Some of these have reviews, towards the end, I gave up on that. Anyway, 127 at best count because I'm sure there was at least a few that didn't make the list because they were kind of forgettable.
Tippy Toe Murder Leslie Meier Jan
Too Many Crooks Tamara Myers Jan Good book. Quick read. Interested to read more
Mom, Apple Pie and Murder Nancy Pickens Jan Boring. Several short stories. A few were good and made me want to look up the author but most I just couldn't wait to finish
Star spangled Murder Leslie Meier Jan
High Heels and Homocide Kasey Michaels Jan This started off slow but wound up nicely and I'm looking forward to more
Crime Seen Victoria Laurie Jan Best VL book yet. Abby and Dutch weren't fighting the whole book and it was less creepy
Blue Blood Susan McBride Jan Took longer that I would have liked to read but it was decent. Read out of order but other than her relationship, I couldn't tell.
Just Plain Pickled Tamar Myers Jan Took a little to get into but it is quite funny once it starts
3 willows Ann Brashares Jan Continuation of the Sisterhood
Drop Dead Blond Nancy Martin Jan Anthalogy Well done books from good authors
Nothing to Fear but Ferrets Linda Johnston Jan Kendra Ballantyne mystery
Fine Feathered Death Linda Johnston Feb Much easier to get through than ferrets
Meow for Murder Linda Jonhston Feb More development of the story awfully predictable
Mail order murder Leslie Meyer Feb First book, many contradictions to future character development
A crazy little thing called death Nancy Martin Feb Not the best Blackbird book, a little crazy premise
Bubbles a Blaze Sarah Strohmeyer Feb Bubbles is quite fun.
Bubbles All the Way Sarah Strohmeyer Feb Good until the end, then it just got strange
Nursery Crimes Ayelet Waldman Feb Meh, decent story, bad characters
Murder of a Smart Cookie Denise Swanson Feb Totally out of order. Need to read the rest of the series to get a better handle
on where things stand
Murder of a real Bad Boy Denise Swanson Feb Follows right after Cookie. Starting to make some sense
Death Perception Victoria Laurie Mar Good whodunit but a little predictable
Don of the Dead Casey Daniels March Slow to start but a solid base to an interesting series
The Chick and the Dead Casey Daniels March Further charcter development, she seems to be getting in to her role as
Gifted
Are you there Vodka Chelsea Handler March Way Funnier than expected. LOLed in many parts
Plum spooky Janet Evanovich March JE. Laughed so hard at parts, I woke up Lizzie. Super quick read
Nip, Tuck Dead Lori Avocato Mar Took some getting into but then was fairly fast. Main character was a little annoying and
the story was Predictable!
White Witch,Black Curse Kim Harrison Mar Resolved the mystery at the end of the last book. 500 pages, so took a little while
to read
On What Grounds Cleo Coyle Mar Quick read, finally first in a series. Interested in further developments
Killer Cocktail Sheryl Anderson Mar Second in a series. Seems to really need the other book to make sense. Main characters whines about guy too much
Muder with Peacocks Donna Andrews Mar Read fast and I was happy with the ending. Of course, I knew about the guy but it
was kind of obvious
Contents Under Pressure Edna Buchanan Mar Good book, good characters, fast read
Ice Maiden Edna Buchanan Apr Read out of order, already tired of her killing of characters
Miami, It's Murder Edna Buchanan Apr A little slower read, still good
Suitable for Framing Edna Buchanan Apr Good
Act of Betrayal Edna Buchanan Apr
Margin of Error Edna Buchanan Apr Suprising ending
Garden of Evil Edna Buchanan Apr Read fast, a change of pace because we knew the bad guy early on
You Only Die Twice Edna Buchanan Apr Sadly, predictable, especially given how well Margin of Error ended
Cold Case Squad Edna Buchanan Apr Not Britt and not nearly as good
Shadows Edna Buchanan Apr
Love Kills Edna Buchanan Apr Britt is back, sharing space with Cold Case. Not as good as the books that are strictly from her POV. Left open ended
Tombs of Endearment Casey Daniels Apr A little predictable.
Night of the Loving Dead Casey Daniels Apr Finally some resolution
Murder Melts in your Mouth Nancy Martin Apr New Characters, same plot line. Still decent
Legally Dead Edna Buchanan Apr Did NOT like the ending. No resolution. The rest of the book was good though
Sucker Bet Erin McCarthy Apr Vegas vamps. Only read because it was in the series. Mostly boring
Murder of a Small Town Honey Denise Swanson May First Scumble river book. Gives back story to characters
Murder of a Sweet Old Lady Denise Swanson May Scumble River Fast read, nice twist
Murder of a Sleeping Beauty Denise Swanson May Fast Read, not surprising
Murder of a Snake in the Grass Denise Swanson May Fast Read, typical ending
Murder of a Barbie and Ken Denise Swanson May
Wishful Drinking Carrie Fisher May Read super fast. Very funny!
Murder of a Pink Elephant Denise Swanson May
Murder of a Botoxed Blonde Denise Swanson May
Murder of a Chocolate Covered Cherry Denise Swanson May
Murder Between the Covers Elaine Viets May
Dying to Call You Elaine Viets May
Pane of death Sarah Atwell May
Just Murdered Elaine Viets June
Murder unleashed Elaine Viets June
Murder with reservations Elaine Viets June
Clubbed to death Elaine Viets June
Shakespeare's Landlord Charlaine Harris June Quick read, straight mystery instead of her usual supernatural bend.
Nice surprise ending
Shakespeare's Champion Charlaine Harris June
Dead and Gone Charlaine Harris June I liked these books when it was just vamps and weres. Faeries are a little too
much
Shakespeare's Christmas Charlaine Harris June A little different from the rest of the series, also a little too easy to
figure out
High Heels are murder Elaine Viets June Decent heroine, interesting enough to read
Carpe Demon Julie Kenner June Adventures of a Demon hunting soccer mom. Funny enough to entertain, dark enough to thrill
California Demon Julie Kenner June
Demons are forever Julie Kenner June
Deja Demon Julie Kenner June
Shakespeare's Trollop Charlaine Harris June Last one in the series. Not so great
The Givenchy Code Julie Kenner July Espionage with a fashion twist
Manolo Matrix Julie Kenner July
Prada Paradox Julie Kenner July The people in this book are so stupid. The other books were decent but this was too
obvious
Accessory to Murder Elaine Viets July
Murder with all the Trimmings Elaine Viets July
Dying in Style Elaine Viets July
Shakespeare's Counselor Charlaine Harris July
Lone Star Lonely Hearts Club Susan McBride July
Finger Licking Fifteen Janet Evanovich July
After Birth July
Killer Cuts Elaine Viets July
Royal Scandels Michael Farquhar Aug
Blood lite Aug
Foolishly Forgotten Americans Michael Farquhar Aug
Breathers Aug
Demon Envy Erin Lynn Aug
Bloodsucking Fiends Christopher Moore Aug
You Suck Christopher Moore Aug
Royal Mess Mary Janice Davidson Aug
UnDead and UnWelcome Mary Janice Davidson July
Island of the Sequined Love Nun Christopher Moore Aug
Coyote Blue Christopher Moore Aug
Speed Demon Erin Lynn Sept
Lust Lizard of Meloncoly Cove Christopher Moore Sept
Practical Guide to Demon Keeping Christopher Moore Sept
Fatally Flaky Diane Mott Davidson Sep
Wedding Day Murder Leslie Meier Sep
Christmas Cooking Murder Leslie Meier Sep
New Year's Eve Murder Leslie Meier Sep
Did they really do it Fred Rosen Sep
Teaser Jan Brogan Sept
Vampires of Venice Beach Jennifer Colt Oct
Angry Housewives eating bon bons Lorna Landvik Oct
St. Patrick's Day Murder Leslie Meier Oct
Pride and Predudice and zombies Jane Austen Oct
Butcher of Beverly Hills Jennifer Colt Oct
Mangler of Malibu Canyon Jennifer Colt Oct
Mistletoe Murder Leslie Meier Nov
Con Artist of Catalina Island Jennifer Colt Nov
Tales from the Crib Jennifer Coburn Nov
Foul Play Janet Evanovich Nov
Promises in Death JD Robb Nov
Bite Laurel Hamilton Nov
Good Ghouls Do Julie Kenner Nov
A good ghouls guide to getting even Julie Kenner Nov
Prom Nights from hell Meg Cabot Nov
Maggie needs an Alibi Kasey Michaels Nov
Skin Trade Laurell Hamilton Nov
Maggie By the Book Kasey Michael Dec
Kindred in Death JD Robb Dec
The Lost symbol Dan Brown Dec
Grave Secret Charlaine Harris Dec
Maggie without a clue Kasey Michaels Dec
A touch of Dead Charlaine Harris Dec
U is for Undertow Sue Grafton Dec
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Half way there book list
We are half way through the year so here is my current book list. Title, Author, month read, and short review for the ones that I felt strongly enough about to review :)
Tippy Toe Murder Leslie Meier Jan
Too Many Crooks Tamara Myers Jan Good book. Quick read. Interested to read more
Mom, Apple Pie and Murder Nancy Pickens Jan Boring. Several short stories. A few were good and made me want to look up the author but most I just couldn't wait to finish
Star spangled Murder Leslie Meier Jan
High Heels and Homocide Kasey Michaels Jan This started off slow but wound up nicely and I'm looking forward to more
Crime Seen Victoria Laurie Jan Best VL book yet. Abby and Dutch weren't fighting the whole book and it was less creepy
Blue Blood Susan McBride Jan Took longer that I would have liked to read but it was decent. Read out of order but other
than her relationship, I couldn't tell.
Just Plain Pickled Tamar Myers Jan Took a little to get into but it is quite funny once it starts
3 willows Ann Brashares Jan Continuation of the Sisterhood
Drop Dead Blond Nancy Martin Jan Anthalogy Well done books from good authors
Nothing to Fear but Ferrets Linda Johnston Jan Kendra Ballantyne mystery
Fine Feathered Death Linda Johnston Feb Much easier to get through than ferrets
Meow for Murder Linda Jonhston Feb More development of the story awfully predictable
Mail order murder Leslie Meyer Feb First book, many contradictions to future character development
A crazy little thing called death Nancy Martin Feb Not the best Blackbird book, a little crazy premise
Bubbles a Blaze Sarah Strohmeyer Feb Bubbles is quite fun.
Bubbles All the Way Sarah Strohmeyer Feb Good until the end, then it just got strange
Nursery Crimes Ayelet Waldman Feb Meh, decent story, bad characters
Murder of a Smart Cookie Denise Swanson Feb Totally out of order. Need to read the rest of the series to get a better handle on where things stand
Murder of a real Bad Boy Denise Swanson Feb Follows right after Cookie. Starting to make some sense
Death Perception Victoria Laurie Mar Good whodunit but a little predictable
Don of the Dead Casey Daniels March Slow to start but a solid base to an interesting series
The Chick and the Dead Casey Daniels March Further charcter development, she seems to be getting in to her role as Gifted
Are you there Vodka Chelsea Handler March Way Funnier than expected. LOLed in many parts
Plum spooky Janet Evanovich March JE. Laughed so hard at parts, I woke up Lizzie. Super quick read
Nip, Tuck Dead Lori Avocato Mar Took some getting into but then was fairly fast. Main character was a little annoying and the story was Predictable!
White Witch,Black Curse Kim Harrison Mar Resolved the mystery at the end of the last book. 500 pages, so took a little while to read
On What Grounds Cleo Coyle Mar Quick read, finally first in a series. Interested in further developments
Killer Cocktail Sheryl Anderson Mar Second in a series. Seems to really need the other book to make sense. Main characters whines about guy too much
Muder with Peacocks Donna Andrews Mar Read fast and I was happy with the ending. Of course, I knew about the guy but it was kind of obvious
Contents Under Pressure Edna Buchanan Mar Good book, good characters, fast read
Ice Maiden Edna Buchanan Apr Read out of order, already tired of her killing of characters
Miami, It's Murder Edna Buchanan Apr A little slower read, still good
Suitable for Framing Edna Buchanan Apr Good
Act of Betrayal Edna Buchanan Apr
Margin of Error Edna Buchanan Apr Suprising ending
Garden of Evil Edna Buchanan Apr Read fast, a change of pace because we knew the bad guy early on
You Only Die Twice Edna Buchanan Apr Sadly, predictable, especially given how well Margin of Error ended
Cold Case Squad Edna Buchanan Apr Not Britt and not nearly as good
Shadows Edna Buchanan Apr
Love Kills Edna Buchanan Apr Britt is back, sharing space with Cold Case. Not as good as the books that are strictly from her POV. Left open ended
Tombs of Endearment Casey Daniels Apr A little predictable.
Night of the Loving Dead Casey Daniels Apr Finally some resolution
Murder Melts in your Mouth Nancy Martin Apr New Characters, same plot line. Still decent
Legally Dead Edna Buchanan Apr Did NOT like the ending. No resolution. The rest of the book was good though
Sucker Bet Erin McCarthy Apr Vegas vamps. Only read because it was in the series. Mostly boring
Murder of a Small Town Honey Denise Swanson May First Scumble river book. Gives back story to characters
Murder of a Sweet Old Lady Denise Swanson May Scumble River Fast read, nice twist
Murder of a Sleeping Beauty Denise Swanson May Fast Read, not surprising
Murder of a Snake in the Grass Denise Swanson May Fast Read, typical ending
Murder of a Barbie and Ken Denise Swanson May
Wishful Drinking Carrie Fisher May Read super fast. Very funny!
Murder of a Pink Elephant Denise Swanson May
Murder of a Botoxed Blonde Denise Swanson May
Murder of a Chocolate Covered Cherry Denise Swanson May
Murder Between the Covers Elaine Viets May
Dying to Call You Elaine Viets May
Pane of death Sarah Atwell May
Just Murdered Elaine Viets June
Murder unleashed Elaine Viets June
Murder with reservations Elaine Viets June
Shakespeare's Landlord Charlaine Harris June Quick read, straight mystery instead of her usual supernatural bend. Nice surprise ending
Shakespeare's Champion Charlaine Harris June
Dead and Gone Charlaine Harris June I liked these books when it was just vamps and weres. Faeries are a little too much
Shakespeare's Christmas Charlaine Harris June A little different from the rest of the series, also a little too easy to figure out
High Heels are murder Elaine Viets June Decent heroine, interesting enough to read
Carpe Demon Julie Kenner June Adventures of a Demon hunting soccer mom. Funny enough to entertain, dark enough to thrill
California Demon Julie Kenner June
Demons are forever Julie Kenner June
Deja Demon Julie Kenner June
Shakespeare's Trollop Charlaine Harris June Last one in the series. Not so great
The Givenchy Code Julie Kenner July Espionage with a fashion twist
Manolo Matrix Julie Kenner July
Tippy Toe Murder Leslie Meier Jan
Too Many Crooks Tamara Myers Jan Good book. Quick read. Interested to read more
Mom, Apple Pie and Murder Nancy Pickens Jan Boring. Several short stories. A few were good and made me want to look up the author but most I just couldn't wait to finish
Star spangled Murder Leslie Meier Jan
High Heels and Homocide Kasey Michaels Jan This started off slow but wound up nicely and I'm looking forward to more
Crime Seen Victoria Laurie Jan Best VL book yet. Abby and Dutch weren't fighting the whole book and it was less creepy
Blue Blood Susan McBride Jan Took longer that I would have liked to read but it was decent. Read out of order but other
than her relationship, I couldn't tell.
Just Plain Pickled Tamar Myers Jan Took a little to get into but it is quite funny once it starts
3 willows Ann Brashares Jan Continuation of the Sisterhood
Drop Dead Blond Nancy Martin Jan Anthalogy Well done books from good authors
Nothing to Fear but Ferrets Linda Johnston Jan Kendra Ballantyne mystery
Fine Feathered Death Linda Johnston Feb Much easier to get through than ferrets
Meow for Murder Linda Jonhston Feb More development of the story awfully predictable
Mail order murder Leslie Meyer Feb First book, many contradictions to future character development
A crazy little thing called death Nancy Martin Feb Not the best Blackbird book, a little crazy premise
Bubbles a Blaze Sarah Strohmeyer Feb Bubbles is quite fun.
Bubbles All the Way Sarah Strohmeyer Feb Good until the end, then it just got strange
Nursery Crimes Ayelet Waldman Feb Meh, decent story, bad characters
Murder of a Smart Cookie Denise Swanson Feb Totally out of order. Need to read the rest of the series to get a better handle on where things stand
Murder of a real Bad Boy Denise Swanson Feb Follows right after Cookie. Starting to make some sense
Death Perception Victoria Laurie Mar Good whodunit but a little predictable
Don of the Dead Casey Daniels March Slow to start but a solid base to an interesting series
The Chick and the Dead Casey Daniels March Further charcter development, she seems to be getting in to her role as Gifted
Are you there Vodka Chelsea Handler March Way Funnier than expected. LOLed in many parts
Plum spooky Janet Evanovich March JE. Laughed so hard at parts, I woke up Lizzie. Super quick read
Nip, Tuck Dead Lori Avocato Mar Took some getting into but then was fairly fast. Main character was a little annoying and the story was Predictable!
White Witch,Black Curse Kim Harrison Mar Resolved the mystery at the end of the last book. 500 pages, so took a little while to read
On What Grounds Cleo Coyle Mar Quick read, finally first in a series. Interested in further developments
Killer Cocktail Sheryl Anderson Mar Second in a series. Seems to really need the other book to make sense. Main characters whines about guy too much
Muder with Peacocks Donna Andrews Mar Read fast and I was happy with the ending. Of course, I knew about the guy but it was kind of obvious
Contents Under Pressure Edna Buchanan Mar Good book, good characters, fast read
Ice Maiden Edna Buchanan Apr Read out of order, already tired of her killing of characters
Miami, It's Murder Edna Buchanan Apr A little slower read, still good
Suitable for Framing Edna Buchanan Apr Good
Act of Betrayal Edna Buchanan Apr
Margin of Error Edna Buchanan Apr Suprising ending
Garden of Evil Edna Buchanan Apr Read fast, a change of pace because we knew the bad guy early on
You Only Die Twice Edna Buchanan Apr Sadly, predictable, especially given how well Margin of Error ended
Cold Case Squad Edna Buchanan Apr Not Britt and not nearly as good
Shadows Edna Buchanan Apr
Love Kills Edna Buchanan Apr Britt is back, sharing space with Cold Case. Not as good as the books that are strictly from her POV. Left open ended
Tombs of Endearment Casey Daniels Apr A little predictable.
Night of the Loving Dead Casey Daniels Apr Finally some resolution
Murder Melts in your Mouth Nancy Martin Apr New Characters, same plot line. Still decent
Legally Dead Edna Buchanan Apr Did NOT like the ending. No resolution. The rest of the book was good though
Sucker Bet Erin McCarthy Apr Vegas vamps. Only read because it was in the series. Mostly boring
Murder of a Small Town Honey Denise Swanson May First Scumble river book. Gives back story to characters
Murder of a Sweet Old Lady Denise Swanson May Scumble River Fast read, nice twist
Murder of a Sleeping Beauty Denise Swanson May Fast Read, not surprising
Murder of a Snake in the Grass Denise Swanson May Fast Read, typical ending
Murder of a Barbie and Ken Denise Swanson May
Wishful Drinking Carrie Fisher May Read super fast. Very funny!
Murder of a Pink Elephant Denise Swanson May
Murder of a Botoxed Blonde Denise Swanson May
Murder of a Chocolate Covered Cherry Denise Swanson May
Murder Between the Covers Elaine Viets May
Dying to Call You Elaine Viets May
Pane of death Sarah Atwell May
Just Murdered Elaine Viets June
Murder unleashed Elaine Viets June
Murder with reservations Elaine Viets June
Shakespeare's Landlord Charlaine Harris June Quick read, straight mystery instead of her usual supernatural bend. Nice surprise ending
Shakespeare's Champion Charlaine Harris June
Dead and Gone Charlaine Harris June I liked these books when it was just vamps and weres. Faeries are a little too much
Shakespeare's Christmas Charlaine Harris June A little different from the rest of the series, also a little too easy to figure out
High Heels are murder Elaine Viets June Decent heroine, interesting enough to read
Carpe Demon Julie Kenner June Adventures of a Demon hunting soccer mom. Funny enough to entertain, dark enough to thrill
California Demon Julie Kenner June
Demons are forever Julie Kenner June
Deja Demon Julie Kenner June
Shakespeare's Trollop Charlaine Harris June Last one in the series. Not so great
The Givenchy Code Julie Kenner July Espionage with a fashion twist
Manolo Matrix Julie Kenner July
Friday, April 3, 2009
Random anger and a few good things
It makes me really angry when people lie about the time they spend working out. RF's work has a gym, it costs 1/10 the amount of most gyms in town to go to so I do. Occasionally, they run contests for gifts cards to various places for participating for a certain amount of time. They aren't competitions since anyone that completes the program gets a gift card. That is what got me back in the gym this time. They are giving away a $30 Best Buy gift card for working out 3 times a week for 30 minutes per time for 8 weeks. I've already spent the gift card in my head so I have to complete the challenge to get get my stuff. I realize that what other people do has no bearing on my progress (which is 6 minutes at 3 miles an hour on the stairs right now) and "they are only hurting themselves", but when they screw around I want to yell at them. A lot of people fudge their in and out time on the log. I will be in there, 10 minutes into my time on the elliptical and someone will come in, sign in, ride the bike for a few minutes, sign out and leave. Their sign in time is almost always listed as before mine and their sign out after. There is a prox card sensor/lock on the door that you have to scan your ID to get in but I don't know how often that log gets compared to the written one. The other thing they do is come in, piddle around reading the fit facts, do a couple of reps on the weight machines, spent 10 minutes sipping water, do a couple more reps, watch some TV, a couple more, chat with the other people, etc. So they may actually be in the room for 90 minutes but they are only working out 20 minutes of that time. Lame. I think in addition to the door being locked, all the machines should have codes on them and you should have to input your code to turn it on. Then it would log the amount of time, under your account, that you worked out that day. Then no cheating. I've been told I'm the only one that cares and as long as people pretend to complete the program, that is all they care about.
Something else that irritates me is book series. This used to be basically a Sci-Fi thing, where books would have 27 books in the same series. Never bothered me until it bled over into mystery. Of course, I love the hold system at the library and have many series on hold but if it isn't a Champaign book, you might get your hold in 2 days, you might get it in 2 weeks, your book might be working on the first solo hike around the world and you might never get it. So I still end up browsing the shelves, looking for something to fill time until my next book comes in. Of course because everything is a series, you can't just wonder down the aisle and pick up something that looks interesting anymore. If you do, you might end up with the 2nd, 10th or 50th book in the series. RF says "research it before you leave and find the first book" I say, "since I pick books that have interesting covers, that doesn't work, besides even if I did, there is no guarantee that the first book would be on the shelf and then I would back in the hold system again". I'm fine with the concept of series because I like getting to know the characters better and I like knowing that I have more to read. I just don't like not knowing where the book is in the series. Name your book whatever cute, funny, punny title you feel the need to call it. Then in large print, somewhere on the cover say "the 3rd book in the Britt Montero" series (the series I'm currently reading) so I don't end up with book 2 and 4, thinking I have 2 and 3 and wondering WTF is going on when I crack open 4 and it is talking about stuff I have no idea about, leaving the book to languish on my counter for over a month while I wait for book 3 to come in (which is what happened to me with the last bunch of books I got)
We got our new fridge yesterday. We have been telling the landlord since we moved in that that thing was on it's way out. It has always made these horrible creaking and groaning noises whenever it kicked on or off. Recently, it has started having different temperature zones in it. Some areas are a little warm, leaving my pop less than pleasant. Other areas are so cold food is freezing. I can't tell you how much stuff I've had to toss because it froze (stuff that isn't supposed to freeze, like tomatoes). They left the old one so the new one had time to get cold and we could take our time switching the stuff over. I left it plugged in all night and started moving food this AM. We are going from a side by side to a top and bottom. The fridge part is about 4 inches wider than our old one, which I great. It has 3 shelves, instead of 2 and it is taller. The freezer, on the other hand, is teeny, tiny. I fit about half the stuff in our freezer in it. A lot of it was stuff that has been in there for ages (some frozen fruit from when I made smoothies for breakfast when I was working, before I got pregnant with MT) so I threw a lot away. But I also knew that this is about the emptiest the freezer is going to be because grocery shopping is Tuesday. I called the landlord and asked if we could keep the old fridge and put it on the porch. She said sure, they couldn't do anything with it. So they are coming sometime early next week to hook up the water line (new fridge has an ice maker in it) and haul the old one to the porch. I'm going to use it for freezer space and for drink and other stuff that temp doesn't matter in the fridge. Now to clear off the porch to make room for it.
Finally, does it make me a bad mom that I declined to sit upstairs and watch "Bedtime Stories" with my kids because my dad i up there? I did promise TB that I would watch it with him again tomorrow afternoon but I couldn't bring myself to hang out up there all night. Plus, it sounds like they are jumping off things and generally running wild and I'm rather glad I'm not up there right now.
Something else that irritates me is book series. This used to be basically a Sci-Fi thing, where books would have 27 books in the same series. Never bothered me until it bled over into mystery. Of course, I love the hold system at the library and have many series on hold but if it isn't a Champaign book, you might get your hold in 2 days, you might get it in 2 weeks, your book might be working on the first solo hike around the world and you might never get it. So I still end up browsing the shelves, looking for something to fill time until my next book comes in. Of course because everything is a series, you can't just wonder down the aisle and pick up something that looks interesting anymore. If you do, you might end up with the 2nd, 10th or 50th book in the series. RF says "research it before you leave and find the first book" I say, "since I pick books that have interesting covers, that doesn't work, besides even if I did, there is no guarantee that the first book would be on the shelf and then I would back in the hold system again". I'm fine with the concept of series because I like getting to know the characters better and I like knowing that I have more to read. I just don't like not knowing where the book is in the series. Name your book whatever cute, funny, punny title you feel the need to call it. Then in large print, somewhere on the cover say "the 3rd book in the Britt Montero" series (the series I'm currently reading) so I don't end up with book 2 and 4, thinking I have 2 and 3 and wondering WTF is going on when I crack open 4 and it is talking about stuff I have no idea about, leaving the book to languish on my counter for over a month while I wait for book 3 to come in (which is what happened to me with the last bunch of books I got)
We got our new fridge yesterday. We have been telling the landlord since we moved in that that thing was on it's way out. It has always made these horrible creaking and groaning noises whenever it kicked on or off. Recently, it has started having different temperature zones in it. Some areas are a little warm, leaving my pop less than pleasant. Other areas are so cold food is freezing. I can't tell you how much stuff I've had to toss because it froze (stuff that isn't supposed to freeze, like tomatoes). They left the old one so the new one had time to get cold and we could take our time switching the stuff over. I left it plugged in all night and started moving food this AM. We are going from a side by side to a top and bottom. The fridge part is about 4 inches wider than our old one, which I great. It has 3 shelves, instead of 2 and it is taller. The freezer, on the other hand, is teeny, tiny. I fit about half the stuff in our freezer in it. A lot of it was stuff that has been in there for ages (some frozen fruit from when I made smoothies for breakfast when I was working, before I got pregnant with MT) so I threw a lot away. But I also knew that this is about the emptiest the freezer is going to be because grocery shopping is Tuesday. I called the landlord and asked if we could keep the old fridge and put it on the porch. She said sure, they couldn't do anything with it. So they are coming sometime early next week to hook up the water line (new fridge has an ice maker in it) and haul the old one to the porch. I'm going to use it for freezer space and for drink and other stuff that temp doesn't matter in the fridge. Now to clear off the porch to make room for it.
Finally, does it make me a bad mom that I declined to sit upstairs and watch "Bedtime Stories" with my kids because my dad i up there? I did promise TB that I would watch it with him again tomorrow afternoon but I couldn't bring myself to hang out up there all night. Plus, it sounds like they are jumping off things and generally running wild and I'm rather glad I'm not up there right now.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Book List so far this year
Since it is the end of March and it is unlikely I will have time to finish the current book and start another one, I'm calling this my first quarter book list. Last year, Ms. Lemonade requested that I review the books so most of these have a little blurb about if I liked them or not.
Tippy Toe Murder Leslie Meier Jan
Too Many Crooks Tamara Myers Jan Good book. Quick read. Interested to read more
Mom, Apple Pie and Murder Nancy Pickens Jan Boring. Several short stories. A few were good and made me want to look up the author but most I just
couldn't wait to finish
Star spangled Murder Leslie Meier Jan
High Heels and Homocide Kasey Michaels Jan This started off slow but wound up nicely and I'm looking forward to more
Crime Seen Victoria Laurie Jan Best VL book yet. Abby and Dutch weren't fighting the whole book and it was less creepy
Blue Blood Susan McBride Jan Took longer that I would have liked to read but it was decent. Read out of order but other than her relationship, I couldn't tell.
Just Plain Pickled Tamar Myers Jan Took a little to get into but it is quite funny once it starts
3 willows Ann Brashares Jan Continuation of the Sisterhood
Drop Dead Blond Nancy Martin Jan Anthalogy Well done books from good authors
Nothing to Fear but Ferrets Linda Johnston Jan Kendra Ballantyne mystery
Fine Feathered Death Linda Johnston Feb Much easier to get through than ferrets
Meow for Murder Linda Jonhston Feb More development of the story awfully predictable
Mail order murder Leslie Meyer Feb First book, many contradictions to future character development
A crazy little thing called death Nancy Martin Feb Not the best Blackbird book, a little crazy premise
Bubbles a Blaze Sarah Strohmeyer Feb Bubbles is quite fun.
Bubbles All the Way Sarah Strohmeyer Feb Good until the end, then it just got strange
Nursery Crimes Ayelet Waldman Feb Meh, decent story, bad characters
Murder of a Smart Cookie Denise Swanson Feb Totally out of order. Need to read the rest of the series to get a better handle on where things stand
Murder of a real Bad Boy Denise Swanson Feb Follows right after Cookie. Starting to make some sense
Death Perception Victoria Laurie Mar Good whodunit but a little predictable
Don of the Dead Casey Daniels March Slow to start but a solid base to an interesting series
The Chick and the Dead Casey Daniels March Further charcter development, she seems to be getting in to her role as Gifted
Are you there Vodka Chelsea Handler March Way Funnier than expected. LOLed in many parts
Plum spooky Janet Evanovich March JE. Laughed so hard at parts, I woke up Lizzie. Super quick read
Nip, Tuck Dead Lori Avocato Mar Took some getting into but then was fairly fast. Main character was a little annoying and the story was Predictable!
White Witch,Black Curse Kim Harrison Mar Resolved the mystery at the end of the last book. 500 pages, so took a little while to read
On What Grounds Cleo Coyle Mar Quick read, finally first in a series. Interested in further developments
Killer Cocktail Sheryl Anderson Mar Second in a series. Seems to really need the other book to make sense. Main characters whines about guy too much
Muder with Peacocks Donna Andrews Mar Currently reading, no comment yet
Tippy Toe Murder Leslie Meier Jan
Too Many Crooks Tamara Myers Jan Good book. Quick read. Interested to read more
Mom, Apple Pie and Murder Nancy Pickens Jan Boring. Several short stories. A few were good and made me want to look up the author but most I just
couldn't wait to finish
Star spangled Murder Leslie Meier Jan
High Heels and Homocide Kasey Michaels Jan This started off slow but wound up nicely and I'm looking forward to more
Crime Seen Victoria Laurie Jan Best VL book yet. Abby and Dutch weren't fighting the whole book and it was less creepy
Blue Blood Susan McBride Jan Took longer that I would have liked to read but it was decent. Read out of order but other than her relationship, I couldn't tell.
Just Plain Pickled Tamar Myers Jan Took a little to get into but it is quite funny once it starts
3 willows Ann Brashares Jan Continuation of the Sisterhood
Drop Dead Blond Nancy Martin Jan Anthalogy Well done books from good authors
Nothing to Fear but Ferrets Linda Johnston Jan Kendra Ballantyne mystery
Fine Feathered Death Linda Johnston Feb Much easier to get through than ferrets
Meow for Murder Linda Jonhston Feb More development of the story awfully predictable
Mail order murder Leslie Meyer Feb First book, many contradictions to future character development
A crazy little thing called death Nancy Martin Feb Not the best Blackbird book, a little crazy premise
Bubbles a Blaze Sarah Strohmeyer Feb Bubbles is quite fun.
Bubbles All the Way Sarah Strohmeyer Feb Good until the end, then it just got strange
Nursery Crimes Ayelet Waldman Feb Meh, decent story, bad characters
Murder of a Smart Cookie Denise Swanson Feb Totally out of order. Need to read the rest of the series to get a better handle on where things stand
Murder of a real Bad Boy Denise Swanson Feb Follows right after Cookie. Starting to make some sense
Death Perception Victoria Laurie Mar Good whodunit but a little predictable
Don of the Dead Casey Daniels March Slow to start but a solid base to an interesting series
The Chick and the Dead Casey Daniels March Further charcter development, she seems to be getting in to her role as Gifted
Are you there Vodka Chelsea Handler March Way Funnier than expected. LOLed in many parts
Plum spooky Janet Evanovich March JE. Laughed so hard at parts, I woke up Lizzie. Super quick read
Nip, Tuck Dead Lori Avocato Mar Took some getting into but then was fairly fast. Main character was a little annoying and the story was Predictable!
White Witch,Black Curse Kim Harrison Mar Resolved the mystery at the end of the last book. 500 pages, so took a little while to read
On What Grounds Cleo Coyle Mar Quick read, finally first in a series. Interested in further developments
Killer Cocktail Sheryl Anderson Mar Second in a series. Seems to really need the other book to make sense. Main characters whines about guy too much
Muder with Peacocks Donna Andrews Mar Currently reading, no comment yet
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Just say it
I'm reading this book that is pretty decent overall. The issue that I have with it is the main character is sort of maybe but not really dating this guy. Every other paragraph is her talking about how she doesn't know if they are a couple and doesn't want to say anything that might indicate that in case they aren't and he bolts because coupledom scares him but she doesn't want to ask either, blah blah blah.
Why, oh why do people not just say the things they mean and ask for what they want? Why do people beat around the bush, use double speak and agonize ENDLESSLY over insane stuff like that? I was NEVER that way so I simply don't understand the motivation.
If you like someone, you tell them. If they like you back, they should tell you. If they don't like you back, they aren't worth your time to begin with so why all the stress? If you don't like them, you need to tell them. Leading them on and trying to be "nice" only causes problems. You can be blunt and to the point without being a jerk (which was the other thing I was thinking about writing but they work together so you all get one post today).
Today on the radio the email was basically "I have a co-worker that is an Oprah nut. She insists on recapping the show for me, at length everyday. I don't like Oprah, what can I do" Many of the calls were suggestions like "save all your important work until she shows up and claim to be too busy to talk" "rat her out the boss for spending so much time not working" etc. Only one caller suggested watching an episode, then telling you aren't a fan.
My suggestion? Be blunt but don't be a jerk. The person could tell her "I understand that you a huge Oprah fan but I'm just not. I'm here to work, not to listen a description of a show I don't like". And walk away. End of story. You aren't hiding from her or lying to her (which will only bite you in the ass). Just say what you mean. No need to make anything more complicated than that.
Why, oh why do people not just say the things they mean and ask for what they want? Why do people beat around the bush, use double speak and agonize ENDLESSLY over insane stuff like that? I was NEVER that way so I simply don't understand the motivation.
If you like someone, you tell them. If they like you back, they should tell you. If they don't like you back, they aren't worth your time to begin with so why all the stress? If you don't like them, you need to tell them. Leading them on and trying to be "nice" only causes problems. You can be blunt and to the point without being a jerk (which was the other thing I was thinking about writing but they work together so you all get one post today).
Today on the radio the email was basically "I have a co-worker that is an Oprah nut. She insists on recapping the show for me, at length everyday. I don't like Oprah, what can I do" Many of the calls were suggestions like "save all your important work until she shows up and claim to be too busy to talk" "rat her out the boss for spending so much time not working" etc. Only one caller suggested watching an episode, then telling you aren't a fan.
My suggestion? Be blunt but don't be a jerk. The person could tell her "I understand that you a huge Oprah fan but I'm just not. I'm here to work, not to listen a description of a show I don't like". And walk away. End of story. You aren't hiding from her or lying to her (which will only bite you in the ass). Just say what you mean. No need to make anything more complicated than that.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
103
So I did 103 books last year. Here is my final list, including commentary on most of them. Some of them, the commentary is self explainatory. Like Twilight and HP need no comment. Others, I commented on the whole series instead of the individual books. And some of them there just isn't much to say about so I listed what topic they were. That happened fairly frequently with older books, since I can't remember much about them :)
Maid for Murder Barbara Colley Meh
The SPQ Field Giude to Men Jill Conner Brown May Funny, more fact than fiction
Really Unusual Bad Boys Mary Janice Davidson May Romance
The Royal Pain Mary Janice Davidson Feb Funny
The Royal Treatment Mary Janice Davidson Feb Funny
Valentine's Day is Killing Me Mary Janice Davidson Romance
Hot Mama Jennifer Estep Superhero romance better than Karma Girl
Karma Girl Jennifer Estep Superhero Romance
Wife for Hire Janet Evanovich Typical JE
To have and to hold Jane Green BORING
Obsession, Deceit and Really Dark Chocolate Kyra Green Funny, like JE
Passion, Betrayal and Killer Highlights Kyra Green Funny like JE
Sex, Murder and a Double Latte Kyra Green Funny like JE
So Much For My Happy Ending Kyra Green Not as funny as other books by her but decent
Killer in High Heels Gemma Halliday interesting series, much like Kyra Green
Bloody Bones Laurell Hamilton Vampires
Circus of the Damned Laurell Hamilton Vampires
Guilty Pleasures Laurell Hamilton Vampires
Killing Dance Laurell Hamilton Vampires
Laughing Corpse Laurell Hamilton Vampires
Lunatic Café Laurell Hamilton Vampires
Dead Until Dark Charlaine Harris Vampires
Dead Witch Walking Kim Harrison Whiny witch, needs to change instead of bitching
Killer Insight Victoria Laurie interesting
Bad Boys in black Tie Erin McCarthy Romance
Bit the Jackpot Erin McCarthy vampire romance
Bled Dry Erin McCarthy vampire romance
High Stakes Erin McCarthy vampire romance
Chopping Spree Diane Mott Davidson cooking
Dark Tort Diane Mott Davidson cooking
Double Shot Diane Mott Davidson cooking
Prime Cut Diane Mott Davidson cooking
Sticks and Scones Diane Mott Davidson cooking
Sweet Revenge Diane Mott Davidson cooking
Tough cookie Diane Mott Davidson cooking
We Thought you'd be Prettier Laurie Nataro non-fiction, fairly funny
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire JK Rowling HP
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix JK Rowling July HP
Good in Bed Jennifer Wiemer Read for book club. It was fine but I wouldn't read any others by her. It took too long and didn't hold my attention enough
Barking Goats and the Redneck Mafia Dolores Wilson Funny
Jail Bertie and the Peanut Ladies Dolores Wilson Funny
Blue Moon Laurell Hamilton May Vampire
My son's goal in life… Dave Barry June non-fiction, typical DB, fast read
The book of bad songs Dave Barry June non-fiction, typical DB, fast read
The hipster handbook Anchor Books June Lame
Narcisuss in Chains Laurell Hamilton June Vampire
Cerulean Sins Laurell Hamilton June Vampire
Me Talk Pretty One Day David Sedaris June Read for book club, it was ok, some stories were good but other were hard to get through. Won't push myself to read any of his others
Obsidian Butterfly Laurell Hamilton June Vampire
Cross my Heart and Hope to Die Nancy Martin June Interesting series. Good characters, good plots
Incubus Dreams Laurell Hamilton July Vampires
Micah Laurell Hamilton July Vampires
Danse Macabre Laurell Hamilton July Vampires
The Harliquin Laurell Hamilton July Vampires
Dead over Heals Mary Janice Davidson July Part of the "Undead" series. Not the best, too heavy
Some Like it Lethal Nancy Martin July Interesting series. Good characters, good plots
T is for Trespass Sue Grafton July Very dark SG book. Deals with elder abuse and stalking
Succubus on Top Richelle Mead July Better than expected with the terrible title.
Blood Noir Laurell Hamilton July Vampire
The Good, The Bad and The Undead Kim Harrison Aug Whiny witch, needs to change instead of bitching
Grave Surprise Charlaine Harris Aug Fairly predictable, not nearly as good as the Sookie books
Grave Sight Charlaine Harris Aug Fairly predictable, not nearly as good as the Sookie books
Curly Girl Aug BORING non-fiction about how to care for curly hair
A Fistful of Charms Kim Harrison Aug Whiny witch, needs to change instead of bitching
Dead and Dateless Kimberly Raye Aug Way too over the top and that is saying a lot since it is vampire romance
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince JK Rowling HP
Fearless Fourteen Janet Evanovich Aug Pretty typical number series
Every Witch Way but Dead Kim Harrison Aug Whiny witch, needs to change instead of bitching
A Charmed Death Madelyn Alt Sept No impression
For a Few Demons More Kim Harrison Sept Whiny witch, needs to change instead of bitching
The Other Bolelyn Girl Phillipa Gregory Sept Better than expected for historical fiction. Prompted other books to read later about real relationships
The Trouble with Boys Peg Tyre Sept FANTASTIC! A must read for any mom of boys
Twilight Stephanie Meyer Sept Twilight
New Moon Stephanie Meyer Sept Twilight
Eclipse Stephanie Meyer Sept Twilight
Breaking Dawn Stephanie Meyer Sept Didn't like as much as the other. The POV change ruined it for me
Midnight Sun Stephanie Meyer Sept Better, even, than original
Creation in Death JD Robb Sept Typicaly JD RObb
Living Dead in Dallas Charlaine Harris Sept Sookie
Undead and Unworthy Mary Janice Davidson Oct More "Undead"
Alibi in High Heels Gemma Halliday Oct interesting series, much like Kyra Green
Designed to die Chloe Green Oct No impression
Club Dead Charlaine Harris Oct This was a decent series. The early books were better than the later books but you have to read the whole, you can't quit part way through
Dead to the World Charlaine Harris Oct
Schooled Anisha Lakhani Nov Decent. About a Manhatten teacher turned high priced tutor and the moral delimas that go along with that
Trick or Treat Murder Leslie Meier Nov Interesting series. Nice that it doesn't HAVE to be read in order to understand what is going on, like other series
Sex with Kings Eleanor Herman Nov For the topic, this book was awfully dry. It was very fact based and only talked about a handful of European kings
Better Read than Dead Victoria Laurie Nov This series is another interesting one. It does kind of need to be read in order to understand but you can muddle through if you mess up like I did
Abby Cooper, Physic Eye Victoria Laurie Nov This series is another interesting one. It does kind of need to be read in order to understand but you can muddle through if you mess up like I did
Turkey Day Murder Leslie Meier Nov Interesting series. Nice that it doesn't HAVE to be read in order to understand what is going on, like other series
Too Pretty to Die Susan McBride Nov A little too predictable.
Father's Day Murder Leslie Meier Nov Interesting series. Nice that it doesn't HAVE to be read in order to understand what is going on, like other series
Runaway Ralph Beverly Cleary Dec Kids book. I'm reading it to The Boy and it is over 100 pages so I'm counting it
Have your Cake and Kill Him Too Nancy Martin Dec Interesting series. Good characters, good plots
Bake Sale Murder Leslie Meier Dec Interesting series. Nice that it doesn't HAVE to be read in order to understand what is going on, like other series
Sex with the Queen Eleanor Herman Dec Much better than Kings. More diversity and more details. Way better information
A Vision of Murder Victoria Laurie Dec This series is another interesting one. It does kind of need to be read in order to understand but you can muddle through if you mess up like I did
Birthday Party Murder Leslie Meier Dec Interesting series. Nice that it doesn't HAVE to be read in order to understand what is going on, like other series
Maid for Murder Barbara Colley Meh
The SPQ Field Giude to Men Jill Conner Brown May Funny, more fact than fiction
Really Unusual Bad Boys Mary Janice Davidson May Romance
The Royal Pain Mary Janice Davidson Feb Funny
The Royal Treatment Mary Janice Davidson Feb Funny
Valentine's Day is Killing Me Mary Janice Davidson Romance
Hot Mama Jennifer Estep Superhero romance better than Karma Girl
Karma Girl Jennifer Estep Superhero Romance
Wife for Hire Janet Evanovich Typical JE
To have and to hold Jane Green BORING
Obsession, Deceit and Really Dark Chocolate Kyra Green Funny, like JE
Passion, Betrayal and Killer Highlights Kyra Green Funny like JE
Sex, Murder and a Double Latte Kyra Green Funny like JE
So Much For My Happy Ending Kyra Green Not as funny as other books by her but decent
Killer in High Heels Gemma Halliday interesting series, much like Kyra Green
Bloody Bones Laurell Hamilton Vampires
Circus of the Damned Laurell Hamilton Vampires
Guilty Pleasures Laurell Hamilton Vampires
Killing Dance Laurell Hamilton Vampires
Laughing Corpse Laurell Hamilton Vampires
Lunatic Café Laurell Hamilton Vampires
Dead Until Dark Charlaine Harris Vampires
Dead Witch Walking Kim Harrison Whiny witch, needs to change instead of bitching
Killer Insight Victoria Laurie interesting
Bad Boys in black Tie Erin McCarthy Romance
Bit the Jackpot Erin McCarthy vampire romance
Bled Dry Erin McCarthy vampire romance
High Stakes Erin McCarthy vampire romance
Chopping Spree Diane Mott Davidson cooking
Dark Tort Diane Mott Davidson cooking
Double Shot Diane Mott Davidson cooking
Prime Cut Diane Mott Davidson cooking
Sticks and Scones Diane Mott Davidson cooking
Sweet Revenge Diane Mott Davidson cooking
Tough cookie Diane Mott Davidson cooking
We Thought you'd be Prettier Laurie Nataro non-fiction, fairly funny
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire JK Rowling HP
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix JK Rowling July HP
Good in Bed Jennifer Wiemer Read for book club. It was fine but I wouldn't read any others by her. It took too long and didn't hold my attention enough
Barking Goats and the Redneck Mafia Dolores Wilson Funny
Jail Bertie and the Peanut Ladies Dolores Wilson Funny
Blue Moon Laurell Hamilton May Vampire
My son's goal in life… Dave Barry June non-fiction, typical DB, fast read
The book of bad songs Dave Barry June non-fiction, typical DB, fast read
The hipster handbook Anchor Books June Lame
Narcisuss in Chains Laurell Hamilton June Vampire
Cerulean Sins Laurell Hamilton June Vampire
Me Talk Pretty One Day David Sedaris June Read for book club, it was ok, some stories were good but other were hard to get through. Won't push myself to read any of his others
Obsidian Butterfly Laurell Hamilton June Vampire
Cross my Heart and Hope to Die Nancy Martin June Interesting series. Good characters, good plots
Incubus Dreams Laurell Hamilton July Vampires
Micah Laurell Hamilton July Vampires
Danse Macabre Laurell Hamilton July Vampires
The Harliquin Laurell Hamilton July Vampires
Dead over Heals Mary Janice Davidson July Part of the "Undead" series. Not the best, too heavy
Some Like it Lethal Nancy Martin July Interesting series. Good characters, good plots
T is for Trespass Sue Grafton July Very dark SG book. Deals with elder abuse and stalking
Succubus on Top Richelle Mead July Better than expected with the terrible title.
Blood Noir Laurell Hamilton July Vampire
The Good, The Bad and The Undead Kim Harrison Aug Whiny witch, needs to change instead of bitching
Grave Surprise Charlaine Harris Aug Fairly predictable, not nearly as good as the Sookie books
Grave Sight Charlaine Harris Aug Fairly predictable, not nearly as good as the Sookie books
Curly Girl Aug BORING non-fiction about how to care for curly hair
A Fistful of Charms Kim Harrison Aug Whiny witch, needs to change instead of bitching
Dead and Dateless Kimberly Raye Aug Way too over the top and that is saying a lot since it is vampire romance
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince JK Rowling HP
Fearless Fourteen Janet Evanovich Aug Pretty typical number series
Every Witch Way but Dead Kim Harrison Aug Whiny witch, needs to change instead of bitching
A Charmed Death Madelyn Alt Sept No impression
For a Few Demons More Kim Harrison Sept Whiny witch, needs to change instead of bitching
The Other Bolelyn Girl Phillipa Gregory Sept Better than expected for historical fiction. Prompted other books to read later about real relationships
The Trouble with Boys Peg Tyre Sept FANTASTIC! A must read for any mom of boys
Twilight Stephanie Meyer Sept Twilight
New Moon Stephanie Meyer Sept Twilight
Eclipse Stephanie Meyer Sept Twilight
Breaking Dawn Stephanie Meyer Sept Didn't like as much as the other. The POV change ruined it for me
Midnight Sun Stephanie Meyer Sept Better, even, than original
Creation in Death JD Robb Sept Typicaly JD RObb
Living Dead in Dallas Charlaine Harris Sept Sookie
Undead and Unworthy Mary Janice Davidson Oct More "Undead"
Alibi in High Heels Gemma Halliday Oct interesting series, much like Kyra Green
Designed to die Chloe Green Oct No impression
Club Dead Charlaine Harris Oct This was a decent series. The early books were better than the later books but you have to read the whole, you can't quit part way through
Dead to the World Charlaine Harris Oct
Schooled Anisha Lakhani Nov Decent. About a Manhatten teacher turned high priced tutor and the moral delimas that go along with that
Trick or Treat Murder Leslie Meier Nov Interesting series. Nice that it doesn't HAVE to be read in order to understand what is going on, like other series
Sex with Kings Eleanor Herman Nov For the topic, this book was awfully dry. It was very fact based and only talked about a handful of European kings
Better Read than Dead Victoria Laurie Nov This series is another interesting one. It does kind of need to be read in order to understand but you can muddle through if you mess up like I did
Abby Cooper, Physic Eye Victoria Laurie Nov This series is another interesting one. It does kind of need to be read in order to understand but you can muddle through if you mess up like I did
Turkey Day Murder Leslie Meier Nov Interesting series. Nice that it doesn't HAVE to be read in order to understand what is going on, like other series
Too Pretty to Die Susan McBride Nov A little too predictable.
Father's Day Murder Leslie Meier Nov Interesting series. Nice that it doesn't HAVE to be read in order to understand what is going on, like other series
Runaway Ralph Beverly Cleary Dec Kids book. I'm reading it to The Boy and it is over 100 pages so I'm counting it
Have your Cake and Kill Him Too Nancy Martin Dec Interesting series. Good characters, good plots
Bake Sale Murder Leslie Meier Dec Interesting series. Nice that it doesn't HAVE to be read in order to understand what is going on, like other series
Sex with the Queen Eleanor Herman Dec Much better than Kings. More diversity and more details. Way better information
A Vision of Murder Victoria Laurie Dec This series is another interesting one. It does kind of need to be read in order to understand but you can muddle through if you mess up like I did
Birthday Party Murder Leslie Meier Dec Interesting series. Nice that it doesn't HAVE to be read in order to understand what is going on, like other series
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Times 100
With the book I started reading yesterday, I'm at 100 books for the year! This was my goal this year and I think I got a little stressed about it at times (like this week)because I found myself reading 2 or 3 books at a time to beef up my list. I finished them all so they all counted but it made me feel better to have them listed. So now I've reached my goal and I have a few more weeks to go. I know that I will finish at least one more book before the end of the year so I'm going to wait until the year is said and done to post my list here. I just couldn't wait another 2 weeks to announce hitting my goal :)
Friday, December 5, 2008
Addition to the library
My friend Jen over at Flannel Hippos posted about her favorite things. One of them was the online catalog for the library. I agree with her about using it but I would like to go one step further.
I was thinking today how much I love the online catalog for the library. The only thing that would make it better is if they had a drive up pick up area. Similar to the old fast food places that had multiple food windows with the little elevator that came in and out. They could have a person working the hold room and you drive up, send in your card, they scan it, retrieve your items, send them and the card and the receipt back to you and you go on your merry way.
There have been many many times (less now that the kids are older but it still happens regularly) when I passed ona trip to the library because someone was asleep in the car or is was pouring down rain and I didn't want to drag everyone in or someone was sick and I didn't want to infect the whole library or any of a dozen other reason why I would want to drive through.
Of course, the hold roomw would still accessable to people in the library so you can pick up stuff if you are in (we are there a couple of times a week typically) but you don't have to go in if you don't want to. Unfortunately, with our new building, I doubt we would see anything like this any time soon. They won't be remodelling the builidng to include it and there isn't a way to do it without some construction.
I was thinking today how much I love the online catalog for the library. The only thing that would make it better is if they had a drive up pick up area. Similar to the old fast food places that had multiple food windows with the little elevator that came in and out. They could have a person working the hold room and you drive up, send in your card, they scan it, retrieve your items, send them and the card and the receipt back to you and you go on your merry way.
There have been many many times (less now that the kids are older but it still happens regularly) when I passed ona trip to the library because someone was asleep in the car or is was pouring down rain and I didn't want to drag everyone in or someone was sick and I didn't want to infect the whole library or any of a dozen other reason why I would want to drive through.
Of course, the hold roomw would still accessable to people in the library so you can pick up stuff if you are in (we are there a couple of times a week typically) but you don't have to go in if you don't want to. Unfortunately, with our new building, I doubt we would see anything like this any time soon. They won't be remodelling the builidng to include it and there isn't a way to do it without some construction.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
What is wrong with that boy?
I've started reading the book The Trouble with Boys and it is highly interesting. I'm only in the 3rd chapter where they are still talking numbers but so far it is a very scary number game.
I remember being in elementary school when some news program (20/20, etc) did a story about how boys were called on twice as often in class as girls. From that day forward, I would test my teachers on random days to see if they were guilty of descrimination (none of them ever were) because by God, I deserved to answers as many questions as any 'stupid' boy. I was a staunch feminist. I was a big believer in "anything you can do, I can do better" I'm the girl in second grade who forced my teacher to make the boys were shirts at our spring picnic because I was hot too "and if they get to take off their shirts, then I will too" I distinctly remember the strides girls and women made in the fields of math and science during the early 90s. I remember some arguement about Barbie not having enough "smart" jobs and how they brought out scientist Barbie, vet Barbie, etc to serve as positive role models for girls. I remember all that so why, suddenly, am I concerned about the achievement of boys? After all, boys are tradtionally higher preforming so why is this an issue.
I'm concerned about boy achievement because now I have a boy who isn't achiving. He is consistantly behind in reading. He isn't interested in learning to read. He is interested in science and math. Specifically Chemistry. If things blow up or catch on fire he is all over it but he loves all types of science. Guess which subject they barely teach at school? They have a short science unit each quarter but it is late in the day and passed over if anything else runs long or if there is a half day. It also isn't interesting science. It is "seeds and plants" and "sun moon and stars". At least it is something but it could be so much better. Instead, kindergarten and first graders are being beaten over the head with sight words and take home books and all manner of other age inappropriate activities. His lack of reading achievement seems to be a pretty standard complaint of boy parent's. They mention the achievement gaps in reading and how it grows from 3rd and 4th grade through high school, where girls vastly outperform boys, repeatedly so obviously, this something other parents are dealing with.
I have many questions about this book. For example, it mentions that boys are more likely to be expelled from preschool than girls. Is this because boys aren't able to function is highly academic environments at that young of an age? Is it because (as anticdotal evidence suggests) that there are more boys enrolled in preschool? Hopefully, these questions, and others, will be addressed. I'm sure I'll have more to say about this book as I get further in it but so far I highly recommend it for parent's of boys. Even if your boys aren't in school yet, it is never a bad thing to know what you might expect when they get there.
While you wait for this book here is an article from the author on the problems of boys in school.
I remember being in elementary school when some news program (20/20, etc) did a story about how boys were called on twice as often in class as girls. From that day forward, I would test my teachers on random days to see if they were guilty of descrimination (none of them ever were) because by God, I deserved to answers as many questions as any 'stupid' boy. I was a staunch feminist. I was a big believer in "anything you can do, I can do better" I'm the girl in second grade who forced my teacher to make the boys were shirts at our spring picnic because I was hot too "and if they get to take off their shirts, then I will too" I distinctly remember the strides girls and women made in the fields of math and science during the early 90s. I remember some arguement about Barbie not having enough "smart" jobs and how they brought out scientist Barbie, vet Barbie, etc to serve as positive role models for girls. I remember all that so why, suddenly, am I concerned about the achievement of boys? After all, boys are tradtionally higher preforming so why is this an issue.
I'm concerned about boy achievement because now I have a boy who isn't achiving. He is consistantly behind in reading. He isn't interested in learning to read. He is interested in science and math. Specifically Chemistry. If things blow up or catch on fire he is all over it but he loves all types of science. Guess which subject they barely teach at school? They have a short science unit each quarter but it is late in the day and passed over if anything else runs long or if there is a half day. It also isn't interesting science. It is "seeds and plants" and "sun moon and stars". At least it is something but it could be so much better. Instead, kindergarten and first graders are being beaten over the head with sight words and take home books and all manner of other age inappropriate activities. His lack of reading achievement seems to be a pretty standard complaint of boy parent's. They mention the achievement gaps in reading and how it grows from 3rd and 4th grade through high school, where girls vastly outperform boys, repeatedly so obviously, this something other parents are dealing with.
I have many questions about this book. For example, it mentions that boys are more likely to be expelled from preschool than girls. Is this because boys aren't able to function is highly academic environments at that young of an age? Is it because (as anticdotal evidence suggests) that there are more boys enrolled in preschool? Hopefully, these questions, and others, will be addressed. I'm sure I'll have more to say about this book as I get further in it but so far I highly recommend it for parent's of boys. Even if your boys aren't in school yet, it is never a bad thing to know what you might expect when they get there.
While you wait for this book here is an article from the author on the problems of boys in school.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Friday filler
Rogers asked what voice lived in my head. The voice that lives in my head is a complete OCD perfectionist. It wants labels and time tables and "a place for everything and everything in it's place" That is not how the voice outside my head sees things and since she is a bitch, she wins. However, to try and instill some order to this chaos we live in, I'm working on cleaning my house. Each day, I plan to clean off one flat surface (you may remember the dirty housewife pictures a few months ago) each day and I'm sorting one toybox each. Any toys that are broken are getting tossed. Anything that is missing parts is getting tossed. Anything that is decent, we just have too many of or don't play with or whatever is going to the CARE swap. Looseyfur, keep your eyes open for a big box o' crap to show up at your house one day :)
TB is going to cheer camp. It is being sponsored by one of the high schools and he decided to do it (after first questioning what, exactly, cheerleaders are supposed to do). We signed him up so he will go to the camp on Sunday the 14 and cheer at half of the football game on Friday the 19th.
I started reading The Other Boleyn Girl for book club. I didn't read our last book because it sounded stupid (after listening to the discussion about it, I'm so glad I didn't waste my time, I would have hated it). I thought the same thing about this book but Quigs read it and suggested that I try it because it was pretty good. So far, I have to agree. It is a little dirty and pretty funny at times :)
I have been super impressed with the last couple of meals I've made. I made a meatloaf the other night (Quigs and Loosey, let me know what you think) and I thought it was really good. Then tonight, I made kabobs and the meat was some of the best I've had. I LOVE Old Time Meat and Deli for my meat. There is a new meat store that has opened up closer to me and I keep thinking about trying it but I really like OTMD and can't bring myself to try switching.
I have to go to the farmer's market tomorrow. I don't know what I'm going to get because my mom came home with a huge bag of tomatoes, which is generally what I buy the most of. I do need some green beans (aka crack, which despite assurances otherwise, I like much better than sugar snap peas) and if I take the van, I'll get a watermelon. If I take the scooter, I'll have to pass on it because there is no way to get it home. I'll also probably pass on the corn because I'm tired of it nearly going bad before I can use it. I'll pick that up at the farmer's market over here
TB is losing his teeth. His front bottom ones are are loose. One is super loose ( a few days to a week at the outside before that one is gone) and the other is a little loose. I have been cutting corn off the cob for 2 weeks for him because he can't eat it. But I stupidly didn't think of that and sent him and apple to school for lunch today. I felt a little bad that he couldn't eat it but I did tell him that I will cut them up for him in the future
Speaking of apples, I am ready for the Best Apple Ever. They come out right after TB's birthday and I'm on the waiting list but damn I want them now!
My throat hurts. I think it is allergies but in any case, it is a pain. I'm tired of downing Tylenol all the time.
TB is going to cheer camp. It is being sponsored by one of the high schools and he decided to do it (after first questioning what, exactly, cheerleaders are supposed to do). We signed him up so he will go to the camp on Sunday the 14 and cheer at half of the football game on Friday the 19th.
I started reading The Other Boleyn Girl for book club. I didn't read our last book because it sounded stupid (after listening to the discussion about it, I'm so glad I didn't waste my time, I would have hated it). I thought the same thing about this book but Quigs read it and suggested that I try it because it was pretty good. So far, I have to agree. It is a little dirty and pretty funny at times :)
I have been super impressed with the last couple of meals I've made. I made a meatloaf the other night (Quigs and Loosey, let me know what you think) and I thought it was really good. Then tonight, I made kabobs and the meat was some of the best I've had. I LOVE Old Time Meat and Deli for my meat. There is a new meat store that has opened up closer to me and I keep thinking about trying it but I really like OTMD and can't bring myself to try switching.
I have to go to the farmer's market tomorrow. I don't know what I'm going to get because my mom came home with a huge bag of tomatoes, which is generally what I buy the most of. I do need some green beans (aka crack, which despite assurances otherwise, I like much better than sugar snap peas) and if I take the van, I'll get a watermelon. If I take the scooter, I'll have to pass on it because there is no way to get it home. I'll also probably pass on the corn because I'm tired of it nearly going bad before I can use it. I'll pick that up at the farmer's market over here
TB is losing his teeth. His front bottom ones are are loose. One is super loose ( a few days to a week at the outside before that one is gone) and the other is a little loose. I have been cutting corn off the cob for 2 weeks for him because he can't eat it. But I stupidly didn't think of that and sent him and apple to school for lunch today. I felt a little bad that he couldn't eat it but I did tell him that I will cut them up for him in the future
Speaking of apples, I am ready for the Best Apple Ever. They come out right after TB's birthday and I'm on the waiting list but damn I want them now!
My throat hurts. I think it is allergies but in any case, it is a pain. I'm tired of downing Tylenol all the time.
Monday, August 25, 2008
It's all about me
I was filling out our family calendar for the rest of the school year and I noticed that in January, the only things that are on the calendar are either days out of school (Xmas break) or my stuff. I know it will fill up with other play dates and things but right now it looks like it is all about me :)
Also, am I a bad PTA mom if I blow off the Feb district meeting for book club? It is the first one that has been a book I actually wanted to read on my own. I think I'll ask someone else to go to the district meeting for me that one night.
Also, am I a bad PTA mom if I blow off the Feb district meeting for book club? It is the first one that has been a book I actually wanted to read on my own. I think I'll ask someone else to go to the district meeting for me that one night.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Odds and ends
Nothing major happening so a few lists.
For the cryptic mess recently, I thought Quigs was avoiding me for some unknown reason. When I asked about it, she told me to quite being stupid so I knew we were ok LOL
I think the "Sisterhood of the Traveling.."something (pants, diaper bag, porn star bra, etc) should go see the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie when it comes out August 6th
We have decided on Holiday World for vacation. Now, we just have to decide whether we go to the park for 2 half days and stay one night or stay two nights and go to the park one whole day.
I'm reading a new Mary Janice Davidson book. If all the books I read, read as fast as her's and Janet Evanonvich's do, I could easily clear 100 books in a year. I can read one book in about 8 hours of reading. I would kick Missy's butt for books in a year LOL
I'm doing a terrible job keeping up my book list. I'm at least 3 or 4 books behind. I need to get that taken care of.
We went to the fair tonight. My mom had some free passes os we took the kids, rode some rides, ate some fair food (some of the best food there is) and saw the rodeo. The Boy went in the fun house, despite my warnings that it was so not fun. He ended up completely terrified and they had to shut it down and the girl had to go in and get him. Ms Thang didn't like the bulls because they were mean for trying to get the cowboys off them. They both liked all the junk they were allowed to eat and the trash sucking cow.
I'm going to Curtis Orchard tomorrow with S, from big kid play group. Then in the afternoon, Quigs and I are going berry picking at Pontious Farm because I'm out of blueberries again. Hopefully the picking will be better than it was last weekend because I need way more than 3/4 of a pound of berries to sustain the berry machine that lives at my house. Plus, I'm going to make the kids home made fruit roll ups and I would like to try blueberries in them
Saturday, I MUST go to the farmer's market. I've been trying to get some zebra tomatoes for a month and the only time I managed to get over there, they didn't have any. I need some freaking good tomatoes!
Saturday, we also have Cruisin for kids with Cancer, The last 3 years, I have volunteered to do things while others ride. This year, it sort of snuck up on me and I haven't emailed about volunteering. I will still go (TB rides with my dad on the ride) and take pictures and things. And if they need any additional people at the end, then I'll offer to help but I'm not going to commit this late in the game.
Finally, some pages I did from last years event
C4KC pages
For the cryptic mess recently, I thought Quigs was avoiding me for some unknown reason. When I asked about it, she told me to quite being stupid so I knew we were ok LOL
I think the "Sisterhood of the Traveling.."something (pants, diaper bag, porn star bra, etc) should go see the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie when it comes out August 6th
We have decided on Holiday World for vacation. Now, we just have to decide whether we go to the park for 2 half days and stay one night or stay two nights and go to the park one whole day.
I'm reading a new Mary Janice Davidson book. If all the books I read, read as fast as her's and Janet Evanonvich's do, I could easily clear 100 books in a year. I can read one book in about 8 hours of reading. I would kick Missy's butt for books in a year LOL
I'm doing a terrible job keeping up my book list. I'm at least 3 or 4 books behind. I need to get that taken care of.
We went to the fair tonight. My mom had some free passes os we took the kids, rode some rides, ate some fair food (some of the best food there is) and saw the rodeo. The Boy went in the fun house, despite my warnings that it was so not fun. He ended up completely terrified and they had to shut it down and the girl had to go in and get him. Ms Thang didn't like the bulls because they were mean for trying to get the cowboys off them. They both liked all the junk they were allowed to eat and the trash sucking cow.
I'm going to Curtis Orchard tomorrow with S, from big kid play group. Then in the afternoon, Quigs and I are going berry picking at Pontious Farm because I'm out of blueberries again. Hopefully the picking will be better than it was last weekend because I need way more than 3/4 of a pound of berries to sustain the berry machine that lives at my house. Plus, I'm going to make the kids home made fruit roll ups and I would like to try blueberries in them
Saturday, I MUST go to the farmer's market. I've been trying to get some zebra tomatoes for a month and the only time I managed to get over there, they didn't have any. I need some freaking good tomatoes!
Saturday, we also have Cruisin for kids with Cancer, The last 3 years, I have volunteered to do things while others ride. This year, it sort of snuck up on me and I haven't emailed about volunteering. I will still go (TB rides with my dad on the ride) and take pictures and things. And if they need any additional people at the end, then I'll offer to help but I'm not going to commit this late in the game.
Finally, some pages I did from last years event
C4KC pages
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Updates
Yesterday, we started out the day by going to the park. I emailed Quigs and invited her and the quiglets along. I figured she was going to the gym so I didn't hold my breath for her coming with us. The Boy asked if they were coming (odd, since they aren't really his friends) and when I said no, he said "good, I'm sick of playing with babies!" We were there for awhile and Quigs called to tell me she was done working out and was going to come over. TB asked who was on the phone and I told him and what she wanted. His response was "$hit, I hoped they weren't" I pointed out to him that he was already playing with someone and just because they were at a park didn't mean he had to play with them. They came and played for a while and then everyone was melting down so it was time to go home. We went home, had lunch and put Ms Thang down for her nap.
After her nap, we headed for the pool. Quigs and the quiglets met us there. It was PG's first time in the pool and only Bubba's second time. They did so good, for not having done it. Bubba was a little stressed about actually getting in the water, but once he was in the kiddie pool, he liked it. He was not impressed with the big pool and spent his time throwing the ball in the pool and having me throw it back. then we went to McDonald's and had dinner while the kids played. I thought I lost Bubba when he ran in the playplace and climbed all the way to the top while I was getting drinks! He just doesn't do that so I was surprised.
Then I took the kids home, where they set about carving watermelons for the 4th. I left to go to book club and dinner. We sat outside and it was awesome. Looseyfur, Libbygirl and Quigs were there, as well as several other playgroup moms. We discussed the book Me Talk Pretty One Day, which is a collection of essays written by David Sedaris. They were all really funny and it was a pretty fast read (good thing, I thought book club was Aug 1st, not July 1st untila bout 2 weeks ago). I really like The Rooster (the author's brother) and his mom. We had dinner and chatted about various topics, including digital scrapbooking and spicy food. :) A little after 8, most of the moms decided they needed to leave but I was so not ready to go home.
Looseyfur, Quigs and I went to a book store in Puerto Rico and had coffee and dessert and talked until they kicked us out at 10, when they closed. Then we migrated to the parking lot and spent another hour talking. I got home about 11:30 but that was ok. It was so much fun talking to them. They are like extensions of my mind and it is fantastic to have people who I feel so in sync with!
Today, I spent the morning cleaning the house (although you can't tell now) and getting ready for our 4th of July cook out. I had to make the burgers and freeze them, which took way longer than it should have. Then it was lunch, nap, pool, dinner, TV and bed. Now, I'm blogging and watching Dirty Dancing and thinking about getting some ice cream. :)
Tomorrow, we have big kid playgroup in the AM (although I'm not sure how many big kids will be there), then a regular playgroup in the afternoon. In between that, RF has to mow the yard and make his strawberry dessert for the cookout. Plus, sometime, I have to go to the meat store. Probably tomorrow morning after big kid play group, but we'll see how that goes.
After her nap, we headed for the pool. Quigs and the quiglets met us there. It was PG's first time in the pool and only Bubba's second time. They did so good, for not having done it. Bubba was a little stressed about actually getting in the water, but once he was in the kiddie pool, he liked it. He was not impressed with the big pool and spent his time throwing the ball in the pool and having me throw it back. then we went to McDonald's and had dinner while the kids played. I thought I lost Bubba when he ran in the playplace and climbed all the way to the top while I was getting drinks! He just doesn't do that so I was surprised.
Then I took the kids home, where they set about carving watermelons for the 4th. I left to go to book club and dinner. We sat outside and it was awesome. Looseyfur, Libbygirl and Quigs were there, as well as several other playgroup moms. We discussed the book Me Talk Pretty One Day, which is a collection of essays written by David Sedaris. They were all really funny and it was a pretty fast read (good thing, I thought book club was Aug 1st, not July 1st untila bout 2 weeks ago). I really like The Rooster (the author's brother) and his mom. We had dinner and chatted about various topics, including digital scrapbooking and spicy food. :) A little after 8, most of the moms decided they needed to leave but I was so not ready to go home.
Looseyfur, Quigs and I went to a book store in Puerto Rico and had coffee and dessert and talked until they kicked us out at 10, when they closed. Then we migrated to the parking lot and spent another hour talking. I got home about 11:30 but that was ok. It was so much fun talking to them. They are like extensions of my mind and it is fantastic to have people who I feel so in sync with!
Today, I spent the morning cleaning the house (although you can't tell now) and getting ready for our 4th of July cook out. I had to make the burgers and freeze them, which took way longer than it should have. Then it was lunch, nap, pool, dinner, TV and bed. Now, I'm blogging and watching Dirty Dancing and thinking about getting some ice cream. :)
Tomorrow, we have big kid playgroup in the AM (although I'm not sure how many big kids will be there), then a regular playgroup in the afternoon. In between that, RF has to mow the yard and make his strawberry dessert for the cookout. Plus, sometime, I have to go to the meat store. Probably tomorrow morning after big kid play group, but we'll see how that goes.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Best revenge ever!
I just finished reading "The Sweet Potato Queens Field Guide to Men" It is an overall very funny book and a great resourse to turn to should you ever find yourself with someone that just needs killing but you can't bring yourself to cross that line.
Seriously, this is something I could see Ms Thang doing at some point in her life. A young woman catches her long time boyfriend cheating on her. She doesn't mention to him that she knows, instead she goes home, finds a suitcase full of clothes that he left at her house for to wash and fold for him, post vacation. She grabs the suitcase and a pack of rubber gloves and proceeds to the backyard where the fence is simply THICK with poison ivy vines. She dons the gloves and commences rubbing every single article of cloths in the suitcase ALL OVER the poison ivy, concentrating specifically on the crotch area of the underwear. She then carefully smooths the clothes, refolds them and puts them in the suitcase to deliver to his house.
Sadly, at that point she also broke up with him. I would have stuck around to see him get poison ivy on his JUNK!!
Seriously, this is something I could see Ms Thang doing at some point in her life. A young woman catches her long time boyfriend cheating on her. She doesn't mention to him that she knows, instead she goes home, finds a suitcase full of clothes that he left at her house for to wash and fold for him, post vacation. She grabs the suitcase and a pack of rubber gloves and proceeds to the backyard where the fence is simply THICK with poison ivy vines. She dons the gloves and commences rubbing every single article of cloths in the suitcase ALL OVER the poison ivy, concentrating specifically on the crotch area of the underwear. She then carefully smooths the clothes, refolds them and puts them in the suitcase to deliver to his house.
Sadly, at that point she also broke up with him. I would have stuck around to see him get poison ivy on his JUNK!!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Nothing new
So Tuesday started our bus riding adventure. We took it to school, then I took it to work out, then to school again in the afternoon, then to PTA last night. Not bad, except it takes me over an hour to get to Urbana and back. The upshot of that is that I get to spend over an hour reading. The additional downside is that I get motion sickness so I had to be careful while I was reading.
Today, we took the bus to school but we weren't able to take it to get get The Boy in the afternoon because Ms Thang slept too long. This morning, we went to Touch a Truck. As always it was crazy busy with every pre-school and daycare in town visiting. MT was freaked at all the honking horns and asked to leave pretty soon after we got there. We got there early and she really liked having the bounce house to herself. She also really liked being first in line for the ice cream. Other than that, she was wholly unimpressed.
This afternoon, we met up with Quigs and crew at the park. It was a beautiful day and the kids had lots of fun. Bubba followed Ms Thang around the park, swinging when she was, sliding when she did, even sitting while she served a time out. Pretty Girl loved her some wood chips, much to Quigs' disgust :)
Tonight, we had book club. Our book this month was Good in Bed Not exactly my style. It was chick lit, heavy on the chick. There wasn't a lot to discuss about it so the discussion turned to other topics. Which started out in the gutter and only went down hill from there! It was super fun (and educational on some fronts LOL) and I will definately go next time and I might even attempt the book after, which looks a smidge (or more) boring. But for that conversation, I will risk it. Now, if we can just talk Quigs in to thaving that party, we will be good to go ROFL
Ms Thang has her 3 year check up tomorrow. We are supposed to have a garden day but I don't think I'm going (maybe I'll go and leave RF and the kids at home). Garden days always end badly for us. The kids want nothing to do with gardening (which is hard boring work so I don't blame them) and end up wanting to play in the tree or the snake-y tall grass. I end up yelling and threatening and then The Boy cries the whole way home because we couldn't go to the park. No fun for anyone.
Today, we took the bus to school but we weren't able to take it to get get The Boy in the afternoon because Ms Thang slept too long. This morning, we went to Touch a Truck. As always it was crazy busy with every pre-school and daycare in town visiting. MT was freaked at all the honking horns and asked to leave pretty soon after we got there. We got there early and she really liked having the bounce house to herself. She also really liked being first in line for the ice cream. Other than that, she was wholly unimpressed.
This afternoon, we met up with Quigs and crew at the park. It was a beautiful day and the kids had lots of fun. Bubba followed Ms Thang around the park, swinging when she was, sliding when she did, even sitting while she served a time out. Pretty Girl loved her some wood chips, much to Quigs' disgust :)
Tonight, we had book club. Our book this month was Good in Bed Not exactly my style. It was chick lit, heavy on the chick. There wasn't a lot to discuss about it so the discussion turned to other topics. Which started out in the gutter and only went down hill from there! It was super fun (and educational on some fronts LOL) and I will definately go next time and I might even attempt the book after, which looks a smidge (or more) boring. But for that conversation, I will risk it. Now, if we can just talk Quigs in to thaving that party, we will be good to go ROFL
Ms Thang has her 3 year check up tomorrow. We are supposed to have a garden day but I don't think I'm going (maybe I'll go and leave RF and the kids at home). Garden days always end badly for us. The kids want nothing to do with gardening (which is hard boring work so I don't blame them) and end up wanting to play in the tree or the snake-y tall grass. I end up yelling and threatening and then The Boy cries the whole way home because we couldn't go to the park. No fun for anyone.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Books I've read so far this year
Maid for Murder Barbara Colley
Really Unusual Bad Boys Mary Janice Davidson
The Royal Pain Mary Janice Davidson
The Royal Treatment Mary Janice Davidson
Valentine's Day is Killing Me Mary Janice Davidson
To have and to hold Jane Green
Obsession, Deceit and Really Dark Chocolate Kyra Green
Passion, Betrayal and Killer Highlights Kyra Green
Sex, Murder and a Double Latte Kyra Green
So Much For My Happy Ending Kyra Green
Chopping Spree Diane Mott Davidson
Dark Tort Diane Mott Davidson
Double Shot Diane Mott Davidson
Prime Cut Diane Mott Davidson
Sticks and Scones Diane Mott Davidson
Sweet Revenge Diane Mott Davidson
Tough cookie Diane Mott Davidson
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix JK Rowling
Guilty Pleasures Laurell Hamilton
Jail Bertie and the Peanut Ladies Dolores Wilson
Barking Goats and the Redneck Mafia Dolores Wilson
High Stakes Erin McCarthy
Bit the Jackpot Erin McCarthy
Hot Mama Jennifer Estep
Karma Girl Jennifer Estep
Killer in High Heels Gemma Halliday
I feel like I'm missing something. I read something between Hot Mama and Karma Girl but I can't, for the life of me, think what it might have been. That is really sad since I just finished Karma Girl a couple of days ago and the book before that would have been like 2-3 days before that, so less than a week ago :(
Really Unusual Bad Boys Mary Janice Davidson
The Royal Pain Mary Janice Davidson
The Royal Treatment Mary Janice Davidson
Valentine's Day is Killing Me Mary Janice Davidson
To have and to hold Jane Green
Obsession, Deceit and Really Dark Chocolate Kyra Green
Passion, Betrayal and Killer Highlights Kyra Green
Sex, Murder and a Double Latte Kyra Green
So Much For My Happy Ending Kyra Green
Chopping Spree Diane Mott Davidson
Dark Tort Diane Mott Davidson
Double Shot Diane Mott Davidson
Prime Cut Diane Mott Davidson
Sticks and Scones Diane Mott Davidson
Sweet Revenge Diane Mott Davidson
Tough cookie Diane Mott Davidson
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix JK Rowling
Guilty Pleasures Laurell Hamilton
Jail Bertie and the Peanut Ladies Dolores Wilson
Barking Goats and the Redneck Mafia Dolores Wilson
High Stakes Erin McCarthy
Bit the Jackpot Erin McCarthy
Hot Mama Jennifer Estep
Karma Girl Jennifer Estep
Killer in High Heels Gemma Halliday
I feel like I'm missing something. I read something between Hot Mama and Karma Girl but I can't, for the life of me, think what it might have been. That is really sad since I just finished Karma Girl a couple of days ago and the book before that would have been like 2-3 days before that, so less than a week ago :(
Dorkiness and good things
First of all, the only time I get to watch TV that isn't kid's shows during the day is during Lizzie's nap. I am outrageously excited to point out that one of my favorites shows of all time just happens to be on in this time frame. I get to watch Jeopardy! everyday and it makes me very happy! :)
As most of you know, I like to read. I joined a forum last year called "50 books a year" thinking that was a fairly lofty goal. By the end of the year, I had 65 books, not counting infinate children's books. I was really impressed with myself. Then I read Misc's Real Simple List and found out that she read 90 books last year! 90 freaking books! That is a whole lotta books. So I have decided to challenge myself to read at least that many this year. So far, I'm at 27 books for the year and I have 2 more sitting on my desk waiting to be read and 4 that should be in any day from the library (I'm ankle deep in 3 or 4 different series and can't seem to get any of the books in so I keep starting new ones to have something to read). I need to average just short of 2 books a week and thus far, I'm right on target, 15 weeks into the year. I think I'm going to have to step my game up if I want to read 90 books this year.
Finally, I have managed to get ACDSee 10 recognize my v9 database and tags as having tags. Now, I just have to figure out how to import them so I don't have to load off the CD all the time. Probably easier said than done, just like everything else with this stupid upgrade but hopefully I'll figure it out sooner rather than later :)
As most of you know, I like to read. I joined a forum last year called "50 books a year" thinking that was a fairly lofty goal. By the end of the year, I had 65 books, not counting infinate children's books. I was really impressed with myself. Then I read Misc's Real Simple List and found out that she read 90 books last year! 90 freaking books! That is a whole lotta books. So I have decided to challenge myself to read at least that many this year. So far, I'm at 27 books for the year and I have 2 more sitting on my desk waiting to be read and 4 that should be in any day from the library (I'm ankle deep in 3 or 4 different series and can't seem to get any of the books in so I keep starting new ones to have something to read). I need to average just short of 2 books a week and thus far, I'm right on target, 15 weeks into the year. I think I'm going to have to step my game up if I want to read 90 books this year.
Finally, I have managed to get ACDSee 10 recognize my v9 database and tags as having tags. Now, I just have to figure out how to import them so I don't have to load off the CD all the time. Probably easier said than done, just like everything else with this stupid upgrade but hopefully I'll figure it out sooner rather than later :)
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
books this year
I found a community on live journal back around the first of the year that was a 50 book a year challenge. I read all the stupid time and I have a fair amount of time to read so I figured I would have a go at it. This is a copy of the list so far. Obviously, 50 books a year was no sweat for me since it is just the end of Sept and I already have 55 books. I'd have a lot more if I could count all the fan fiction I've read over the last year (yes, I am a dork) but I don't think it really counts so I'll stick with published books
Living Large Various Authors
Candy Dipped Death Sammi Carter
Dead and Loving it MaryJanice Davidson
Derik's Bane MaryJanice Davidson
Undead and unappreciated MaryJanice Davidson
Undead and unemployed MaryJanice Davidson
Undead and unpopular MaryJanice Davidson
Undead and unreturnable MaryJanice Davidson
Undead and unwed MaryJanice Davidson
Full Blast Janet Evanovich
Full Bloom Janet Evanovich
Full House Janet Evanovich
Full Scoop Janet Evanovich
Full Speed Janet Evanovich
Full Tilt Janet Evanovich
Lean Mean 13 Janet Evanovich
Motor Mouth Janet Evanovich
Plum Lovin' Janet Evanovich
Twelve Sharp Janet Evanovich
A is for Alibi Sue Grafton
B is for Burgler Sue Grafton
C is for Corpse Sue Grafton
D is for Deadbeat Sue Grafton
E is for Evidence Sue Grafton
F is for Fugitive Sue Grafton
G is for Gumshoe Sue Grafton
H is for homicide Sue Grafton
I is for innocent Sue Grafton
J is for Judgement Sue Grafton
K is for Killer Sue Grafton
L is for Lawless Sue Grafton
M is for Malice Sue Grafton
N is for Noose Sue Grafton
O is for Outlaw Sue Grafton
P is for Peril Sue Grafton
Q is for Quarry Sue Grafton
R is for Ricochet Sue Grafton
S is for Silence Sue Grafton
Bite Laurell Hamilton
Cravings Laurell Hamilton
Super Mom Saves the World Melanie Lynn Hauser
Baby Laughs Jenny McCarthy
Confessions of a slacker mom Muffy Mead-Ferro
Confessions of a slacker wife Muffy Mead-Ferro
Double Shot Diane Mott Davidson
Born in Death JD Robb
Innocent in Death JD Robb
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets JK Rowlings
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows JK Rowlings
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire JK Rowlings
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azikban JK Rowlings
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone JK Rowlings
Hundred Dollar Baby Robert Spenser
Big Hair and Flying Cows Delores Wilson
Bridge to Terabithia Kathleen
Living Large Various Authors
Candy Dipped Death Sammi Carter
Dead and Loving it MaryJanice Davidson
Derik's Bane MaryJanice Davidson
Undead and unappreciated MaryJanice Davidson
Undead and unemployed MaryJanice Davidson
Undead and unpopular MaryJanice Davidson
Undead and unreturnable MaryJanice Davidson
Undead and unwed MaryJanice Davidson
Full Blast Janet Evanovich
Full Bloom Janet Evanovich
Full House Janet Evanovich
Full Scoop Janet Evanovich
Full Speed Janet Evanovich
Full Tilt Janet Evanovich
Lean Mean 13 Janet Evanovich
Motor Mouth Janet Evanovich
Plum Lovin' Janet Evanovich
Twelve Sharp Janet Evanovich
A is for Alibi Sue Grafton
B is for Burgler Sue Grafton
C is for Corpse Sue Grafton
D is for Deadbeat Sue Grafton
E is for Evidence Sue Grafton
F is for Fugitive Sue Grafton
G is for Gumshoe Sue Grafton
H is for homicide Sue Grafton
I is for innocent Sue Grafton
J is for Judgement Sue Grafton
K is for Killer Sue Grafton
L is for Lawless Sue Grafton
M is for Malice Sue Grafton
N is for Noose Sue Grafton
O is for Outlaw Sue Grafton
P is for Peril Sue Grafton
Q is for Quarry Sue Grafton
R is for Ricochet Sue Grafton
S is for Silence Sue Grafton
Bite Laurell Hamilton
Cravings Laurell Hamilton
Super Mom Saves the World Melanie Lynn Hauser
Baby Laughs Jenny McCarthy
Confessions of a slacker mom Muffy Mead-Ferro
Confessions of a slacker wife Muffy Mead-Ferro
Double Shot Diane Mott Davidson
Born in Death JD Robb
Innocent in Death JD Robb
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets JK Rowlings
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows JK Rowlings
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire JK Rowlings
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azikban JK Rowlings
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone JK Rowlings
Hundred Dollar Baby Robert Spenser
Big Hair and Flying Cows Delores Wilson
Bridge to Terabithia Kathleen
Monday, July 23, 2007
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - spoilers
Caution, this post contains SPOILERS. I'm going to try and change the text color so you have to highlight to read it because I don't want people to be spoiled that don't want to. Highlight if you want to be spoiled. So after much playing, the text is white. I won't change no matter what I do. Better than nothing, but you can still read it if you try hard.
I finished the book last night. I read somewhere that two main characters die but I think that was a lie. At least 7 people that I would consider major characters died. Mad eye died at the beginning in the first battle with the Death Eaters. Then Dobby died when he helped them escape from the cellar. Then at the Battle of Hogwarts, Fred (I cried for most of the rest of book about that one), Tonks, and Lupin died. Crabbe died when he and Goyle and Malfoy went after Harry when he was looking for the Horcrucx. Then Voldemort killed Snape and Harry killed Voldemort. I'm sure that she was talking about Fred and Snape, but I think the others were main charachters as well
Turns out Snape loved Lily Potter, which I think everyone knew, but it went farther back than people believed. He lived near her as a child and fell in love with her as soon as he met her. He switched loyalities to Dumbledore when Volde went after her. Dumbledore was dying anyway (he put on one of the horcruxes and it cursed him) and he asked Snape to kill him when the moment was right so that he didn't have to suffer a cursed death. He also knew that Draco was supposed to kill him and asked Snape to do it instead.
Harry lives and marries Ginny. Ron and Hermione get married and the book ends with them sending their children off to Hogwarts, to see Professor Longbottom
I finished the book last night. I read somewhere that two main characters die but I think that was a lie. At least 7 people that I would consider major characters died. Mad eye died at the beginning in the first battle with the Death Eaters. Then Dobby died when he helped them escape from the cellar. Then at the Battle of Hogwarts, Fred (I cried for most of the rest of book about that one), Tonks, and Lupin died. Crabbe died when he and Goyle and Malfoy went after Harry when he was looking for the Horcrucx. Then Voldemort killed Snape and Harry killed Voldemort. I'm sure that she was talking about Fred and Snape, but I think the others were main charachters as well
Turns out Snape loved Lily Potter, which I think everyone knew, but it went farther back than people believed. He lived near her as a child and fell in love with her as soon as he met her. He switched loyalities to Dumbledore when Volde went after her. Dumbledore was dying anyway (he put on one of the horcruxes and it cursed him) and he asked Snape to kill him when the moment was right so that he didn't have to suffer a cursed death. He also knew that Draco was supposed to kill him and asked Snape to do it instead.
Harry lives and marries Ginny. Ron and Hermione get married and the book ends with them sending their children off to Hogwarts, to see Professor Longbottom
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