Banned Books Week is on the Horizon!

This year, the American Library Association's Banned Books Week will be celebrated September 27 through October 4.

How are you going to mark that week?

I think I will try to read one or more frequently challenged books. I have read quite a few of them (but there's always more from which to choose, I'm afraid). In fact, last year I read And Tango Makes Three.

Really, protesters should know about people like me: I don't turn away from controversy, but wade into the middle of it. I research that which is being protested. If you tell me that something shouldn't be read, what do you think I do? I read it!

So, start shopping at your local library or bookstore. Find that "obscene" or "explicit" book and see for yourself if it's all that and a bag of chips.

Don't let others decide what you can read. Never let others make decisions for you. You're smarter than that. So go exercise that brain and your freedom. See what it's all about.

And whether you agree or not, decide what your course of action will be. This is, after all, the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave. Be both.

I "Cane" Do it

As David and I walked out of Red Robin tonight after a lovely dinner out, I stepped aside as three people entered the foyer: a father holding the door, a son entering the doorway and a mother bringing up the rear.

The son was a young boy, about age 3, using a 4-wheeled walker. His legs were twisted, but he pressed on with a steady and determined gait.

David greeted him, and the boy had a huge grin on his bespectacled face.

I added my piece: "Those are cool wheels!" (They were much fancier than anything I ever had, hands down.)

The young boy's front tires snagged on the door jam, and his mother reached forward to help him over it.

His father stopped her: "Let him do it. He can do it."

And he did.

And as we stepped outside and made our way to our car, I pressed my head against David's shoulder, tears in my eyes, and managed to whisper, "I'm having a tremendous grateful moment right now."

Don't get me wrong — I'm allowed to feel awful from time to time. Watching last week's women's marathon and this week's men's marathon was hard because I can't run. I had a meltdown today when I realized I made a mistake on my first equipment order, and I hope I can resolve it Monday — not earth-shattering, but still demoralizing that I can't even read a catalog.

But I am walking with a natty cane and I am healing, and for that I am grateful.

Grateful

This has been a pretty interesting summer — and everyone has heard the Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times."

David and I were thrilled to be married June 19. The day was perfect on so many levels. Most importantly, we were together. I couldn't think of anything that would have kept me from that.

There were a couple of things that tried to derail me from the joys of married life: a broken foot (a week after the nuptials) and emergency abdominal surgery (a month and a day after the wedding). One was hard enough, but the two together were formidable — especially when physicians look at only the part they're treating.

Then I had a reality check. I read computer bulletin board postings that began, "I'm 16 and I got my colostomy for my 10th birthday" and "I have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease" or "I'm in stage 2 colon cancer."

Suddenly, I realized just how fortunate I am. My interruptions are temporary.

Sure, I have a few cool new scars, and I'll have to make up a good story in case someone sees them and asks. ("Ninjas" worked for my foot, but probably not for abdominal scars.)

Plus, I am actually walking with a natty new cane now, and standing in the shower and driving myself.

Maybe I can't carry the groceries up the stairs, but that just means I shop for less or not assist the flagging economy myself.

So vacuuming will have to wait until someone is available (and, with the cats lacking opposable thumbs, I see David's name being tossed in the ring for that task).

So I'm a little slower than before. It was all that darting about that got me in trouble in the first place.

So I have to wait to start running for a few more months. That just means I train with David until the ice recedes and I can run the streets safely again. I probably overdid it anyway. (Wait, who said that?)

I'm not saying I'm happy that things happened as they did. Oh, no — catch me on a cranky day and I'll give you what-fer. Right now is not what I anticipated, and I have no illusion that it will pass quickly enough for my liking. There hasn't been enough frolicking for my liking (but is there ever enough, really?). I'm supposed to be drenched in the thrill of being a newlywed, swimming in clear waters in my new bikini, basking in the glow of wedded bliss. So far, I'm zero for three.

However, David has been fabulous. He has tended to me with loving care and I have wanted for nothing (except for Cake Batter ice cream, but that's a different story).

So we stretch out our honeymoon for a little while longer. I can live with that.

I'm just grateful that I will one day leave it all behind. And I'll still have David. I am definitely on the winning end of that situation.

Visit and Discuss

While you're waiting for a blog entry here, visit The List Universe and spend your time hitting both the featured and more obscure lists.

This site has improved greatly both visually and organizationally, so I find it easier to meander.

Go check out a few lists and let me know what you think. What lists did you read? Did you agree? Did you read the other recommended or related lists? How long were you on the site? Have you banned yourself from going there too often? (Wait, that's me.)

Go, read and discuss. And keep me in the loop!

Taking a Bit of a Break

Ladies and gents, I know don't usually take a long break between posts, but I ask your indulgence for a short while.

I'll be back soon with wit and alleged wisdom, plus a few observations.

See you soon.