Let me just say that my reading challenges are not coming along so well. We're down to 3 weeks in both the Spring Reading Thing Challenge and the Once Upon a Time Challenge. Four books to go in each. Time to concede defeat. Not that I won't eventually read those books, but I figure if I want to have any chance of keeping up with my other four reading challenges, which as of today, have now all started, I'd better move on...
As for the 10:4 Challenge, well, I seem to have got a little help. Today's weigh-in day. Down another 3 pounds. But that's only because I got sick with one totally bizarre infection. I woke up at 2:30 yesterday morning with the most awful sore throat of my life. It was horrible! I simply couldn't sleep because of it. And it was weird, I could swear there was something in my throat. By about 8:00 yesterday morning, I was in near panic. Whatever was in my throat was getting bigger. It hurt horrendously and at times it nearly felt like I was choking. I made Rich look...and sure enough there was "something" there. He said it was about the size of a big marble. He wanted to take me to the ER, because he was afraid it was going to obstruct my airway completely. But I called my doctor and got right in. Turns out it's some kind of infection that has my uvula incredibly swollen. Anyway, this has led to a liquid diet, which I'm sure is what led me to lose these 3 extra pounds. So that's 7 pounds for May (but I really must remember that some of those are "cheater pounds").
Showing posts with label Spring Reading Thing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring Reading Thing. Show all posts
Friday, June 01, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Another book down.
Finally finished the second of six books for The Spring Reading Thing Challenge. Don't think I'm going to make it...there's only about 3 weeks left now. Oh well.
Anyway, I finished up Before I Say Goodbye by Mary Higgins Clark. Just wasn't impressed. I've been reading her books for what must be more than 20 years now, and I've never been so disappointed before. In fact, I usually absolutely love her books. But not this time. Guess nobody's perfect, huh? Anyway, I'm not sure quite what it was about this one. It may have been that I just couldn't make myself like the main character. I know you're supposed to like her. Sure, she's a nice lady and all. But I also found her a bit arrogant, and a bit condescending. I don't know. I also found parts of the book simply hard to believe...I mean you can only take coincidences so far, if you know what I mean. I certainly haven't given up on Mary Higgins Clark as an author by any means...as I said, her books normally suck me right in and I can't put them down. But this one just didn't do it for me.
But of course, that's just one gal's opinion.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
all those pesky challenges
Just thought I'd post an update on the quadrillions of challenges I can't seem to stop myself from signing up for. Why? Because I'm so thrilled to say my first challenge--The 30 Day Organizational Challenge--is now behind me! Hooray! I did it! Can you tell I'm pleased with myself? I'll even show you the proof...click here, if you're interested in seeing the photos of my transformation. (Had to answer some questions for the challenge, but if you scroll down a tiny bit you'll get to the "before" and "after" shots.) Yep, I not only got it organized, but I painted the room and made curtains, too.
As for the 10:4 Challenge that I signed up for yesterday, I've decided that twice a month I'm going to try to adopt one new small healthy change. Nothing major...I know myself too well to expect miracles here. But I figure that lots of little changes is better than nothing at all. So my first change is to stop skipping breakfast. I'm just never hungry in the morning. But when I don't have breakfast, by lunch time I'm starving, and in the process of fixing the munchkins lunch I nibble down 3 times as many calories as I would have if I just had a small, sensible breakfast. So that's small change #1.
And as for the multiple book challenges...well, I guess only 3 of them are currently underway: Once Upon a Time Challenge--I'm one book down, 4 to go (by June 21), The Spring Reading Thing Challenge--I'm one book down, 5 to go (by June 21), and The Non-Fiction Five Challenge--0 books down, 5 to go (by Sept. 30). Hmmm...maybe I should go hole up in my new clean little craft room with a big pile of books, huh?
As for the 10:4 Challenge that I signed up for yesterday, I've decided that twice a month I'm going to try to adopt one new small healthy change. Nothing major...I know myself too well to expect miracles here. But I figure that lots of little changes is better than nothing at all. So my first change is to stop skipping breakfast. I'm just never hungry in the morning. But when I don't have breakfast, by lunch time I'm starving, and in the process of fixing the munchkins lunch I nibble down 3 times as many calories as I would have if I just had a small, sensible breakfast. So that's small change #1.
And as for the multiple book challenges...well, I guess only 3 of them are currently underway: Once Upon a Time Challenge--I'm one book down, 4 to go (by June 21), The Spring Reading Thing Challenge--I'm one book down, 5 to go (by June 21), and The Non-Fiction Five Challenge--0 books down, 5 to go (by Sept. 30). Hmmm...maybe I should go hole up in my new clean little craft room with a big pile of books, huh?
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Finally!
I feel like I should throw a party. Or maybe go out for a hot fudge sundae with loads of extra peanuts. Or at the very least, sit down and actually enjoy a cup of hot tea. I truly feel a celebration is in order...
I finally finished reading Executive Orders. Whew. Not that I didn't enjoy it...but face it, there's so many books out there that need to be read, I can't afford to spend months on a single book.
In actuality, I do have a reward for myself. I now get to read a book written by Rich's cousin Jean. She wrote it for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month. The whole concept of NaNoWriMo simply boggles my mind. If you've never heard of it, put simply, these very ambitious people who participate write an entire novel (at least 50,000, about 175 pages) during the month of November. Like I said, it boggles my mind that people can do this. It has to take great determination. And one heck of a lot of work! Anyway, I was able to read the beginning of her novel on-line as she was writing it, but the website only allows you to read so far. I absolutely loved it! And Jean was kind enough to send us a copy when she finished it. I have been saving it as my reward for finishing Executive Orders. Thought I might have to wait even longer to read it, because Rich decided to read after he finished his last book. But sometimes things work out perfectly...Rich finished Jean's book last night. So now it's my turn!
(And by the way, Jean, if by any chance you read this...Rich absolutely loved the book! But I'm sure he'll e-mail to let you know himself.)
So, anyway, here is my review of Executive Orders. But be forewarned...I hate writing book reviews. It is simply a skill I do not possess. (Unlike my darling daughter, Annie, who writes them with comparative ease. Though she only started yesterday, she already finished reading her first book for the Spring Reading Thing challenge. And she wrote her review. The girl puts me to shame, I tell you.)
Executive Orders. By Tom Clancy. Well, as much as I complained about how long it was taking me to conquer this behemoth of a book, I really did enjoy it. I'm not really sure what to say about it...it was very "Clancy-esque". As always with his novels (at least, the ones I've read), there is a lot going on. Big understatement! It takes a while, but the sub-plots eventually start hooking up with one another, forming an overall thoroughly intriguing story. (And I must admit, there were times when I was eerily reminded of events going on the world today!) The final 100 pages (or there-abouts), were tough for me to get through. He tends to go into nauseating detail during "the war". Vehicles, ammunitions, maneuvers, tactics...he definitely shows off his knowledge. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there (my dad and brother, included) who find this terribly fascinating. Probably because they understand what he's talking about. Anyway, I am not one of those people. That part of the book bored me silly. Might have even given up on the whole thing, if I hadn't already invested so much time in reading the first 800 pages. By the very end of the book, I was back to enjoying my reading time, instead of dreading it, though. So, overall I would say I'm glad I read it. But it certainly will never make my "re-read" list.
I finally finished reading Executive Orders. Whew. Not that I didn't enjoy it...but face it, there's so many books out there that need to be read, I can't afford to spend months on a single book.
In actuality, I do have a reward for myself. I now get to read a book written by Rich's cousin Jean. She wrote it for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month. The whole concept of NaNoWriMo simply boggles my mind. If you've never heard of it, put simply, these very ambitious people who participate write an entire novel (at least 50,000, about 175 pages) during the month of November. Like I said, it boggles my mind that people can do this. It has to take great determination. And one heck of a lot of work! Anyway, I was able to read the beginning of her novel on-line as she was writing it, but the website only allows you to read so far. I absolutely loved it! And Jean was kind enough to send us a copy when she finished it. I have been saving it as my reward for finishing Executive Orders. Thought I might have to wait even longer to read it, because Rich decided to read after he finished his last book. But sometimes things work out perfectly...Rich finished Jean's book last night. So now it's my turn!
(And by the way, Jean, if by any chance you read this...Rich absolutely loved the book! But I'm sure he'll e-mail to let you know himself.)
So, anyway, here is my review of Executive Orders. But be forewarned...I hate writing book reviews. It is simply a skill I do not possess. (Unlike my darling daughter, Annie, who writes them with comparative ease. Though she only started yesterday, she already finished reading her first book for the Spring Reading Thing challenge. And she wrote her review. The girl puts me to shame, I tell you.)
Executive Orders. By Tom Clancy. Well, as much as I complained about how long it was taking me to conquer this behemoth of a book, I really did enjoy it. I'm not really sure what to say about it...it was very "Clancy-esque". As always with his novels (at least, the ones I've read), there is a lot going on. Big understatement! It takes a while, but the sub-plots eventually start hooking up with one another, forming an overall thoroughly intriguing story. (And I must admit, there were times when I was eerily reminded of events going on the world today!) The final 100 pages (or there-abouts), were tough for me to get through. He tends to go into nauseating detail during "the war". Vehicles, ammunitions, maneuvers, tactics...he definitely shows off his knowledge. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there (my dad and brother, included) who find this terribly fascinating. Probably because they understand what he's talking about. Anyway, I am not one of those people. That part of the book bored me silly. Might have even given up on the whole thing, if I hadn't already invested so much time in reading the first 800 pages. By the very end of the book, I was back to enjoying my reading time, instead of dreading it, though. So, overall I would say I'm glad I read it. But it certainly will never make my "re-read" list.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
you can't keep a bookworm down
I asked Annie to help me pick out the books for the The Once Upon a Time Reading Challenge. After all, they are all her books that I'll be reading. And she's read them all, so she knew which to recommend. We had a great time coming up with my list.
Of course, this whole idea of a reading challenge got her all excited! She asked if she could join in, too. I thought it was fantastic idea. So I told her about the Spring Reading Thing, as well. She is beside herself with excitement!
She wanted me to post her lists on my blog. But I decided it would be better if she just posted her lists, and then her reviews on "her blog".
She is going to put me to complete shame! But I am so grateful for her undeniable love of reading!
Of course, this whole idea of a reading challenge got her all excited! She asked if she could join in, too. I thought it was fantastic idea. So I told her about the Spring Reading Thing, as well. She is beside herself with excitement!
She wanted me to post her lists on my blog. But I decided it would be better if she just posted her lists, and then her reviews on "her blog".
She is going to put me to complete shame! But I am so grateful for her undeniable love of reading!
Friday, March 23, 2007
little bits of this and that
*First let me say, I have no right to complain (zero, zilch, nada). I am not a basketball fan. Certainly not the NBA, and frankly, not of college ball either. So like I said no right to complain. Yet, for some reason, the last 2 seasons when Memphis has made it to the Sweet Sixteen, we have gotten really excited around here. (That personal connection, I guess. Having lived there for 4 years. It's where Rich got his PhD. Spent lots of time on the campus.) So anyway, we are really fired up to watch the game last night. And what happens? Well, of course, they don't show it here. I know, I know--no right to complain. But still we were mighty bummed! We did watch the end of the Kansas/SIU game, mostly in hopes that they would switch to the Memphis game after it ended. And hooray, they did...so we got to see the last 6 minutes. And frankly, those last minutes are the most exciting anyway, right? Anyway...way to go, Memphis! And good luck!
*I'm still really excited about the Spring Reading Thing! It has me all energized to get a pile of reading done. In fact, I've been wishing ever since I posted my list yesterday that I'd made it longer. So, last night, after those 6 minutes of the Memphis game, I was all ready to put a big dent in the last 100 pages of Executive Orders. But I'm sad to say, that didn't really happen. The book has really bogged down for me. A war has begun, and all of Clancy's excrutiating detail about vehicles and equipment and maneuvers is simply boring me to tears! I stuck it out for as long as I could keep my eyes open, but didn't make all that much progress. Oh well.
*Just a couple of goofy things that I've been told this morning:
--"I want a toothbrush that plays rock 'n roll in my mouth." (Max) Don't tell me...there probably is such a thing.
--"I could go to school without any underwear and no one would even know." (Gray)
*Gray is going to buy his lunch at school today! Hooray! This is quite a rare event. And frankly, I should not be happy about it. It's so much more expensive than packing his lunch. But for some reason, I hate packing lunches. (Should have put that on this week's 10 on Tuesday.) Don't ask me why...it's not like it's a tough job or even all that time-consuming. I mean, how hard is it to throw together a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (the only kind he'll eat at school, though he'll eat other kinds at home), add some fruit, and some fig newtons or the equivalent, and zip it all into his Pokemon lunchbox (a wonderful thrift store find), right? And yet for some reason, it's just one of those jobs that I despise doing.
*Max just asked me to wrap some of his toys so he could pretend it's his birthday. Maybe I'll even do it while he's in preschool today...easy way to make one little boy very happy. But anyway, that got me thinking about Annie's birthday again. I have got to get busy on that front! I haven't done anything to get ready yet. Nor made any Easter preparations. Which this year is the same day as Annie's birthday, further complicating matters. Since she's homeschooled, it's tough to get out there and shop for her, without her in tow. Of course, the bulk of her present will probably be a big Barnes&Noble gift card...that will make for an immensely happy young girl!
*I'm still really excited about the Spring Reading Thing! It has me all energized to get a pile of reading done. In fact, I've been wishing ever since I posted my list yesterday that I'd made it longer. So, last night, after those 6 minutes of the Memphis game, I was all ready to put a big dent in the last 100 pages of Executive Orders. But I'm sad to say, that didn't really happen. The book has really bogged down for me. A war has begun, and all of Clancy's excrutiating detail about vehicles and equipment and maneuvers is simply boring me to tears! I stuck it out for as long as I could keep my eyes open, but didn't make all that much progress. Oh well.
*Just a couple of goofy things that I've been told this morning:
--"I want a toothbrush that plays rock 'n roll in my mouth." (Max) Don't tell me...there probably is such a thing.
--"I could go to school without any underwear and no one would even know." (Gray)
*Gray is going to buy his lunch at school today! Hooray! This is quite a rare event. And frankly, I should not be happy about it. It's so much more expensive than packing his lunch. But for some reason, I hate packing lunches. (Should have put that on this week's 10 on Tuesday.) Don't ask me why...it's not like it's a tough job or even all that time-consuming. I mean, how hard is it to throw together a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (the only kind he'll eat at school, though he'll eat other kinds at home), add some fruit, and some fig newtons or the equivalent, and zip it all into his Pokemon lunchbox (a wonderful thrift store find), right? And yet for some reason, it's just one of those jobs that I despise doing.
*Max just asked me to wrap some of his toys so he could pretend it's his birthday. Maybe I'll even do it while he's in preschool today...easy way to make one little boy very happy. But anyway, that got me thinking about Annie's birthday again. I have got to get busy on that front! I haven't done anything to get ready yet. Nor made any Easter preparations. Which this year is the same day as Annie's birthday, further complicating matters. Since she's homeschooled, it's tough to get out there and shop for her, without her in tow. Of course, the bulk of her present will probably be a big Barnes&Noble gift card...that will make for an immensely happy young girl!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Spring Reading Thing
So excited about what I read at Gail's this morning! Yep, just giddy! She is participating in the Spring Reading Thing at Callapidder Days. Sounds like such fun that I just had to join in myself...and hopefully it will give the incentive I need to make some reading time for myself.
In general, you pick the books that you would like to read during this spring and make a list. March 21-June 21. Please check out the link above for all the particulars and to see what everyone else is reading!
So, here's my list:
1. Executive Orders by Tom Clancy
(been reading this forever!)
2. Call After Midnight AND Under the Knife by Tess Gerritsen (this is actually 2 books in 1, but I figured since I was almost done with Executive Orders I would include it)
3. Hunting Season by Nevada Barr
4. The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett
5. Before I Say Good-Bye by Mary Higgins Clark
Books #1, 2, and 5 are books others have lent me, so I really want to get them done. Book #3 is actually mine, but a friend lent me two other books by Nevada Barr that follow this one. I just like to read them in order, so I need to read this one so I can move on to hers. And #4, I just really want to read. (Probably should have included the ones I know I'll have to be reading for homeschooling, but that didn't seem like as much fun for some reason.) Anyway, that's my list.
And please check out Spring Reading Thing!
In general, you pick the books that you would like to read during this spring and make a list. March 21-June 21. Please check out the link above for all the particulars and to see what everyone else is reading!
So, here's my list:
1. Executive Orders by Tom Clancy
(been reading this forever!)
2. Call After Midnight AND Under the Knife by Tess Gerritsen (this is actually 2 books in 1, but I figured since I was almost done with Executive Orders I would include it)
3. Hunting Season by Nevada Barr
4. The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett
5. Before I Say Good-Bye by Mary Higgins Clark
Books #1, 2, and 5 are books others have lent me, so I really want to get them done. Book #3 is actually mine, but a friend lent me two other books by Nevada Barr that follow this one. I just like to read them in order, so I need to read this one so I can move on to hers. And #4, I just really want to read. (Probably should have included the ones I know I'll have to be reading for homeschooling, but that didn't seem like as much fun for some reason.) Anyway, that's my list.
And please check out Spring Reading Thing!
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