Progress this month: still slowly getting back into doing this
21. Read One False Note by Gordon Korman
22. Read Handbook for Boys by Walter Dean Myers
29. I created a bulletin board and participated at international night to promote the library
39. Completed write or die 15 minutes
40. Successful 3/4 weeks
49. Justin's birthday dinner and movie
51. I bought shoes for bridal shower or other wedding events at a local store in Albany
72. One video for Justin's birthday
Showing posts with label 21. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 21. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Saturday, July 24, 2010
D is for Donnelly and F is for Ferris
I just finished listening to some good books.
The first is for my YA novel goal. A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly. I did not know at first that this was partially based on the true story of a murder case in Upstate New York. It is the story of Mattie, a farm girl with big dreams of being a writer. She lives with her father and sisters and is expected to help keep the farm running, especially now that her mother is dead. She wants to go to college to learn to write, but between her father's objections and her growing feelings for a local boy, this seems like an unattainable dream. As if that weren't enough, the dead body of a woman has just been brought to the hotel in which she works, and Mattie has evidence that the woman's death may not have been an accident.
I really enjoyed this story. Mattie is a well developed and likable character. It was also cool to hear the names of so many local towns in a book I was reading.
The second book is for my children's book list, although middle schoolers might like it too. It is called Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris. This is a funny, romantic tale about Christian, who grew up in the forest with his foster father, a troll named Ed. He begins a long-distance friendship with Princess Marigold by using P-mail, mail delivered by pigeons. Finally Chris decides to leave his sheltered forest life and go to the palace to get a job. I loved this book. The romance story was very touching, and the characters were very funny. It had the elements of a fairy tale, with some more modern ideas and humor mixed in.
I really enjoyed this story. Mattie is a well developed and likable character. It was also cool to hear the names of so many local towns in a book I was reading.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Mid-June Update
16. I have written in my journal 3 times so far this month, so I'm on track for that goal.
21. I read The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book 1: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood, and A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
22. I read Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
41. Amy, Justin and I had a game night on Saturday. It was a lot of fun, and we got to play lots of board games.
42. I cooked two new recipes so far. The firs twas BBQ beef sandwiches, which I made in a crock pot. They were smoky and tasty. The second was Mexican lasagna. It was really easy and tasted pretty good!
44. I cooked at home on the 9th and 16th, although I missed one week.
61. I got my second HPV vaccine shot. Only one more to go!
66. I'm just about ready to say this one is complete. I have almost fully converted to Curly Girl. I wash my hair differently, and dry it differently. It has gotten much curlier. So far this month I tried two of the recipes. I used lemon and baking soda in recipes to clean my hair. I'm just waiting to see if I can get a Deva style hair cut before I call this one complete.
70. So far I have done something outside 6 times this month.
75. I went to another local event: the Apalachin Field Days. My dad and I worked in the balloon dart booth to benefit challenger baseball.
92. I am on week 5 out of 6 of my sit ups plan. I think I may have to repeat the last two weeks a few times before I am ready to do 200 sit ups though.
94. I finished week 6/12 of my walking.
Finally: I decided to get rid of goals 38. Make a list of 100 things I want to see, and 39. See 20 of them. I took this goal from someone else's list, and it isn't really resonating with me. I still am doing the other goal of making a list of things I want to learn about. I will update when I have replacements for these goals.
21. I read The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book 1: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood, and A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
22. I read Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
41. Amy, Justin and I had a game night on Saturday. It was a lot of fun, and we got to play lots of board games.
42. I cooked two new recipes so far. The firs twas BBQ beef sandwiches, which I made in a crock pot. They were smoky and tasty. The second was Mexican lasagna. It was really easy and tasted pretty good!
44. I cooked at home on the 9th and 16th, although I missed one week.
61. I got my second HPV vaccine shot. Only one more to go!
66. I'm just about ready to say this one is complete. I have almost fully converted to Curly Girl. I wash my hair differently, and dry it differently. It has gotten much curlier. So far this month I tried two of the recipes. I used lemon and baking soda in recipes to clean my hair. I'm just waiting to see if I can get a Deva style hair cut before I call this one complete.
70. So far I have done something outside 6 times this month.
75. I went to another local event: the Apalachin Field Days. My dad and I worked in the balloon dart booth to benefit challenger baseball.
92. I am on week 5 out of 6 of my sit ups plan. I think I may have to repeat the last two weeks a few times before I am ready to do 200 sit ups though.
94. I finished week 6/12 of my walking.
Finally: I decided to get rid of goals 38. Make a list of 100 things I want to see, and 39. See 20 of them. I took this goal from someone else's list, and it isn't really resonating with me. I still am doing the other goal of making a list of things I want to learn about. I will update when I have replacements for these goals.
L is for LeGuin and W is for Wood
I recently finished two books for my children's book goals. Both of these would be enjoyable for older readers as well, but I am counting them as children's because they would probably be enjoyed by older elementary readers.
The first is The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book 1: The Mysterious Howling. The School Library Journal review said that this book is like a mix between Jane Eyre and Lemony Snicket, and I see what they mean. Penelope has just graduated from a boarding school for intelligent orphans. At the age of 15, she is ready to enter the world as a governess for a rich family. She responds to an ad and gets a job as the governess to three children. However, she only finds out after she is hired that these children were raised by wolves, and recently discovered living in the woods. Penelope does her best to overcome this obstacle, determined to teach the children Latin and French, as well as how to dress and eat properly. I really enjoyed this story and will eagerly await its sequel. Not only is the story entertaining, but it is accompanies by lovely illustrations of the children and their antics.
The next book I finished was A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin. I can see why this has become a classic fantasy book. The story is quite different from other fantasy series I have read, and is very interesting. However, during this read I finally admitted to myself that I don't enjoy high fantasy as much as I have always thought I would. However, for readers that enjoy it, this is one of the better books I have read. I made the choice not to continue the series though, as I have recently struggled to get through other long high fantasy series (The Dark is Rising Sequence, and Lloyd Alexander's books, for example).
Friday, June 4, 2010
T is for Tolkien
I finished reading The Hobbit for goal 21, to read 26 children's novels.
I was actually surprised how entertaining this story of a 50-something year old hobbit could be. I don't think I loved it as much as other people have, but I thought it was entertaining to see Bilbo get himself out of various scrapes, and surprise himself with his courage and adventurous spirit.
(Late) End of May Update.
Progress since the last update:
Complete!
45. Go to 10 new restaurants. I finished this when Justin and I were in Corning. We went to Thali of India for lunch. It was great. I hadn't had Indian food in a few years and was really craving it.
In progress:
16. I journaled 5 times this month
20. I finished The Kite Runner and Their Eyes Were Watching God
21. I finished The Hobbit
22. I finished The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and The River Between Us by Richard Peck
37. I watched my S movie: Signs
40. I had a tv free night in all but one week of May
42. I cooked Jerk Chicken with Asparagus and Cauliflower, which I took a picture of:
44. I cooked at home 3/4 weeks because I didn't cook this week.
49. For our date Justin spent a day in Corning, NY. We went shopping at all the local shops and had fabulous Indian food.
51. I shopped at a few local businesses in Corning, including buying something from Market Street Coffee and Tea
92. I am restarting my sit-ups at week 3 because I lapsed a little bit and want to build my strength up more before continuing.
94. I've completely stopped walking the past few weeks so I'll have to get back into it
Complete!
45. Go to 10 new restaurants. I finished this when Justin and I were in Corning. We went to Thali of India for lunch. It was great. I hadn't had Indian food in a few years and was really craving it.
In progress:
16. I journaled 5 times this month
20. I finished The Kite Runner and Their Eyes Were Watching God
21. I finished The Hobbit
22. I finished The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and The River Between Us by Richard Peck
37. I watched my S movie: Signs
40. I had a tv free night in all but one week of May
42. I cooked Jerk Chicken with Asparagus and Cauliflower, which I took a picture of:
44. I cooked at home 3/4 weeks because I didn't cook this week.
49. For our date Justin spent a day in Corning, NY. We went shopping at all the local shops and had fabulous Indian food.
51. I shopped at a few local businesses in Corning, including buying something from Market Street Coffee and Tea
92. I am restarting my sit-ups at week 3 because I lapsed a little bit and want to build my strength up more before continuing.
94. I've completely stopped walking the past few weeks so I'll have to get back into it
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Percy Jackson
Monday, February 22, 2010
Book updates
I have to admit, I have gotten sucked right in to this fantasy series. The last children's fantasy series I read - Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles - were a little heavy-handed, so I wasn't expecting a lot here. Now I can say I should not have lost faith is what has always been one of my favorite genres.
I'm not saying Cooper's stories are the most complex things I have ever read, although I felt a bit mind-blown during one reveal in this book's sequel, The Dark is Rising. The story was a quick read, and exciting towards the end. I still have many questions since I am just finishing up the second book of the five-book series. I love the use of ancient English mythology in these books so far. It isn't something I've been over-exposed to. I feel like there are many legends I don't know, that I will happily discover through these books. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.
When I was reading this book I was completely enthralled with the characters, and the voice of Suzie Salmon. I thought using the voice of the dead Suzie was a very interesting way to learn about her family members in a very intimate way. It was a good insight into a family's process of grieving and moving on with their lives.
Day 48 Update
Almost to the benchmark of 50 days, and I'm still working on my list a little bit each day!
Here is where I am on my progress in February:
8. Go Ice Skating: Complete! I think this is the first goal that I have finished completely. Justin and I went skating in the Olympic speed skating oval in Lake Placid, NY. The oval is outdoors, which was really cool. I will post pictures later.
16. Journal 5 times a month. So far I am behind again. I've journalled twice so far, but I'll make it up before the month is out.
20. I have finished another adult novel: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. I'll post about it later
21. I've finished the first children's book for this goal by reading Over Sea and Under Stone, the first in The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper. I've also just finished the second book, although that won't go on my list. I'll be writing a post about this one as well.
24. Get a job. No luck, but I've been continuing my search every day.
37. I have my "W" movie for the list: Whip It, I'll post about it later
40. So far I have had one night a week in which I am tv-free after 7 pm
42. Make 20 New Recipes: I haven't tried a new one recently, but I went through all of my cookbooks and put post-its on recipes I want to try.
43. Keep Recipes I like in one binder. I made good progress on this one so far. I typed all of the loose and hand-written recipes I had in my binder onto actual binder pages. Next I need to make a system for keeping track of the rest of my recipes.
44. Cook at home once a week. I have been keeping up with this. So far this month I have made Shepherd's Pie, chicken pot pie, and potato leek soup.
49. Justin and I had a date night on Valentine's day. We got dressed up and went out to eat at a really nice restaurant.
67. Wii fit or yoga 3 times a week. This did not work out this month and I'm going to try again next month
68. Emergency car kit: I have created a list of what I want, but have not bought it yet
72. I took three good videos on my flip last weekend at the Empire State Games. I'm not sure if I want to post any here yet.
83. This is my two-week review although it is a little late, and i'll do another before the month is over.
85. I cashed in my first jar of change today. It was mostly pennies so I just got $16.00, but at least it's something.
Here is where I am on my progress in February:
8. Go Ice Skating: Complete! I think this is the first goal that I have finished completely. Justin and I went skating in the Olympic speed skating oval in Lake Placid, NY. The oval is outdoors, which was really cool. I will post pictures later.
16. Journal 5 times a month. So far I am behind again. I've journalled twice so far, but I'll make it up before the month is out.
20. I have finished another adult novel: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. I'll post about it later
21. I've finished the first children's book for this goal by reading Over Sea and Under Stone, the first in The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper. I've also just finished the second book, although that won't go on my list. I'll be writing a post about this one as well.
24. Get a job. No luck, but I've been continuing my search every day.
37. I have my "W" movie for the list: Whip It, I'll post about it later
40. So far I have had one night a week in which I am tv-free after 7 pm
42. Make 20 New Recipes: I haven't tried a new one recently, but I went through all of my cookbooks and put post-its on recipes I want to try.
43. Keep Recipes I like in one binder. I made good progress on this one so far. I typed all of the loose and hand-written recipes I had in my binder onto actual binder pages. Next I need to make a system for keeping track of the rest of my recipes.
44. Cook at home once a week. I have been keeping up with this. So far this month I have made Shepherd's Pie, chicken pot pie, and potato leek soup.
49. Justin and I had a date night on Valentine's day. We got dressed up and went out to eat at a really nice restaurant.
67. Wii fit or yoga 3 times a week. This did not work out this month and I'm going to try again next month
68. Emergency car kit: I have created a list of what I want, but have not bought it yet
72. I took three good videos on my flip last weekend at the Empire State Games. I'm not sure if I want to post any here yet.
83. This is my two-week review although it is a little late, and i'll do another before the month is over.
85. I cashed in my first jar of change today. It was mostly pennies so I just got $16.00, but at least it's something.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
21. Read children’s chapter books by authors starting with every letter from A-Z
I consider this goal complete when/if: At the end of 1001 days I have read 26 children's books -- by authors whose lasts names begin with each letter of the alphabet.
Why it's on my list: I am going to be a school librarian and I want to continue reading children's literature in preparation.
This goal will be tracked by various posts in this blog
Goal Status: To Do (13/26)
A
Barry, Dave Peter and the Star Catchers
Cooper, Susan. Over Sea, Under Stone
D
E
Ferris, Jean. Once Upon a Marigold
Gaiman, Neil Coraline
Henkes, Kevin. Olive's Ocean
I
J
Korman, Gordon One False Note
Le Guin Ursula, A Wizard of Earthsea
Martin, Ann M. A Corner of the Universe
N
Osborne, Mary Pope The Magic Tree House book 1
Paterson, Katherine. Bread and Roses Too
Q
Riordan, Rick. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The lightning Thief
S
Tolkien, J. R. R. The Hobbit
U
V
Wood, Maryrose. The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book 1: The Mysterious Howling
X
Y
Z
Why it's on my list: I am going to be a school librarian and I want to continue reading children's literature in preparation.
This goal will be tracked by various posts in this blog
Goal Status: To Do (13/26)
A
Barry, Dave Peter and the Star Catchers
Cooper, Susan. Over Sea, Under Stone
D
E
Ferris, Jean. Once Upon a Marigold
Gaiman, Neil Coraline
Henkes, Kevin. Olive's Ocean
I
J
Korman, Gordon One False Note
Le Guin Ursula, A Wizard of Earthsea
Martin, Ann M. A Corner of the Universe
N
Osborne, Mary Pope The Magic Tree House book 1
Paterson, Katherine. Bread and Roses Too
Q
Riordan, Rick. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The lightning Thief
S
Tolkien, J. R. R. The Hobbit
U
V
Wood, Maryrose. The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book 1: The Mysterious Howling
X
Y
Z
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