The Book Meme

Kievas tagged me for this book meme that's been around and around. But I don't think I've done it before. Here are the rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. (No cheating!)
2. Find Page 123.
3. Find the first 5 sentences.
4. Post the next 3 sentences.
5. Tag 5 people.

This wasn't as simple as I expected.

First I glanced at the desk shelf behind my computer monitor. Then I realized that The Hallelujah Diet by George Malkmus was much closer to my knee. Before I reached for it, I remembered the bag of books from the library in my chair (I tend to sit forward on my chair. This makes the spot behind me a perfect drop spot for books, sweaters, or stuffed animals.

So I was literally sitting on this book & you probably can't get much closer than that.

I want to add the disclaimer that this is definitely not my book:

Odyssey by Jack McDevitt

"Doesn't it seem to you," MacAllister continued, "that if there's a potential for a catastrophe on that scale, we should stay clear of the experiment, no matter what?"

"Mac." She looked up at him. "Don't lose any sleep over it."

I won't tag anyone. Well, because everyone I know has already been tagged at least once.

Don't Count Your Wins and Rings...

Until They're Won.

I wrote awhile back about seeing the movie Facing the Giants. At the time I joked that it was almost half way through the movie before I recognized the storyline of David & Goliath. And even the kicker's name was David. Duh! So yeah I'm slow sometimes.

And then other times I'm ahead of the game.

Before THE game started yesterday, I was thinking about that movie. The Giants. But here they were the underdogs.

Then the game started. Despite repeatedly referring to this as the World Series, I was actually enjoying the game. Usually Darling Hubby was rooting quietly for the Patriots.

Then they scored to take the lead at 14-10 with about 3 minutes (2:42?) left to play. There was what seemed to be a major celebration by the Patriots.

I turned to UDH who was sitting on the other side of the sleeping dog and said, "I don't think they should be doing that. They're acting like they've won the World Series. I know it isn't likely that the Giants will score again so quickly but there is time. I don't think they should be doing that. " (I really do repeat myself like that)

I don't know why I said it . I know there are touchdown celebrations. I know this was a big game. And I really was not invested in the outcome of the game. Still those words spilled out.

After he corrected me on my Super Bowl/World Series flub for the third time, we returned to watching the game and trying to explain to Little Sprout that the minutes on the game clock didn't really mean the game would be over in that many minutes...stopping the clock is a difficult concept to explain to one who has decided that time always moves forward.

Things were looking good for the silent fan and the Patriots. And the Patriots always win, at least in this season it seemed they do.

Then, as Eli Manning escaped the clutches of those who were defending that anticipated win with the fervor of true patriots, I couldn't believe my eyes. Then the catch, I guess you could call it a catch.

All I said was, "Divine Intervention."

Quiet fan said nothing.

And of course, David and the Giants went on to win the World Series...err, the Super Bowl.

Friday Five--Options, Options

Sally writes:
There is so much going on this weekend that I thought I'd provide an options Friday 5!!!!.

First Superbowl ( someone explain to this Brit the significance)- love it or hate it?

5 reasons please!!!!!.

Second Candlemas/ Imbloc/ Groundhog day/ St Brigid's day- all of these fall on either the 1st or 2nd February.

.

1. Do you celebrate one or more of these?

2. How?

3. Is this a bit of fun or deeply significant?

4. Are festivals/ Saints days important to you?

5.Name your favourite Saints day/ celebration.

.

Bonus- 2nd Feburary is also my Birthday- I will donate £1.00 for every comment on my Friday Five Post to the Methodist Relief and Development Fund.

I always have trouble with decisions so here's the strange multi-option selection.

The Superbowl:
I'm somewhat indifferent, but don't tell the native Packer-Backers. They are already upset enough that Brett and the Pack isn't in the SuperBowl.

1. Another reason to eat brats (shh, another secret, in our house they're vegetarian brats) and drink beer.
2. If your team is playing, you often get to goof off at work the week before, wear sweatshirts & cool color combos.
3. When your team wins, you have something to talk about. For weeks and weeks.
4. If your team loses, it is a bonding experience of grief with complete strangers. For weeks and weeks. Everywhere. Workplace. School. Church. Bank. Bus. Grocery Store.
   
5. But the greatest significance of the Super Bowl in our household is that it is the end of Football Season...no games to run long and interfere with the start of one of our favorite shows.

Option 2:
(Unnumbered bits and pieces)
I'm unfamiliar with all those celebrations except Groundhog's Day.

I remember living on the East Coast as a child, I was eager to hear if Puxatawny Phil would see his shadow. Phil has now been replaced by Jimmy at Groundhog Central.

I live much closer to Jimmy that I did Phil, so some year I hope Little Sprout and I might actually attend the festivities. Here's some info from the Groundhog Central website:

Come celebrate Groundhog Day in Sun Prairie! Jimmy the Groundhog will arrive at St. Albert’s at just before dawn (7:00 a.m.) followed by a birthday celebration for those born on February 2 at 8:30 a.m. Enjoy games for the kids, entertainment, booths selling Groundhog merchandise, and a community breakfast. Please join us for this Sun Prairie tradition!

Jimmy the 9th is now 5 years old! Jimmy's been a little nervous this winter... not sure if he's thinking about the Super Bowl or what people will say if he declares more winter is on the way. He's not sleeping that well, and has lost a bit of hair on his chin and tail... Sources say Jimmy did sleep like a baby after the Packers won on Sat (01/12) and the Cowboys lost on Sunday (01/13)!

Happy Birthday Sally! Maybe next year you can come celebrate with Jimmy in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.