That Scottish Fold

When I first saw this book, I thought twice whether to buy it or not. I was attracted by the cat but I was not sure. Still, I decided to take it because although this was a 1993 book, I know I'll be entertained - and I was.

It seems too good to be true. However, for a cat person like me, and I think for other cat enthusiasts as well, this is possible. The author said it himself, "Everyone knew cats weren't as affectionate as dogs..." Cats are not known for attachements like dogs have. They may know us but the affection varies fron one cat to another; it is nothing that of the dogs. What Mr. Gethers had with Norton is something amazing.

I myself would want to have a cat. Not exactly like Norton but any cat I can call my own, a cat that will grow with me starting with his kitten years.

His cute; he's called a Scottish Fold because of his ears. Along the way, I found some of their experiences funny but what striked me the most was how the author would get to love another human being.

 

Most part of the book shares his adventures with Norton. Most of the time, he would prefer to be with his cat. I was expecting relationships will be mentioned in between and I was interested on how his relationship status will change. For a person to dearly love his pet that it sometimes becomes the problem, many lessons were learned and that was presented at the last part, as the book's conclusion. In the end, he still found the woman of his life, with Norton still present.

 

Notable Ideas

 

~Norton clearly liked the combination of his freedom and my company as much as I did.

~What really brought us together was the fact that we had one thing in common - we both wanted to stay independent.

~"...I mean adandoning yourself to love. You're an observer. I don't know if you're participant in life... Oh, you do participate but you hold back." -Cindy

~She has always been the quiet strength behind the family,...

~Where I see perfection, they see hair that's not as thick as Paulina's. I see sculpted grace, they see skin that's not as tight as Christie's.

~The physical wounds were surface, but the emotional scars seemed to run deep.

Todd Becomes Odd*

"I wrote this manuscript nonetheless, as writing is my therapy."

The reviews were right. Dean’s Odd Thomas is hilarious. He seems odd, but he’s good. They are both good.

The story is presented in a first person point-of-view which is what I mostly prefer. Although I haven’t read the first two books, this 2006 book still makes the new readers catch up if ever that they start with the third book, just like what I did. I was able to watch the movie adaptation of the first book and I can’t tell for sure of its closeness to the book but the way I see it, the essence was preserved.

The reason why Odd went some place away from hometown is to find new meaning, purpose, to his life, to think about how to go after what happened in his first manuscript. I get it. I can relate to that. There are times that we need to think, to re-evaluate things, perspectives; somehow, to take a break and start over.

At St. Bartholomew’s, he met new friends. Like anything else we experience, he found it right to share what makes him different over time. He took the risk because he grew to trust them and although it’s not something easy to grasp, they were patient and open-minded. It was worth it for Odd.

For us, when we think of sharing a big part of us, there’s the tendency to be doubtful, to be scared, because of uncertainty. Admit it or not, we cannot say how it will go until we do it, until we are at the moment. It’s kind of how will we handle what happens next if people react negatively. It’s hard but the choice will come from us.

I admire Odd’s courage to face what’s unknown to most people. It is something we need. Although it is far from comparison to what Odd sees, I am speaking in general.

I also like the way he converse with people, it is formal and intellectual, the degree of respect is present. It amuses me. I’m sort of formal myself. I’ll say this is a good book.

Notable Ideas

~The only thing I know for sure is how much I do not know. Maybe there is wisdom in that recognition.
~I had only asked God for a time-out, which had been granted, but now the clock was ticking again.
~He incorporated the hiss to remind himself that in every human enterprise, no matter with what virtuous intentions it is undertaken, a serpent lurks.
~Although I had no idea what he meant by that, I didn’t press him for an explanation. He said many things I didn’t fully understand, and I didn’t want our relationship to become a verbal sonata to which a rhythmic Huh? Huh? Huh? was my only contribution.
~“…That’s what I’m afraid of. The things I’ll have to do.”
~As a desert-town boy, I was raised in fierce dry heat, which does not distract, but tends to enervate or to toughen the sinews of the mind and focus thought. I felt displaced in this cold and whirling chaos, and not entirely myself.
~Some people like to hear themselves talk, but I like to hear myself silent.
~You can’t fix things with a hug, but you can’t make them any worse, either.
~Irrational fear feeds on itself and grows. You must deny it.
~“…I was just, you know, overcome by a sense of the unknown.”
~“I didn’t open the door,“ I said. “ I just showed him where the knob was and which way it turned.”
~That is the best of all things we can do for one another: Make the dark small.
~“I may come back one day,” I said, “but now this isn’t the place for me.”

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*His name is supposed to be Todd but there was a mistake and it became Odd, according to his parents.

What's Your Score?

“All that matters are test scores… What doesn’t matter is students really learning anything…”–Ann

The title says it – the story is about test, as in exam. If I will put myself in the shoes of Mr. Sleator, I, as well, cannot think of a better word/s to make the title of this 2008 book more catchy or unique. It is as it is. However, the plot consists of conspiracy theory and if you like that, this one has it in a twist that test is all that matters.

I like the idea of turning things around from a simple life event. Taking exam is normal in a school setup as it is part of education. But this story explored the concept of exam as a complete defining tool of ones future, whether an individual has one or none, purely on it alone.

Its result is a number, a mathematical presentation of how well we are doing. This number is important because it is a way to measure ones knowledge. Aside from major tests, there are quizzes, assignments, projects, graded recitation, and others. But the thing is, that’s not all there is.

When we look for job, there is still a test. If we meet the target result, we move on to interview, another way of processing and evaluating ones qualification. All I’m saying is that there are people who might do well in exam but are intelligent. It’s just a matter of how a person can interpret it for others to see. Some can do it in test while others cannot. At the end of the day, it is how you put your learning into good use. Application – that’s valuable.

I cannot tell for sure where the idea came from but I think this story is how some youth look at tests nowadays and can definitely relate to its concept, minus the conspiracy theory.

After receiving the result, it’s a normal habit for some to compare scores. So, how well did you do? If that’s not that high, you can still do better on the next one. The important thing is that you learn. If you can make it reflect on your grades, do try your best. If not, let's look at how we can make it thorugh.

Notable Ideas

~Like Ann, most of them had probably never been read to in their lives. It was amazing how pleasurable it was. You sat there and the story unfolded in your head…
~She was about to say, “It’s all my fault,” but stopped herself. She’d already said it enough.
~“If we had the original slogan, and then have it equal something that didn’t mean anything at all, it would show how it didn’t mean anything in the first place…” -Ann

First Book of the Year

"For the first time in days, she felt absolutely confident. This was her world. She knew what to do."

How I Got It

In a mall, during a get together with college friends, we do not know what to do. Suggestion? Since cinema is not an option (we had to wait long), just go around and check things.

Of course, I would not miss a bookstore. While browsing for titles, I did not expect to find The 39 Clues in Booksale specifically the first book.  It costs Php135. As someone who is trying to control my book collection habit, I thought twice whether to buy it or not. We left empty handed to check on National Bookstore and think there whether to go back for it or not. I did not actually plan to check the regular price but upon passing by its series, I decided to look at the price tag. I did not see book one but I know it is of the same price as the following books. It is Php500 rounded off.

Before we left the mall, I went back for it. In my defense, it is a rare find as cheap as it is and well, I haven't bought any book in a while so I thought I deserve to treat myself one. I still have to manage and control my habit expenses though. Good luck with that but I know I will make it through.

I already finished reading it and I do not know when I will acquire the second book. As of the moment, when I checked it online, there are thirty one books for this series. If I would do it, it will be critical for my wallet so in the near future, I will not collect it yet. The important thing for now is that I was able to start with the first book.

What's In It

I liked the story. Especially that it was Mr. Riordan who wrote it first, I expected nonetheless. I haven't read his new novels yet but with his work with the Percy Jackson series, I know he will do something amazing again.

This 2008 book has another big twist wherein significant people are part of a prestigious family and that they are relatives, even if it's distant. As long as they carry a portion of the blood, as long as it runs in their veins. This journey of Amy and Dan Cahill for a secret, hidden in 39 Clues, reminds me of Capcom's Resident Evil game, not the movie. Everything there, from one place to another, involves the characters to look for items to be able to proceed. Those items serves as key access. Only this time, with 39 Clues, it's on a wider scope.

I cannot elaborate the details of the misfortunes of the siblings anymore but what I think is the most important lesson that this book is portraying is a simple as - your family is your support. Amy and Dan fight like normal siblings do. But as the story moved on, with its drama that can be compared in real life minus all the dangerous stuff, at the end of the day, you may not be in good relationship with your relatives, it will always be your immediate family that can always be with you through it all.

During and after reading this book, I was able to prove that my interest really lies in action-adventure-teen/young adult genre. I can read drama and others but it can either take a while to finish it or stop halfway through. It will now depend on the plot. That's why I think thrice before buying nowadays.

This is the first book of the year 2015. I hope there will be new good reads to come

Notable Ideas

~Amy had been reading more than usual. Dan knew it was her way of hiding,...
~The old man chuckled, "You have intelligence and youth, and a fresh way of looking at things. I, on the other hand, have resources and age,..."
~She looked at her brother. Despite how annoying he was, they had always been able to communciate just by looking at each other. It wasn't telepathy or anything, but she could tell what her brother was thinking.
~It drove her crazy when she couldn't remember things. She read so many books sometimes they got jumbled around in her head.
~"I'm going to regret this, Nellie muttered. "But I might as well regret it in Paris."
~He decided not to think about it. One thing at a time.
~Mary-Todd yelled. "Children, we can't keep arguing with each other. It hurts team morale."
~Amy couldn't believe how quickly his spirits had rebounded. A few minutes ago, he'd been complaining about his feet and his heavy backpack. Now, a hunk of bread later, he was as good as new. Amy wished she was like that. he felt like lying down and sleeping for a century,...

Down Time

He could lie here and simply think. His favourite occupation.

–Eion Colfer, Artemis Fowl: Opal Deception

 

Every Sunday, when I was still working with my first job, there is this thing called “down time.” Basically, it means system maintenance and with that, we cannot use our computers for a certain period of time. That term, “down time,” is appropriate right now for what I am feeling, not because I cannot use my computer but because I cannot seem to function myself.

 

Down time can be caused by “what if…” I was able to confirm that staying too much at home doing nothing most of the time, or at least looking for something to do, can be very toxic. You have nothing else to do but think. Looking at an excerpt from Artemis Fowl above, that is how exactly I grew up. So, I can be described as an overthinker.

 

The best solution that exists is to pray. The other option I that comes after that is to listen to music. Other than Christian music, below are titles that contain what I feel. The first three songs convey negativity. It is followed by the fourth that portrays hope. The rest that comes after until the end, sustains hope and turns on positivity. You may try to listen to them and see the meaning within. The right time will come that I’ll be back to normal and I can say, “Systems up!”

 

~Broken by Lifehouse

~The Scientist by Coldplay

~Keep Holding On by Avril Lavigne

~Let Me Go by Avril Lavigne feat. Chad Kroeger

~Give Your Heart A Break by Demi Lovato

~On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons

~Phoenix Burn by Alpha Rev

~Somewhere Only We Know by Keane

~Shake It Off by Taylor Swift

~Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall

~Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield

~Radioactive by Imagine Dragons

~Stronger by Kelly Clarkson

~Smile by Avril Lavigne

~Life Is Good by Junk

Little Signs

Hershel: "Just hold it a little longer. Please?"

My favorite quote comes from Arthur Conan Doyle for his character Sherlock Holmes. It goes this way, "It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important." They definitely are as there are little signs that show and mean something. However, I chose to use a different quote above (from a character in The Walking Dead) as it best describes what I have felt. On one note, both are relevant.

 

I do not know what happened to me. Maybe I just had cold feet. I understand how my colleagues will react when they learn about my plan, some will be positive while some will be negative. A few understood what I was going through while many still tried to convince me to stay while. Those who understood said it is normal and they went through the same experience when they first started. Some also said that I am still young and that there will still be other opportunities out there.

 

Last month, these happened continuously: one stopped and one delayed wristwatch before leaving the house, slow moving jeepney while travelling, and I almost tripped while walking. The next day, I was delayed by slow walkers and I got late.

 

I tried to lessen my overthinking but I cannot deny and ignore these little signs - that this is not for me. Maybe it is just for the moment. I don't know. Maybe not for me ever. I tried to challenge myself and stand strong, I held on a little longer, but it was not that long enough and all I can manage is just for a specific period of time. It may be disappointing to others, I'm grateful for their concern and I will surely miss them, but my limit came and this is where I have to change course. I cannot go any further. I have to re-evaluate myself and my decision-making to find my next journey.

He Shall Return*

For the last week of October, my scheduled changed with Monday and Tuesday as my rest days. Little did I know that a colleague of mine will be leaving for another road to travel and yes, also literally, because it is another journey.

I already had an idea that it will come soon but no specific date was mentioned. So, on my second day of off was his last day in the office. Everyone else was able to celebrate with him because that day was also our pay day.

Then, the first week of November came and again, my schedule changed. In this line of business, flexibility in time is needed because that is how it works. With this, my rest days moved as well to Tuesday and Wednesday.

While watching early in the morning in Philippine standard time (as I am following American time), I received a message and it is from him. He was asking if I have a duty and I told him that it was my off.

Well, that was two times in a row that I am at home when he was in the office. I may not have seen him before his adventure but I reached to him through text. Well, we will just see each other someday. We may have just met for a short period of time but I am blessed to have a great family in our wave.

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*Based from the famous line of General Douglas MacArthur only that this is on a second person point of view and it is for Mark Anthony a.k.a. Mac