhone. I then go down the two flights of stairs to the office carrying my bowl of Count Chocula cereal. I know what you're thinking, 'How can your morning start poorly when you have Count Chocula?' and really, that is the thing that makes my morning, but, either way, I digress. The reason I get to the office at 8am is to go over tech invoices and reconcile them with the database. I will then pull inventory for the techs so that they can just come in, check to make sure they have it all, and be on their merry way. Today, as has happened a few other times, I was missing invoices. This really doesn't surprise me, what did was that I didn't have tech invoices for any of my 5 techs, including the lead tech. Whatever, guess I am used to it. I text the lead tech and within 30 minutes, I received 2 of my techs paperwork. By 9:30am I was only missing two more sets. I got one more at 11am-ish. The last one brought his in around 2-2:30pm. Awesome. A job that would take 90 minutes kept me in the office for almost 7 hours. Like I said, guess I'm used to it. The lead tech and I talked and this issue should be resolved soon, but I have said that before.
The part that really bothered me was later. Marissa, the office manager, wanted to go to Olive Garden for the soup/salad/breadsticks deal. We rush over there to get in by 3:50pm which is 10 minutes before the deal ended. We had as wonderful a lunch as you can have at the Olive Gardan. I even started a conversation with 2 of the waitresses about movies. Then the bill comes stating the time of 4:00:09pm. Yes, 9 seconds after the deal expired. Cost us each like an extra 4-5 bucks, not even sure. I just didn't feel like arguing. So we left. If you have ever been to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, you know it has horrible traffic ALL THE TIME! For some reason, someone here thinks its a good idea to have 2 lane highways with all the people they have here. If you have ever driven with me, you know I hate sitting in traffic. So knowing some back roads, I start making my way back to the office. I am about halfway home, when I notice a guy in a yellow shirt, sitting on a motorcycle, right by the crosswalk. As I pass he pulls out behind me and turns on his lights. Cop. I get a ticket for 49 in a 35. I actually say to the cop, "Not to sound like a jerk, but are you sure I was going that fast?' and I actually get out of my car to see his radar. I have no idea what he was tracking, but I was not going 49. I was behind a truck and, if i was going 49, the truck was too. If he wasn't going that fast, neither was I. Again, I think whatever, I know I wasn't going that fast, I'll try and fight it, and I drive away. This is my second ticket in 2 months. The last one, I'll admit to, this one, no. Guess well see how the fight goes in a little bit.
Well those were pretty much the crappy parts of the day. I love, after getting a ticket, hearing everyones' stories about getting out of their tickets. Yeah thanks guys, any help for getting out of mine? No? Shut your mouth then. I didn't even want to drive or go to the Olive Garden that badly, it was Marissa who did. Well nothing I can do about it now.
Well maybe a bit more studying of French will cheer me up. Yes, I picked French and I hope in a few weeks to be able to speak it fairly well. That may be pushing it, but I do better when challenged. (At least I THINK I do.)
Today started as poorly as any other when working for Siren, way too early at 7am. I am not a morning person, I don't really get up well and it takes me awhile to get going. Being responsible, I try to get up around an hour before work, usually I still lay in bed for about 30 minutes looking at things on my iPhone. I then go down the two flights of stairs to the office carrying my bowl of Count Chocula cereal. I know what you're thinking, 'How can your morning start poorly when you have Count Chocula?' and really, that is the thing that makes my morning, but, either way, I digress. The reason I get to the office at 8am is to go over tech invoices and reconcile them with the database. I will then pull inventory for the techs so that they can just come in, check to make sure they have it all, and be on their merry way. Today, as has happened a few other times, I was missing invoices. This really doesn't surprise me, what did was that I didn't have tech invoices for any of my 5 techs, including the lead tech. Whatever, guess I am used to it. I text the lead tech and within 30 minutes, I received 2 of my techs paperwork. By 9:30am I was only missing two more sets. I got one more at 11am-ish. The last one brought his in around 2-2:30pm. Awesome. A job that would take 90 minutes kept me in the office for almost 7 hours. Like I said, guess I'm used to it. The lead tech and I talked and this issue should be resolved soon, but I have said that before.
The part that really bothered me was later. Marissa, the office manager, wanted to go to Olive Garden for the soup/salad/breadsticks deal. We rush over there to get in by 3:50pm which is 10 minutes before the deal ended. We had as wonderful a lunch as you can have at the Olive Gardan. I even started a conversation with 2 of the waitresses about movies. Then the bill comes stating the time of 4:00:09pm. Yes, 9 seconds after the deal expired. Cost us each like an extra 4-5 bucks, not even sure. I just didn't feel like arguing. So we left. If you have ever been to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, you know it has horrible traffic ALL THE TIME! For some reason, someone here thinks its a good idea to have 2 lane highways with all the people they have here. If you have ever driven with me, you know I hate sitting in traffic. So knowing some back roads, I start making my way back to the office. I am about halfway home, when I notice a guy in a yellow shirt, sitting on a motorcycle, right by the crosswalk. As I pass he pulls out behind me and turns on his lights. Cop. I get a ticket for 49 in a 35. I actually say to the cop, "Not to sound like a jerk, but are you sure I was going that fast?' and I actually get out of my car to see his radar. I have no idea what he was tracking, but I was not going 49. I was behind a truck and, if i was going 49, the truck was too. If he wasn't going that fast, neither was I. Again, I think whatever, I know I wasn't going that fast, I'll try and fight it, and I drive away. This is my second ticket in 2 months. The last one, I'll admit to, this one, no. Guess well see how the fight goes in a little bit.
Well those were pretty much the crappy parts of the day. I love, after getting a ticket, hearing everyones' stories about getting out of their tickets. Yeah thanks guys, any help for getting out of mine? No? Shut your mouth then. I didn't even want to drive or go to the Olive Garden that badly, it was Marissa who did. Well nothing I can do about it now.
Well maybe a bit more studying of French will cheer me up. Yes, I picked French and I hope in a few weeks to be able to speak it fairly well. That may be pushing it, but I do better when challenged. (At least I THINK I do.)
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Two Weeks!
Well today is the two week mark! Two weeks ago I wrote my first post. Doing something for two weeks isn't really that big of a deal, unless this was a high school relationship, in which case, this might be a world record. But no, this is only a blog, so two weeks isn't anything amazing. I mean, I have been doing many thing for much longer and more often than once a day for two weeks. I have been breathing for about 8,216 days or 1,173 weeks and 5 days, somewhere around that. So, in comparison to my habit of breathing, this blog is a little baby that doesn't deserve any anniversary presents or acknowledgments. Maybe the year mark will be something special, but until then, just have to go about doing the day to day stuff.
Well that's all I have for now. More work to do for announcements that might be coming out soon. Stay tune! (Tuned to a website? Does that work? Is 'Stay refreshed!' better? Whatever, hope you get the idea.)
Well that's all I have for now. More work to do for announcements that might be coming out soon. Stay tune! (Tuned to a website? Does that work? Is 'Stay refreshed!' better? Whatever, hope you get the idea.)
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Scheduling
So today was.......long. At the Siren office I work at, there are three office staff. Kelly, who does scheduling, Marissa, who takes care of the reps paperwork, and me, who takes care of the inventory and the techs' paperwork. The jobs, when everyone is doing there job correctly, aren't bad. They all have their own moments that make you want to pull your hair out but, really, not too many of them.
When this office opened, I was doing both the scheduling and inventory. The day for an inventory manager started at 8am looking over techs paperwork and pulling inventory for them. The day for a scheduler ends at 10pm when all the reps stop knocking doors and come home. This made for some very long days. When Kelly started here about three weeks ago, I was very excited to not have to be doing that again. Alas, today I was back in the office doing scheduling for five hours. The thing was she went to New Jersey for a family reunion. I really don't mind if I was paid hourly to cover someone and get paid more. I am not hourly, I get paid salary. So Marissa and I have been doing her job and not getting any extra pay. Normally, if she had offered me money, I would have refused it. But when I did ask if she was thinking of giving us money, she almost seemed shocked that I asked. What, I am supposed to do 1/3 of your job (cause we had to schedule both Friday and Saturday) and NOT get paid extra for it? Not really cool. I just think if I had to go anywhere, I would either make sure everything was done before I left (which she can't really do) or pay someone a little to do my job. If neither of those worked, I probably just wouldn't leave, feeling that I had a job to do. But I guess that is just me.
Maybe I wouldn't be so bothered if doing the scheduler's job didn't mean I was sitting in the office for 5 hours with about 40 minute of actual work. I sat here for more than 3 hours before I actually got a call to dispatch. Guess its just been a long day.
When this office opened, I was doing both the scheduling and inventory. The day for an inventory manager started at 8am looking over techs paperwork and pulling inventory for them. The day for a scheduler ends at 10pm when all the reps stop knocking doors and come home. This made for some very long days. When Kelly started here about three weeks ago, I was very excited to not have to be doing that again. Alas, today I was back in the office doing scheduling for five hours. The thing was she went to New Jersey for a family reunion. I really don't mind if I was paid hourly to cover someone and get paid more. I am not hourly, I get paid salary. So Marissa and I have been doing her job and not getting any extra pay. Normally, if she had offered me money, I would have refused it. But when I did ask if she was thinking of giving us money, she almost seemed shocked that I asked. What, I am supposed to do 1/3 of your job (cause we had to schedule both Friday and Saturday) and NOT get paid extra for it? Not really cool. I just think if I had to go anywhere, I would either make sure everything was done before I left (which she can't really do) or pay someone a little to do my job. If neither of those worked, I probably just wouldn't leave, feeling that I had a job to do. But I guess that is just me.
Maybe I wouldn't be so bothered if doing the scheduler's job didn't mean I was sitting in the office for 5 hours with about 40 minute of actual work. I sat here for more than 3 hours before I actually got a call to dispatch. Guess its just been a long day.
Friday, June 26, 2009
French or Spanish?
I have been thinking that I should try and learn another language. Of the many different ones there are, the two I am considering are French and Spanish. I keep on finding reasons to learn both. I know people who know one or the other but I don't think I know anyone who can do both. People on both sides tell me the one they learned is better than the other but I am always trying to take that with a grain of salt. The other problem I have is trying to find a program to learn from. As most of you know, I am not "in the money", not that I am poor, I just don't "make it rain", so I am having trouble finding a good program to learn from that is in my price range (which, if its free, is in my price range.) If I get a program, stick with it, and it goes well, I am probably going to try and learn both and more, but well see how it goes, let's not get ahead of ourselves.
I think Spanish might be more useful cause I live in Arizona. (I know not currently, but soon enough I will be back.) Lots of people down there speak it. I hear it is one of the most popular languages in the world. French, on the other hand, I spoken in Quebec, and being a big hockey fan might find that more useful, if just so I could then watch the games on the French stations and know what was being said.
I think this decision will be made like many decisions I make. I am going with French because a pretty female friend told me I should. (Don't worry, I don't really make decisions like that. I usually just flip a coin.)
I think Spanish might be more useful cause I live in Arizona. (I know not currently, but soon enough I will be back.) Lots of people down there speak it. I hear it is one of the most popular languages in the world. French, on the other hand, I spoken in Quebec, and being a big hockey fan might find that more useful, if just so I could then watch the games on the French stations and know what was being said.
I think this decision will be made like many decisions I make. I am going with French because a pretty female friend told me I should. (Don't worry, I don't really make decisions like that. I usually just flip a coin.)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Good News!
Well I did make it through. I ended up doing more weight training than I normally doing. My normal being none. Brad decided last night was a good night to work out the back and legs. While my back stood up well last night, I almost couldn't walk up to my third floor apartment. My legs killed last night, but this morning, they felt fine, which I am pretty happy about.
I think we may be going again tonight. I just have a 24-day free trial so I want to get the most out of it that I can. I think we are planning on going again tonight and doing some chest exercises.
Right now I am making a pancake. The thought of a pancake the size of the pan has enamored me recently. This time, when flipping it, it sort of folded in on itself. But I kept going and I might just have made and consumed the best pancake ever.
I think we may be going again tonight. I just have a 24-day free trial so I want to get the most out of it that I can. I think we are planning on going again tonight and doing some chest exercises.
Right now I am making a pancake. The thought of a pancake the size of the pan has enamored me recently. This time, when flipping it, it sort of folded in on itself. But I kept going and I might just have made and consumed the best pancake ever.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Not Sure if I Will Make it Past the Night
I am going to work out with Brad. He is a pretty fit guy who works out fairly often. I, on the other hand, don't. The way he is talking, I may not make it past the night. If you don't hear from me tomorrow, I probably can't move.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Naps
Many people ask me what I want to go to college for, I answer I have no clue. They then usually ask what I am good at. To this is also answer I have no solid idea. I just figured out what I enjoy doing, do often, and, I believe, do well. I nap. I think in the past two or three weeks, almost everyday, I have taken a nap, many times multiple ones. I am only out for like 30-50 minutes but the fact that I am always taking them is starting to make me worry that I am messing up my sleep schedule. I should probably try and fix this.
This problem was actually brought to my attention when Brad walked into my room and woke me up at 9pm. 9pm is really not a great time to be napping. I think I also took a nap at 11am, 4pm, and then my final one at 8pm. Well, I guess somethings never change.
This problem was actually brought to my attention when Brad walked into my room and woke me up at 9pm. 9pm is really not a great time to be napping. I think I also took a nap at 11am, 4pm, and then my final one at 8pm. Well, I guess somethings never change.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Learning to Cook
Since I have moved out of the house, and most recently, since I have been in Texas, I have been trying to learn how to cook different meals. Honestly, I haven't been very successful at it. I havee made some decent french toast. The many things I have had issues with are:
Pizza - While taking the pizza sheet out of the oven, I burned my finger a bit.
Pancakes - I made a bunch of batter and looking forward to having a GIANT pancake. I did not know that putting all that batter in as small of a pan as I did was a bad idea. Found that out pretty quickly.
Omelet - All I can say is that my omelets have been terrible, my scrambled eggs have been amazing.
Pasta Sauce - I discovered that putting too many different spices in can really ruin the sauce.
I am sure I have many other stories about my cooking adventures, I just can't remember them right now. I do have fun cooking, I just need to do it more often. It isn't like I don't have the time.
Pizza - While taking the pizza sheet out of the oven, I burned my finger a bit.
Pancakes - I made a bunch of batter and looking forward to having a GIANT pancake. I did not know that putting all that batter in as small of a pan as I did was a bad idea. Found that out pretty quickly.
Omelet - All I can say is that my omelets have been terrible, my scrambled eggs have been amazing.
Pasta Sauce - I discovered that putting too many different spices in can really ruin the sauce.
I am sure I have many other stories about my cooking adventures, I just can't remember them right now. I do have fun cooking, I just need to do it more often. It isn't like I don't have the time.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Church
Today, I went to an LDS church with my friend Brad. I don't really know much about the LDS church, so I thought it would be a neat thing to experience. And it was except for I forgot how uncomfortable I get in churches. I am not sure what it about churches that make me uncomfortable. It isn't like any of the people or the service itself made me uncomfortable. I think it is the fact that this is something all/most of these people share, this faith in their GOD and the belife that they are worshipping Him correctly. I guess that is where I am normally lost with most churches. All the rules and structures that churches put in place to 'worship' GOD. I can understand a lot of their reasons for meeting GOD in the ways and places they do, but I don't really agree. But I can agree to disagree with them and let them do their thing. Again, this applies to all churches, not just the one I went to yesterday.
The funny thing is that Brad had invited me to go with him last week. I couldn't because I had some work to do, but before he left, I saw him get into his car in a suit. I sort of regretted saying I would go with him cause I didn't have any nice clothes with me, so earlier in the week, Brad and I had to go get some dress clothes for me. Might I say, I look good dressed up. A bit sad that I didn't take a picture.
The funny thing is that Brad had invited me to go with him last week. I couldn't because I had some work to do, but before he left, I saw him get into his car in a suit. I sort of regretted saying I would go with him cause I didn't have any nice clothes with me, so earlier in the week, Brad and I had to go get some dress clothes for me. Might I say, I look good dressed up. A bit sad that I didn't take a picture.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Cuts
Today, I finally got a hair cut. I haven't had one since last August so it was pretty bad.
But now I look all clean and nice.
The saddest part was I had been receiving many complements from the ladies, saying that they really liked my hair. I also knew a few who suggested I cut it. Guess I can't look back now.
Well going to chill with Brad and Dan. We might be going out tonight. Not sure what we will be doing but I am in the need for a night out.
But now I look all clean and nice.
The saddest part was I had been receiving many complements from the ladies, saying that they really liked my hair. I also knew a few who suggested I cut it. Guess I can't look back now.
Well going to chill with Brad and Dan. We might be going out tonight. Not sure what we will be doing but I am in the need for a night out.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Lazy Days
Even though I had a lot to do today, it just seemed like one of those lazy days today. I had to drive to Dallas, which took about an hour. The traffic out here is crazy. It seems that no matter what time you get on to the highways around here, there is a backup. It takes extra time to get anywhere around here. But I normally don't mind. Today was one of those days where I was just glad to be out of the office no matter what's holding me up.
The reason I went to Dallas was to pick up a bunch of inventory that was supposed to come to us but was shipped to Phoenix instead. After loading my car up, I couldn't help but laugh because my car looked like a little UPS truck. Guess I got some of my dad's 'job' genes.
The reason I went to Dallas was to pick up a bunch of inventory that was supposed to come to us but was shipped to Phoenix instead. After loading my car up, I couldn't help but laugh because my car looked like a little UPS truck. Guess I got some of my dad's 'job' genes.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Working out
I have been going to the gym again. I've been there for the last four or five days in a row. I really pushed myself today. I ran over 3 miles, biked for 20 minutes, and was on the weights for a bit. This actually took more than twice as long as a normal workout for me. I usually just run around 1.5-2 miles. The strangest thing is I feel better than I normally do after working out.
That was until I got a call from work. Guess my job is never done.
That was until I got a call from work. Guess my job is never done.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
A little about my job.
I don't think I've really told anyone what I do at this summer job. I am working for Siren, Inc. They are a lot like ADT. They get a bunch of people to knock door and sell security systems, which they also hire techs to install. I am in charge of giving these techs their equipment. Sounds easy, right? Well my problem comes from many of the techs in my office think I like to sit around from 8am, when I get in to run their numbers and make sure they haven't lost any equipment, till whenever they feel like coming in. Makes for some very long days. Also, about one-third of my techs think that they can turn in their paper work whenever they want, and then I'll drop everything to run their numbers and stock them. Not really cool, but I am working with their boss to try and resolve these issues. Hopefully, when this is fixed, my days will actually be fairly simple.
I really am glad I took this, mostly because of the awesome people I've met. I actually went suit shopping today with Brad, this really cool tech. Many of the people I met in training and working at this office are really cool. Marissa and Kelly, the other office staff are very friendly. AJ, Taylor, Nate, Pat S., Pat H., Austin, Clint, and Jason are all really cool sales rep who seem really good at their job and like pretty decent guys. The rest of the guys have, at times, made this job unbearable. I don't know why it frustrates me. Probably cause they make my job harder.
I guess there is good and bad with all jobs. Wow my brain is all over the place. Night peeps!
I really am glad I took this, mostly because of the awesome people I've met. I actually went suit shopping today with Brad, this really cool tech. Many of the people I met in training and working at this office are really cool. Marissa and Kelly, the other office staff are very friendly. AJ, Taylor, Nate, Pat S., Pat H., Austin, Clint, and Jason are all really cool sales rep who seem really good at their job and like pretty decent guys. The rest of the guys have, at times, made this job unbearable. I don't know why it frustrates me. Probably cause they make my job harder.
I guess there is good and bad with all jobs. Wow my brain is all over the place. Night peeps!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
I am posting this in Moutain time.
Still trying to do this thing daily but it is close to the end of the day. Not really much to say. Roommate is getting sick. hope he feels better soon. And my whole day was made with the idea of making a Grilled Cheese sandwich soon. One of my coworkers suggested it right before I went to get groceries and the idea has been causing my mouth to water ever since. Man I am hungry,
Monday, June 15, 2009
Why I am Sporty!
Wow . I wanted to write a post like 5 different times today, I kept putting it off, and now that it is almost the end of the day, I have no idea what to write about.Well I guess I should talk a little about why I am the 'Sporty' Debo.
As many people who read this post know, I enjoy sports. I enjoy playing most sports, and if I am invited to a pickup game for any game I will do my best to make it and play. Not that I am actually good at any of the sports I participate in, but I like to think I can hold my own against most people. I follow most of the major league games. I can name a couple players on any team in the NFL and NHL. If a game is on, at least half of my attention is focused on it.
The problem is that I think I may be addicted to sports! I am always watching games and checking scores, even if my team isn't in it or it's not a sport I'm really interested in. Some times I catch myself doing this, paying more attention to the game on television than the people I am spending time with. I wonder if I should seek help for this. I guess until I get help or lose interest in sports, I'll be the 'Sporty one'
As many people who read this post know, I enjoy sports. I enjoy playing most sports, and if I am invited to a pickup game for any game I will do my best to make it and play. Not that I am actually good at any of the sports I participate in, but I like to think I can hold my own against most people. I follow most of the major league games. I can name a couple players on any team in the NFL and NHL. If a game is on, at least half of my attention is focused on it.
The problem is that I think I may be addicted to sports! I am always watching games and checking scores, even if my team isn't in it or it's not a sport I'm really interested in. Some times I catch myself doing this, paying more attention to the game on television than the people I am spending time with. I wonder if I should seek help for this. I guess until I get help or lose interest in sports, I'll be the 'Sporty one'
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Thinking About My Reading
I have started reading for enjoyment again. I used to read all the time when I was younger, but during those teen years I just didn't enjoy books too much. I think what stirred this desire to start reading again was the iPhone. Many times, when I am bored, I pull out my phone and open up the Classics app and start reading. Now I am not to advertise for the iPhone or the Classics app, I actually have a few issues with both. (More issues with the Classics app than the iPhone.) I was thinking, while reading Dracula in Classics app, how different it would be to read many of these stories if I didn't know what was going to happen. How different it must have been to read these stories when they were first written over years later.
I have realized that sometimes, the thing that keeps me reading some of these stories is the fact that I know what's coming. In Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, I knew that Dr. Frankenstein was going to create a monster and that horrors that would follow. In The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, Dantes gets thrown into prison for a crime he didn't commit and I knew this was going to happen before I actually read it. Even though these books at some parts seemed a bit boring to read, I knew some of what was going to happen next. I could try to make a big deal about this and ask, 'Am I one of those people who always needs to know what is going to come next?' 'Do I always need to know what is going to happen before I try?' but I really don't care. I enjoyed both of those books and will read them again sometime. I just wonder if these books would have pulled me in as much if I didn't know the over view of the story. Would I have kept reading Robinson Crusoe after reading all those chapters just talking about Crusoe making his house? How long would I have read about Captain Nemo and Pierre Aronnax talk for chapters about all the fish they saw in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? I almost believe the knowleadge of the story in these books tainted my view of these books. Know the plot of the story and the fact that these stories are Classics are most of the reason I read these books. Don't get me wrong, I am happy to have read these great tales, but what if I went into these stories without know anything about it? Were they well enough written to make me want to finish these stories or did I just finish them because they are classics and great stories?
Reading the classics sometimes is even a bit sad. I feel that I am spoiled while reading the book. With Dracula by Bram Stoker, I know that Count Dracula is a vampire. (Sorry if I ruined the story for you) Even before reading the book, I have a good idea what is going to go on in the book. I am not trying to say I knew everything that happened in this book, or anyone that I have read. All I am trying to say is that, with these classics, some of the mystery is gone. Some of the suspense that was in it for the first person who read it isn't there for me, and that is a bit sad.
I guess you can find the really good writers by finding if the book still gets its point across. Do Dracula and Frankenstein still scare you even though you know what is going to happen? Are you pulled into Robinson Crusoe's job of survival? Does Dantes betrayal make you upset and cause you to keep reading to find out how or if he ever gets his revenge? To me, that is how I tell a classic I would read again apart from the rest of them. Not to say that a classic isn't good if I wouldn't read it again, it's just not my taste.
I guess it's all about the adventure. If you get pulled in and enjoy what you're reading, what more should a book try and be?
I have realized that sometimes, the thing that keeps me reading some of these stories is the fact that I know what's coming. In Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, I knew that Dr. Frankenstein was going to create a monster and that horrors that would follow. In The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, Dantes gets thrown into prison for a crime he didn't commit and I knew this was going to happen before I actually read it. Even though these books at some parts seemed a bit boring to read, I knew some of what was going to happen next. I could try to make a big deal about this and ask, 'Am I one of those people who always needs to know what is going to come next?' 'Do I always need to know what is going to happen before I try?' but I really don't care. I enjoyed both of those books and will read them again sometime. I just wonder if these books would have pulled me in as much if I didn't know the over view of the story. Would I have kept reading Robinson Crusoe after reading all those chapters just talking about Crusoe making his house? How long would I have read about Captain Nemo and Pierre Aronnax talk for chapters about all the fish they saw in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? I almost believe the knowleadge of the story in these books tainted my view of these books. Know the plot of the story and the fact that these stories are Classics are most of the reason I read these books. Don't get me wrong, I am happy to have read these great tales, but what if I went into these stories without know anything about it? Were they well enough written to make me want to finish these stories or did I just finish them because they are classics and great stories?
Reading the classics sometimes is even a bit sad. I feel that I am spoiled while reading the book. With Dracula by Bram Stoker, I know that Count Dracula is a vampire. (Sorry if I ruined the story for you) Even before reading the book, I have a good idea what is going to go on in the book. I am not trying to say I knew everything that happened in this book, or anyone that I have read. All I am trying to say is that, with these classics, some of the mystery is gone. Some of the suspense that was in it for the first person who read it isn't there for me, and that is a bit sad.
I guess you can find the really good writers by finding if the book still gets its point across. Do Dracula and Frankenstein still scare you even though you know what is going to happen? Are you pulled into Robinson Crusoe's job of survival? Does Dantes betrayal make you upset and cause you to keep reading to find out how or if he ever gets his revenge? To me, that is how I tell a classic I would read again apart from the rest of them. Not to say that a classic isn't good if I wouldn't read it again, it's just not my taste.
I guess it's all about the adventure. If you get pulled in and enjoy what you're reading, what more should a book try and be?
First Post
I have been thinking of writing more, and with all the technology available to me, I thought a blog would be easiest to create. Not really sure what I'm going to write about, but I am just going to try to post frequently. I will probably write about what ever interests me at the moment, or just what I want to rant about.
Lets see how this goes.
Lets see how this goes.
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