I was born in August. It's a good month but where oh where did the summer go?
So where am I with my 101 list of things to do... well I accomplished a few more things... none of them exciting :/
17. crochet something for self to wear - I made some hand/arm warmers on our recent road trip...they're not perfect but it kept me busy for a while in the car... and they will keep my wrists warm this winter in the library (but still allow me to type!)
61. repaint molding in corner of basement - I sanded down the damage and put a fresh coat on... it took about 15 minutes from start to finish but apparently I had to think about it for 6 years first :-)
71. use and develop underwater cameras-- I finished off the film with my nephew at the beach in June... but it took my husband to actually take them in to be developed... can't wait to see the pictures from the snorkeling in Key West we several vacations (and years!) ago.
Short Term Goals -
I got away from running for a few weeks and I'm feeling it now but I ran this morning and I supposed getting back at it is what really matters. Losing endurance is really frustrating but I will get back at it.
Goals for the week:
Run 2 more times
Go to the gym at least once
Conquer my to-do list (short term things - phone calls etc)
Read a book
daffodils
Monday, August 1, 2011
Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares
Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares
I'm going to pay overdue fines for this book. It was due the end of last week and so it had gone unread and unthought of for 3 weeks... but the day I was going to return it I noticed a conversation about the book happening on facebook. Friends were talking about how it wasn't what they expected and that there was a plot twist they wouldn't have guessed but that it was well worth the read. This exchange drew me in just enough to decide to give the library the 75 cents or so and read it over the weekend.
I loved the teen series Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I enjoyed all the characters (though I have always been most fond of Lena) and the reads were fun trips through memories of friendships that I still treasure today. Following this girls into their 30th year sounded like great fun...nothing in the book jacket description would lead you to believe otherwise but that couldn't be further from the truth. Don't get me wrong.... I loved this book but if you are looking for a beach read that won't make you think, feel uncomfortable, and explore hard emotions with these characters than perhaps it should be set aside for a rainy day instead of a day with your feet nestled in the sand.... but pick it up and read it one day...it's worth it.
SPOILERS AHEAD - Don't read further if you haven't read the book and intend to do so ..............
Once I read on facebook that there were some plot twists I had a feeling that something happened to one of the Septembers... I thought perhaps we would find out in the beginning of the book that one of them was sick and the book would explore their relationship together as the illness progressed... I was fully expecting Tibby to announce an illness when the four arrived in Greece and the turn of events did surprise me. After a while however I did figure out that there was more going on and that she must have been ill before the incident. It didn't actually bother me to know this before the characters... it wasn't like figuring out a mystery before then end of a suspense novel ... This book was more about the characters and how they worked through their grief and their relationships than it was about plot details to me.
I have a hard time reading about death and grief...it makes me think of people I love that I've lost and this book was no different. I wasn't actually sure I had it in me to keep reading after the first few chapters... I think some of this stems from great writing and evoking of emotions just as must as it does from being a weeping prone individual!
I marked some pages as I went and I want to share a few passages that particularly struck me. This is just as much for myself as for sharing so that I can come back to these few lines in the future... long after I've returned the library book.
pg xii Growing up is hard on friendship.
pg 66 She forgot everything instantly, as though she had no memory apparatus at all. But in a sick-feeling way, she also knew her eyes and ears were taking these things in and keeping them. These images and words would be there waiting for her, settling into some deeper layer that would someday resurface...and make her feel crazy and scared.
pg 228
Her vision of the world under the water represented a beautiful stillness, a version of heaven. It was the lost city of Lena, her alternate universe, the life she yearned for but didn't get to have.
Lena's grief experience most closely matched my own and so I think her sections stood out the most to me throughout the book, but following each persons individual experience and growth as a result of it was very touching and rewarding in a sort of way. I really wanted these characters to find their way, both in life and back to each other.
This certainly wasn't a happy light read, but readers will take comfort in the ending, and will feel better for having read it.
I'm going to pay overdue fines for this book. It was due the end of last week and so it had gone unread and unthought of for 3 weeks... but the day I was going to return it I noticed a conversation about the book happening on facebook. Friends were talking about how it wasn't what they expected and that there was a plot twist they wouldn't have guessed but that it was well worth the read. This exchange drew me in just enough to decide to give the library the 75 cents or so and read it over the weekend.
I loved the teen series Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I enjoyed all the characters (though I have always been most fond of Lena) and the reads were fun trips through memories of friendships that I still treasure today. Following this girls into their 30th year sounded like great fun...nothing in the book jacket description would lead you to believe otherwise but that couldn't be further from the truth. Don't get me wrong.... I loved this book but if you are looking for a beach read that won't make you think, feel uncomfortable, and explore hard emotions with these characters than perhaps it should be set aside for a rainy day instead of a day with your feet nestled in the sand.... but pick it up and read it one day...it's worth it.
SPOILERS AHEAD - Don't read further if you haven't read the book and intend to do so ..............
Once I read on facebook that there were some plot twists I had a feeling that something happened to one of the Septembers... I thought perhaps we would find out in the beginning of the book that one of them was sick and the book would explore their relationship together as the illness progressed... I was fully expecting Tibby to announce an illness when the four arrived in Greece and the turn of events did surprise me. After a while however I did figure out that there was more going on and that she must have been ill before the incident. It didn't actually bother me to know this before the characters... it wasn't like figuring out a mystery before then end of a suspense novel ... This book was more about the characters and how they worked through their grief and their relationships than it was about plot details to me.
I have a hard time reading about death and grief...it makes me think of people I love that I've lost and this book was no different. I wasn't actually sure I had it in me to keep reading after the first few chapters... I think some of this stems from great writing and evoking of emotions just as must as it does from being a weeping prone individual!
I marked some pages as I went and I want to share a few passages that particularly struck me. This is just as much for myself as for sharing so that I can come back to these few lines in the future... long after I've returned the library book.
pg xii Growing up is hard on friendship.
pg 66 She forgot everything instantly, as though she had no memory apparatus at all. But in a sick-feeling way, she also knew her eyes and ears were taking these things in and keeping them. These images and words would be there waiting for her, settling into some deeper layer that would someday resurface...and make her feel crazy and scared.
pg 228
Her vision of the world under the water represented a beautiful stillness, a version of heaven. It was the lost city of Lena, her alternate universe, the life she yearned for but didn't get to have.
Lena's grief experience most closely matched my own and so I think her sections stood out the most to me throughout the book, but following each persons individual experience and growth as a result of it was very touching and rewarding in a sort of way. I really wanted these characters to find their way, both in life and back to each other.
This certainly wasn't a happy light read, but readers will take comfort in the ending, and will feel better for having read it.
Friday, July 15, 2011
GUYKU: A Year of Haiku for Boys
GUYKU: A Year of Haiku for Boys by Bob Raczka with art by Peter H Reynolds
This book is clever.
I giggled and smiled a lot,
Illustrations rock!
This book is clever.
I giggled and smiled a lot,
Illustrations rock!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Beach Running Has Spoiled Me
Well I didn't get two more blog posts written in June... it's certainly not that I don't spend enough time on the computer... I've just been uninspired I suppose. I did however accomplish the other two short term goals... I am currently reading a new book (I'll review it here when I'm done) and I accomplished my goal of running a mile outside.
I did my first mile outside on the boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. An early morning run with the beach and waves to my left and the wall of hotels and t-shirt shops to my right. I actually ran a mile plus a block... just to be sure I actually completed the task.... didn't want to find out later that I didn't run far enough to check this off my list :-) After the first mile I walked a few blocks and ran a few quarter mile intervals. Whenever I try to run again after taking a walking break I never manage to make it very far in those second or third bursts.
A few days after breaking through the barrier of running a mile outside I decided to try something new and did some running on the sand (the nice wet packed sand at the edge of the water) and said what the heck and gave it a go barefoot. It was fantastic! Don't get me wrong... running on the sand and barefoot is harder than running on solid ground with supportive shoes... but it was also so much fun! I think if I lived where I could run like this everyday I would. There was just something freeing about running with the sand between my toes, splashing my toes in the water when it came close enough, and dodging shells to the rhythm of my favorite running tunes. Now whenever I go to lace up my shoes I have a pang of sadness that I'm heading out into the neighborhood or worse, into my basement to the treadmill instead of out along the surf. I wonder if there are any beach 5ks.......
I did my first mile outside on the boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. An early morning run with the beach and waves to my left and the wall of hotels and t-shirt shops to my right. I actually ran a mile plus a block... just to be sure I actually completed the task.... didn't want to find out later that I didn't run far enough to check this off my list :-) After the first mile I walked a few blocks and ran a few quarter mile intervals. Whenever I try to run again after taking a walking break I never manage to make it very far in those second or third bursts.
A few days after breaking through the barrier of running a mile outside I decided to try something new and did some running on the sand (the nice wet packed sand at the edge of the water) and said what the heck and gave it a go barefoot. It was fantastic! Don't get me wrong... running on the sand and barefoot is harder than running on solid ground with supportive shoes... but it was also so much fun! I think if I lived where I could run like this everyday I would. There was just something freeing about running with the sand between my toes, splashing my toes in the water when it came close enough, and dodging shells to the rhythm of my favorite running tunes. Now whenever I go to lace up my shoes I have a pang of sadness that I'm heading out into the neighborhood or worse, into my basement to the treadmill instead of out along the surf. I wonder if there are any beach 5ks.......
Monday, June 13, 2011
Long Time, No Blogging
Sigh... it's been a while since I managed to get a blog post written. As usual I have no legitimate excuses except I just didn't have anything to say/ didn't feel like it :-)
I haven't checked too many items off the 101 things to do list... a few boring things were completed-- wearing contacts and eating breakfast at home but nothing earth shattering or so life changing that they warranted a blog post. Probably the most noteworthy news about the list is that once again I've decided to edit it (I know that's probably not how these lists are supposed to work but I don't care -- it's my lists and I will do with it what I wish!). Some of the items on the original list were just so BORING or for some reason or another just aren't important to me anymore so I crossed out five more items (in red - the color I use for "I've changed my mind") and added five slots to the bottom of the list. I'm going to ponder what to add in those slots so if you've got any exciting ideas send them my way.
As far as short term goals I have actually been doing pretty good: I read another book (still a long way from my goal of 50 for the year though!), I've been running (aka jogging/walking) several times a week and going to the gym pretty regularly and in general trying to take care of myself. I had a goal for the year of running a mile and I've accomplished this on the treadmill twice but I've yet to make it happen outside so I'm holding off calling this a success (hopefully not for too much longer) but it was still a pretty exciting benchmark for me.
I'll be heading to the beach this weekend with my pops so I'm looking forward to some quality family time and also giving the boardwalk a try for running. Its straight and flat so I'm hoping it's a good run (plus the view will be better than my treadmill or neighborhood) even though I have no idea what running on boards will be like. I'll probably also eat lots of delicious foods like chocolate covered strawberries from Candy Kitchen and Boardwalk Fries... that's what the running is for I guess --to counteract all those calories :-)
My goals for the coming week/weeks:
At least 2 more blog posts in June
Read another book
Run a mile outside
I haven't checked too many items off the 101 things to do list... a few boring things were completed-- wearing contacts and eating breakfast at home but nothing earth shattering or so life changing that they warranted a blog post. Probably the most noteworthy news about the list is that once again I've decided to edit it (I know that's probably not how these lists are supposed to work but I don't care -- it's my lists and I will do with it what I wish!). Some of the items on the original list were just so BORING or for some reason or another just aren't important to me anymore so I crossed out five more items (in red - the color I use for "I've changed my mind") and added five slots to the bottom of the list. I'm going to ponder what to add in those slots so if you've got any exciting ideas send them my way.
As far as short term goals I have actually been doing pretty good: I read another book (still a long way from my goal of 50 for the year though!), I've been running (aka jogging/walking) several times a week and going to the gym pretty regularly and in general trying to take care of myself. I had a goal for the year of running a mile and I've accomplished this on the treadmill twice but I've yet to make it happen outside so I'm holding off calling this a success (hopefully not for too much longer) but it was still a pretty exciting benchmark for me.
I'll be heading to the beach this weekend with my pops so I'm looking forward to some quality family time and also giving the boardwalk a try for running. Its straight and flat so I'm hoping it's a good run (plus the view will be better than my treadmill or neighborhood) even though I have no idea what running on boards will be like. I'll probably also eat lots of delicious foods like chocolate covered strawberries from Candy Kitchen and Boardwalk Fries... that's what the running is for I guess --to counteract all those calories :-)
My goals for the coming week/weeks:
At least 2 more blog posts in June
Read another book
Run a mile outside
Matched by Ally Condie
Did I love this book? No. Do I think it would be popular with a certain group of teen readers? Definitely. I gave Matched by Ally Condie 3 stars on goodreads.com.... but only because half stars aren't an option. For me it was about 2 1/2. Very middle of the road...I didn't really like it but I didn't hate it and certainly see its appeal. In the dystopian society that Cassia lives in teenagers are "matched" with their mate sometime in their 17th year and Cassia is matched with her best childhood friend (being matched with someone you know almost never happens) but briefly catches a glimpse of another young many she knows on her match card... confusion/ angst/ coming of age abound. This story had all of the right ingredients for me to really like it but it lost me in one place... I never actually started to like or care about the characters. I can't put my finger on why but I didn't and because of that I never really cared what happened next and getting through the book was really tough. I'll still recommend this title to teens ... i think it could have broad appeal (though the cover is sort of girly) but there is certainly better dystopian teen lit out there.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Glam bands and Librarians and Food... Oh My!
OK... so the three things in my blog title aren't all a part of one great story I'm going to share... but they could be!
Just over a week ago I was at the Maryland Library Association conference in Ocean City and had a great time! I got to room with an old friend and a new one, caught up with some fantastically fun librarians from around the state, ate some great food and learned a thing or two along the way! There's something really cool about coming together with peers, sharing ideas and having a common desire to better libraries for our communities... and also, I don't know if you've noticed but librarians aren't stereotypically boring but actually quite a bit of fun to hang out with.
Along the way we ate at some tasty restaurants and one that I would HIGHLY recommend is Liquid Assets. It appears to be a liquor store/bar at first glance but they also serve some amazingly delicious food. I had the deluxe grilled cheese (spectacular) and shared and order of their donuts for dessert... the glaze was out of this world.
After spending time away from home for a few days last week...this weekend was all about some quality time with my husband and a plethora of 80's rock bands. We went to the M3 Festival on Friday and Saturday and rocked it out with Firehouse, Lita Ford, and Whitesnake. You can tell by the link that there were lots of other bands there but in my opinion those are the three most worth mentioning. By the way... I think that if you are going to tour again 20 years later and were once known as a "hair band" that you should still have long crazy hair... or fake it (Firehouse - I'm talking to you!) It just wasn't the same experience watching a few of the bands with shorter manes... just saying. Props go to Lita Ford and Whitesnake for keeping the long locks in great shape! In between the bands I had a great time people watching...people wear, say and do pretty silly things at rock concerts and I never got tired of just sitting back and taking it all in.
Unfortunately I don't have much to report on my 101 things to do list... I accomplished some things (I ordered fish a few more times in restaurants and knocked that off the list and went to a few more classes at the gym) but nothing earth shattering or terribly exciting. I'll get back to it this week... I hope to get to the gym a few times, get some outdoor running in, and hopefully squeeze in a trip to a state park with my happy hound.
Just over a week ago I was at the Maryland Library Association conference in Ocean City and had a great time! I got to room with an old friend and a new one, caught up with some fantastically fun librarians from around the state, ate some great food and learned a thing or two along the way! There's something really cool about coming together with peers, sharing ideas and having a common desire to better libraries for our communities... and also, I don't know if you've noticed but librarians aren't stereotypically boring but actually quite a bit of fun to hang out with.
Along the way we ate at some tasty restaurants and one that I would HIGHLY recommend is Liquid Assets. It appears to be a liquor store/bar at first glance but they also serve some amazingly delicious food. I had the deluxe grilled cheese (spectacular) and shared and order of their donuts for dessert... the glaze was out of this world.
After spending time away from home for a few days last week...this weekend was all about some quality time with my husband and a plethora of 80's rock bands. We went to the M3 Festival on Friday and Saturday and rocked it out with Firehouse, Lita Ford, and Whitesnake. You can tell by the link that there were lots of other bands there but in my opinion those are the three most worth mentioning. By the way... I think that if you are going to tour again 20 years later and were once known as a "hair band" that you should still have long crazy hair... or fake it (Firehouse - I'm talking to you!) It just wasn't the same experience watching a few of the bands with shorter manes... just saying. Props go to Lita Ford and Whitesnake for keeping the long locks in great shape! In between the bands I had a great time people watching...people wear, say and do pretty silly things at rock concerts and I never got tired of just sitting back and taking it all in.
Unfortunately I don't have much to report on my 101 things to do list... I accomplished some things (I ordered fish a few more times in restaurants and knocked that off the list and went to a few more classes at the gym) but nothing earth shattering or terribly exciting. I'll get back to it this week... I hope to get to the gym a few times, get some outdoor running in, and hopefully squeeze in a trip to a state park with my happy hound.
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