Something I need to learn to do
This afternoon, as I watched my perfectly happy four-month old playing with a Sprite bottle, I wished that I could be as easily amused as she is. Babies don't need all the stuff that we adults do. They can live without television, telephones, and computers. Their lives won't come to a screeching halt if they don't have access to their email, Facebook, or Twitter. To me, it seems as if babies see what life is really about: noticing and embracing the all little things. The way the sun dances on the surface of a puddle of water. Seeing the smile on the face of someone they love.
As parents, we are supposed to teach our children all sorts of things. It's part of our “job.” I can't help but wonder what sorts of things our children can teach us if we just take the time to see things through their eyes. How much better would our lives be if we could live them like our children live theirs?
As parents, we are supposed to teach our children all sorts of things. It's part of our “job.” I can't help but wonder what sorts of things our children can teach us if we just take the time to see things through their eyes. How much better would our lives be if we could live them like our children live theirs?
Teaser Tuesday (8/4)
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
“'I shall not pay them any such compliment, I assure you. I have no notion of treating men with such respect. That is the way to spoil them.'”
- Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen (pg. 27)
* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
“'I shall not pay them any such compliment, I assure you. I have no notion of treating men with such respect. That is the way to spoil them.'”
- Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen (pg. 27)
Musing Mondays (8/3)
This week's Musing Monday is a Library Habits meme:
1) If you don't frequent your local library, why not?
I love my local library.
2) If you do visit the library, how often do you go?
I go at least once every two weeks, if not once every week. It just depends on how fast I'm going through my books.
3) Do you have a favorite section that you always head to first, or do you just randomly peruse the shelves?
I usually check out the new books first to see if there's anything interesting. Otherwise, I go to the fiction section.
4) How many books are you allowed to check out at one time? Do you take advantage of this?
It's my understanding that adult library cards can check out up to fifty items at a time. I've never taken advantage of this, yet anyways.
5) How long are you allowed to have the books checked out?
Two weeks
6) How many times are you allowed to renew your check-outs, if at all?
As long as the book or movie isn't reserved for someone else and isn't an interlibrary loan, you can renew them twice. You can't renew interlibrary loan books at all.
7) What do you love best about your particular library?
I love that they'll pull books for you if you request them online. It saves so much time. Plus I don't have to juggle a baby and all the books I check out for her while trying to search for books for me.
8) What is one thing you wish your library did differently?
I really wish they opened at 8 A.M. during the week. It would be really nice to go to the library before work so I don't have to battle the traffic in the afternoons.
9) Do you request your books via an online catalogue, or through the librarian at your branch?
As long as you aren't requesting an interlibrary loan book, you can do it either way. The only way to request interlibrary loan books is through the people who work the information desk.
10) Have you ever chosen a book on impulse (from the online catalogue OR the shelves) and had it turn out to be totally amazing? If so, what book was it, and why did you love it?
I do it all the time. The last one was Feeling for Bones by Bethany Pierce. I can't really put my finger on exactly why I loved it other than it was very well written and it just really drew me in.
1) If you don't frequent your local library, why not?
I love my local library.
2) If you do visit the library, how often do you go?
I go at least once every two weeks, if not once every week. It just depends on how fast I'm going through my books.
3) Do you have a favorite section that you always head to first, or do you just randomly peruse the shelves?
I usually check out the new books first to see if there's anything interesting. Otherwise, I go to the fiction section.
4) How many books are you allowed to check out at one time? Do you take advantage of this?
It's my understanding that adult library cards can check out up to fifty items at a time. I've never taken advantage of this, yet anyways.
5) How long are you allowed to have the books checked out?
Two weeks
6) How many times are you allowed to renew your check-outs, if at all?
As long as the book or movie isn't reserved for someone else and isn't an interlibrary loan, you can renew them twice. You can't renew interlibrary loan books at all.
7) What do you love best about your particular library?
I love that they'll pull books for you if you request them online. It saves so much time. Plus I don't have to juggle a baby and all the books I check out for her while trying to search for books for me.
8) What is one thing you wish your library did differently?
I really wish they opened at 8 A.M. during the week. It would be really nice to go to the library before work so I don't have to battle the traffic in the afternoons.
9) Do you request your books via an online catalogue, or through the librarian at your branch?
As long as you aren't requesting an interlibrary loan book, you can do it either way. The only way to request interlibrary loan books is through the people who work the information desk.
10) Have you ever chosen a book on impulse (from the online catalogue OR the shelves) and had it turn out to be totally amazing? If so, what book was it, and why did you love it?
I do it all the time. The last one was Feeling for Bones by Bethany Pierce. I can't really put my finger on exactly why I loved it other than it was very well written and it just really drew me in.
Anticipation
Today's Sunday Scribblings question: What are you looking forward to, for better or worse?
Angie stared straight ahead, not looking to the left, not looking to the right. Just staring straight ahead, not able to focus on anything. She could feel her nervousness deep down in the pit of her stomach. If only she could focus on something, anything. But there was nothing near her that offered any kind of distraction.
She needed a distraction. Something to take her mind of the clock. Something to make her stop hearing the clock, the sound of the second hand to taking what seemed like hours to tick from one second to the next. Something to take her mind off the burning itch that seemed to consume her wrists and ankles. If only she could go back in time or better yet just fast forward a bit. If only she could do something, anything to bring about an ending, whatever that ending might be.
Her eyes barely registered the heaviness they were beginning to feel. Her head growing heavy, her mind becoming fogged with sleep. Everything she'd just heard tumbled around in her head until it formed a jumble of words so thick she couldn't comprehend anything any more. She knew that everything she'd said was true, but, mixed with everything everybody else had said, it made no sense. Hopefully they would figure out that someone was lying. Hopefully they'd realize that she was telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Hopefully they'd realize this before it was too late, before something terrible had happened. Something that couldn't be taken back.
She jolted awake as she heard the door clank open. “Come on, Angie. Get up. It's time to go back to the courthouse. The jury's made their decision.”
Another Reading Challenge
I've decided to join another reading challenge: The Harry Potter Reading Challenge hosted by Galleysmith. I'm looking forward to starting this one because I've been wanting to reread all the books for a while now.
Here are the details for the challenge (taken from Galleysmith):
Here are the details for the challenge (taken from Galleysmith):
What: Read or listen to all seven books in the Harry Potter series
- Sorcerer’s Stone
- Chamber of Secrets
- Prisoner of Azkaban
- Goblet of Fire
- Order of the Pheonix
- Half-Blood Prince
- Deathly Hallows
When: The challenge will run from August 1, 2009 to July 31, 2010. I know we’re all busy with life and work and other such fun things so join up whenever you want, there are no deadlines to the challenge besides the end date above.
Where: E-to the Everywhere! Post reviews on your blog, chat about it on messageboards, post vlogs or podcasts, comment on and converse about it in the monthly post I create here on Galleysmith. It’s entirely up to you, as long as there is some evidence of your having completed each book along the way you are good to go.
How: Sign up to join in and play, cause you know….Harry would want you to and all! Then, post a kick off post on your blog and link it back up according to the details on the monthly HPRC post also available here on Galleysmith.
Organizational Issues
I realized within the last few days that I haven't thought this blog out well enough. I'm going to take the next few days to really think through what my plans are for this blog. I'm also reworking my 101 list yet again to get rid of the goals that I don't believe will benefit me in the ways I think these goals should.
Edit @ 12:45: I guess I should also say that I'm putting my goals on hold until I figure this all out.
Edit @ 12:45: I guess I should also say that I'm putting my goals on hold until I figure this all out.
Teaser Tuesdays (7/28)
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
"She seemed like such a sniveling, cowardly fool that no one bothered about her until there were only a handful of contestants left. It turned out she could kill viciously." - The Hunger Games, Suzanne Phillips (pg. 41)
* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
"She seemed like such a sniveling, cowardly fool that no one bothered about her until there were only a handful of contestants left. It turned out she could kill viciously." - The Hunger Games, Suzanne Phillips (pg. 41)
Musing Mondays (7/27)
Today’s Musing Mondays: Do you have an account with an online book database site (LibraryThing, Shelfari, GoodReads, etc)? If so, do you have a preference? Do you use it for - your own record keeping? finding new books to read? social networking?
I have a GoodReads account. Right now, I mainly use it just for record keeping. I just set up my account a few days ago so I haven't really had time to start browsing through to find new books to read or to use it for social networking. I also didn't realize there were other online book database sites. (I need to get out more!) So, I guess I'll have to check them out and decide which one I like best.
I have a GoodReads account. Right now, I mainly use it just for record keeping. I just set up my account a few days ago so I haven't really had time to start browsing through to find new books to read or to use it for social networking. I also didn't realize there were other online book database sites. (I need to get out more!) So, I guess I'll have to check them out and decide which one I like best.
Goal Focus - Week #2
Organization/Home
- Clean and organize my bed side table and the top of my dresser.
- Create a morning routine.
- Create an evening routine.
- Create a weekly schedule for household tasks.
- Create a home management notebook.
- Read Scribbit's ebook Blogging in Pink: A Woman's Guide.
- Listen to one audiobook a month.
- Join and complete at least 8 reading challenges: the Everything Austen reading challenge and 101 books in 1001 days
- Start database or spreadsheet for family addresses/phone numbers and keep it updated.
- Complete 31 days to build a better blog.
Goal Review - Week #1
I did not finish all the tasks that I outlined in my Goal Focus for Week #1, but that's okay.
The 4 task I completed this week were:
Organizing my desk.
Joining Goodreads to keep up with read and to-be-read books.
Finishing writing my thank you notes and getting them out.
Learning more about Twitter and joining if I was interested.
I do have to say my desk look better. I don't have junk piled on it anymore. I still haven't found a home for my sewing machine (whose home used to be my desk), but that's in the works and doesn't really mess up the organization system I have going.
You can find my Goodreads account here.
I'm glad all the thank you notes are done and gone. I was way behind on them and was getting tired of looking at the cards and the list of people I still needed to send one to. I felt bad about taking so long to get them done, but there were just so many to do. Plus there were tons of cards for (somewhat distant) family members I didn't have current addresses for, so I had to try to get in touch with people who either had the addresses or knew how to get in touch with the people to get the addresses. But at least it is all behind me now.
I looked into Twitter and, right now, I really don't see the point. Maybe at some point I'll see the advantages of it and might join, but I really don't know when that will be.
The 4 task I completed this week were:
Organizing my desk.
Joining Goodreads to keep up with read and to-be-read books.
Finishing writing my thank you notes and getting them out.
Learning more about Twitter and joining if I was interested.
I do have to say my desk look better. I don't have junk piled on it anymore. I still haven't found a home for my sewing machine (whose home used to be my desk), but that's in the works and doesn't really mess up the organization system I have going.
You can find my Goodreads account here.
I'm glad all the thank you notes are done and gone. I was way behind on them and was getting tired of looking at the cards and the list of people I still needed to send one to. I felt bad about taking so long to get them done, but there were just so many to do. Plus there were tons of cards for (somewhat distant) family members I didn't have current addresses for, so I had to try to get in touch with people who either had the addresses or knew how to get in touch with the people to get the addresses. But at least it is all behind me now.
I looked into Twitter and, right now, I really don't see the point. Maybe at some point I'll see the advantages of it and might join, but I really don't know when that will be.
Everything Austen #1: Emma
I've finally finished my first task for Everything Austen. It's taken me a lot longer than I expected and has made me seriously rethink my list, but more on that later.
It took me a little over two weeks to read Emma. I'm just going to assume that it took so long because I'm not used to reading a British literature novel without having some intense deadline looming over me. I enjoyed reading the book even though I found most of the characters very, very annoying. Emma's attitude towards others concerning their places in society really bothered me. I really think she should have been brought down a notch much earlier in the book, when she could have really done herself and others some good.
The only version of the film I was able to get from the library was the 1996 Miramax version starring Gwyneth Paltrow. I have to say that the movie did not disappoint me. Yes, like most movies based on books, there were some omissions, but, had I not just recently read the book, I don't think it would have been as obvious to me. I still found most of the characters very, very annoying, although some were not nearly as annoying as in the book.
I'm somewhat disappointed in myself for this sad little post about completing my first Everything Austen task, but I plan to do better next time.
It took me a little over two weeks to read Emma. I'm just going to assume that it took so long because I'm not used to reading a British literature novel without having some intense deadline looming over me. I enjoyed reading the book even though I found most of the characters very, very annoying. Emma's attitude towards others concerning their places in society really bothered me. I really think she should have been brought down a notch much earlier in the book, when she could have really done herself and others some good.
The only version of the film I was able to get from the library was the 1996 Miramax version starring Gwyneth Paltrow. I have to say that the movie did not disappoint me. Yes, like most movies based on books, there were some omissions, but, had I not just recently read the book, I don't think it would have been as obvious to me. I still found most of the characters very, very annoying, although some were not nearly as annoying as in the book.
I'm somewhat disappointed in myself for this sad little post about completing my first Everything Austen task, but I plan to do better next time.
Goal Focus - Week #1
Organization/Home
Computer/Internet
Miscellaneous
From now until the end of my 101 project, I will post a weekly goal focus. I don't have the finish the things on the goal focus this week, but I have to work on them. Just because something isn't on the goal focus list doesn't mean I might not work on it that week.
(This actually should have been posted on Sunday evening, but I didn't get it done. Ugh.)
- Clean and organize my bed side table and the top of my dresser.
- Organize my desk. (FINISHED)
- Create a morning routine.
- Create an evening routine.
Computer/Internet
- Learn more about Twitter. If interesting, join. (FINISHED)
- Start database or spreadsheet for family addresses/phone numbers and keep it updated.
- Join Goodreads to keep up with books read and books to be read. (FINISHED)
Miscellaneous
- Finish writing all thank you notes and mail or hand-deliver them. (FINISHED)
From now until the end of my 101 project, I will post a weekly goal focus. I don't have the finish the things on the goal focus this week, but I have to work on them. Just because something isn't on the goal focus list doesn't mean I might not work on it that week.
(This actually should have been posted on Sunday evening, but I didn't get it done. Ugh.)
My 101 Goals in 1001 Days List
Organization/Home (20)
1.Clean out and organize my clothes (closet and dresser).
2.Clean out office closet.
3.Clean and organize entertainment center in living room.
4.Clean and organize my bed side table and the top of my dresser.
5.Find and implement better storage system for dirty laundry.
6.Organize top and bottom of bathroom cabinet. Get rid of everything we don't need. Figure out best way to store items stored there.
7.Clean out and organize baby's room (closet, dresser, little cabinet thing).
8.Clean out and organize the dishes.
9.Put together a binder to hold all recipes.
10.Organize my desk. (7/23/09)
11.Create a morning routine.
12.Create an evening routine.
13.Create a weekly schedule for household tasks.
14.Finish re-doing the kitchen. Get everything put back where it belongs.
15. Schedule a garage sale to get rid of all unwanted items. Donate items that do not sell.
16.Create a home management notebook.
17.Create a menu plan a la SimpleMom.
18. Figure out the most practical way for the bedroom to be arranged. Arrange it like this.
19. Get the master bathroom usable!
20. Create a “launch pad” area so leaving the house is easier in the mornings.
Finances/Career (4)
1.Start saving at least $15 each month and put this money into the savings account.
2.Get bills paid off to the point that I can be a SAHM.
3.Find a better and more fulfilling alternative to my afternoon job.
4.Decide what I really want to do career-wise. Figure out what I need to do to achieve this goal: education, training, etc.
Education/Reading (17)
1.Decide whether I really want to go back to school. Figure out how I will pay for it, what I will study, and when I'll go back.
2.Read the entire Bible.
3.Read all the books I own that I've never read before.
4.Join or start a book club.
5.Join and complete at least 8 reading challenges:
a. the Everything Austen reading challenge
b.101 books in 1001 days
6.Read 12 books I wouldn't normally read (i.e. science fiction, romance, etc.).
7.Read at least 15 nonfiction books.
8.Read at least 5 books that my husband would say “benefit me.”
9.Complete The Artist's Way.
10.Complete The Purpose Driven Life.
11.Complete Comfortable in Your Own Skin.
12.Join Goodreads to keep up with books read and books to be read. (7/23/09)
13.Read Scribbit's ebook Blogging in Pink: A Woman's Guide.
14.Take at least three continuing education courses of some kind (can be MIT OpenCourse, etc.).
15.Listen to one audiobook a month.
16.Participate in the library's adult summer reading program at least once.
17.Attend at least two library programs.
Creativity (8)
1.Participate in NaNoWriMo at least once.
2.Complete a photography project like 365 days.
3.Complete a creative writing prompt at least twice a month.
4.Complete at least 4 projects based on something I've bookmarked on Craftster and actually post them on Craftster.
5.Participate in at least 2 Craftster challenges and actually post my entries.
6.Hand-make most of the Christmas presents we give for Christmas 2009, 2010, & 2011.
7. Get and keep baby's scrapbook up-to-date.
8. Make a vision board for goals.
Personal (12)
1.Find 101 quotes that inspire me.
2.Write a list of 101 things that make me happy.
3.Make a list of 50 things I like about myself
4.Make a list of things I dislike about myself and change them. If they are unchangeable, then get over it!
5.Get my bellybutton pierced again.
6.Write down all my regrets and burn them.
7.Make my own happiness project.
8.Write my own personal mission statement.
9.Grow my hair out until it is long enough to be donated to Locks of Love.
10.Schedule a few hours a week or a day a month for “me” time.
11.Buy makeup that actually looks decent on me and start wearing it on a regular basis. (Aug '09 Parents mag had list of 4 or so products)
12. Stop complaining!
Health/Fitness/Food (4)
1.Take a multi-vitamin daily.
2.Drink at least one glass of milk a day.
3.Drink at least one glass of water a day.
4.Exercise at least twice a week.
Family (3)
1.Eat at least two meals a week at the table with no radio, television, magazines, etc.
2.Have a family photo taken at least once.
3.Plan a family night at least twice a month.
Computer/Internet (12)
1.Once a month, go through my documents. Make sure they are organized. Get rid of things I don't need.
2.Learn more about Twitter. If interesting, join. (7/23/09)
3.Research external hard drives and large USB drives. Figure out the best option and start saving up for one.
4.Participate in NaBloPoMo 3 times.
a.2009
b.2010
c.2011
5.Regularly comment on the blogs I read.
6.Read and comment on at least five 101 in 1001 blogs.
7.Update family blog at least once a month.
8.Update Picasa gallery at least once a month.
9. Start database or spreadsheet for family addresses/phone numbers and keep it updated.
10. Delete my Facebook account.
11.Complete 31 days to build a better blog.
12. Figure out feeder readers and use one to keep up with the blogs I read.
Miscellaneous (5)
1.Finish writing all thank you notes and mail or hand-deliver them. (7/20/09)
2.Renew or return all library books by their due dates.
3.Figure out all the features on my new cell phone.
4.Research daycares in our area.
5. Come up with the rest of my goals by January 1, 2010.
Goals to be determined: 16
Start date: 19 July 2009
End date: 15 April 2012
Completed tasks are in bold with a completion date.
In progress tasks are italicized.
For more information on the 101 goals in 1001 days project, check out Day Zero.
1.Clean out and organize my clothes (closet and dresser).
2.Clean out office closet.
3.Clean and organize entertainment center in living room.
4.Clean and organize my bed side table and the top of my dresser.
5.Find and implement better storage system for dirty laundry.
6.Organize top and bottom of bathroom cabinet. Get rid of everything we don't need. Figure out best way to store items stored there.
7.Clean out and organize baby's room (closet, dresser, little cabinet thing).
8.Clean out and organize the dishes.
9.Put together a binder to hold all recipes.
10.Organize my desk. (7/23/09)
11.Create a morning routine.
12.Create an evening routine.
13.Create a weekly schedule for household tasks.
14.Finish re-doing the kitchen. Get everything put back where it belongs.
15. Schedule a garage sale to get rid of all unwanted items. Donate items that do not sell.
16.Create a home management notebook.
17.Create a menu plan a la SimpleMom.
18. Figure out the most practical way for the bedroom to be arranged. Arrange it like this.
19. Get the master bathroom usable!
20. Create a “launch pad” area so leaving the house is easier in the mornings.
Finances/Career (4)
1.Start saving at least $15 each month and put this money into the savings account.
2.Get bills paid off to the point that I can be a SAHM.
3.Find a better and more fulfilling alternative to my afternoon job.
4.Decide what I really want to do career-wise. Figure out what I need to do to achieve this goal: education, training, etc.
Education/Reading (17)
1.Decide whether I really want to go back to school. Figure out how I will pay for it, what I will study, and when I'll go back.
2.Read the entire Bible.
3.Read all the books I own that I've never read before.
4.Join or start a book club.
5.Join and complete at least 8 reading challenges:
a. the Everything Austen reading challenge
b.101 books in 1001 days
6.Read 12 books I wouldn't normally read (i.e. science fiction, romance, etc.).
7.Read at least 15 nonfiction books.
8.Read at least 5 books that my husband would say “benefit me.”
9.Complete The Artist's Way.
10.Complete The Purpose Driven Life.
11.Complete Comfortable in Your Own Skin.
12.Join Goodreads to keep up with books read and books to be read. (7/23/09)
13.Read Scribbit's ebook Blogging in Pink: A Woman's Guide.
14.Take at least three continuing education courses of some kind (can be MIT OpenCourse, etc.).
15.Listen to one audiobook a month.
16.Participate in the library's adult summer reading program at least once.
17.Attend at least two library programs.
Creativity (8)
1.Participate in NaNoWriMo at least once.
2.Complete a photography project like 365 days.
3.Complete a creative writing prompt at least twice a month.
4.Complete at least 4 projects based on something I've bookmarked on Craftster and actually post them on Craftster.
5.Participate in at least 2 Craftster challenges and actually post my entries.
6.Hand-make most of the Christmas presents we give for Christmas 2009, 2010, & 2011.
7. Get and keep baby's scrapbook up-to-date.
8. Make a vision board for goals.
Personal (12)
1.Find 101 quotes that inspire me.
2.Write a list of 101 things that make me happy.
3.Make a list of 50 things I like about myself
4.Make a list of things I dislike about myself and change them. If they are unchangeable, then get over it!
5.Get my bellybutton pierced again.
6.Write down all my regrets and burn them.
7.Make my own happiness project.
8.Write my own personal mission statement.
9.Grow my hair out until it is long enough to be donated to Locks of Love.
10.Schedule a few hours a week or a day a month for “me” time.
11.Buy makeup that actually looks decent on me and start wearing it on a regular basis. (Aug '09 Parents mag had list of 4 or so products)
12. Stop complaining!
Health/Fitness/Food (4)
1.Take a multi-vitamin daily.
2.Drink at least one glass of milk a day.
3.Drink at least one glass of water a day.
4.Exercise at least twice a week.
Family (3)
1.Eat at least two meals a week at the table with no radio, television, magazines, etc.
2.Have a family photo taken at least once.
3.Plan a family night at least twice a month.
Computer/Internet (12)
1.Once a month, go through my documents. Make sure they are organized. Get rid of things I don't need.
2.Learn more about Twitter. If interesting, join. (7/23/09)
3.Research external hard drives and large USB drives. Figure out the best option and start saving up for one.
4.Participate in NaBloPoMo 3 times.
a.2009
b.2010
c.2011
5.Regularly comment on the blogs I read.
6.Read and comment on at least five 101 in 1001 blogs.
7.Update family blog at least once a month.
8.Update Picasa gallery at least once a month.
9. Start database or spreadsheet for family addresses/phone numbers and keep it updated.
10. Delete my Facebook account.
11.Complete 31 days to build a better blog.
12. Figure out feeder readers and use one to keep up with the blogs I read.
Miscellaneous (5)
1.Finish writing all thank you notes and mail or hand-deliver them. (7/20/09)
2.Renew or return all library books by their due dates.
3.Figure out all the features on my new cell phone.
4.Research daycares in our area.
5. Come up with the rest of my goals by January 1, 2010.
Goals to be determined: 16
Start date: 19 July 2009
End date: 15 April 2012
Completed tasks are in bold with a completion date.
In progress tasks are italicized.
For more information on the 101 goals in 1001 days project, check out Day Zero.
In the Works: 101 Goals in 1001 Days
I'm still reading Jane Austen's Emma.. I was hoping I'd be able to finish the book a little faster, but that's not happening. I can't really point my finger at any one reason. It's taken me a little longer to get used to the language of the book than it usually does. It's been over a year since I've read a British lit book. So, in light of this, I've decided to skip Teaser Tuesdays and instead embark on a discussion yet another project of sorts.
About a week ago (give or take a few days), I posted about doing a 101 books in 1001 days reading challenge. I talked about my previous failed attempt at doing the 101 goals in 1001 days project and how successfully completing this reading challenge might inspire me to actually finish the goals project. Well, after mulling the matter over, I've decided to go ahead and do the 101 goals in 1001 days project with a few guidelines for myself. I will only add a goal to my list if it actually accomplishes something that benefits me in some positive way (i.e., getting my house organized, helping me make connections with others, educating me in some way, etc.). I will not allow this to become a burden like I did the last time. I expected too much of myself by coming up with tons of goals that had to happen on a weekly basis. I want this to be a positive, enlightening experience.
I'm not quite ready to begin the challenge. I originally planned to start on July 12, but talked myself out of doing it at all because of a lot of hesitation on my part. I'd already come up with a list of close to 80 goals, but looked over them and decided they weren't all up to par. So, I'm overhauling these goals and will start next Sunday, July 19, with whatever goals I have up to that point. I'm not going to stress myself out by trying to come up with the full 101 like I did last time.
Monday Musing (7/13)
Today's Musing Mondays: We all know the old adage about not judging a book by it’s cover, but just how much sway does a book cover have when it comes to your choice of book – whether buying or borrowing? Are there any books you’ve bought based on the cover alone?
I wish I could say that I don't judge any books by their covers, but I do. When I'm walking through the library, the books that jump out at me are the ones that have interesting looking covers. When the cover jumps out at me, I'll usually see if the title looks interesting and, if it does, then I'll read the book summary. If I like what I see, then I'll get the book.
Being on a budget, having a new baby, and trying to get bills paid off doesn't leave much splurging room when it comes to books so about 95% of the books I buy are used. When it comes to buying books, I don't let the cover sway my decision in any way. I usually buy books I've already read and loved. Before buying a book I've never read, I'll usually skim the first few pages to see if I like what I see.
I've also learned to take what other people say about the book with a grain of salt when it comes to books. In the past few months, I've had someone give me two books that I never would have bought for myself (one a novel, the other a parenting book) and rave about how life-changing they both were. I wasn't able to get past chapter two of the novel. I forced myself to read the parenting book and then prompting tossed to book in the donation pile because I didn't agree with most of what it said and the one thing the book advocated that I did try came back to haunt me for about six weeks.
I wish I could say that I don't judge any books by their covers, but I do. When I'm walking through the library, the books that jump out at me are the ones that have interesting looking covers. When the cover jumps out at me, I'll usually see if the title looks interesting and, if it does, then I'll read the book summary. If I like what I see, then I'll get the book.
Being on a budget, having a new baby, and trying to get bills paid off doesn't leave much splurging room when it comes to books so about 95% of the books I buy are used. When it comes to buying books, I don't let the cover sway my decision in any way. I usually buy books I've already read and loved. Before buying a book I've never read, I'll usually skim the first few pages to see if I like what I see.
I've also learned to take what other people say about the book with a grain of salt when it comes to books. In the past few months, I've had someone give me two books that I never would have bought for myself (one a novel, the other a parenting book) and rave about how life-changing they both were. I wasn't able to get past chapter two of the novel. I forced myself to read the parenting book and then prompting tossed to book in the donation pile because I didn't agree with most of what it said and the one thing the book advocated that I did try came back to haunt me for about six weeks.
Teaser Tuesdays (7/7)
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
My teaser from Jane Austen's Emma (page 49):
"I lay it down as a general rule, Harriet, that if a woman doubts as to whether she should accept a man or not, she certainly ought to refuse him. If she can hesitate as to 'Yes,' she ought to say 'No' directly."
* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
My teaser from Jane Austen's Emma (page 49):
"I lay it down as a general rule, Harriet, that if a woman doubts as to whether she should accept a man or not, she certainly ought to refuse him. If she can hesitate as to 'Yes,' she ought to say 'No' directly."
101 books in 1001 days
I've heard of the whole 101 in 1001thing. I tried it and, failing miserably, gave up on it less than a month in. I was trying to be too ambitious with my goals and, to be completely honest, at least half of my goals were crap. You know, things that were on the list just to fill slots on the list. Well, now I've found a better way to complete the 101 in 1001things: read 101 books in 1001 days. Great idea, huh? (I found it at The Twiga Blog.) I'm not expecting this to be too difficult. I love to read and I'm sure I've managed to read a similar number of books within a similar time frame without even noticing. Who knows, if I can finish this maybe it will inspire me to actually complete the regular 101 in 1001.
So, to reiterate, between today (July 5, 2009) and April 1, 2012, I will read 101 books. My list is going to be made up of books I've ever never read or the ones I had to read for my college English courses that I would like to read at a more leisurely pace so I can try to understand them a bit more (Faulkner's A Fable, for instance). Oh, yeah, I can't forget all the used books I've bought with ever intention of reading that have been sitting unread ever since I brought them home.
Books read:
- Emma, Jane Austen (July '09)
- Twilight, Stephenie Meyer (July '09)
- Through Thick and Thin, Alison Pace (July '09)
- Wife in the Fast Lane, Karen Quinn (July '09)
- The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
- My Sister's Keeper, Jodi Picoult
I'm joining the Everything Austen Challenge
In my search for a book club, I came across a blog that led me to another blog that led me to Stephanie's Written Word and the Everything Austen Challenge. Back when I was still contemplating graduate school, my minor concentration was going to be British literature. (My main concentration was going to be technical writing, and still will be, because I plan on going back to school.)
Anyway, I have to pick six Jane Austen-themed things (reading her books, watching movies based on her books, reading books related to her or her books) and do them between July 1, 2009, and January 1, 2010. It's taken me a few days to figure out what I'm going to do (I started writing this post on June 27th if that tells you anything), but I finally decided.
What I'm going to do:
1. Read Mansfield Park and watch the film version.
2. Read Emma and watch the film version. (completed July 2009)
3. Read Northanger Abbey and watch the film version.
4. Read Persuasion and watch the film version.
5. Read The Jane Austen Book Club and watch the film version.
6. Either read Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict AND Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict OR read Bridget Jones's Diary and watch the film version.
This is what I plan on doing at this point. I may add things or change some things depending on how fast I'm getting things done. Who knows.
Anyway, I have to pick six Jane Austen-themed things (reading her books, watching movies based on her books, reading books related to her or her books) and do them between July 1, 2009, and January 1, 2010. It's taken me a few days to figure out what I'm going to do (I started writing this post on June 27th if that tells you anything), but I finally decided.
What I'm going to do:
1. Read Mansfield Park and watch the film version.
2. Read Emma and watch the film version. (completed July 2009)
3. Read Northanger Abbey and watch the film version.
4. Read Persuasion and watch the film version.
5. Read The Jane Austen Book Club and watch the film version.
6. Either read Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict AND Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict OR read Bridget Jones's Diary and watch the film version.
This is what I plan on doing at this point. I may add things or change some things depending on how fast I'm getting things done. Who knows.
New Beginnings
I can't tell you how many new blogs I've started and abandoned in the past year and a half or so. I'd always start a new blog every time I got excited about some project I was starting, thinking that I would actually stay focused on and complete it just because I'd started a blog completely focused on that project. Yeah, that really worked. All those times.
I'm not starting this because of a project. I'm starting this just so I'll start writing again. I can't ever seem to find the time to write anything using pen and paper, but I can always take a few minutes to sit down in front of the computer to do anything I need to do.
I'm not starting this because of a project. I'm starting this just so I'll start writing again. I can't ever seem to find the time to write anything using pen and paper, but I can always take a few minutes to sit down in front of the computer to do anything I need to do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)