Oh, hello...

"What? She didn't give up on bloggin yet? Strange... I was certain she had."
That's what'd be going through my mind if it was a friend posting a blog after so long not doing so. I'll actually be quite impressed if anyone reads this, if no one one but me will know (both about the post and that no one else read it) so no skin off my nose. If you are not me, and are reading this- I'm sorry this is my post. I'm certain it's going to be scattered, mostly topic-less and, most likely, a big waste of time. But- aren't most things we do?

Today I spent the greater part of my day at school (substitute teaching) reading a book since there was a student teacher. As I was reading I considered this list-

Things I would like to buy if I wasn't such a penny pincher:

• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Great book. (I'll come back to this I think.)
• Both of Adele's CDs. Simply wonderful music!

So, this obviously isn't a comprehensive list. Though I suppose anything else I would buy would go under the title "Things I would buy if either didn't mind going into debt, was fabulously wealthy, or didn't mind being dirt poor" I think that one mostly includes sporting equipment and a jet plane. So, while I have to make due with borrowing books and listening to Adele's powerful tunes on youtube, I really can't regret the penny-pinching ways I have. I mostly credit my parent's incredible ability to be completely solvent on only a Utah teacher's salary. Examples of parents make such a big difference in the ability of people to be reasonable (in money matters and so many other things)

Um, not sure where to go after that...so- Thanks Mom and Dad. You're great!

So, the book referenced above. It sounds like a crazy name for a book, and it is, but it's a delightful book. It's written as a collection of letters, which is why I picked it because it's easy to leave off or pick up if I get interrupted by whatever. I think my favorite part about the book, aside from it's incredibly loveable characters (they're so endearing and there's no narration or real descriptions of anyone in the whole book, aside from them introducing themselves to new correspondents) is the incredible insight it gives to life during WWII. The events of the book take place directly after WWII, but much of the book is people describing events during the war. I just can't imagine the oppression that people lived through. I can't imagine how people could do that to other people. Each time I read the book I wonder anew at the trials people endure. It makes me so very grateful that, though we have known wars during out time, they have not been on our own soil or affected our lives in the way WWI and WWII did, especially those in Europe or Asia.
A while back I meant to write a post after a special Relief Society fireside my stake had. An incredible lady from Indonesia came and spoke to us. She was part Indonesian and part Dutch (Indonesia was colonized by the Dutch). When the Japanese invaded their island during WWII her family was first put under house arrest, then separated and sent to concentration camps. I had no idea that they had them in the Pacific, just like in Europe. This fine lady told her story from beginning to end without any hatred in her voice. Only love for those who helped her. Her mother was astounding. Their family was Christian and her mom never failed to live up to the teachings of the Bible and always taught others to do so. She described a time when her Mom stood up to the Japanese, was punished by spending a week in a pit with no food or water, and was preserved my a miraculous series of rain storms through the week. She never heard her mom complain. It was amazing to listen to all these stories and compare them to my incredibly easy life. Her family never turned against God, even with all their trials. To think some people turn away from God because of so much less. If people who endured concentration camp can believe in God and testify of the power of Christ, who am I not to believe them?

Anyway, I'll stop with the WWII thoughts, but I will recommend the aforementioned book. Ashley (sister) read it first for her book club, (which seems to be the source of most of my reading material lately as well) and I fell in love with it. I must admit, part of me really wants a Dawsey Adams kinda guy. Like I said, terrific characters. It also makes me want to write letters and read every book I can get my hands on. Maybe I need to find someone with no phone I can write letters too. (If they had a phone I know the letter writing wouldn't last long.)

This post is already to long and disorderly to read. I'll end. Have a lovely day.