Literary Crack and other fine things

Let me begin by saying that yes, I am one of those Twilight people. I had been bombarded by the obsession from every outlet possible and then while shopping at SAMS, I saw the book and succumbed to the call to read. A couple of weeks later, I've read all four book in the Twilight Saga. It was all I could think about... Bella, Edward, Jacob, the Cullens, La Push, Forks. The list goes on. And now that I've finished the saga, I can't wait to go see the movie. Yes, I've been sucked into this world Stephenie Meyers has created!

My BFF Raney heard me talk about my obsession during my affair with the series. I finally handed over the books for her to read. On Sunday, I heard my phone ring and I said to Tim, "That's Raney calling to tell me she is addicted to Twilight!" The first words out of her mouth were, "What is this literary crack you've given me!?"

Apparently, Raney was so enthralled with the book that she sat in her car at the gym to continue reading it instead of taking her cycling class!

Thank GOD I am not alone!

In fact, I found a website: TwilightMoms.com

You see, the thing is that these are about teenagers (for the most part - especially the first book of the series... books three and four aren't as juvenile as the first). Henceforth, it is a series that is more popular among teen girls. But, the author is so gifted that not only are teens and young adults swooning over Edward and injecting themselves into the Twilight world, but moms and middle-aged women are becoming obsessive fans, too!

Madness, I tell you!

I rank Stephenie Meyer, the author, right up there with George Lucas in the ability to create such a submersible world, that each person who delves into the books, is immediately sucked into the belief that this could be real!

I can't wait to read the Twilight Saga again!

Next on my list is the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mysteries - the books the HBO Original Series True Blood is based off of. From what I've heard, that series of books is pretty addictive too. But to be honest, I just can't believe that I could possibly be sucked in as deeply as I was with the Twilight Saga (no pun intended). Although, I can't wait to read them... hearing Bill's voice in my head saying "Sookie" with that sultry passion of his!

Mom was celebrated by astronauts today!

My awesome mother was awarded the Silver Snoopy Award today! She's been an employee at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center for 25+ years (give or take a year), and the Silver Snoopy Award is one of the most honored award at NASA!

Astronauts themselves choose the winner of the awards from a list of nominees. THEY chose my mom!

The Astronaut seen in the center of this poster, Scott Altman, awarded the Silver Snoopy to my mother, along with another astronaut from the same mission (I can't remember which one). Scott Altman also starred in the movie Top Gun!

The actual pin, a small silver Snoopy, was flown on a space craft. Isn't that just too cool?

I just had to brag on mom! Lord knows she wouldn't brag on herself.

WOO HOO MOM!!!!

I can't wait for Christmas [to be over with]

I suppose it comes with childhood - the excitement of Christmas. But of course, as I pointed out to Tim last week - the only real joy we find in the holidays is the smiles we see from our children. Otherwise, the holidays, Christmas in particular, is just a ball of nerves and stress. It doesn't help when TJ is running through the house (what's new) constantly pointing out the fact that Santa Claus is coming to town!

The next 24 days are going to be hell. Not because of shopping - I am almost done. Not because of baking - that will be easy. It will be hell because of the amount of stress I will be under, having to deal with the excitement and pure energy of a child that CAN'T WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS!

Of course, what kid his age isn't excited? And even though it stresses me out (he has too much energy), I have to love every moment of it. It won't be long before he loses that magic - learning that Santa isn't who he thinks he is!