Being an Aggie is one of the best decisions I ever made. Growing up, I knew I would attend one of the two universities I had heard so much about - Texas A&M or University of Texas. Which would it be? I applied to both, and received my UT letter first. At the time I didn't know which school I wanted to attend, but when I got my UT letter with the stamp "accepted", I was disappointed. That told me something. About three weeks later (around late-October, early-November...I can't really remember but I do remember telling everyone at a football game), I got my letter to A&M. I was over-the-moon excited. While I don't remember all the details, I remember the feeling.
Being a First-Generation Aggie, I had no idea what to expect of this school. I remember learning about traditions at Fish Camp, getting lost around campus, and meeting so many new people. Maybe my love for Aggieland is the reason I have decided to turn getting a degree into a 10-year and 3-degree process. ;) Aggieland introduced me to my dreams, showed me my passion for serving others, gave me my best friends, and sent me off into the world with a host of endlessly good memories. Despite everything Aggieland has given me, the greatest experience I have had at A&M is Muster. I cannot think of a more appropriate ending to such a tragic week in American history. Today is a day I think all of America should take a page out of the Aggie Handbook.
The idea behind Muster is that you are honored at the time of your passing. When a former student passes away, s/he is remembered at Muster as friends and family answer "Here" on the roll call when that person's name is read. Today, I will answer "Here" for those who have left us this week from Boston and West. While this week has reminded me that there is evil in this world, it has also inspired me by showing the graciousness and hope of humanity. As a friend's Tweet so perfectly put it, "Days like these showcase a few psychos and countless heroes".
For all of those who have been sent home to our Father this week and this year, I answer "Here".
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Wisdom-filled Weekend
1. Worry About Yourself
My bestie sent me this video, and the advice is perfect. We should all do a little more of this. :)
2. 10 Things I Hate About You
This movie came out and was an instant classic in the Hodges home growing up. Words of wisdom that come from this movie were quoted on a regular basis (and continue to be today).
1. "I know you can be overwhelmed and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?"
2. "What are the two house rules? Number 1: No dating 'til you graduate. Number 2: No dating 'til you graduate." (Daddy's favorite)
3. "My fenders don't really whip me into a verbal frenzy."
4. "Whoops!?!? My insurance does not cover PMS!"
5. "You're 18. You don't know what you want, and you won't know what you want until you're 45."
There are so many others. :)
3. '09 is an "Old Ag"
Today, Jack and I were at the dog park, when Jack made friends with an Old Ag. I started talking with the older gentlemen and he asked me what year I am. I proudly responded, "'09!" He seemed surprised and goes, "Oh, you're an oldie, too!" While I didn't ask him his class year, I assume it is the 60s. There is a huge difference between 60-something and '09! When I asked my bestie when '09 became old, she replied "When the 2017 shirts came out!" Doh! Getting old is rough. ;)
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Sunday "Cant-Live-Withouts"
7:27am.
That's what time I woke up this morning. On a Sunday. Why? No idea. I didn't exactly go to bed early last night, but I'm still up. I guess that means I have to be productive today (and possibly take a nap later).
Due to the early start, I have some definite "Cant-Live-Withouts" that I figured I'd share. Enjoy. :)
1. Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
2. Mocha Mint Coffee with Bailey's Irish Creamer
This is my all-time favorite coffee. At Christmastime when it comes out, I stalk up for the year (my freezer is full of it). I'm also a coffee-creamer connoisseur. I especially love special creamers for each time of the year so my current favorite is Bailey's Irish Cream. Combine the two and it's pure Heaven.
3. Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
My apologies for not taking a picture. To make up for it, I'll list out the [very simple] recipe.
1 chopped banana
handful of chopped strawberries
a couple spoonfuls of vanilla Greek yogurt
a handful of ice
some low-fat milk
Throw it all in the blender and mush to your liking! :)
4. Kindle Fire
My apologies for not taking a picture. To make up for it, I'll list out the [very simple] recipe.
1 chopped banana
handful of chopped strawberries
a couple spoonfuls of vanilla Greek yogurt
a handful of ice
some low-fat milk
Throw it all in the blender and mush to your liking! :)
4. Kindle Fire
As a self-proclaimed tech-guru and a researcher focusing on technology, I'm always interested in the newest toy. Currently, I really really really want a touch screen monitor to attach to my laptop (dare to dream). Anyway, as an avid reader, I live by my Kindle. I am always reading two books for fun, one on my Kindle and one hard copy. I equally love both forms. This morning, I was enjoying (or trying to enjoy) my latest Kindle book read (The Host by Stephenie Meyer - I'm 25% through and wouldn't recommend it as of right now).
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Growing Up
Tracey Quote of the Week:
"I am the calmest person in my world these days. Something is terribly wrong."
You've probably noticed that the blog has a new, refreshed, updated look! More importantly, most of the pages are updated as well. After a conversation with my mama yesterday, I came to a very important and critical realization: I. am. growing. up. When did this happen and how? I'm not sure. But I know it has happened.
Over the past week, multiple times, the quote above has come out of my mouth. I used to think I was bat-crap crazy, barely functioning in society, and struggling to make people understand me. This week, I've decided that I am one of the calmest and most easy-going people I know. Things that used to drive me crazy, make me freak out, and drive everyone else bonkers about my personality have eased. I am now the person uttering calming influences to the people around me. What the hey happened?
After explaining all the situations this week that would normally have driven me crazy to my mom, she looked at me and said, "wow, I'm impressed that you didn't freak out, too. Those sound like optimal Tracey-freak-out moments." I simply looked at her and replied, "well, if I freak out, that's not going to help matters. I might as well stay calm and trust that it will all work out fine." This is when the realization hit.
Silver Linings of the Week:
I was asked to speak to a student organization.
A student I've been helping with writing wrote me a Winnie-the-Pooh card.
A friend brought me an oatmeal, chocolate chip cookie.
I got invited to present at a conference in July.
One of the sweet babies in my intervention study told me I was his favorite teacher.
I got to enjoy a Friday night off with a girls' night!
Three of my oldest and dearest friends sent me texts.
Life is good this week. :)
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Humbled
It's been far too long since I have felt compelled to write for fun. That was the purpose for which this blog was originally created - write inspiring, fun-filled posts that bring a smile to the face of whoever reads it. Since starting graduate school full-time, I haven't got "that feeling" that lets me know I have a gem to write. Conversations and events with the people in my life, however, have finally led me here after a six-month hiatus (I'll try not to let that happen again).
Yesterday, I was chatting with one of my graduate school colleagues (we call each other "colleagues" at this level, not classmates...a lesson I learned the embarrassing way). Anyway, she described graduate school perfectly to one of the "muggles" (the outsiders who think "graduate school" means "extended college"). She said, "you know that feeling of not being caught up and being overwhelmed because you have so much to do? That feeling you get the last week of the 6-weeks when grades are due and you're behind? That is the feeling I have in graduate school every single day. Even breaks. Even holidays. Especially weekends. It never goes away." I couldn't have said it better myself. I laugh when someone asks me how my week or weekend was and I respond with "well, I was very productive and crossed a lot of items off my to-do list." The person usually responds cheerfully, and says something to the effect of "wow, you must be really excited" or "I bet that feels good!" Well, it might if crossing one item off didn't mean adding three more. It really never stops, ends, or becomes easier though we tell ourselves it does.
Now, that last paragraph was not meant to be a rant, but I know it may seem that way; however, it is necessary to prove my next point. This week, I was truly humbled. Because of the feeling of graduate school (which a workaholic like myself preys upon for survival), I sometimes get into my own self too much and don't stop to think about what is going on in the "real world". The following events each contributed to bringing me back down to Earth and out of my own bubble.
1. Reading my students journals:
Currently, I teach an undergraduate course in which my students are required to spend one entire day observing in a real K-12 classroom. One of their assignments is to write each week about what they saw as it pertains to things they've learned about education. The must also write each week about goals, successes, and gratitudes for the week. The purpose of this exercise is to let them see that while they may be stressed and may experience some trying things as a teacher, they have many good things going for them. I was amazed as I read what they wrote! Overcoming illnesses, losing family members, facing struggles with finances, etc. I could not believe that the positive, upbeat students I get to see for three hours each week have so much conflict, trauma, and pain in their lives. Yet, the part that was truly inspiring was that they each found small victories each week to get them through these hardships. When I reflect on my weeks, I'm truly thankful that many of the pains these students face are not ones that I encounter on a weekly basis.
2. Forced sunshine:
Sometimes, I miss the sun. He wakes up after I do and goes to bed before I even get back home. Our paths don't cross every day. While I'm hunched over a computer typing away, working SPSS (statistics software), or reading like books are going out of style, he is enjoying his day, bringing vitamin D to the world. On Friday, I was sitting in my office in the center of campus waiting for a student to come by for a one-on-one writing consulting meeting. As soon as she got there and we got started talking about her writing, the fire alarm went off in the building with the robotic announcement, "There is a fire emergency. Please evacuate immediately." We did as we were instructed, and as I walked outside, I was struck by how beautiful the day was! The student and I decided to sit on a bench overlooking the Century Tree so we could continue working and not waste the time. It felt so good to sit outside on a day that was not too hot or too cold with the sun shining while helping a student with her writing. And, as luck would have it, we also got to witness a proposal under the Century Tree! (For all of you non-Aggies, the Century Tree is a huge tree in the center of campus that looks as if it has limbs growing out of the ground. The tree's limb curve to make an arch that has a path and bench underneath it. The superstition goes: If you walk under the tree with someone you love, you will marry that person; however, if you walk under the tree alone, you will be alone forever. I'm not much for superstitions, but admit that I have never walked under the tree...) Being forced outside by a fire emergency that turned out to be nothing reminded me to enjoy the sunshine more (I think it may have been the vitamin D talking, too).
3. Phone Calls:
Anyone who knows me knows I can talk forever...and will gladly do it. I have never been a huge texter and often get annoyed that society requires me to type out my thoughts and feelings. Honestly, until a sarcasm font is created, texting will hold little appeal for me. Nonetheless, I text because time available for talking on the phone is just too limited. On Saturday, I made a grand plan to complete all my grading and a few tasks that were past due (missing deadlines is also a feature of graduate school which drives me crazy!). This plan was quickly interrupted by 4 consecutive phone calls from 4 of my favorite people. How could I be upset, angry or annoyed that the people I love wanted to talk to me? I couldn't. The list did not get completed. My grand plan failed. But, I was rejuvenated because I was reminded that I have so much support and love in my life. The old adage goes: What good is a life if you have no one to share it with? Well, I have more than enough people to share my life with. :)
Life is crazy. Graduate school is taxing and like no other amount of stress I could imagine. However, this week, I am humbled beyond comparison at the blessings God has shown me. Honestly, I've been a jerk for the past few months, and I think this revelation is just what I needed to get back to my positivity, optimism, and life by grace. Thanks, Big Guy; you timed it perfectly!
-Tracey
Yesterday, I was chatting with one of my graduate school colleagues (we call each other "colleagues" at this level, not classmates...a lesson I learned the embarrassing way). Anyway, she described graduate school perfectly to one of the "muggles" (the outsiders who think "graduate school" means "extended college"). She said, "you know that feeling of not being caught up and being overwhelmed because you have so much to do? That feeling you get the last week of the 6-weeks when grades are due and you're behind? That is the feeling I have in graduate school every single day. Even breaks. Even holidays. Especially weekends. It never goes away." I couldn't have said it better myself. I laugh when someone asks me how my week or weekend was and I respond with "well, I was very productive and crossed a lot of items off my to-do list." The person usually responds cheerfully, and says something to the effect of "wow, you must be really excited" or "I bet that feels good!" Well, it might if crossing one item off didn't mean adding three more. It really never stops, ends, or becomes easier though we tell ourselves it does.
Now, that last paragraph was not meant to be a rant, but I know it may seem that way; however, it is necessary to prove my next point. This week, I was truly humbled. Because of the feeling of graduate school (which a workaholic like myself preys upon for survival), I sometimes get into my own self too much and don't stop to think about what is going on in the "real world". The following events each contributed to bringing me back down to Earth and out of my own bubble.
1. Reading my students journals:
Currently, I teach an undergraduate course in which my students are required to spend one entire day observing in a real K-12 classroom. One of their assignments is to write each week about what they saw as it pertains to things they've learned about education. The must also write each week about goals, successes, and gratitudes for the week. The purpose of this exercise is to let them see that while they may be stressed and may experience some trying things as a teacher, they have many good things going for them. I was amazed as I read what they wrote! Overcoming illnesses, losing family members, facing struggles with finances, etc. I could not believe that the positive, upbeat students I get to see for three hours each week have so much conflict, trauma, and pain in their lives. Yet, the part that was truly inspiring was that they each found small victories each week to get them through these hardships. When I reflect on my weeks, I'm truly thankful that many of the pains these students face are not ones that I encounter on a weekly basis.
2. Forced sunshine:
Sometimes, I miss the sun. He wakes up after I do and goes to bed before I even get back home. Our paths don't cross every day. While I'm hunched over a computer typing away, working SPSS (statistics software), or reading like books are going out of style, he is enjoying his day, bringing vitamin D to the world. On Friday, I was sitting in my office in the center of campus waiting for a student to come by for a one-on-one writing consulting meeting. As soon as she got there and we got started talking about her writing, the fire alarm went off in the building with the robotic announcement, "There is a fire emergency. Please evacuate immediately." We did as we were instructed, and as I walked outside, I was struck by how beautiful the day was! The student and I decided to sit on a bench overlooking the Century Tree so we could continue working and not waste the time. It felt so good to sit outside on a day that was not too hot or too cold with the sun shining while helping a student with her writing. And, as luck would have it, we also got to witness a proposal under the Century Tree! (For all of you non-Aggies, the Century Tree is a huge tree in the center of campus that looks as if it has limbs growing out of the ground. The tree's limb curve to make an arch that has a path and bench underneath it. The superstition goes: If you walk under the tree with someone you love, you will marry that person; however, if you walk under the tree alone, you will be alone forever. I'm not much for superstitions, but admit that I have never walked under the tree...) Being forced outside by a fire emergency that turned out to be nothing reminded me to enjoy the sunshine more (I think it may have been the vitamin D talking, too).
3. Phone Calls:
Anyone who knows me knows I can talk forever...and will gladly do it. I have never been a huge texter and often get annoyed that society requires me to type out my thoughts and feelings. Honestly, until a sarcasm font is created, texting will hold little appeal for me. Nonetheless, I text because time available for talking on the phone is just too limited. On Saturday, I made a grand plan to complete all my grading and a few tasks that were past due (missing deadlines is also a feature of graduate school which drives me crazy!). This plan was quickly interrupted by 4 consecutive phone calls from 4 of my favorite people. How could I be upset, angry or annoyed that the people I love wanted to talk to me? I couldn't. The list did not get completed. My grand plan failed. But, I was rejuvenated because I was reminded that I have so much support and love in my life. The old adage goes: What good is a life if you have no one to share it with? Well, I have more than enough people to share my life with. :)
Life is crazy. Graduate school is taxing and like no other amount of stress I could imagine. However, this week, I am humbled beyond comparison at the blessings God has shown me. Honestly, I've been a jerk for the past few months, and I think this revelation is just what I needed to get back to my positivity, optimism, and life by grace. Thanks, Big Guy; you timed it perfectly!
-Tracey
Sunday, July 22, 2012
"A New Day Has Come" - Celine Dion
"Let the rain come down and wash away my tears,
Let it fill my soul and drown my fears,
Let it shatter the walls for a new, new sun,
A new day has come."
Thinking about something, that at the time seemed unfortunate, makes me recall A New Day Has Come by Celine Dion. My music tastes are quite eclectic - from Rock and Roll to Country to the Top 40 to Broadway to Celine Dion. I guess my music tastes reflect the many dimensions of my personality quite well.
Anyway, this has been the rainiest summer I can remember in my short twenty-four years. This July, it feels as though rain has marked every day. On Wednesday, I dressed in my favorite simple, black dress and headed to campus for class, no umbrella in tote for the first time all month. The weatherman promised (or so I thought) that there would be no rain, just a dry, hot summer day. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, so I foolishly believed him.
Not taking an umbrella to campus is a lesson I learned the hard way when I was nineteen. My first semester in college, I parked my car and walked across the campus from Lot 100 to the Biological Sciences Building East (for those who don't know - it's a lengthy trek). I'm about half way there when the skies open up and Heaven literally falls down upon me. Needless to say, I get drenched then enter into the freezing cold building. Now, any sensible person would have gone home and skipped class. Did I fail to mention this was my FIRST ever college test day? Oh yea, that's why I was heading to class. I took my first college test soaking wet and freezing. (I got an A though!) :)
Six years later and I am still making rookie, freshmen mistakes. My class on Wednesday ends, and I leave Harrington Tower and begin walking to my car. Again, I'm about halfway to my car and the heavens once again unleash upon me. I consider running into a building, but think twice. For the second time in a month, I take off my sandals place them in my bag, make sure it is closed completely to protect my computer, and saunter to my car. That's right - I strolled or walked with a leisurely gait (courtesy of dictionary.com), unconcerned with the rain falling on my head, soaking my clothes and hair.
I have to admit, it was a refreshing feeling. For the first time I can remember, I did not feel like sugar melting away, but more like oil resisting solubility. Later, I reflected on why I acted so out-of-character. The only reaction and reasonable explanation I could come up with - I felt at peace.
When there is nothing wrong, we have nothing to fear, and we truly feel at peace with our lives, with God and with the world around us, little to nothing can penetrate deeply to bother our consciousness. Currently, I am blissfully, blessedly happy. My life is moving in the direction I have worked hard to propel it, my physical and mental health are in harmony, my family is healthy and happy, and my relationships with friends continue to deepen.
When I think about rain, I think about the sky. When I think about the sky, I see Heaven. When I think about Heaven, I think about praying. When I think about praying, I feel God's presence. The unexpected rain on Wednesday made me stop and evaluate the current state of my life. I owe it all to a greater purpose. Once again, my reminder that Someone far beyond my tiny world is part of everything.
"Let the rain come down and wash away my tears,
Let it fill my soul and drown my fears,
Let it shatter the walls for a new, new sun,
A new day has come."
Let it fill my soul and drown my fears,
Let it shatter the walls for a new, new sun,
A new day has come."
Thinking about something, that at the time seemed unfortunate, makes me recall A New Day Has Come by Celine Dion. My music tastes are quite eclectic - from Rock and Roll to Country to the Top 40 to Broadway to Celine Dion. I guess my music tastes reflect the many dimensions of my personality quite well.
Anyway, this has been the rainiest summer I can remember in my short twenty-four years. This July, it feels as though rain has marked every day. On Wednesday, I dressed in my favorite simple, black dress and headed to campus for class, no umbrella in tote for the first time all month. The weatherman promised (or so I thought) that there would be no rain, just a dry, hot summer day. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, so I foolishly believed him.
Not taking an umbrella to campus is a lesson I learned the hard way when I was nineteen. My first semester in college, I parked my car and walked across the campus from Lot 100 to the Biological Sciences Building East (for those who don't know - it's a lengthy trek). I'm about half way there when the skies open up and Heaven literally falls down upon me. Needless to say, I get drenched then enter into the freezing cold building. Now, any sensible person would have gone home and skipped class. Did I fail to mention this was my FIRST ever college test day? Oh yea, that's why I was heading to class. I took my first college test soaking wet and freezing. (I got an A though!) :)
Six years later and I am still making rookie, freshmen mistakes. My class on Wednesday ends, and I leave Harrington Tower and begin walking to my car. Again, I'm about halfway to my car and the heavens once again unleash upon me. I consider running into a building, but think twice. For the second time in a month, I take off my sandals place them in my bag, make sure it is closed completely to protect my computer, and saunter to my car. That's right - I strolled or walked with a leisurely gait (courtesy of dictionary.com), unconcerned with the rain falling on my head, soaking my clothes and hair.
I have to admit, it was a refreshing feeling. For the first time I can remember, I did not feel like sugar melting away, but more like oil resisting solubility. Later, I reflected on why I acted so out-of-character. The only reaction and reasonable explanation I could come up with - I felt at peace.
When there is nothing wrong, we have nothing to fear, and we truly feel at peace with our lives, with God and with the world around us, little to nothing can penetrate deeply to bother our consciousness. Currently, I am blissfully, blessedly happy. My life is moving in the direction I have worked hard to propel it, my physical and mental health are in harmony, my family is healthy and happy, and my relationships with friends continue to deepen.
When I think about rain, I think about the sky. When I think about the sky, I see Heaven. When I think about Heaven, I think about praying. When I think about praying, I feel God's presence. The unexpected rain on Wednesday made me stop and evaluate the current state of my life. I owe it all to a greater purpose. Once again, my reminder that Someone far beyond my tiny world is part of everything.
"Let the rain come down and wash away my tears,
Let it fill my soul and drown my fears,
Let it shatter the walls for a new, new sun,
A new day has come."
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
At least I'm passionate, right?
Sometimes, I really feel for my friends and family - they are so sweet, kind and supportive and it sometimes alludes me as to why they like me so much. I mean, I can certainly be a handful and hard to handle. I am a very passionate person who is also emotional, so sometimes my passions and emotions just can't contain themselves. Again, I repeat, I really feel for my friends and family.
When I find something I like, I REALLY like it. Sometimes it is to the obsessive level of like. My newest obsession - The Great Gatsby. First, a little back story. The older I grow, the more I realize that God is the backbone of everything and that he often has a bigger plan that the one I know about. He is everywhere and has a hand in everything, even the most insignificant thing - like the book I choose to read. He guided me to this novel, and it came at a good time. I was stuck in my writing and work ethic, but took the time to read this novel and I feel...refreshed, inspired, motivated, unstuck. I have been more productive the past two days than the week before reading Gatsby. God is one smart fella.
When I went to New York City for Spring Break, I became obsessed with Rock of Ages after seeing the Broadway play. My friends and family can attest, it is all I talked about for the next...oh wait, I'm still talking about it! Anywho, the movie version came out in theaters about a month ago, and I was one of the first in line to see it. During the previews, a new version of The Great Gatsby was shown starring none other than my precious Leonardo DiCaprio. This moment sparked a later conversation with a friend who had read the novel. She assured me the book was one I should take the time to read.
On Sunday evening, I went and plucked Gatsby from my bookshelf and took it to bed. That night, I finished the first third of the book. I'll admit, chapters one and two were not the most riveting and I considered giving up. However, I stuck with it and was entranced by the characters. Monday night, I couldn't fall asleep until I had resolved all of my issues and figured out how the story ended. That's right, I finished it.
Now, I am beyond shocked, surprised and cannot stop thinking about the story and how it ended. I'm lost in this world of the roaring twenties and aghast at how all of the characters were tied together. I don't want to give away the ending, but it is a shocker that will leave you wondering why.
I have been unable to stop talking about this novel with my friends and family. My best friend, sent me this message via Pinterest to capture my frustrations:
"Book hangover: the inability to start a new book because you're still living in the last book's world."
This is perfectly how I am feeling. Last night, I began reading Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter but felt as though I was cheating on Nick and Gatsby and Daisy...I'm not over them yet. It's going to take me another day or two to clear my thoughts and move on, but these characters have found a special place in my heart and The Great Gatsby has found it's way on my top-5 favorite novels list. That's quite an accomplishment. :)
1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
3. Jurassic Park by Michale Crichton
4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
5. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
When I find something I like, I REALLY like it. Sometimes it is to the obsessive level of like. My newest obsession - The Great Gatsby. First, a little back story. The older I grow, the more I realize that God is the backbone of everything and that he often has a bigger plan that the one I know about. He is everywhere and has a hand in everything, even the most insignificant thing - like the book I choose to read. He guided me to this novel, and it came at a good time. I was stuck in my writing and work ethic, but took the time to read this novel and I feel...refreshed, inspired, motivated, unstuck. I have been more productive the past two days than the week before reading Gatsby. God is one smart fella.
When I went to New York City for Spring Break, I became obsessed with Rock of Ages after seeing the Broadway play. My friends and family can attest, it is all I talked about for the next...oh wait, I'm still talking about it! Anywho, the movie version came out in theaters about a month ago, and I was one of the first in line to see it. During the previews, a new version of The Great Gatsby was shown starring none other than my precious Leonardo DiCaprio. This moment sparked a later conversation with a friend who had read the novel. She assured me the book was one I should take the time to read.
On Sunday evening, I went and plucked Gatsby from my bookshelf and took it to bed. That night, I finished the first third of the book. I'll admit, chapters one and two were not the most riveting and I considered giving up. However, I stuck with it and was entranced by the characters. Monday night, I couldn't fall asleep until I had resolved all of my issues and figured out how the story ended. That's right, I finished it.
Now, I am beyond shocked, surprised and cannot stop thinking about the story and how it ended. I'm lost in this world of the roaring twenties and aghast at how all of the characters were tied together. I don't want to give away the ending, but it is a shocker that will leave you wondering why.
I have been unable to stop talking about this novel with my friends and family. My best friend, sent me this message via Pinterest to capture my frustrations:
"Book hangover: the inability to start a new book because you're still living in the last book's world."
This is perfectly how I am feeling. Last night, I began reading Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter but felt as though I was cheating on Nick and Gatsby and Daisy...I'm not over them yet. It's going to take me another day or two to clear my thoughts and move on, but these characters have found a special place in my heart and The Great Gatsby has found it's way on my top-5 favorite novels list. That's quite an accomplishment. :)
1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
3. Jurassic Park by Michale Crichton
4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
5. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
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