Julie -2012 Book List

[pontalba]

Hey Julie,

Interesting reviews above!

 

Haven't been around much, lots going on here, but I've thought of you often, and hoped you were feeling stronger.

Hope the kidney doc went fine.

Sending hugs and prayers.

Take care.

Kat

[julie]

Hi Kat

Thanks for stopping in . I have been trying to make myself read more lately to keep the brain occupied .

 

The kidney doc went about as "good" as expected.My kidneys are only at 40 % useage at this point. The doc says they have nothing to do to make them better, once they start going, the function level won't go up, it continues down ,no matter what you do. No meds or anything to make them better .

He also ran bloodwork for my parathyroid and Vitamin D levels-- parathyroid is "hyper " and Vit D level has again bottomed out .

He ordered 50,000 Units a week of the Vit D . He had to do this once before.

I know I sound like a sissy ,but this is the one Doc that I dont ask many questions . This one is very scarey to me, because there's no meds or treatments or anything to reverse this and it will only get worse,the older I get . He had to take me off my BP meds just so they wouldn't further damage my kidneys, so that's always a worry too. I had TERRIBLE high blood pressure a few years back. like 260/ 120 -- always in that range . I used to take 5 pills a day for it ,but somehow, it is currently staying down without the meds. No one has an answer as to why,but I'm thinking that stress may have been the reason it was so high before. That was a REALLY bad time in my life,and I was upset constantly . I guess I'm used to having problems now, so my BP doesn't get too bad. At times, it's been higher than it should be, but they dont want me to take anything unless it skyrockets again .

I have to take one day at a time and try not to dwell on the future prospects . Just be thankful for each day .

 

I hope all is well with you and that you've had a good summer . I'll bet you had some mighty bad hot days down there. This year was the hottest we've ever had ,almost every day was 90 or higher ,with only about 3 days of good rain . This past week or so ,it has started looking and feeling a little more like Fall is coming .

 

Have you been reading much lately or too busy ?

[poppyshake]

Love your review of An Idiot Abroad Julie ... I haven't read the book but laughed myself silly over the TV series. Like you, I only have to look at Karl's face and expressions to be laughing. I loved how unimpressed he was with everything. I wonder if the second series is as good? Would you recommend the book to someone who had seen the series? .. was there a lot of additional info?

 

You're doing exceedingly well any visit to the doc's is terrifying but you've had such a lot to put up with .. no wonder it gave you the frights. I hope you're feeling a bit better in your self and able to enjoy one or two treats .. also glad that you've been able to concentrate on reading .. it's not always easy when you've got things on your mind but it's absolutely the right thing to do so well done you xx

 

Weather here is so humid .. we've had such a lot of rain and the temps are up so it just feels heavy. I feel like a damp dishrag most of the time (and look like one I'm sure) .. it's an effort to do anything. Can't imagine what it must be like to have temps in the 90's though .. seems ages since we last had that (and then blink and you missed it ) Sending hugs xx

[julie]

Hi Miss Poppy

Yes, I'd say the book was pretty good too. It followed right along with the videos as far as the things that were done ,etc,but they weren't in order --so if you watch the videos in order, then you see some of the things written about later in the book .

I'd say the book has a little more info --they have several photos and Karl makes "notes" throughout,so that was neat to read.

I really enjoyed both book and videos ,so it's hard to say which one was best.

As for the part 2, I have the videos for them,but haven't watched them yet. The book comes out here in September so I'm trying to wait to get it before watching the videos . It'd probably be best to watch a video then read the chapter that goes with it .

I'll definitely post in here after reading the next book to let you know how it compares to the first.

I'm feeling somewhat better,some days aree better then others. Sometimes I'll have a whole day where I feel pretty good, then others I might only have a few hours ,and once in awhile I feel lousy all day . Gotta get bloodwork the last week of the month to see what the thyroid levels are and if they need to increase or decrease it .

Sorry your weather wasn't too good this summer. When we watched some of the Olympics, it looks so GREEN over there. Must be from all the rain. It's usually pretty green here,but this year, it's brown . The leaves have actually started falling already,probably from lack of rain .

I think everyone here is ready for Fall --too hot this summer to do much but sit in the air with a cold drink.

[pontalba]

Oh phooey Julie, you are not a sissy. You're a sane human being. If you were not scared some, then I'd have to say, waaaaaiiit a minute here, this gal isn't afraid, whass wrong with this picture. I wish I could just set and hold your hand and tell you not to worry. Well, worrying is part of life, but for heaven's sake don't let it take over your life. That doesn't accomplish any thing. Worrying is just the biggest waste of time there is. Doesn't change a bloody thing. So. Allot yourself 10 or 15 minutes at the time of day of your choosing and worry like heck, then fuggetdaboudit! That'll get it out of your system. Done. Period.

Look at it this way, you are living your life now, and it's your job to enjoy yourself as much as possible. None of us know what is coming. No one. You. Will. Be. Fine!!

 

Your doctor sounds like a matter-of-fact kind of fellow. That's a good thing. You want the straight poop. It's good that you can depend on him for just that. You have to know the facts.

 

As for me, I have to say we are having a great time. Stayed for two weekends down in New Orleans, had a blast. Room service, the whole nine yards. What the heck, we only live once, may as well enjoy ourselves as much as we can. I'm not getting any younger you know.

 

It's been HOT as blazes here, but we've had rain quite a lot, and the traditional thunderstorms almost every day. All I can say is that it's summer in the South.

 

It's funny. Husband is from New York, and was really surprised at the violence of the thunderstorms here. lol I guess I'm so used to it, I hardly notice them. Last night coming across the Causeway Bridge http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Pontchartrain_Causeway we saw quite a lightening display to the north and east of the bridge. Pretty close to where we live in fact.

We make the trip pretty often, several times a week nowadays.

 

Take care Julie, sending hugs and

[julie]

Thanks Kat,

I guess sometimes I just need to have someone make me see things in the right perspective. I know that worrying about things is really a waste of time . I think sometimes I try to take big chunks of my life and worry about what will happen in a year, or 5 years or ten years,but it IS wasting time Thanks for making me see that .

It sounds like you have had some fun weeks. New Orleans looks so beautiful,just from the pictures and things on tv we've seen.

The scenery and food and people, it looks like a whole different world than here. I bet your husband did have an adjustment to make ,at least about the weather . NY isn't super far away from us, so I'd guess their weather is pretty much like ours .Maybe a little colder in the winter. I can imagine living down there where it's so hot and the storms, probably is different for him . He's probably really happy there ,though. It looks like a beautiful place to make a home .

Did you find any neat bookshops on your trip ? I bet they have a ton of them in a place that big .

[julie]

Post Secret :Extraordinary Confessions From Ordinary Lives --- Frank Warren 5/5

 

and

 

A Lifetime of Secrets - Frank Warren 5/5

 

 

I'm putting these next 2 reviews together ,since the books are both about the same subject,by the same author . One could be called Part 2, I guess .

They are very quick reads if all you do is READ them,but if you ponder some of these , it really makes you stop to think how many of these may pertain to my own life ,or someone I know .

The original idea for this was started in 2004, by Frank Warren . He decided to pass out blank postcards to complete strangers ,with his return mailing address on them . The cards just said they were invited to anonymously fill out the postcard, putting a secret fear ,regret,confession or betrayal on it and mailing it in . He was curious to see what type answers he'd get . This first book and the postcards, continued. He began a website which advertised the idea even more,so as of the 2nd book I listed,he has gotten over 10,000 postcards from all over the world .

People got very creative. Some used old photos or made artwork of some type. The books are filled with these postcards.Some are funny,some are sad,and some are just weird .

The majority of them are either about lost romances, regrets about times they missed saying something that it's too late to say now . Lots of them are heartbreaking -- people who feel unloved or unwanted ,or who have suffered abuse or rape and never told anyone .

Many of the people include a thank you on the card, allowing them to place their secret on the card has somehow allowed them to let go of the problem a little bit .

 

There are several more books that run along the same theme ,and a website is listed in the book. I don't know if I'm allowed to post that,since it might sound like I'm trying ot sell the books ,so if you just do a search with the word Postsecret, you'll find it that way .

 

Anyhow, very interesting reading for someone like me, who likes studying people, and talking to strangers and learning about other people's lives .

 

These get 5/ 5 ... the postcards are really neat and the books made me think about what I'd put on MY postcard .Hhhhmmmm..........

[Chrissy]

Thanks for the health update Julie. Sorry that you have health worries still, but I can only agree with the wise wise words of Miss Pontalba when she says,

 

Look at it this way, you are living your life now, and it's your job to enjoy yourself as much as possible. None of us know what is coming. No one. You. Will. Be. Fine!!

 

 

 

The two Frank Warren books look terribly good, and I have in mind a friend who would love them,so I will no doubt end up getting two copies of each in the end!

[julie]

Thanks Chrissy

 

Yes, the books are very interesting. There are more than 2. I found these at our library,but none of the others were available around here,so I havent read them yet .

I think there are 5 in this series ,but there could be more. Those are the only ones I know about . Makes you think a lot . I guess we all have secrets of some type . It makes me wonder what I'd write if I were to send one in. The website is really neat-- they have videos and message boards,.so you can read a LOT of secrets online also .

 

If you get the books I hope you enjoy them .

[vodkafan]

Hi Julie sorry to hear that your kidney function is a bit down . It might stay stable for quite a while though maybe at least not get any worse?

 

You have read some interesting books lately.

[julie]

Hi James

As for the kidneys, the doc said that when you reach my age, the kidney function naturally decreases by 1/2 percent per year that you live, that is in any person. He said with mine already being this low, the future doesn't look too bright,so all he can hope for is that nothing occurs to make the rate drop faster . If I go back on BP pills they will speed the rate up . A slippery slope . I try not to think about it much ,unless it's around my appt time . I have 4 months til I need to go back again .

 

Yes, I have found some interesting books lately . Been on the prowl to find something to keep my attention ,so have been sorta looking for lots of different type things to keep my brain busy .

 

Thanks for the visit !

[poppy]

Just caught up with all the health issues you are having Julie and can I just send my love and some big hugs as well

[pontalba]

Hey Julie,

First,

 

Second, oh yeah, there are some excellent bookstores down in N.O. Some great second hand ones I have to say. Two in the French Quarter to begin with that are fabulous, large selection, eclectic selection even better. Their prices are very reasonable too. We have another favorite that is more in the Uptown area that we visit every so often.

 

I like your review of the Warren books above. I remember reading something about those postcards years ago. I can't imagine actually sending something in like that though. Just goes against the grain with me. But they say people can't keep secrets, and I suppose that, in a way, proves it. Lets face it, people are funny critters. heh

[chaliepud]

Hi Julie, just stopping by as got back from our holiday, it was strange not connecting much to the Internet while we were away but they were charging 65 US cents an hour to connect on board so decided not to rack up a large bill... My son made a friend there who logged on and forgot to log off, someone else came on and must have been on there a while as his Dad received an $80 bill, ouchy!!!

 

Sorry to hear your health problems are still dogging you, do you have to be careful now with what you eat and drink to look after your kidneys? Are there any supplements that may help at all? I suppose a sensible low fat diet is in order, how boring! Saying that though I really need to start eating more healthily again, an all you can eat breakfast and lunch buffet and large

dining room dinners plus 24 hour snacks and ice cream is not conducive to a slimline figure!!

 

Hope you get some better health news soon Julie..

[julie]

 

I like your review of the Warren books above. I remember reading something about those postcards years ago. I can't imagine actually sending something in like that though.

 

Kat

Yea , I figured there'd be tons of great bookstores down that way . It'd be fun to spend a few hours digging through their shelves .

As for sending the postcard in to a stranger who might publish it in a book, all of them were anonymous, not even first names or initials were used . They don't ever use a person's name on their postcard ,like if they were directing their comment to one specific person, it's not worded with that person's name .

I definitely think everyone has secrets, maybe big and maybe small,but we all have them. I'm pretty much an open book and tend to tell people anything . I really dont have many areas of my life that are secret . I've always felt it's better to get things out than to leave them inside where they are constantly in there thunking around .

I guess if I HAD to send a postcard to the guy, I'd have to dig pretty deep to find something that no one else on the planet knows . I'm a YAKKER ,as you can probably tell by my posts, so my biggest challenge would be to find something that I haven't mentioned to ANYONE ,

I really liked the books though because so many of them just really hit you hard .. the rules state to keep it as short as possible ,so that would be another challenge for me .

 

 

Just caught up with all the health issues you are having Julie and can I just send my love and some big hugs as well

 

Thank you Poppy. I appreciate it very much .

 

Hi Julie, just stopping by as got back from our holiday, it was strange not connecting much to the Internet while we were away but they were charging 65 US cents an hour to connect on board so decided not to rack up a large bill... My son made a friend there who logged on and forgot to log off, someone else came on and must have been on there a while as his Dad received an $80 bill, ouchy!!!

 

Sorry to hear your health problems are still dogging you, do you have to be careful now with what you eat and drink to look after your kidneys? Are there any supplements that may help at all? I suppose a sensible low fat diet is in order, how boring! Saying that though I really need to start eating more healthily again, an all you can eat breakfast and lunch buffet and large

dining room dinners plus 24 hour snacks and ice cream is not conducive to a slimline figure!!

 

Hope you get some better health news soon Julie..

 

Hi Chalie

That's great about your vacation. I bet it was so beautiful and enjoyable ! Those internet rates are ridiculous,so I dont blame you for not using them much. It is hard going someplace where you can't get online much. Down where we go for our reunion each year is like that. Not that the rates are high,but they have no coverage down at the small motel we stay in,so you have to go to the library and sign in on their computers . It's weird how you get so used to these things and miss them when you can't use them .isn't it ?

As for healthy eating /drinking, no , the kidney doc said nothing like that will help or hurt at this point . I asked him about drinking Coke and he said it doesnt matter what I drink, the kidneys are going bad and won't improve ,no matter what I do . I have no restrictions other than to take as few meds as possible . That's why he took me off the bp pills ,they caused a lot of the damage in the beginning . I get severe migraines and he doesnt approve of me taking anything for them, but that's where I draw the line . i can't go without taking stuff for them.They are horrible .

 

Anyhow, it gets pretty discouraging to have so many body parts on the blink when I'm in my mid 50's . Not much I can do about it other than listen to the docs and do what they tell me .

 

Thanks for your encouragement .

[pontalba]

Short? heh I suppose that'd keep me out too. Once I get going, I'm pretty long winded as well.

 

I suppose I just don't trust something like that enough to do it. Not that I'm any better, or any worse than anyone else, the vibes just don't feel right. That's about the closest I can come to explanation of my feelings.

 

You know, I wonder if it could be of benefit to you to go to a good health food store and speak with a knowledgeable herbalist. Sometimes they can come up with interesting things. I understand and agree you have to trust your doctors and follow their instructions, I just like to investigate all avenues. Just a thought. You do have to be careful of it though. Not all herbalists are created equally.

[julie]

Kat

Yea, that might be an idea to consider at some point. I have so many specialists now, it is overwhelming . I have an appt tomorrow, 2 next week ,( possibility that I may have to get my other knee replaced ) --they did one 3 years ago, the other one is really bad,so the doc next week will tell me if it needs done yet .

Next month is my lung guy ,the next month is my neurologist ,the next month is mammogram,the next month is the kidney test . I'm like an old car with all my parts broken . I keep telling the Hubster to roll me over the hill and get a new model,but so far he hasn't taken me up on the offer. I think he's used to my same old tires and comfortable worn out seat .

[julie]

Odd Jobs :Portraits of Unusual Occupations

 

This book gives a list of unusual jobs that you'd never really think about anyone doing . Some sound kinda fun,while others sound really gross .

The ones that I might be interested in would be :

---a potato chip tester --they have to make sure the chips aren't too well done when coming out of the machine,also any that are stuck together have to be discarded. I suppose you could sample a few TONS of them per year ,so it might be fun til you got sick of potato chips .

----Dinosaur duster-who has to dust the bones off in the museum . That'd be pretty easy I'd think ,except to reach the high spots .

----Foot model would be really easy,but I don't know if my feet look that good that people would want pictures of them .

 

The ones that would be really gross or just not worth any amount of money to do :

---Dog -breath -tester --Yes, they actually have someone doing this that works for dog food companies, to see if their dog food seems to promote healthy teeth and gums . GROSS .

----Condom tester at first sounded ,shall we say ...entertaining,but the lady who does this job looks like her name might be ATTILLA ....and the way she tests them doesnt really sound very amusing. You put them on these tube-like gadgets then they dip them underwater to check for bubbles which means HOLES . No wonder she looks like ATTILLA . Sounds like a R E A L L Y boring job .

---Cosmetologist for a funeral parlor -- at least your CLIENTS couldnt complain if you did their hair wrong .

 

The one that actually sounded quite entertaining and different :

 

The Headmistress of Miss Vera's Finishing School for Boys Who Want to be Girls .

Now THIS sounds amusing . It is in NY city ,first ever school for cross dressers to learn how to be a lady . They are taught several courses, of which I might need coached in,such as walking in high heels ,and flirting . I'm not much into those things myself,so maybe I'd better keep my day job : Couch Potato .

 

Anyhow, quite an interesting book. I never knew they hired people to do some of these things .

I'll give it a 4/5 for entertainment value .

[Chrissy]

I keep telling the Hubster to roll me over the hill and get a new model,but so far he hasn't taken me up on the offer. I think he's used to my same old tires and comfortable worn out seat .

 

Maybe he is just looking forward to being married to the bionic woman, once you get your other knee sorted. The doctors are certainly keeping close tabs on you Julie - glad you are able to keep your sense of humour about it all.

[julie]

Chrissy

It depends on the day .Sometimes I do better than others . I have really bad days where I'm crabby or really discouraged . Others. I try to keep being tough . I've always done that, when things get bad , i joke or yak a lot just to keep myself occupied I guess. Maybe my way of coping ?

Not much choice in the matter, you either face things head on or hide in a hole .

[Chrissy]

Well you feel welcome to rant and rave and vent in here if the mood takes you. It must get you down at times, you wouldn't be human if it didn't.

[pontalba]

Venting is a good thing, helps lower blood pressure.

 

I swear, Odd Jobs :Portraits of Unusual Occupations has to be the book I read some months back, and haven't been able to find since! I laughed out loud at that thing!! Loved it.

Your review is on target!

 

Hubster sounds like a good fellow, I think ya oughta keep him. /giggle/

[julie]

Thanks guys

Look out if you welcome me venting. You might be sorry you made that offer ! My moods are sometimes like a volcano. Most of the time, I manage not to BLOW,but look out when I do ! Not pleasant .

 

It helps coming in here to have someone else to YAK to. The poor Hubster, I think his ears probably bleed sometimes just listening to me .

I was joking with him yesterday and told him I need to get a pet .Something with EARS,so I can talk to IT during the day.

 

The Hubster's response was : That would be cruelty to animals.

 

( He was joking, we both say things like that all the time to each other . ) We met when we were 13,so we've grown up and grown old together .

And yep, he's a Keeper . I wasn't real sure for the first 34 years,but this past one, he really convinced me to keep him .

 

JOKING ...

 

 

Kat

Yea, that book may have been the same one you read. Which occupation would YOU like ?

[julie]

Miss Rena and Me --Hyacinth Andersen 1/5

 

This book was a freebie for the kindle ,and it was worth what I paid for it . A VERY short story about a little girl who visited her elderly neighbor lady and learned to cook,etc . Very boring book. If it would have been one more sentence long, I would ask the author to pay ME for reading it .

[pontalba]

 

Kat

Yea, that book may have been the same one you read. Which occupation would YOU like ?

 

If I could find the book, I'd know what to answer! lol

Actually, I think I remember spying it once, but forget exactly where.......ohhhhh, the little grey cells are not up to par!

If I could ever organize our books, it would be wonderful. Frankly, I've about given up on it.