I have the Steinbeck book sitting on my shelf. I picked it up a couple of years ago right after I got my first copy of Malory. I held off on reading it because I wanted to read Malory first. Then a few months ago when I first sat down to read Malory, I realized the version I'd picked up was an updated, modern English version....that's no fun. So, I picked up a copy of Malory's Complete Works that is still in the 15th C English. It's taken me about six weeks to get 200+ pages in. It's about 700 pages. I'll probably read Steinbeck's sometime this summer.
Steinbeck and I have a rocky past. I read Cannery and Mice back in high school and for some reason never read anything else of his. It's not that I didn't like him, I just never got around to it. About four or five years ago I decided it was high time I read Eden and Grapes. I was pissed when I read Eden. I was kicking myself for not having read it ten years sooner. It should have been my third or fourth time reading it instead of my first. I loved it. Grapes I loved too, but it's just so soul wretching. I'd have to look at a list of his complete works to verify, but I think the Arthur book is the only thing I haven't read by him now. Once I read that, I'll probably go on a Steinbeck re-reading binge.
Speaking of re-reading....I've been meaning to re-read Magic Mountain for a long time. It's been 8 or 10 years. If/when you do get to it, let me know. Maybe knowing someone else is reading it will give me enough motivation to dust off my copy. It's always better when you have someone with whom to discuss a book.
I think I'll be skipping the psych book you recommended. I went to school originally for psych. I realized just how much I hate it after about a year or so. I can't really explain why. Mostly I just don't enjoy it.
{I see my old Principle (a woman who was a mentor to me in real life)
{{Eventually all of the teachers and staff are together and we decide to make War(!!!!!) on another village}}
This immediatly reminded me of the dream you had of the woman who gave you a book on a bus. It was a dream that stood out in my mind. I do not think the principal is the bus girl but I saw a connection. Maybe this is a key showing you the woman you want will also be a mentor??? you should not disreagrd what she says??
She will have this quality?
Now that other dream....I do not think it had anything to do with a war, but it felt as if it were around a war setting.
I do not know why. Please disregard anything if this is silly.
First...for the polka.... Thank you for the great music and the good hearty laugh. I needed that!
Second...quiting smoking is going to be extremely tough...and you know that. So what, you fell of the wagon...it's not like you can't get back on I know you can do it in the long run!
For the dream?...wow.... I know mine tend to be weird Seriously though....it is pretty amazing how our brains take day to day info and find ways to percolate and de-stress through warping it somehow... But really! Roads in the bush? With Stop Signs??
I know you can do it in the long run!
Seriously though....it is pretty amazing how our brains take day to day info and find ways to percolate and de-stress through warping it somehow... But really! Roads in the bush? With Stop Signs?? 
Steinbeck and I have a rocky past. I read Cannery and Mice back in high school and for some reason never read anything else of his. It's not that I didn't like him, I just never got around to it. About four or five years ago I decided it was high time I read Eden and Grapes. I was pissed when I read Eden. I was kicking myself for not having read it ten years sooner. It should have been my third or fourth time reading it instead of my first. I loved it. Grapes I loved too, but it's just so soul wretching. I'd have to look at a list of his complete works to verify, but I think the Arthur book is the only thing I haven't read by him now. Once I read that, I'll probably go on a Steinbeck re-reading binge.
Speaking of re-reading....I've been meaning to re-read Magic Mountain for a long time. It's been 8 or 10 years. If/when you do get to it, let me know. Maybe knowing someone else is reading it will give me enough motivation to dust off my copy. It's always better when you have someone with whom to discuss a book.
I think I'll be skipping the psych book you recommended. I went to school originally for psych. I realized just how much I hate it after about a year or so. I can't really explain why. Mostly I just don't enjoy it.