BOOK: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (Jonathan Safran Foer)

Easily the best book I've read this year and a new favorite. I felt closer to the characters in this book than I'm used to feeling. I loved everything about it, and I can't recommend it enough.

About a strange young boy whose father died in 9/11, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close puts you into the mind of a child who struggles to understand his own grief. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book, and I can't wait to read it again :)

SORRY FOR THE HIATUS.

QUOTE: Take a Risk

PERSON: Jimmer Fredette

Arguably the most talented college point guard in America, Jimmer Fredette has created a new breed of fan. Likened to idol-worship, the fervor that BYU fans share for their beloved Jimmer has swept basketball fans across the nation. And when provoked, they can get a little nasty: click here to see the fans' reactions to a woman who wrote a letter complaining about Jimmer's fame.

But even without his fans, Mr. Fredette has been excelling at the thing he does best. Averaging 25+ points per game, Jimmer has more than once made up more than 50% of his team's final score. Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder has boldly declared Jimmer Fredette as the "best scorer in the world" at any level. But it's his combination of talent and humility that really sets him apart from other players. A team player, Fredette is quick to acknowledge his fellow ballers in every interview.

He's amazing. There's not much more to be said.

POEM: The Waking, Theodore Roethke

My grandfather's professor and mentor at the University of Washington, Theodore Roethke has always appealed to me; I feel a sort of kinship to him and his work. This poem, The Waking, speaks to me in a way that few other pieces of literature ever have. The first line of the final stanza ("This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.") seems like such a fundamental truth in my life. During times when my life seems to shake and fall apart, I learn what crutches I may reach for in order to steady myself. In searching for a way to glue the broken pieces of my life back together, I have been able to realize which pieces are actually worth keeping and which need to be thrown away. It's a painful process, but it is necessary. "I learn by going where I have to go."

The Waking, by Theodore Roethke

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.

I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?

I hear my being dance from ear to ear.

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?

God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,

And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?

The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great Nature has another thing to do

To you and me, so take the lively air,

And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.

What falls away is always. And is near.

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

I learn by going where I have to go.

RECIPE: Snickers Surprise Cookies

These cookies are the easiest way to anyone's heart. A personal favorite of mine, I will find any excuse to make these delicious treats. They're super simple and taste amazing. The recipe that I have included is from this blog, which has tons of amazing recipes. It's not the exact one that I use, but it'll do to give you a taste of what you've been missing. Do yourself a favor this weekend: MAKE THESE COOKIES. You won't regret it.

Snickers Surprise Cookies

2 sticks butter, room temp (1 cup)
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 pkg (13 oz) Snickers miniatures

1. Combine butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs and vanilla until thoroughly combined.
3. Mix in flour, salt, and baking soda (gradually is best!).
4. Cover and chill dough 2-3 hours.
5. Remove dough from fridge. Divide into 1-Tbsp pieces, and flatten. Place an unwrapped Snickers on each.
6. Form the dough into a ball around each Snickers.
7. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.

SONG: The Ballad of Love and Hate (Avett Brothers)

Sorry if the media player doesn't load. It's a little temperamental. The link underneath works just fine.

Avett Brothers - Emotionalism - The Ballad of Love and Hate by dbklayman

I've never been much of a ballad-lover, but this song had me hooked from the beginning. The personification of love and hate (two of the most basic and relatable emotions) create a story that draws the listener in after the first verse. A hopeful song with a sadly predictable ending, this ballad speaks to the listener from both perspectives. Everyone knows what it's like to love; everyone knows what it's like to hate. And unfortunately, everyone knows what it's like to settle. Beautiful lyrics, simple melody, universal subjects. A wonderful ballad.