It's been Awhile!

Well, I'm finally posting again because I am almost finished with White Noise. I love the book thus far and it has given some insight into defining what the American Dream in the 1980's should be. Simplicity seems to be a major theme in this book because two thirds of it focuses on the everyday life of a college professor (multiple times divorced with many children) and his wife (also multiple times divorced with many children). The first third of the book is a series of snapshots from their errands, conversations, and happenings in the house. The second part of the book, focusing on the Airborne Toxic Event (which also happens to be a fun band to listen to), is the longest chapter in the book, showing that a disaster or event that is out of the ordinary has a larger focus in our lives than does everyday sameness (is that a word?). However, I have come to realize that everyday ocurrences in my life are the most important. Seeing my family, dear friends, and fiance has become the biggest joy in my life. Being able to watch my nephew grow up (he's two already!) and helping my OLD parents out with the house is so simple and I used to hate being involved in it but now I feel like I must take as much advantage of the time I have with them as I can. Whenever I think about family members passing on, I cry. No matter how far away it may be, I do not want to be stuck with the guilt of potentially spending more time with them. I still carry that guilt from my grandmother's death 3 years ago and I think that helped me realize that simplicity is what I want as an American. I long to get by with my family and live old with my husband while watching our children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren grow. Family must be a large factor in the American Dream. Maybe brought over by the Italians? Or is it some innate sense in all humans to be devoted to family? I must research that...

Week 2

Last week was crazy for me and I have learned that taking 19 credits while working is nothing to sniff at. I have yet to read anything regarding my investigations topic because I have not obtained any of the books yet. However, I will be heading home tomorrow to do laundry and visit my family so, while I'm home, I will try my hardest to return with The Century. I had taken a look at the book the last time I was home and realized that it was not the same book as Karol had been taking about. Also, this book has a lot of text including a sizable amount of pictures for photocopying. My father seems not to value the book as much as I thought so I will be leaving it in the living room for everyone to use and, please, feel free to photocopy and do whatever to the book as long as it stays in fairly good condition (I'd like to swindle it from him if he doesn't care about it :)).

My Proposed Investigations Topic

My proposed topic is the evolution, or lack thereof, of the American Dream from 1900 to 2000. I realize that the American Dream will be difficult to define and that the topic needs to be narrowed down. There are many demographics in each decade, or year for that matter, that will define their goals and ambitions in different ways with different desired outcomes. I am thinking about analyzing immigrants or the lower class but, at the same time, I don't want to limit myself just yet. I think I'll wait and see what information and readings I can come up with first.

Which brings me to my reading list at this point:
Scars of Sweet Paradise: The Life and Times of Janis Joplin Alice Echols
The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Grapes of Wrath John Steinbeck
A non-fiction work on the titanic
The Century Peter Jennings and Todd Brewster (Which I plan on leaving in the living room on Warren C for everyone to use)