Bucket List: The O.C.

After six grueling months of sporadic viewing, I finally finished the entire series of The O.C.. Mindless hours wasted on this teeny bopper drama…and I had to keep pushing forward in order to complete this item on my list.

This series had the same story plot over and over--the only difference being the new character thrown in every once in awhile. When Mischa Barton decided to quit the show at the end of Season 3, a frequent appearance (yet small role individual) on the show (Taylor) became more prominent and pretty much took Marissa's place, becoming Ryan's love interest and they started their on-off romance.

The drama didn't just revolve around the teenagers either. The adults had an ample amout of drama too--especially Julie Cooper who pretty much slept with every single man on the show. Ultimately all of the characters were linked together somehow by marriage or the Ex-Factor.

I will state for the record that my favorite character on the show was teenage Kaitlyn Cooper. Beautiful, devious and quick witted, she made the show pretty tolerable.

Despite loathing the series and making fun of the acting every chance possible, the final episode with the kids growing up and the adults moving on made me a bit teary eyed. As ready as I was to finally be free of this show, I was surprised to be a bit sentimental about leaving Ryan, Seth and Summer behind. This was definitely a great way to shut the door on teeny bopper shows [um, The Hills/The City does not count] and proceed through the door with a big, fat 30 written on it!

Thank you, Stephanie, for not only the suggestion to put this on my list, but for purchasing the entire series to make it possible for me to complete this item!!! You rock!!! [There is no sarcasm there]

Another Bucket List Item Bites the Dust

Book Club: Lush Life

Lush Life by Richard Price was our book club pick for December. It was a super quick, easy read, but I feel like the audience was directed more towards the male gender rather than, well…me. The main characters were male from the victim to the main detective [even the female detective talked like and had mannerisms of a male] to the friend to the grieving father to the killer.

This is a story about a young adult who is murdered on the streets of NYC and his acquaintance is initially accused of the act; however when he is exonerated, the search is on for the true killer. The reader knows throughout the book who is the murderer, but what the author shows is all sides of the incident:

Reasons why the killer [who I found myself sympathizing with] committed his act.

The downfall of the character who is falsely accused--and he seems to fall far very quickly.

The processes that the detectives go through--the red tape, the 'higher ups' and, of course, the politics of it all.

The grieving stages of the victim's family--that I found most difficult to read…I can't begin to imagine the sadness of a family that loses a child. An only child.

All in all, I did enjoy the read. It was like watching a detective movie or a tv drama such as Law & Order or CSI [but definitely not as scientific!] If this sounds interesting to you, I suggest picking it up!

11/30

Today we had a special treat in Book Club, as we celebrated the upcoming nuptials for Lauren! She ties the knot in two weeks and she is going to be a beautiful bride! We had cuppie cuppie cupcakes and presented Lauren with a gift certificate to a cooking class to enjoy with her soon-to-be husband, Trent.

In other book-related news: as you can see, I have 19 books left to read before June 2, 2010, including War & Peace and Little Women. I am really stressing out--not to mention the fact that I have so many things on my 30 before 30 list left to do--so as a favor, please cross your fingers hard for me!!! HARD