I really enjoyed this novel, The Help by Kathryn Stockett and didn't want to (and didn't) put it down.

"What perfect timing for this optimistic, uplifting debut novel (and maiden publication of Amy Einhorn's new imprint) set during the nascent civil rights movement in Jackson, Miss., where black women were trusted to raise white children but not to polish the household silver. Eugenia Skeeter Phelan is just home from college in 1962, and, anxious to become a writer, is advised to hone her chops by writing about what disturbs you. The budding social activist begins to collect the stories of the black women on whom the country club sets relies and mistrusts enlisting the help of Aibileen, a maid who's raised 17 children, and Aibileen's best friend Minny, who's found herself unemployed more than a few times after mouthing off to her white employers. The book Skeeter puts together based on their stories is scathing and shocking, bringing pride and hope to the black community, while giving Skeeter the courage to break down her personal boundaries and pursue her dreams. Assured and layered, full of heart and history, this one has bestseller written all over it. (Feb.) "

Another season of America's Next Top Model. While I could tell Felicia/Fo was mixed I couldn't tell what - thought she might be part Asian. Turns out she's black and Mexican. I think she's cute, but she is on the short side for a model.

This week:

- Went to a wedding on Saturday; ran into old friends Sonja and Mike who were at the same country club for a different wedding (there were several!).

- E and I decided to met at his sister's place (we were getting a ride). We both had a miserable time of it; E ran there in the rain and wind; I had Simone, weekend train schedules skipping stops, enormous escalators, and the same rain, etc. There were a lot of nice New Yorkers who helped me with Simone navigating all the stairs and escalators.

- It's nice to see S play with her cousin Maya (19 months older). I've been enjoying interacting with Maya more now, too, as she's been using more English along with Chinese.

- Still no word on the contract, but the deposit is in. I trust that it will all work out.

- Easter service and our niece's baptism on Sunday at CFC (the church where E's dad is pastor); I regret not being more involved in this niece's life on a regular basis (one of the negatives of not having a car) and now she's off to college this fall! She's deciding between George Washington U. and Wellesley.

- Unfortunately no Easter family photos...by the time we got home we were all a mess (literally and figuratively). There was this guy at church taking a gazillion photos including one of the three of us....maybe we can get track him down.

- We're trying really hard not to spend money unnecessarily this month; we've been pretty good.

- S can pull herself up on the dining room bench by herself; she looked so sad during the time out E gave her tonight...standing in the corner, looking down, with her hands at her side.

- E had a bad cold and S had a high fever for three days last week. :(

- Been spending a lot of time compiling contacts and opportunities under my science enrichment hat and time doing SAS analysis for one of my forever ongoing papers.

- Talked about a novel I had my class read, Lowboy by John Wray. The main character suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and the story takes place in Manhattan, particularly in the subway system. My class enjoyed it.

- I'm sad that Amai Tea & Bake Shop is closing next Sunday. I hung out there (reading The Help of course) before attending Good Friday service at Apostles Church...felt like going somewhere new where I could be anonymous. Funnily enough, I recognized that the violinist used to go to Emmanuel. It was a good time of reflection and communion. It's on a nice block (E 16th btn 3rd Ave and a park). Friends Seminary was across the street - maybe I should look for a job there. Or live there...some 1 BRs for 600k.

- Happy to pick up some daffodils; they sing spring to me. I didn't have enough hands to pick up the bargain ones from Trader Joe's but did manage to find some for $3 a bunch ($5 at some of the corner markets!).

Our girl is full of hot air: