Depression

Let's face it: Life sucks these days. I'm getting numerous emails in my inbox all providing warning signs of depression . . . webmd, health.com, prevention. . . they're all doing it. I suppose that with the highest unemployment rate since the Great Depression and forecasts that things may get worse -- we're all subject to depression. And, I think that the general morale contributes to it. . . I mean, when you're fighting depression you're supposed to avoid negative people; people that bring you down. But truly, right now we're all commiserating with one another and wallowing in the misery. In my small town of Junction City the primary employer (Country Coach) filed for bankruptcy and has been shut down for a couple of months. The news channels feature teasers that if a judge rules in their favor they may be able to reopen (and re-hire the town's people). But the emotional yo-yo and anxiety of people waiting to hear is apparent even in the grocery store.

We're no longer greeted by smiling faces when we walk around town. There aren't a community of support people giving you a pep talk and telling you things will get better. Instead, we're told, "Hey, at least you've got a job." Depression seems inevitable. But we try to hang in there and have faith. . .

Alas, I'm losing my steam. . . The point of this little blog was to point out that, yes, the economy and employment statistics are depressing, and yes, we need to be aware of the warning signs. But, really, where can we find the "pep talk" we so desperately need?

Confession: I don't read much. . .

I don't read much primarily because when I start a book I can't put it down until I've finished it. . . I'm a read-it-cover-to-cover kinda girl. And, admittedly, most of the time my favorite book is whatever book I happen to be reading at the time. I'm currently reading the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer.



I'd never heard of the Twilight series prior to hooking up with old friends via www.facebook.com . I read high-school classmates' postings that Twilight was their all time favorite AND there were pictures of them with Twilight t-shirts! Argueably, I don't know if they are solely fans of the book or movie, but I was curious-enough to use our Barnes & Noble giftcard to pickup the first book, "Twilight."

I read The Shack first (also bought during that trip to Barnes & Noble) and it immediately became a favorite -- I read it cover to cover in one day (Sunday two weeks ago). Alas, Twilight sat unread for about a week; but, our family has recently started to try to have a allotted reading time each Sunday afternoon after mass (week 1 was The Shack). The boys enjoyed the time so much (reading their new books: Halo series books and Bones books) that Elijah asked if we could do this every week.


Anyhoo, last Sunday I picked up my first Twilight book and read 150+ pages the first night. Easy read and I was interested. I love the first person narrative! I finished the book by Tuesday and picked up the 2nd book Wednesday night this week. Thursday Joel & I went and saw the Twilight movie at the dollar theater :-). I'm picky: The book is always better. Finished the 2nd book and bought the 3rd book today. Thankfully there are only 4 books in the series (whew!). I've already bought the 4th book just to have it handy for Sunday's reading session ;-).

The point of this blog, however, is to confess that this is precisely the reason why I avoid reading: I'm finding that I tend to neglect my children and my housework because I feel distracted as my mind is essentially "paused" at where I left off in the book. It's a sad addiction really.

Also, I'd like to point out the Gemini in me. . . I feel a bit flaky in the fact that I find love (of a book) so easily. I am loyal in that certain books hold a special fondness for their sentimental value: I enjoyed reading the Jungle Book (and other poetry by Kipling). When reading Maugham's Of Human Bondage and Dicken's Great Expectations -- Dickens was a clear winner! (Would I like Dickens if I didn't have the sharp contrast I wonder?) I have a special fondness for Animal Farm because I admired the author's ability to express his philosophy through the metaphor of Animal Farm.

And, while these books were surely educational and good "literature" (nose up and all) -- I also love the easy reads like Nora Roberts and Mary Higgins Clarke, and, God love me, the occassional Harlequin Romance (gasp!). I get a thrill and love the great wording of a Dean Koontz book (he, too, has a great job expressing his philosophy in his writing). And, I smile when I hear Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven" because it reminds me of my brother's memorizing it (and reciting it at the dinner table) when they were in high school; then me pestering Joe Duman (poor guy sat next to me in English) as I recited "the Raven" from memory based on listening to my brothers.

Then there are the stories that I hold fond: Green Eggs and Ham, and Elijah's favorite, Oh the Places You'll Go. The boys frequently requested that I re-read these books over and over when they were little. I can still see the twinkle in Elijah's eyes and the joy when I agreed to read him these books "one more time." I miss those days cuddling together for story time. I'm trying to make new memories with Faith.


So, in an effort to purge my soul (and perhaps identify with others reading my blog): I'm a fickle soul who loves a good book and will avoid it as much as possible. Now please excuse me as I start Eclipse (book 3 of the Twilight series) ;-).