Second try

Its been about 1.5 months since my (Jess') last writing. And first writing. I am pleased to announce that I am in fact, still sitting at Starbucks—though I'm now in the Arlington one—and I also still have no idea what to write about. I thought improvement was inevitable with age. Maybe I should wait longer?

Another thing that has remained constant in my life: roaches. I called my mom to complain about this very thing the other day, to which she reminded me that roaches are a fact of life in Texas. In fact, I should be grateful that they are only the size of small beetles and not huge, mice-sized cretins. Although true, I still don't like them. When my sisters, Nick, and my mom came to visit in July, I furiously cleaned the house before and during their stay, desperate to keep the little buggers at bay. I woke up before anyone else to make coffee and squish the retreating roaches before anyone else saw. This was effective until Nick discovered one in the bathroom... and then I sent Ryan in to kill it. Now that he's proven his agility and fearlessness against them, I graciously let him slay roaches by calling for him every time I see one.

It's not that I don't keep the house clean—I'm constantly taking out the trash, wiping down the counters, rinsing dishes to put in the dishwasher, mopping the kitchen floor, and spraying pink grapefruit cleaning solution on every hard surface I find. In fact, if you were to walk in our apartment right now, it would be spotless... except for the occasional roach scurrying back to it's hiding place. Until today, I had no idea what I was doing wrong.

This afternoon, I came to the conclusion that the roaches were not taking me seriously. After all, how could they if I was allowing their little nests to survive? So I went to Target, bought 24 little poison boxes to hide around Latte Love, and waged all-out war. Apparently, the poison smells just like food (I'll admit, it does smell like garlic butter... but a sick, twisted garlic butter), which the roach eats and then carries back to the nest to share with the others. I guess there's tons of this poison too, because I only have to replace the traps every six months. After I placed the first eight little boxes I just stood there and stared at one—hoping a roach would hurry out, eat the poison and then flip over dead in front of me. No such luck. Maybe they knew I was watching? Or maybe it's just too morbid to want to watch something die (even if it is just a roach). Anyways, I gave up after about 65 seconds and moved on to bigger and better things... like putting away the rest of the groceries.

*Side note* Ryan just passed by on his way to show something to a customer and asked what I was writing about. I told him "Roaches" and involuntarily shuddered. His response was "Really?" as his smile turned into more of a concerned grimace. This has given me new insight—maybe I shouldn't write about things that disgust me, as it might disgust you too. Hmmmmm.

Ok, happier things. I am going home to make cake-pops for church tomorrow. The sugar content might be the only happy thing about it though... I'm making them because our executive Pastor and his wife are leaving to Oklahoma. We'll miss them, but at least we'll bid them adieu with delicious balls of cakey goodness. I've never made cake-pops before, but I've heard there's a first time for everything. Except for diets... they never work long enough to constitute a "time".

I hope there's a dead roach when I get home.

-Jess

Books

Books have never been a fancy of mine. I remember as a teenager that my Dad would read non-stop. Even on vacation he would read. If we were driving in the car to Arizona and my mom was driving my dad was reading. I think it has become less of a hobby, and more of an obsession for him. With this said let us move on from starting point A into journey point B.

Something I have also noticed is that ever since I went to college I have grown more and more understanding of my father. I have learned that he works harder than anyone I have ever known, is smarter than most people I can name, and has read more books than Library of Congress contains. Without him knowing I have started a little project. Try to read 2 books a month. For me this is a serious feat, but my dad that is like a Saturday afternoon. But hey its a start. So far I have read my two books this month, and I am starting to see why he does it all the time. If I am at home I just was to read my book, and at work all I talk about is the current chapter of George Bush's memoir, or how Amy Chua is a crazy insomniac piano Nazi Chinese lady. Either way reading I think is my new thing. Moving on from Journey point B to "Books" conclusion point C.

So far I have read 4 books this summer and it has been enjoyable so far. I am really excited to talk to my dad and tell him all I have read. I think it will really blow him away, and not to mention it will give him some ideas on what to read next. Strangely enough the books I have avoided my whole life are the ones I am enjoying the most. Although the newest book I have recently started is "tricky". But then again I have a month to read it.

Post Script (P.S. see reading does make you smarter.)
It may be my luck, or New York times knows how to pick books, but So far I have learned two important thinks from the books I have read. The first is determination. In the book Decision Points written by George Bush I learned that no matter what hand President Bush was dealt he handled it well and with determination. He never gave up even when all around him in Washington D.C. people were telling him to throw in the towel. It was eye opening. I think that he really did do a good job as the president. not because I am republican, but because he tells the reader why he made the decisions he made, and proves he really was looking out for the country's best interest.
Second is my parenting when I have children. Even though I don't have children yet there will be two rules as soon as they are born. The first: If they want to play an instrument it will be either the Piano or Violin. Second rule: THEY WILL play either the Piano or violin. The book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is about a Chinese mother raising her children the traditional Chinese way. And first I want to say I love my parents and need to call them as soon as I am done posting this, but I am going to raise my kids a little more strict than they raised me. Amy Chua, the author, explains how and why she raised her two daughters so uptight. By pushing your kids to the limit they learn how much potential they truly have. And that they really can accomplish anything. If my kid is going to play sports, not only are they going to play sport, but they are going to get an Olympic gold metal. Why? Because they are my kids and they are the best musicians, or actors, or athlete the human body can physically allow. Pushing your kids has been taboo in the last decade, but my kids will learn that a 2 hour piano practice will be just a warm up...lets see who's kid plays Carnegie Hall first!

For kicks here is a quote from the book that I enjoyed very much.
Amy is responding to her youngest daughter while practicing piano, "if the next time's not PERFECT, I'm going to TAKE ALL YOUR STUFFED ANIMALS AND BURN THEM!"