Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom

ORIGINAL POST DATE: July 12, 2010

Many, many people said I should read this book. They’ve been telling me this for years, and now I know why. I suspected that I would feel sad when I reached the end of this book, which is why I put it off for so long.

I’ve learned, though that it really isn’t the case at all. Let me tell you why.

Morrie Schwarz, a Brandeis University sociology professor has an extraordinary personality, and a debilitating, life ending, disease. Mitch Albom, the author, had developed a friendship with Morrie while attending the school, but after graduation, despite his promise to keep in touch, moves on with life, always reaching for the next big thing.

He happened to be channel surfing one night when he saw his old professor being interviewed by Ted Koppel on Nightline about what it was like to be dying of ALS (also known as Lou Gherig’s Disease). This leads him to get in touch with his old professor, and they strike up their friendship again. Albom visits Morrie every Tuesday (“We’re Tuesday people,” Morrie had once told him, p. 52), always coming armed with food, and each week, Morrie manages to impart some facet of wisdom that seems to be so common sense.

Morrie spent his life listening to his heart and doing what was right for him, rather than playing by societies rules. When all is said and done, we will be remembered not by our bank accounts or stock portfolios, by by the time we spent listening to a friend or helping a family member.

There are some amazing quotes to be pulled from Alboms book, some of which I plan to use as personal mantras: “The truth is, you don’t get satisfaction from those things. You know what really gives satisfaction? … Offering others what you have to give.” (p. 126)

“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.” (p. 52)

This book is a must read for anyone, young or old, male or female. I don’t think this book will necessarily appeal to any one group in particular. But it’s definitely worth every minute of the short time it will take to read it.

It's Hip Hop Baby Scores Again!

Recently, I was selected to review another DVD by It's Hip Hop Baby! I received a copy of Hip Hop Dance Class, which is geared towards kids ages 5 and up.

My daughter, who is 2, could hardly wait to get the wrapper off it, because she recognized the logo right away, and she LOVES the other video we have! We popped in the DVD, and she was off! She didn't quite understand all the things they were trying to teach, but boy, she sure wanted to! I found myself getting up and dancing with her, which was great for me, and the routines were easy to follow.
I definitely thing the age rating of kids over 5 is appropriate, because Hannah, though enjoying the idea of dancing along, didn't quite get the concept of how the video worked. It was awesome for me, though, because it was a great way to get me up and moving with her!
As it says on the It's Hip Hop Baby blog: "Whether you have two left feet or loads of thythm, mastering the hottest hip hop dance moves has never been easier! Hip Hop Dance Class features the best step-by-step instruction for every child at every level. The video teaches three different levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Plus, there's cardio hip hop, freestyle dancing and kids even learn how to clap and step to the beat." This is a great description of the movie! Hannah tried to keep right up with the kids on the video, and she had a lot of fun doing it! She kept saying "Mommy, look at me! I'm dancing!" And she was! It was so exciting for her to be able to dance like a big kid! 
I would thoroughly recommend this DVD to anyone who has kids that love to dance! It can be purchased online for $14.98 through the It's Hip Hop Baby website.