So Lent officially begins today and I am indifferent. I guess that goes along with my non-Catholic and almost non-Christian belief system. I was going to not smoke during the workweek, but have clearly changed my mind. Sometimes I feel as if I am the only educated smoker out there. Yes, I know it is bad for me. No, I do not like the way it makes me feel. Yes, I realize it is a disgusting habit that is obnoxious to others around me. Yes, I realize it is not good for any environment out there, my own or other people's spaces. No, I do not like that I become a litter bug on occasion when I am stuck with where to put the butt. Yes, I realize they are not recyclable and an earthy person would maybe not smoke. But I like it! I feel that my friend view me as so boring and strange already, that my disgusting little habit humanizes me in a way that I find appealing.
Okay, back to the books. I read a wonderful one on Monday. It was called Vanished Man, by Jeffery Deaver. This is the same author who wrote the Bone Collector. It features the same major characters in the same sort of crime series, but kept me interested in turning the pages long into the night. It seemed a little over-dramatic, but the good strong bones of the writing kept me interested even through the one rough patch. I would (and have) strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the crime fiction family.
On the more granola -y side of things. Made my own tortillas for this week, and they only lasted until Tuesday. I guess that home made is better than store bought. I realize I may have to work on my technique, but the taste was fabulous, even if the size left something to be desired. ( and that was all me!)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Lazy Sunday = Lazy Monday?
Happy Valentine's weekend! I for one am happy it is coming to a close. I was sick and will be happy to put this weekend behind me. It was relaxing, and except for the time spent getting sick, quite nice. I am happy that I have a nice housemate who is willing to help around the house. My beautiful newly painted living room has its first piece of furniture back in it. I cleared away the painting material (well most of it) and re-placed one of my pappasan chairs. The couch hunt continues... but I did buy covers and new cushions for the sun room... ah hope for sunny (warm) days is beginning to grow!
I love that this weekend had beautiful, crisp clear days with that light blue soul enhancing color. It is enough to relax even the tense-est person.
Okay. Lots of goals for the week.
a. email the finished grad paper to my partner
b. go to the library! Really need to return my books!
c. see if B people have mercy on me and will let me check out Freakenomics
d. find material to put in beds for beans- goal plantings this year
e. mail CSA check... hmm find check book might be good.
f. run off plans for next two weeks for 9th and ap classes.
g. go over in depth the writings of ap before tuesday
h. see about a meyer lemon tree at the local nursery.
I love that this weekend had beautiful, crisp clear days with that light blue soul enhancing color. It is enough to relax even the tense-est person.
Okay. Lots of goals for the week.
a. email the finished grad paper to my partner
b. go to the library! Really need to return my books!
c. see if B people have mercy on me and will let me check out Freakenomics
d. find material to put in beds for beans- goal plantings this year
e. mail CSA check... hmm find check book might be good.
f. run off plans for next two weeks for 9th and ap classes.
g. go over in depth the writings of ap before tuesday
h. see about a meyer lemon tree at the local nursery.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Wednesday.. working away
I was enjoying taking my evening constitutional but was almost hit by a car. I am astounded that there is no sidewalk on a road leading up to a wonderful, beautiful elementary school. They have spent millions (I believe) on making a huge elementary school but do not have a safe way for those students to get to school, if they walk. I am astounded.
I have begun tutoring. Last night I met my student for his testing, which was rather successful, but his comprehension was quite low. I was surprised, I did not expect his level to be so low in relation to his vocabulary reading fluency. From the readings, I did not expect such a difference.
I am sitting here listening to the workers in a different department talk about finance. I am thinking that maybe I should work the same way.
Oh well, my restful day is continuing... even for a b day this is crazy!
I have begun tutoring. Last night I met my student for his testing, which was rather successful, but his comprehension was quite low. I was surprised, I did not expect his level to be so low in relation to his vocabulary reading fluency. From the readings, I did not expect such a difference.
I am sitting here listening to the workers in a different department talk about finance. I am thinking that maybe I should work the same way.
Oh well, my restful day is continuing... even for a b day this is crazy!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Musings of a tired mind
Today, Monday is my least favorite day. I never really like the start of a long week, but I am especially reluctant to start a week when I did not get enough sleep the night before. I was super productive (for me) on Sunday, so much so in the early day that I crashed and burned late in the afternoon. I ended up taking an accidental nap of 4+ hours yesterday. Darn that cuddly cat. He slept peacefully away laying on my chest and gently snoring. Hee hee hee. So. I woke up around 8.30 pm and bounced off the walls for the next 4+ hours. Heh, didn't even realize how evenly it worked out. Oh well. Then got up this am, not really cranky but feeling a bit out of sorts and started the wheel of work all over again. If only I could recall the useful, purpose I felt all weekend!
I am generally mild and with no support at school, second block rocked! It was a bit frustrating, but totally useful!
Looking forward to the rest of the week following the same projection!
I am generally mild and with no support at school, second block rocked! It was a bit frustrating, but totally useful!
Looking forward to the rest of the week following the same projection!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Lazy Saturday... Love IT!
So today I was semi productive. Well honestly, compared to my usual Saturday I was very productive! I got up early - urgh and then went to the school to help with set up for the one act festival. It was easy (for me) and fun. Then I came home again, stopping on my way for a Burger King egg croissanwich meal. I have been craving one for about 2 weeks. Sadly, I was not impressed. Maybe this is a good thing, it will help me cut down on my fast food addiction. Money flying out of the window!
I am at home, not doing anything, feeling like I have already put in a full day (and it was only 9.30 am-sad). Oh well, I relaxed with the gatitos then went upstairs and finished painting my living room. Very exciting times here, let me tell you. Though the color was not one that grabbed me by the throat, it is growing on me. This is a good thing because I have more than one gallon of it left over. Here's to over estimation!
Oh yeah, in between, I went to see the school's production, called Frostbite. It was very good, edgy but good. I am constantly amazed by what these student's put into their work. I guess I expected high school stuff to be less, uhm, professional looking. Weird...
Okay, on to the book. I stayed up later last night to finish it, and for the most part I really liked it. It was just good story telling and the author left me wondering about motivation for several parts.
So, it was The Killing Sky by Robert Gandt and I give it a 1.75 thumbs up. It fed into my karmic beliefs about retribution, and really showed the more human side of decisions.
Nice work, in my humble opinion. Really, I have never written anything professionally, so who am I to criticize?
I am at home, not doing anything, feeling like I have already put in a full day (and it was only 9.30 am-sad). Oh well, I relaxed with the gatitos then went upstairs and finished painting my living room. Very exciting times here, let me tell you. Though the color was not one that grabbed me by the throat, it is growing on me. This is a good thing because I have more than one gallon of it left over. Here's to over estimation!
Oh yeah, in between, I went to see the school's production, called Frostbite. It was very good, edgy but good. I am constantly amazed by what these student's put into their work. I guess I expected high school stuff to be less, uhm, professional looking. Weird...
Okay, on to the book. I stayed up later last night to finish it, and for the most part I really liked it. It was just good story telling and the author left me wondering about motivation for several parts.
So, it was The Killing Sky by Robert Gandt and I give it a 1.75 thumbs up. It fed into my karmic beliefs about retribution, and really showed the more human side of decisions.
Nice work, in my humble opinion. Really, I have never written anything professionally, so who am I to criticize?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Long Lazy Nights
Okay, so I decided that I was going to read off that list first, right? Well, things escaped me, and like all other things, intentions fell to the wayside in sight of such lovely, mindless books. I truly appreciate brain candy, because it allows me to sit and think of other things while I enter the author's world. If this does not happen, for whatever reason, I can still put the book down and step away not feeling lost or bereft. Unlike so many other things; responsibility, work, housework, chores, I can leave some of these open in the "to be finished" file without extra guilt. Like everyone else, I already have too much of that!
I regularly read messages from FlyLady.net and really appreciate everything that woman is trying to do. I have read her book, "Sink Reflections" and really liked it, even as I was unable to stay with her program ideas. While I have not really managed to make myself fall into some set scheme, I believe my 'lurking' on her site has improved me as a person. She is amazing. Her first habit, established in an attempt to regain control of her house, was shining her sink every night. I have made mine, hanging up my purse and coat and making sure that everything I ABSOLUTELY need is in those two items. So far this week = success. Actually, I have been doing this for almost a month. It seems like such a small, rather useless thing, but really makes my mornings flow a lot better.
Okay, on to the reviews, sorry if some are repeats...
Suzanne Brockmann "Body Language" Honestly? Not one of her better books. I think maybe I am burnt out on Brockmann. I loved the majority of her Troubleshooter books, and her SEAL 16 books. I have even read her SEAL team 10 books with some enjoyment. Every once in a while, it is as if she takes a break from developing true characters. While some remain sketches, I do not think major characters should fall into this category. Would I say that I will never read another Brockmann book? Definitely no, but maybe will wait for the next one to come out in paperback, or at the library. Feeling a bit burnt out on her, with a solid .5 thumbs up.
Charlotte Hughes "What Looks Like Crazy" was a nice light read. Her characters were slightly underdeveloped, but fun and rather edgy. I liked it, true brain candy. 1.5 thumbs up. This was the first book I believe I have read by this author, but will keep an eye out for others...
Judith Bowen "Lydia Lane" well, this was light, and not at all challenging... but would I recommend it to anyone? No. Cardboard like characters with no real motivation for doing anything with each other. I think maybe this is an early book by this author, but it was almost as if she was surprised by what her characters were doing... not as if she intended them to take those actions. Like they were particularly unprepared for what was going to happen. No thumbs up for this book.
Tom Clancy "Patriot Games" 2 thumbs enthusiastically up for this book. To be totally honest, this is not a new read for me, but every time I read this particular book, I find something else I really like. His characters are real, his timing is tight and there is suspense throughout. I like how he holds back on the dramatic irony, and provides even lessor characters with believable words and actions.
Fern Michaels, "Vendetta" .5 thumbs up. I usually like Michaels, but found this one insulting and wrong. Maybe I should not have stepped into the middle of the series, but did not find the characters likable enough to want to know about them.
Harlan Coben, "There will be No Second Chance" 2 thumbs up! wonderful. Kept me on the edge of my seat (figuratively) and guessing. A few weak areas, but overall fascinating portrait of what a person will do to have their family back, even an imperfect one....
Julie Garwood: "Slow Burn" 1.5 thumbs up. I was able to read this fast and furiously, but wanted to know what was happening. I was surprised by the climax, and enjoyed this as a nice light read.
"Shadow Dance" 1 thumb up. I might recommend this to someone who wants fluff, not romance. It was quite interesting, but plot points were a bit over wrought. Interesting enough to keep me plowing through.
"Killjoy" 1 thumb up. Interesting. Not what I expected, but still interesting. I would have like a bit more information on the aunt, who is central to the story... but nicely written.
Lisa Gardner "Alone" 1.75-2 thumbs up. Not at all what I expected, but very very good. I have read several other Gardner books and am always impressed by her prose, characterization and style. She makes characters I can't like fascinating. I actually care about them by the end. She is good at providing multiple viewpoints or takes as if from one person who is struggling for objectivity. Wow. Good read. While it pulled me in, it did not keep me from sleeping (a major plus in work week reads.)
I regularly read messages from FlyLady.net and really appreciate everything that woman is trying to do. I have read her book, "Sink Reflections" and really liked it, even as I was unable to stay with her program ideas. While I have not really managed to make myself fall into some set scheme, I believe my 'lurking' on her site has improved me as a person. She is amazing. Her first habit, established in an attempt to regain control of her house, was shining her sink every night. I have made mine, hanging up my purse and coat and making sure that everything I ABSOLUTELY need is in those two items. So far this week = success. Actually, I have been doing this for almost a month. It seems like such a small, rather useless thing, but really makes my mornings flow a lot better.
Okay, on to the reviews, sorry if some are repeats...
Suzanne Brockmann "Body Language" Honestly? Not one of her better books. I think maybe I am burnt out on Brockmann. I loved the majority of her Troubleshooter books, and her SEAL 16 books. I have even read her SEAL team 10 books with some enjoyment. Every once in a while, it is as if she takes a break from developing true characters. While some remain sketches, I do not think major characters should fall into this category. Would I say that I will never read another Brockmann book? Definitely no, but maybe will wait for the next one to come out in paperback, or at the library. Feeling a bit burnt out on her, with a solid .5 thumbs up.
Charlotte Hughes "What Looks Like Crazy" was a nice light read. Her characters were slightly underdeveloped, but fun and rather edgy. I liked it, true brain candy. 1.5 thumbs up. This was the first book I believe I have read by this author, but will keep an eye out for others...
Judith Bowen "Lydia Lane" well, this was light, and not at all challenging... but would I recommend it to anyone? No. Cardboard like characters with no real motivation for doing anything with each other. I think maybe this is an early book by this author, but it was almost as if she was surprised by what her characters were doing... not as if she intended them to take those actions. Like they were particularly unprepared for what was going to happen. No thumbs up for this book.
Tom Clancy "Patriot Games" 2 thumbs enthusiastically up for this book. To be totally honest, this is not a new read for me, but every time I read this particular book, I find something else I really like. His characters are real, his timing is tight and there is suspense throughout. I like how he holds back on the dramatic irony, and provides even lessor characters with believable words and actions.
Fern Michaels, "Vendetta" .5 thumbs up. I usually like Michaels, but found this one insulting and wrong. Maybe I should not have stepped into the middle of the series, but did not find the characters likable enough to want to know about them.
Harlan Coben, "There will be No Second Chance" 2 thumbs up! wonderful. Kept me on the edge of my seat (figuratively) and guessing. A few weak areas, but overall fascinating portrait of what a person will do to have their family back, even an imperfect one....
Julie Garwood: "Slow Burn" 1.5 thumbs up. I was able to read this fast and furiously, but wanted to know what was happening. I was surprised by the climax, and enjoyed this as a nice light read.
"Shadow Dance" 1 thumb up. I might recommend this to someone who wants fluff, not romance. It was quite interesting, but plot points were a bit over wrought. Interesting enough to keep me plowing through.
"Killjoy" 1 thumb up. Interesting. Not what I expected, but still interesting. I would have like a bit more information on the aunt, who is central to the story... but nicely written.
Lisa Gardner "Alone" 1.75-2 thumbs up. Not at all what I expected, but very very good. I have read several other Gardner books and am always impressed by her prose, characterization and style. She makes characters I can't like fascinating. I actually care about them by the end. She is good at providing multiple viewpoints or takes as if from one person who is struggling for objectivity. Wow. Good read. While it pulled me in, it did not keep me from sleeping (a major plus in work week reads.)
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