My Name is Mary Sutter

Book Review: So I just finished reading the book by Robin Oliveira called My Name is Mary Sutter. It was a very interesting look at a woman in Civil War times that wants to become a surgeon. At the beginning of the book, Mary is a midwife who falls in love with her neighbor, Thomas. As the men go off to war, Mary too leaves home in hopes of learning more about medicine and hoping for a chance to become a doctor. It was amazing to me how much medicine advanced in the few years following the Civil War. And, it makes me so grateful for what we know about the human body and the spread of disease. If only they had antibiotics, so many lives would have been spared.

After some gruesome descriptions of amputations, the harsh realities of the unsanitary conditions and a bit of a love story along the way...it was a book I was sad to put down at the end. Great historical fiction novel! I'd give it 4.5 stars out of 5!

Here's my new vocabulary words I learned, after looking them up. I doubt they will become regulars in my rotation of "smart" words...

Quotidian, enteric, icterus, paucity, dyspeptic, pugnacious, recalcatrant, parsimonious, officious, abstemiousness, suppuration, desultory, quiescent, temerity, petulant, truculent, detritus, phalanx, truculent, intransiqence, timorous, tincture, sputum, sinnous, denizens and perspicacious. Whew! I bet the author was tired after looking all those fancy words up in her thesaurus!

Any good recommendations for my next book?

Idol Chatter...top 13

Tonight we see the re-appearance of Bono jr. (Jimmy Iovine). Jr. and his crew try to shape up the new idols as they perform their "idols". Seems like a lot of idol worship...How does Jimmer feel about the competition??

Here's my $.02 (two cents) on each performance.

1. Lauren-Well, I'm not a Shania fan, and she didn't do all that well, but I'm still a Lauren fan.

2. Casey-Reminds me of a scruffy leprechaun, you rocked it man.

3. Ashton-Our new Diana Ross barbie...looks a like, sort of sounds alike, but who is Ashton?

4. Paul-Who was your idol? Never hear of him...but I idolize you, and your fancy jackets.

5. Pia-You blow me away. And you're beautiful. Where was the fist pound on your chest?

6. James-I didn't recognize him without the tail, great song, I was amazed and you kept the screaching to a minimum level that I could handle.

7. Hailey-Great impersonation of Ms. Rhimes, not sure if it's relevant to today's music?

8. Jacob-A choir, really? I wanted to "fly" out of there...a bit too much for me.

9. Thia-Well, honey, I loved your dress and the beginning of the song, then you lost it for me.

10. Stefano-That's the Stevie Wonder song you chose? I didn't get it, too pitchy for me.

11. Karen-J.Lo Jr. Too many low notes out of your register, she'll get the sympathy vote for mic problems.

12. Scotty-Love the head-bobs and talking eyebrows. Though I'm not a country fan, this is actually one of my all time favorite songs...you're no garth in my opinion.

13. Naima-Her colorful clothing choices remind me of an advertisement for United Colors of Benneton from the late 80's. Crunky-reggae version, not my style. But you look like a characted off the spin-off from the Cosby show "A Different World".

So, I know, it's missing a letter still...I'll fix it tomorrow. If you want to play along, comment on the blog posting and I'll be keeping track of who gets the most points each week. If you beat me, I'll take you out to dinner at the end of the season. Good luck!

My prediction for tomorrow's result show: We say good bye to Ashton. She's just not living up to my high expectations and I'm not sure America really likes her gig. We'll see what happens...

Well, congratulations me! I've got one right so far. N.H. also scored big tonight. Sorry. T.P. none for you tonight. Join us next Wednesday for more Idol Chatter... Or better yet, join us live at C.Dot's home Wednesday's at 8 p.m. to critique the contestants live, or rather on the DVR.

Super Saturday!!

Addy turned 8 last week and was baptized on Saturday. She was super excited and a little nervous. We had a nice family bbq afterwards and enjoyed a great day together. I can't believe how fast your are growing up. And you are such a sweet and talented little girl. I'm sure lucky to be your Aunt Camille!! or is that cat-mill?

Is that nervous excitement I see in both of your eyes???

Parker, parker, parker....how you have shot up like a little weed! Let's always remember the one day that we were the same heigth. I'm sure next week you'll be taller than me...forever. Then you can tower over me and enjoy using me for an arm-rest. What a kid!!

Super Saturday!

Parker, parker, parker...remember the day we were the same heigth...I'm sure next week when I see you again you will be taller than me. You're turning into a fine young man!!

Addy turned 8 and got baptized!!! I can't believe she is so grown up. Seems like just last week she was a tiny baby I was holding in my arms...Ah, so proud of you sweetie!!

Idol Chatter

After two rousing evenings of performances...I'm ready to predict the people's choice for top 5 boys and girls to be announced tomorrow night. Apparently America picks 10, then the judges pick 10...then we have our AI top 20. New twist this season, but I like it!

Boys:

1. Jun Bug Gamboa--thought his performance was just okay, he's a crowd favorite. So America agrees with me...not that great. Try again next year.

2. James Durban--can't stand his screaming Adam-Lambert style, another crowd fave. The only thing going for this kid in my book is that he upped my % correct.

3. Scotty McCreery--wish you were as cute as the John Wayne kid, but your voice rocks, for country. Yee Haw!

4. Jacob Lusk--a bit flamboyant for my taste, but I do love his voice. Another one correct, time will tell how big the flames burn for this one...

5. Casey Abrams--I'm still confused about him, but he can really sing. Old squinty-eyes made it through, almost the same as old blue-eyes??

**Well I must say I am thrilled by America's choice of Paul McDonald!! I really like this guy, I wanted him to make it through, what a smile!! Reminds me of Ross and his "white" teeth.

Girls:

1. Lauren Turner--great powerhouse voice, and she seems real. Ah, what happened??

2. Ashton Jones (aka: Jonesy)--she is a diva and a great performer! Made it by the skin of her teeth.

3. Thia Megia--a captivating performance, really caught my attention. Loved the MJ reference. Cha-ching! I'm starting to like her a bit.

4. Lauren Alaina--she is fun, she's young and a natural entertainer. Double cha-ching!

5. Pia Toscana--she sang like I was hoping Julie Z. would, blew her out of the water! Triple hitter!

We'll see if my average goes up tomorrow night. Can I beat my previous 73%? Well, 7/10, so just a 70%. Not as good as I was hoping for....

Big surprise, I was completely wrong about the judges picks. So 3 "wild-card" picks. Glad they kept Ashton Jones, but I could do without the others. I've just about got the leader board ready for tomorrow night's big show... 3/8/11

Brick Oven...Behind the Scenes

Last Friday I had the spontaneous opportunity to go on a behind-the-scenes tour at a Classic Provo Establishment: Brick Oven. They were very gracious and accommodated our group on the spur of the moment and spent nearly an hour answering our every question. Did you know there is a basement at Brick Oven? And this particular location can seat 450 guests and on a Friday/Saturday night they will turn that over 4-5 times. Incredible! Another fun fact: Brick Oven opened in 1956 as Heaps-a-Pizza. My parents went on a date or two there...I've been on a date or two there...what about you? Think of how many dating couples have been there over the years...right in the heart of BYU...staggering! I feel like a part of history.

Taco...Monday?

On President's Day we went and checked out the new Mexican restaurant in PG/AF. La Costa was a delicious treat and a nice surprise. Impeccably clean, bright with lots of natural light, and great service. They scored a 3.75 on the Taco Scale for their food, 4.5 for service, 5.0 for WPF and a 5.0 for atmosphere. Overall a solid choice. Way to go La Costa!!