The WHOLE Clan!

For Christmas, we managed to get the entire Cox family together, which was quite the feet and quite fun! Besides this family picture, we really didn't have any structured activities (though, the guys started an igloo that everyone ended up helping with)!

This is just a cute picture of the youngest niece and nephews, who had a blast playing together! I have a feeling each one is looking at his/her own parent in this picture.... :) I also have a feeling the next "batch" is on it's way soon! (no, that's not an announcement -- I know you're all thinking it).

Hey, check out this website. A friend mentioned it and I checked it out today. I had no idea this existed, but it's interesting and helpful! Click here.
Enjoy! :)

Ramblings....about books.....please read if you're looking for something good to read!
I started a new job last week and they don't have my computer system set up to do my job yet, so I'm left to do whatever I want in my little cubicle. For awhile I surfed the internet and looked at blogs and pictures of celebrities for several hours. Then I wised up and started reading a book. First I read "My Antonia" which was a good book, but nothing fantastic. I would compare it to "Little House on the Prairie" but for an older age level. It was not very challenging though (I mean that in the sense of getting me to think about what it meant).

Once I finished that, I decided to read a book one of my roommate read in college. I knew nothing about it, but saw it in the library and thought I'd give it a try. It's called "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck. I've only ever read one of his books -- "The Pearl" -- and I hated it. I didn't understand it and the ending was depressing, so I was a little leary of reading Steinbeck again. As I first started to read, I didn't really like it, but I figured I'd give it a little more time. And I'm very glad I did. It's an incredible book. I tried to explain to Nate why I like it so much, but I couldn't. I think I just like the way Steinbeck writes and that it forces me to think about what he's writing and actually put myself there. I could try to give a synopsis of the book, but I would end up making it sound horrible or give something away. Basically, it's the story of Cain & Abel, but told in such a subtle way, you have to pay close attention to catch that. I highly recommend it. It does have language, whorehouses (no explicit details) and "thematic elements" -- the villain is the worst I've ever read -- It's a pretty deep read, but worth it in my opinion.

I made a list of the books I want to read -- it's about 25 books long and I know I'm forgetting several books -- so expect lots of posts about good books (especially if I don't get work to do soon! :)

If I do this enough times I might just get everyone on my list. I did another one with my hair in a ponytail that I refuse to post. My top choice was Howard Dean. Paul Newman was also on my list...But hey! I look like Vanna White apparently. And all those kids in junior high were wrong. None of them have included Brittney Spears (luckily...I can't imagine the comments I would get on that!)

So there you have it. I look like Condoleezza Rice. And Beyonce. I actually tried it first of a picture of me with my glasses on. Not a good idea. Larry King was on my list. Yikes.

Also, on the same website you make this, you can morph yourself into one of the celebrities you look like. I morphed myself into Dakota Fanning and midway through, it really looked like a picture of me when I was younger! Cool stuff.

I know, I know. I said that once I was done with school, I would post more. I've been done with school for almost a month and here I am! I don't have any pictures to post because I don't take pictures. However, now that I am not in school and my husband is still as busy as last semester, I've decided I need a hobby. And I think it might be photography. I was looking at a friend's website and loved the pictures they had taken (not sure if it was the wife or husband who took the pictures -- not important). Anyway, it got me thinking that it's something inexpensive that could be really cool! I took a couple of pictures at my cousin Alta's wedding that I really liked, so I might have the knack for it. Who knows...I guess you'll find out if I start posting random, non-person pictures, huh?
My husband's best friend's wife has a blog on which she puts things she's been thinking about - kind of like a journal that the world can read. I guess that's what blogs are supposed to be, but I guess I always thought of them as somewhere to post pictures (they are that as well). Anyway, I may be posting more because I want to share something, just for the sake of sharing. That way, it's like something I might forward in an e-mail, but it's your choice to look at it (don't worry, it won't be those lame-o, cheesy, "if you don't pass this on, your lungs will catch on fire" kind of things.
That's all. I have a feeling no one will be reading these. That was pretty boring.