J is For... Jacob (and A Little Bit of Miscellany)

Hey Humble Readers...

First up, hells no, I don't mean THAT Jacob. 

I mean Jacob Jankowski... from Water For Elephants.  Once again, this was a book that I put off reading.  I had many customers come into the bookstore where I worked and rave about it.  Many of my staff loved it as well, and that just put it into the "It-Can't-Be-That-Good" category for me.  It wasn't until I saw the trailer for the movie that I became interested, and I fell in love with the story.  Sadly, I never did get around to seeing the film. 

At the beginning of the book Jacob, a young veterinary medicine student at the beginning of the Great Depression, discovers that his family is destitute after being forced to mortgage their home to pay for his Ivy League education.  This discovery, made at the time of his father's death, causes Jacob to have a bit of a break-down.  He runs away from his troubles and, after jumping a train, ends up joining a circus. 

The insight into circus culture (like the differences between freaks and geeks) was intriguing, but I admit I most loved the love story.  I'm a sucker for a well-written star-crossed lovers story.  And it really did seem that Jacob and Marlena were doomed to forever be apart. 

What is your favourite love story?

*****

A couple of other things...

I saw Dr. W today and all is well.  Blood pressure good, weight gain good, Halfling's heartrate good.  I did ask for clarification about why I'm having to meet with the anesthesiologist next week, and because my c-section is a scheduled surgery and because I am a large person (with a short neck) it is standard operating procedure.  The anesthesiologist just wants to take a look at me to make some preliminary notes and plans.  It DOESN'T mean that I will be put under general anesthetic (which was a huge relief for me), just wanting to be prepared. 

The crud that I caught from my Beloved is killing me.  I am such a wimp when I'm sick.  I'm just praying it doesn't become a cough. 

My hand is healing very nicely.  The blisters have all dried up, and while it's still challenging to grip things like my hairbrush or a knife, things are improving steadily.

And lastly, Ginny figured out finger painting today.  While in her crib.  With the contents of her diaper.  *Ergh*  I know all kids do at some point, but it's still just gross.