linda jean recommends

I have long (whatever that means. the internet hasn't really been around all that long, let alone the website, and I certainly haven't read the website as long as it's been in existence. so it means whatever it means) enjoyed the McSweeney's feature "McSweeney's Recommends" (such a column is hardly original. lots of publications have recommended items, but I guess I actually agree with "McSweeney's Recommends" more than other lists, plus it often has no commercial ramifications though occasionally you may be required to spend some green to enjoy a recommendation). So in homage to McSweeney (though not at all) linda jean recommends:

Walking to Work. It has been an unusually warm winter, early spring, frighteningly dry period which has made it fantastic walking weather. The temperature fluctuations here have reached about 40+ degrees Fahrenheit which means it's a bit chilly in the morning. This has given me an excuse to wear leg warmers. Also, the Christmas ipod occasionally comes along which is great fun, though walking is nice in silence or "street silence", as I like to call it, (or more accurately, as I just called it) is pretty cool too. I see more things and I talk to people on my walk home and it feels more natural. I am awfully lucky to be able to live so near my job.

Coffee. Hardly a new thing, but I enjoy treating myself to a cup on the walk to work. And good coffee is such a good thing.

New Restaurants. I do not really live in a restaurant Mecca so the new additions of a Thai restaurant and Italian restaurant to my town are most welcome and most delicious.

French Movies. Since my trip to France I've been working on learning some French which honestly is difficult and seems like an impossible sort task. However, I started watching French movies as part of that practice. I've seen some fantastic movies: A Man and a Woman, 400 Blows, Jules and Jim, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. I might as well plug Netflix because heaven knows it's the only reason I have any access to viewing these movies.

Lent. Perhaps I can't take credit for recommending it and I know that Ash Wednesday was the beginning so you can't really participate in all 40 days at this point, but preparing yourself for Easter, especially if the holiday has a particular meaning for you is really rewarding. I gave up something for Lent this year that has been a good thing and difficult. I feel the pang of the missing item and it reminds me of the big sacrifice and about how blessed I am. Just what the fast should be.

Yelling at cats. Cats seem to respond to yelling, especially pregnant cats like Lucky, who got yelled at this afternoon when I got home until she scampered away with her bloated, sagging, bulging self. I should have kittens soon, probably lots, so if you need any in your yard to yell at let me know.

Rain. I have been having dreams about it lately. I suppose I am praying for it as I fall asleep most nights at this point so it finds its way into the dream landscape. I miss it dearly. I have been thinking about some of my nice rain memories lately and I'm thankful for them, but I'd like to have a few new ones.