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Friday, December 30, 2011

10 More Thought on Whole Living

I just love this page of the Whole Living magazine.  Every month has such poignant advice that I feel like I must pass it on to my readers.

1.  Nourish your mind as carefully as you nourish your body.

2.  Brisk, crisp, invigorating--remember all the positive sides of winter.

3.  Finding balance in your relationships requires all your senses.

4.  If you feel the need to be critical, be sure the urge is coming from a place of kindness.

5.  When you break a small bad habit, you teach yourself that you can change anything.

6.  Prosperity begins with the assumption that there's more than enough for everyone.

7.  Willpower is sometimes a biological issue, not a moral one.  Don't judge yourself harshly.

8.  The best work environments foster personal connection as well as productivity.

9.  Speak your mind.  Unmet needs create resentment when they go unexpressed.

10.  The New Year isn't a do-over; it's an opportunity to take your next big step.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

One of my favorite...

Christmas songs.  I love this song.  I think it focuses on what Christmas is really about: caring for others. As I get older, I realize that the best gifts we can give are time and who we are.  I am not saying I have mastered this as I struggle with it regularly, but I do recognize that it is important.  As someone who places probably a bit too much value on material goods, I am trying to re-focus for the holidays.  It is not about gifts as much as it is about the thought behind it. 

I love finding just the right gift for people, but I think that the gift of time is perhaps the most valuable.  I freely admit that I obsess over time: will I have enough time to accomplish what I want day-to-day and in my lifetime?  Will I regret how I've spent my time?  Was I generous with my time?  There is a fine line between being generous with my time and being over-committed.  At this moment I feel over-committed, but that is December.  In my quest to "not miss anything," I have over-booked myself.  I am trying to set aside time to just BE.  Time to be with Dave; time to be alone and write; time to dream and wish about the future and all it holds; a chance to find better days.


Better Days  By: Goo Goo Dolls
And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And designer love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cause everyone is forgiven now
Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

I need someplace simple where we could live
And something only you can give
And thats faith and trust and peace while we're alive
And the one poor child who saved this world
And there's 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cause everyone is forgiven now
Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cause everyone is forgiven now
Cause tonight's the night the world begins again
Cause tonight's the night the world begins again


Choosing Gratitude

I began reading a new book called Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey Toward Joy by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.  I have only read the first chapter so far because it is very thought-provoking, and I need time to really process what she is saying. 

The introduction was written by Joni Eareackson Tada, who is a quadriplegic.  Most people would feel sorry for her, I know I did when I began reading.  But then, I didn't.  Her attitude was so up-lifting and positive.  She writes, "Maybe this wheelchair felt like a horrible tragedy in the beginning, but I give God thanks IN my wheelchair...I'm grateful FOR my quadriplegia.  It's a bruising of a blessing.  A gift wrapped in black.  It's the shadowy companion  that walks with me daily, pulling and pushing me into the arms of my Savior.  and THAT'S where the joy is...Your hardship and heartache come from His wise and kind hand and for that, you can be grateful.  In it and for it."  I truly believe that we are given struggles that we can handle, no matter how unpleasant they are.  Would I choose a different struggle?  Is the grass always greener in someone else's struggle?  No.  We are given what we are given so that we can grow and it is done mindfully.  Maybe embracing hardship feels unnatural, as if welcoming it welcomes more heartache.  But maybe welcoming it brings you peace.  Most of our struggles are not permanent, and I firmly believe that if we take something positive from the situation, we are on the right track. 

This book says there is much more to gratitude that just taking the lesson from the hardship however.  The author describes gratitude as her life preserver, a great image.  She tells us to stop blaming our situations for our negative feelings.  She writes, "Your frame of mind likely has less to do with your distressing circumstances than with your need to develop a thankful heart."  Wow.  How easy it is to fall into the self-pity, I know I have been there more times than I like to admit.  Haven't we all?  "An important key to not being overwhelmed by what is going on around us is looking for evidence of God's hand at work in the midst of the turmoil and being 'simply overwhelmed with thankfulness to Him.'"

So with that, have a thankful day :-)

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Cool Gift

One of my online pals sent me this very thoughtful Christmas gift.  It begins on January 1st and continues for 5 years.  It is a line-a-day journal.  I am very excited to begin using it!

Is this thing on?

Hello!  I apologize for the somewhat long blog hiatus I took over the holidays.  We traveled and spent every waking moment with family since the day prior to Christmas Eve!  I sincerely hope that you enjoyed a quiet and restful holiday.  I wish I could say that ours was quiet, but it wasn't.  In spite of the noise, we had a wonderful holiday filled with family and celebration.

I am excited to post my end of the year review as that is a post I truly enjoy writing as I reflect upon 2011.  I also left the Blog Challenge unfinished, and I do intend to complete that.  I really should plan a 30-Day Blog Challenge for a truly dull month, like April.  Alas.   My journaling circle starts up again in January and I am beyond excited for that.  I love writing with others, and I anticipate what new writing might emerge.

2011 is a year that has been challenging for many people I know and love.  I sincerely hope that 2012 brings us the peace and hope that we are seeking.

"As the years go by, I am more and more convinced that I have been at the right place at the right time." ~D.G. Fulford

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 22

How have I changed in the past two years?

I think I have become much more open to new ideas in the last few years.  I am trying to stop living in a concrete box where everything is black or white, which is tricky because I am a very black and white thinker.  I am trying to nurture the emotional side of my personality, trying to make more decisions that factor in feelings rather than just the facts.  This gray area is uncomfortable, but I know I need to go there.  Nothing seems to be as simple or as cut and dry as I wish it was.  There are many questions I cannot answer, and I wish I could.  I know life has a way of working itself out, but sometimes it is hard to see how it will happen.  Learning to let go has been a difficult lesson for me, but I think I am closer than I was two years ago.  I know there is a grand plan, and I just need to follow wherever it leads.

"Focus on the journey, not the destination.  Joy is found not in finishing an activity, but in doing it."  ~Greg Anderson

Wicked Awesome Christmas Gifts

From the novel Speak, the English teacher was referred to as Hair Woman.  My good friend and fellow teacher Holly gave me this for Christmas.  She also ordered one for herself so that we can match when we teach that part of the book.  While neither of us resemble the character, it is a fun inside joke.  Hair Woman is in love with Nathaniel Hawthorne, and the back of the shirt reads "Hawthorne Rules."  Simply amazing!

One of my angels gave me these Red Sox items.  I wore the hat quite a bit today even though I am not a fan of hats.  I absolutely love both of these gifts! I have such thoughtful students. <3

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 21

One of my favorite shows...

Blog Challenge Day 20

How important I think education is...

I think education is extremely important, but that is not limited to traditional schooling.  I think every person deserves an education, but what that education looks like might be different depending on the person.  With so many of the shifts in education, I am excited to see where it might be going.  I am hoping it serves our students best in the ways that they should educated.

Dave sent me this video, which I think is pretty neat.  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U

Monday, December 19, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 19

Disrespecting your parents...

What to write...what to write...I am not sure why I am having writers block here.  I have disrespected my parents before, many times. Do I want to recount them on my blog?  Well considering that my mom reads my blog and also that Christmas is this week, I won't.  No sense in ruining a happy holiday.

In general terms, I think that some (not all) of the times I have been disrespectful were times when I was trying to find myself albeit in semi-bad ways.  What was perceived as disrespect maybe was just part of growing up.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 18

My beliefs...

About what?  My beliefs are constantly being challenged these days.  Things I thought I knew, I am second guessing and I am contemplating quite a bit during this time of my life.  I have learned that no matter what you plan, life has its own ideas.  I have learned to (or at least I'm trying to) roll with life and take things as they come.  Whenever I think I have something figured out, life throws a curve ball that changes my way of thinking.  I guess what I am trying to say is that I haven't figured things out just yet, but I am having fun trying.

Blog Challenge Day 17

 Highs and Lows of the Year...

Highs:
~ overall, a happy and healthy year
~ a happy marriage
~ cool pets
~ nice vacations
~ good friends

Lows:
~ still waiting to be matched
~ failing health of my grandparents

Friday, December 16, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 16

My views on mainstream music...

My view on music in general is that there is a time and a place for every genre.  Do I like some genres more than others?  Sure.  I am not going to say that I dislike all "young people" music (ex: Ke$ha, etc.), because I have occasionally sang along in the car to such tunes.  I think music is personal; and we hear what we need to hear when we need to hear it. I have been spending more time listening to music lately, and I cannot really say why that is.  Dave has always been very into music; maybe his habit is catching?  No matter what the reason, I happily invite music to join me during my day.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 14

My earliest memory...

I have no idea, so instead I will write about a favorite memory.  This memory was jogged when I opened a package from Amazon, and inside was the 25th Anniversary of the Polar Express.  This was always a Christmas favorite growing up because it always added to the magic.  I can't even say that we read it every year aloud, but I always read it.  It is Pop's favorite Christmas book, and I know I will always associate it with him.  When I read it today, I got teary at several parts just remembering.  Remembering the magic of being a kid, of believing in Santa, thinking that life would stay just the same.

Time marches on and things change.  Kids grow older and some stop believing.  I hope I never do.  Pop still rings Santa's bell on Christmas Eve, without fail.  When I think of Christmas magic, all of those memories are wrapped up in him, and in how he has made Christmas so special.  I think believing in the magic of Christmas means that you still believe that there is good in the world.  You believe there is still room for peace, love, and true joy.  It is staying optimistic against an increasingly negative world.  It is embracing what life could be, if we would let it.

As the young boy in the story, I hope I always hear the bell.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 13

Where I would like to visit or live...






Monday, December 12, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 12

A bulleted list of my whole day...

5:15-6 am: wake up, make coffee and breakfast, feed the dogs, do the dishes, make lunches
6-6:30 am: computer time
6:30-7:15 am: shower and dress for work, get coffee
7:15-7:45 am: drive to school
7:45-8:40 am: correct papers
8:40-9:30 am: teach
9:30-10:10 am: study hall
10:10-10:50 am: teach
10:50-11:25 am: home room
11:25am-12:40 pm: lunch and prep time
12:40-2:55 pm: teach
3-3:30 pm: drive home
3:30-4 pm: check the mail, play with the dogs
4:15 pm: drop dogs off at the groomer's
4:30-5:30 pm: make and eat dinner
5:30-6:15: read, clean up dinner, get dressed for the gym
6:20-6:40 pm: drive to the gym
6:45-7:30 pm: Zumba!
7:30-7:50 pm: pick up the dogs, drive home
8 pm: shower, relax
8:30-9:30 pm: Monday Night Football
9:30-10 pm: read in bed, fall asleep!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 11

The first 10 songs that appear on my Ipod...

I never use my Ipod, ever.  I do use Pandora every day so I will use that.

1. Mrs. Robinson--Simon and Garfunkel
2.  Fire and Rain--James Taylor
3.  Leaving on a Jet Plane, John Denver
4.  Blowin' in the Wind--Peter, Paul and Mary
5. Bookends--Simon and Garfunkel
6.  Yesterday--The Beatles
7. American Pie--Don McLean
8.  Sing Out--Cat Stevens
9.  Cecilia--Simon and Garfunkel
10. Leaving on a Jet Plane, John Denver

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 10

My first love...

I have actually already written about this so I am re-posting because I am too tired.  The only change since I wrote the post was that we are now friends on Facebook and he is alive and well!

Originally published on 11/2/10

My first love...

This is hard to write, but not for the usual reasons. My first love was a friend from childhood. We met when I was about 10 years old and he was 12. He was my next door neighbors best friend, and we all hung out together. We spent many hours playing basketball, hide and go seek, and kickball. I don't really remember when we became more than friends, but it was sometime during high school. I had liked him on and off since I first met him, but you know how boys are! I think it was 10th grade when I finally got sick of him not picking up on the fact that I liked him SO much. I told one of his lacrosse teammates who said he would make it happen. I didn't really believe him because he was "so cute" in my 10th grade eyes!

He did end up calling me, and we went on our first date in May 17, 1997. Why do I remember the exact date? I just do. We played tennis because he thought I liked tennis. It was awkward to say the least! We did a lot of the usual stuff, movies, hanging out at our houses, etc. He had a great sense of humor and the blueest eyes. The glitch in the plan was that he was leaving in August for Basic Training. We tried to stay together, but I was in high school and he was in the Army. Looking back, we wanted very different things but we did love each other. I don't remember when we really broke up since we were pretty on and off until my senior year. We took turns breaking each others hearts.

The reason it is hard to think about him is because he is still in the Army and has been in and out of Afghanistan for years. I hope he is alive and well, but I have no way of knowing for sure. I would assume that I would hear if something had happened since our parents still live in the same town, but every time a prayer is said for our service men and women, I pray for him. My dear friend. I wish I had told him how brave I think he is, and how proud I am of the way he serves our country. At 15, I never realized how much he was willing to sacrifice for our country. I know his life has not been easy, but I hope that somewhere out there, he is happy.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 9

How I hope my future will be...

I hope my future will be secure and happy.  I hope we always have enough time, friends, family, memories and love to keep us in a good place.  One of my favorite quotes about life comes from a Sheryl Crow song:

"It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got."

I think there is a lot to be said about being content with what you have, both the joys and the struggles.  I am not asking for a perfect life.  I will take a well-balanced life.  I think the times of struggle really help us grow in necessary ways, even though it is almost always uncomfortable and unwanted.  No one signs up for difficult times, but would we really appreciate what we have if our lives were amazing everyday?  Is appreciating happiness only able to be done if you have experienced sadness?  I lean toward saying yes.  In life, we need to embrace the bitter and the sweet; I just hope for more sweet.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 8

A moment I felt most satisfied with my life...

I feel most satisfied with my life when we are hiking in Moreau State Park.  We love to take the dogs there quite a bit over the summer, and we camp there in the fall with John and Jenn.  Something about being there fills me with a happiness that is pretty unique.  I never considered myself to be much of an outdoor gal, but being there makes me SO happy.  I just feel at peace in such beautiful surroundings.  Plus, I love swimming with the dogs.  Dave never does it, but I love it.  Truly LOVE it.  When I am there, I can concentrate on my little family, nature, and my quiet inner voice.  It is so breath-taking to stand there with the mountains surrounding the lake.  We try to go after 6 pm since that is when they stop policing people swimming in areas other than those designated for it.  I like to swim with just us since they don't allow dogs  on the beach.  Sometimes we hike, and sometimes we just sit and watch the Fen play fetch a million times. Mattie likes to swim in circles, but she doesn't want to fetch the ball very often.  All in all, it makes a pretty perfect time for me.



Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 7

My Zodiac Sign...and does it fit? In a word: yes.

Libra Strength Keywords:

- Diplomatic
- Graceful
- Peaceful
- Idealistic
- Hospitable

Libra Weakness Keywords:

- Superficial
- Vain
- Indecisive
- Unreliable

Libra in a Nutshell:

Libras are the diplomat of the zodiac. They are able to put themselves in other's shoes and see things through another person's point of view. They are the ones that always want to make things right and have balance and harmony in their life, their surroundings and the lives of the people close to them. They have captivating charm, elegant taste and they are easy to like due to their eager-to-please, easygoing nature. In return for a Libra's amazing ability to be a good listener, sooth and calm people, they expect admiration. Libras will gather a group of people, everyone will become friends then the Libra will be in the center of the group. They like the attention and the admiration for the people that they have brought together. Libras are very intelligent, they often hide this inside their easygoing exterior. They express their intelligence through creativity, most are involved in some sort of artistic or creative pursuit. Many people overlook just how intelligent a Libra actually is. When others see a Libras wide range of interests and hobbies, their intelligence and creativity is more then obvious. Libras love variety and different situations. They welcome change. Libras love luxury. They will spend lots of money and surround themselves with beautiful things and they seem to be constantly fussing over their appearance. They love anything upscale and classy. Libras work hard to please others, this they do an others find them incredibly captivating.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 6

30 Interesting Facts About Me...

1.  I am the oldest of 3 girls
2.  I can't stand celery and bananas
3.  I used to think high-definition TV was painful to watch
4.  I have 1 kidney
5.  I love Zumba
6.  My faces gives my feelings away constantly
7.  I adore flats
8.  I've lived in my house for almost 4 years, and we've painted the living room twice, the bathroom 3 times, and the nursery 3 times.
9.  I love being busy
10.  I love writing in pencil sometimes
11.  I've read 26 books this year, and I am still going!
12.  A good pen will make my day
13.  I don't mind eating the same food everyday, as long as it's good
14.  I am obsessed with OPI's colors
15.  I am a creature of habit
16.  Word puzzles are my idea of a good time
17.  I love shopping
18. Laundry is my favorite chore, followed by vacuuming
19. I teared up when I visited Fenway Park for the first time
20.  I am obsessed with Lady Gaga's "You and I"
21.  I have the best dogs in the world, and I would give them eternal life if I could
22.  I am not a fan of cooking, but I like to eat good food
23.  I love all things pumpkin
24.  I think Dave is pretty cool
25.  I despise flying, tattoos,  and apathy
26.  I like all colors except orange and purple
27.  I don't have a favorite anything, but I can always do Top 3
28.  Polka dots make me happy
29.  I wish I lived in the Caribbean
30.  I am impatient

Monday, December 5, 2011

Day 4/5

Whoops...I forgot. The tasks for Day 3 and 4 are: my views on religion and a time I wanted to end my life.

Since I have never wanted to end my life, I guess I will talk about religion.

My views on religion are pretty simple.  Religion and faith are not necessarily the same, and everyone develops their faith at different paces and in different ways.  I do not believe that there is a one size fits all religion, and that is OK. Do I think God cares which way you worship Him? Honestly, no I do not.  I think it is important to act in ways that would make Him proud, and I don't think any one religion has the corner on that market.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 3

My views on drugs and alcohol...

Drugs and alcohol ruin lives.  I actually hate drugs.  I wish they didn't exist.  I wish they didn't fall into the hands of the people who shouldn't have them.  I hate the dependency they create and the downward spirals addicts take.  I am not sure why, but I have always felt this way about drugs.  I have never tried any, nor will I.  I have a physical revulsion to the idea of drugs.

Alcohol, in moderation, I do not mind as much.  I know it can be just as dangerous and addictive as drugs are, but I feel that alcohol is a bit safer in that it comes from a store.  With drugs, you never really know what you might be getting.

The message here: Hugs are better than drugs.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 2

Where I'd like to be in 10 years...

Hmmm, to be honest, my answer is right where I am now.  Aside from wanting to be a mom, I feel content in my life now.  I could say that I'd like a bigger house, a better car, or more money, but I can't really say that I DO want those things.  Sure, they'd be nice, but I'd much rather stay where I am.  I am happy here, in every sense of the word "here."

I am not saying that my life is perfect, but I feel that it is really satisfying.  I love my husband, my work, my home, my pets.  I hope to continue with my writing and maybe grow my candle business.  I love the possibilities that lay before me.  Who knows what will happen in 10 years, but I am hopeful that it will be just as great as today!

Nursery Revision

We decided a 2-toned nursery would be a better fit for our kiddo, so I embarked on this project tonight.  Measuring and taping took just over an hour.  I used a laser level, a yard stick, and blue painter's tape.


The green is Behr's Carolina Parakeet, and the brown is Behr's Peanut Butter.  I had the mixer add primer to cover the wild green!  It needs a second coat, but I am quite happy with it!



Thursday, December 1, 2011

Blog Challenge Day 1

My current relationship...

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

New 30 Day Blog Challenge

I may be insane to attempt this during one of the busiest months of the year, but here goes! I will begin tomorrow!


(http://www.thewriterchic.com/2011/05/30-day-blog-challenge.html)

Monday, November 28, 2011

Monday, Monday

You are my least favorite day of the week, especially after a 5-day weekend.  The best part of Monday is Zumba in the evening.  I am so ready to work off my holiday eating!  The weather is supposed to be warm this week so I hope we can get the dogs out for a few walks.  I need to get back on track with my weight.  I am getting an inner tube around my waist, and that just cannot happen.  I think I may need to re-join Sparkpeople.com as it really helped last time.  The holidays are not the time of year to watch what I eat, but I know that I am already heavier than I want to be, and the season is just beginning.  It is better to get it under control for 3-4 weeks, then Christmas won't seem too bad since I will have been "good" for a while. Ugh!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Our Tree is Up!

I love decorating the house for Christmas. Dave likes it much less :-) We put the tree up yesterday and decorated it this morning.  I also fixed up the mantle with our stockings.  I get such a kick out of our fireplace (which has never been used by us), but it looks great at Christmas-time. I have some gifts wrapped and placed under the tree and the Nativity is set up in the bay window.  I look forward to a time when our child "helps" put up the tree.  Christmas is a magical time, and who couldn't use a little magic? ;-)


Thursday, November 24, 2011

100!

In 2009, I tried to get a list of 100 things that I was thankful for, and I could only come up with 60.  Well, this morning, I reached 100!

They are: Dave, Mattie, Fen, my parents, my grandparents, the JKs, Amanda, my in laws (all 12 of them), Beth, John and Jenn, Rebecca, Alicia, Julie, God, Trinity UMC, my growing faith, our home, heat, food, water, clothing, freedom, our work, sleep, friends, our marriage, our health, cable, phone, memories, coffee, writing, books, camera, Scrabble, camping, my team at work, Zumba, optimism, Modern Family, inky pens, G. Wilikers, FIA, hope, love, happiness, goodies, The Nest, blogging, the farmer's market, Etsy.com, Amazon, Moreau Lake, Congress Park, anticipation, my rings, the Christmas season, pumpkin flavor, my students, good quotes, rainbows, rain, the ocean, football, chili, wine, out Christmas tree, snow days, Pandora, snail mail, a happy childhood, cuddling, roses, all 5 senses, education, life, adoption, our future birth parents, my journal, fun, steak, calculators, candles, doggie fun, having all that we need, God's love and faithfulness, the nursery that is ever a work in progress, the Wear Sunscreen song, country music, all 4 seasons, Maine, NC, Boston, romance, trust, the love of Mattie and Fen, and spending my life with the perfect man for me! <3

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Sisters

There are no words that can sum up the relationship I have with my two sisters.  They are my life, my best friends, and the source of many laugh till you cry moments.


Monday, November 21, 2011

Living on Love Songs

For Dave, a man that I am most grateful for.  Sometimes, a song just says it best.

"This could be one of those memories
We wanna hold on to, cling to, the one we can't forget
Baby this could be our last first kiss, the door to forever
What if this was that moment, that chance worth taking?
History in the making"
~Darius Rucker


"I got someone who loves me more than words can say
And I'm thankful for that each and every day
And if I count all my blessings, I get a smile on my face
Still it's hard to find faith
But if you can look in my eyes
And tell me we'll be alright
If you promise never to leave
You just might make me believe"

~Sugarland, one of our first concerts together


"I've been searching a long time
For someone exactly like you
I've been travelling all around the world
Waiting for you to come through.
Someone like you makes it
All worth while
Someone like you keeps
Me satisfied. Someone exactly
Like you."

~Van Morrison, our wedding song


"You're a falling star, you're the get away car.
You're the line in the sand when I go too far.
You're the swimming pool, on an August day.
And you're the perfect thing to say.
You're a carousel, you're a wishing well,
And you light me up, when you ring my bell.
You're a mystery, you're from outer space,
You're every minute of my everyday.
And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you, you make me sing.
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything."
~Michael Buble, from the night we were engaged

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

25 in 2011

I thought it would be fun to rank the 25 books I have read so far this year. It is mid-November, and I am onto book #25. I have decided to finish my year with a Hunger Games Trilogy re-read. I am definitely going to increase my goal for next year since I finished 45 days early this year.

2011: A Year in Books

1. Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins
2. The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
3. Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins
If you had told me that this series would be my Top 3 of 2011, I would not have believed you.  I am so looking forward to re-reading this series and falling for Katniss all over again. 


4. Winter Garden, Kristen Hannah
I loved this book because, for some reason, I connected it with Nan.  Many of the events in the story really reminded me of how I think her life was growing up.  I loved the Russian aspect as well as the conflict the narrator was constantly engaged in.

5. Last Summer of You and Me, Ann Brashares
This book was given to me by a co-worker, and I did not expect to connect so deeply with the characters. The two sisters in the story were quite different from my sisters and I, but I understood the relationship so well.  There were some unexpected twists that kept this from being just another piece of chick lit.

6. The Apothecary's Daughter, Julie Klassen
This was another book that I did not expect to fall in love with, but I did.  I was quickly swept into the old world of 19th century England where Lillian lives two lives--one as an apothecary's daughter and one as a lady in waiting in London.  While the books was VERY long, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

7. Sh*t My Dad Says, Justin Halpern
This was hands down the funniest book I've ever read.  I actually cried from laughter several times.  While it is low on literary value, it is 110% enjoyable.

8. Best Friends Forever, Jennifer Weiner
This is a story that I have read before (Summer Sisters/Firefly Lane), but still really liked.  I love stories of friendships that span the lives of the characters and all of the challenges that come with growing up.

9. Goodbye Janette, Harold Robbins
This book was bizarre.  I loved the fashion aspect of the book, but the sex was really taboo.  The characters were ones that you loved to hate, and that definitely added to the book.  I selected this one as part of a book challenge where the task was to read a best seller from the year of my birth.  I did not realize upon selecting it that it was classified as erotic fiction. Oops.

10. Driving with Dead People, Monica Halloway
This book wins the award for the darkest book I read this year.  It is a memoir, which makes it more horrifying. Monica is still very much on my mind and I suspect that she will be for some time.  It deals with sexual abuse, suicide, and a mortuary, and yet she still manages to tell a good story.  The book is not all depressing, but the bright moments are surely overshadowed with the author's lifetime of abuse and tragedy.

11. As the Twig is Bent, Joe Perrone, Jr.
I read this mystery book in one day.  It had mystery and intrigue; it was a perfect book to read during the hurricane we experienced this summer.  It was just scary enough and the culprit was not obvious.   

12. Clara and Mr. Tiffany, Susan Vreeland
This book was a bit of a letdown.  I love all things Tiffany, but this book was just too long.  There were times when the plot really seemed to be going nowhere, and it was dull.  I loved learning about the history of Tiffany and Co. when they were about art and lamps.  There were issues raised about women's rights during the early 20th century, and I found that to really add to the plot.

13. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, James Ford
This book straddled two time periods--modern day and WWII.  The story of a Chinese boy who falls in love with a Japanese girl during WWII, and whose life is never the same.  I was startled at the racism between the Chinese and the Japanese, but overall I enjoyed the book.  

14. 12-Gauge Guardian, BJ Daniels
B.J. Daniels is one of my guilty pleasure authors.  There is just a certain something about mysteries that happen at a ranch with cowboys.  Enough said. 

15. Wishin and Hopin, Wally Lamb
Wally Lamb is one of my favorite authors.  This book was pretty different from his others in that it was funny and cute.  It was 100% light-hearted.  It was not one of his best books, but I liked it.

16. Stampeded, B.J. Daniels
See above :-)

17. An Abundance of Katherines, John Green
I selected this book based on the title.  It was cute, for a young adult book.  At times, I wanted it to be over because it was filled with teen angst.  It was pretty cliche and filled with math...not my cup of tea.

18. Closed for the Season, Mary Downing Hahn
This is another YA book.  I like Mary Downing Hahn's other book Wait Till Helen Comes as it was pretty scary.  This one wasn't as scary, but I had to read it because one of my students loaned me the book.  It was a quick read.

19. You Better Not Cry, Augusten Burroughs
Augusten Burroughs is my favorite author.  I would seriously LOVE to meet him someday.  This book was not one of my favorites.  I love all of his work, but this one and Sellivision just really fell short.  He is such a talented writer, and this book of short vignettes just lacked the usual Augusten pizzazz.  

20. The Long Run, Mishka Shubaly
Technically, I should not review this book yet as I am only halfway finished with it. I can say that the plot is interesting, but the writing style is very basic.  

21. Impetuous, Lori Foster
This book is in the same category as the B.J. Daniels books.  It was a light read with a forbidden romance, but not much plot to speak of.  

22. Queen of Babble, Meg Cabot
I really disliked this book.  I found the narrator to be annoying as heck.  She was whiny and needy. WARNING: Don't waste your time on this one.

23. Shine, Lauren Myracle
This book was a freebie from Amazon, and it was just so-so.  The story line was really interesting, but the writing really lacked that certain something.  My goal was not to abandon any books this year, but I wanted to with this one.

24. Room, Emma Donaghue
I pre-ordered this book, and I anxiously awaited its arrival.  What a let down.  This book has VERY little action, but is heavy with emotional description.  The author successfully narrates the story from the perspective of 5-year old Jack, but the story was not that riveting.  

25. Go Ask Alice, Anonymous
This book was awful.  The ending was abrupt, and the story felt very unrealistic.  The English teacher I replaced used to teach this book so I decided to give it a try.  Not only would I never teach this book, I would never recommend it to anyone.