My Utopia

Top Picks of 2011

2011-12-27T12:50:00.001-08:00

Here are some good books that I read this year:

1) Cutting for Stone

2) Farscape Graphic Novel Series

3) State of Wonder

4) Falling Together

5) Bossy Pants

6) Then Everything Changed

7) The Fall of Giants

Shutterfly, making the holidays easier

2011-10-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

It is getting close to the holiday season and as a busy mom I have to plan ahead. Shutterfly helps me do this by making holiday cards take minutes to put together. Unlike store kiosk like CVS there are LOTS of different designs to choose from. My favorites are the whimsy collection and the Classic collection . Living so far away from family I like the idea of sending family and friends pictures of our son for their Christmas card. I don’t know about you all, but I normally throw away plain store bought cards from other people. I do however; always keep the cards with pictures of my friend’s kids or my nieces and nephews. This year I am also considering getting a Calendar to give away to the grandparents as gifts. Shutterfly’s calendar theme selection is total worth checking out! They also have other inventive gift ideas such as cups and bags with pictures on them—check it out! I am a sucker for the t-shirts and the apron. Don’t wait to the last minute, the holidays will be here before you know it.

If you have never ordered your cards on-line or used shutterfly before I have an opportunity for you to try it out--risk free. I have three chances for you readers to win a coupon code for 25 free cards for the holiday. To enter the contest please make a comment about your favorite holiday picture. I will randomly choose the winners by midnight on October 20^th.

Are you a blogger? Want a chance at 25 free cards this holiday season? Register here: http://goo.gl/DDw7Q”

Borders

2011-02-18T07:41:00.001-08:00

All four Borders in my city are closing :(

Top 2010 Picks

2011-01-11T06:19:00.000-08:00

1). At Home in the World: A Memoir
2). Making the Terrible Two's Terrific
3). The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Vintage)
4). The Girl Who Played with Fire
5). Nurture Shock (Korean Edition)
6). The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest

End of Year Reading List

2011-01-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

I didn't make it to 50, oh well, this isn't bad.

Where the Love Goes
Corrections
Wishin' and Hopin'
AT HOME IN THE WORLD
Cassandra and Jane
Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen. (library book)
Engulfed in Flames (borrowed)
The Help
Mistress Shakespeare (library book)
Los Alamos (Borrowed)
Labor Day
Grand River & Joy (Borrowed)
Pearl of China (Borrowed)
Dexter by Design
Darkly Dreaming Dexter
Dearly Devoted Dexter
Dexter in th dark
Girl Who kicked the hornest Nest
Coop
Journals of Louisa May Alcott (Library)
Map of True Places
1,000 White Women
Making the Terrible Two's Terrific
The last summer of Louisa May Alcott (library)
nanny returns (library)
nanny diaries
Three Cups of Tea
Little Bee (library)
Very Valentine
Endless Forest
Queen of Swords (re-read)
Loving Frank (Library Book)
The Girl Who Played With Fire
The Girl with the dragon Tattoo
Amigo Land (Library Book)
Super Nanny
In the woods
A Reliable Wife (Library Book)
Blue Shoes of Happiness (Book #7)
Nurture Shock
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
In the Company of Cheerful Ladies (#6)
March

Corrections

2010-12-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

I finished, "Corrections" last night and really enjoyed the book. There are bits where he "overwrites" sections, but it is otherwise a well written and engaging book. I have started on Maynard's, "Where the Love Goes".

Holiday Cards & Shutterfly: What a Wonderful Combination!

2010-11-17T14:42:00.000-08:00

I am going with Shutterfly this season for my holiday Christmas cards. I have looked through all of their collection and think I have finally chosen the one I like. I knew I wanted a folded card and the folded one I like best is there With Love Blue Christmas 5x7 folded card.
I love the colors, red, blue and brown, which will match the colors of my sons Christmas outfit! Also, I liked that it is a holiday card, so that I can send it to family and friends who celebrate Hanukkah or Al-Hijira.I love the song by Louie Armstrong, “What a Wonderful World” and think my family will really enjoy the style and most importantly the cute little boy showcased on the card.I have had bad experiences with other photo card places so I am very excited to be able to use Shutterfly this year, which has a reputation for quality. I am considering getting a photo calendar as a gift, in the peek-a-blue style. What are your thoughts? What do you do for Holiday Cards?

Check out the shutterfly promotion that I posted on my facebook.

Holiday Cards

2010-11-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year again, when you have to dress up your family for the Christmas Photo. Having a toddler this is always a challenge, but since my family lives so far away it is a gift to the family to have a picture of the little man all dressed to impress. Last year I utilized a friend to help me get my son to sit still and smile all at the same time. Last year we had our photo cards done by CVS pharmacy and they came out horribly. This year, since I am unemployed I was worried we wouldn't be able to go with Shutterfly like I had hoped (couldn't afford it), but thanks to a promotion I will be able to send picture cards of my son all dolled up and cute looking to all of our loved ones.

40 Books

2010-11-15T07:07:00.000-08:00

I finished my 40th book last night, "At Home In the World" by Joyce Maynard. I love her writing and almost finished this in one day. I have already started her real life crime drama, "Internal Combustion".
I tried reading those classics with the zobbie/vampire spin and just did not like them at all. The "Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters" was not written well at all. Besides poor writing it just seams wrong. I thought it might be funny but it just isn't funny to me. Oh well!

Cassandra and Jane

2010-11-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

I have just finished, "The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen" and just LOVED it. I have decided to go on an obsessive rampage and read a bunch of Jane Austen related things. I am currently reading, "Cassandra and Jane". I will let you know how it goes.

2010-11-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

I am sad that12 books left for the year suddenly seems doable again.

Engulfed in Flames

2010-11-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

Since I have been recently laid off I have been catching up on my reading. I finished Sadaris' "Engulfed in Flames". I enjoyed it except the last chapter, which ran a bit long and got boring. Maybe if I was ever a smoker who had tried to quit it would have been more poignant.

The Help

2010-10-08T10:24:00.001-07:00

I am almost done with this book and it totally lived up to my expectations.

Mistress Shakespeare

2010-09-16T18:31:00.003-07:00

I read this for my library book club and it is tooo long! The story was just, "alright". I don't recommend the book. This was my book 35! I don't think I will be making my reading goal this year :(

Labor Day

2010-09-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

Finished Labor Day, and now I want to read other things by this author. I am on my 34 book of the year. I don't know if I will be able to complete 16 more!

Who has time to read these days?

2010-08-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

I am on my third week at work and am swamped! I did finish, "Grand River and Joy", which was very dry and boring. I think that "Middlesex" addressed the Detroit 1967 race riots much better. I am currently reading, "Labor Day", for Bookclubgirl.com. So far the novel is really well written and captivating. I read half the book in one sitting, which these days is quite a feat!
My little guy will be going to school for the first time tomorrow, how exciting!!! He is not happy about Grandma going back home though :(

Reading Update

2010-08-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't gotten much reading in these last few weeks because of my new job, but I did read, Pearl of China, which was really good! I found an interesting article about the book and author at the blog: Between the Covers. Check it out.

I am currently reading the very dry novel, Grand River & Joy, which takes place in my hometown of Detroit during the race riots of the 60's.

Books, what to read?

2010-08-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

Gave up on Shutter Island, I was getting board with it and it was due back to the library. I guess I should start my book club book, "Pearl of China".

Job

2010-08-03T18:00:00.001-07:00

I got a job! I am re-entering the work force after a two year hiatus

Edited to say: I will be a grants coordinator for a local non-profit. It is super close to my house too,which is AWESOME. A 1.5 minute commute is always a good thing. It is two minutes away from my son's school. Wish me luck! I start in 1.5 weeks.

Goal in sight!

2010-08-01T13:19:00.001-07:00

20 more books to go until I reach my goal of 50 books for this year. I am having a slow start to on reading my next book. I think I have officially given up on "Commuters" and have started "Shutter Island" today.

Dexter part duex!

2010-07-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

I have quickly finished the first three books in the Dexter series (the third is by far the best!) and am just a hundred pages to the end of the fourth. The fifth doesn't come out until September, boo! I will most likely start watching the series after I finish up watching my thirtysomething dvds. By then weeds season six will be on dvd and I can plow through those.

Dexter

2010-07-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

Dexter series rocks!!! I am on the third book in the series and just LOVE it.

"Girl Who Kicked the Hornest Nest"

2010-06-30T19:32:00.003-07:00

This book was an amazing ending to a really awesome series!! Highly recommend this series to all readers!

SOO EXCITED!

2010-06-17T10:24:00.001-07:00

Finally got a copy of, "The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest". WOOHOO!

Half Way Point

2010-06-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

I am at the half way point of the year and just under half way to my goal! I would be fairing much better if I hadn't discovered thirtysomething on netflix. I am almost all the way through season 2!

2 second book reviews for month of May

2010-05-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

This is what I have been reading over the last month:

1,000 White Women: Was a re-read for library book club. It is frustrating and not very well written.
Making the Terrible Two's Terrific: My new parenting bible.
The last summer of Louisa May Alcott: AWESOME! If you are a little women fan, run don't walk to your nearest library or bookstore. I took out two of her biographies and one of her journals from the library!
nanny returns: This was okay.
nanny diaries: Re-read it because I wanted to read the newest one.
Three Cups of Tea: I wanted to love this book, but was kind of bored near the end. I couldn't bring myself to read the second and newest book, "Stones for Schools"
Little Bee: Heartbreaking wonderful book.

Books

2010-04-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

I finished, Little Bee, a interesting if not depressing read. I also am almost finished reading, "Three Cups of Tea". It is a dry read and tends to go on a bit. I am reading it for library book club meeting this week. I am also suppose to read his second book, "Stones for schools" but don't think I will be able to get it in before book club.

Sucesss

2010-04-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

Our charity event collected almost 400lbs of food and $1600 to help feed the hungry! It was also a lot of fun.

The BIG day!

2010-04-10T05:23:00.000-07:00

All my husband and I's hard work has finally come together. Today is our annual charity board gaming event. This year we scored a piece on the local news to promote the event and my husband and his designer friends, games. Wish us luck!!!

Home Repair!

2010-04-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

No, not the book, that sucked! We are in the process of working my in-laws to death in order to get all of our home repair projects done. So there has been NO time for reading. : ( I have started on Mortenson's "3 cups of tea" though.
Since I last posted, my little boy turned TWO and I stopped breastfeeding. It has been a difficult transition for both of us. I feel very blessed to have had those two years to provide him that gift. Though he can be a handful, he is truly a sweet, funny and polite boy. He had a wonderful birthday and really enjoyed Easter as well. He "gets" what presents are and cupcakes as well ;) He and sugar it turns out are a BAD combination. So for Easter he got this awesome food called, "Just Raspberries" and "Just Grapes" from the Just Tomato company. They are awesome, big hit!

Currently Reading

2010-03-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

I am ALMOST done with "Very Valentine" and just started reading, "Little Bee". After this I am going to tackle Kingsolver's newest book, which is on the short list of nominees for the Orange Prize.

On a personal note, my little man will be two a week from today and I will no longer be nursing, which is a sad and wonderful thing all rolled into one.

#14 Endless Forest

2010-03-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

This book was kind of a disappointment. I don't know what I was expecting but I found myself disappointed in the end.

#13: Queen of Swords

2010-03-13T18:17:00.000-08:00

I re-read this Sara donati novel, in preparation for reading the last book of the series. It was just as good as I remembered it. It did make me realize though that I really need to re-read the whole series. I have started, "The Endless Forest" and it is good so far. My only complaint is that it feels a little stretched in trying to cover all of the characters and seemingly "wrap up" their story line. Stay tuned for further review of the book.

Wednesday is book club day, woohoo! I am hoping I feel better by then, as I doubt they want to hear me blow my nose and cough all over them.

My Baby Boy & #12 Loving Frank

2010-03-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

My little man is such a joy, we had a wonderful afternoon outside in the backyard the other day. He looks so grown up! Not a baby any more.

Book#12 of the year: "Loving Frank"

I simply adore historical fiction novels and this book is no exemption. The only problem with historical fiction is that the story of real life is not always easy reading. This novel is about the lives of Frank Lloyd Wright and his lover, Mamah Cheney. I don't want to say too much to spoil it so I will post a link for those of you, who just have to know. Link to the true story.

While I was upset with the ending I was enchanted with the writing. It was a very interesting look at the women's movement during the early 20th century. I am looking forward to discussing it with my book club.

Endless Forest & Other March Reads

2010-03-03T10:50:00.000-08:00

I am currently reading, "Loving Frank" (bookclub book) and "Very Valentine", a book I won on a book blog contest. I am hoping after I finish these books I can start on Sara Donati's last book of the Wilderness series, "Endless Forest", which I am SUPER excited about. I am thinking I may have to re-read the last one in the series to get me back up to speed. The author is also super cool, check out her website: Storytelling. She has also written some really awesome stuff under her real name, Rosina Lippi. Expect a review of it in the not so distant future.

March is also when my little man turns two, so there is much planning and excitement going on over at our house. It is going to be a Thomas & Friends party since that is one of his biggest obsessions. Well that and diggers, he loves any and all heavy equipment. We got him a construction hat as part of his gift. We are also going to be visited by both my husbands and my family, which is always something fun to look forward to. Oh and the weather is beautiful today! Off to read, "Loving Frank", while little one naps.

Book #11: Girl Who Played with Fire

2010-02-27T18:52:00.000-08:00

That darn Larsson, has made me loose many hours of precious sleep over his AWESOME page turners. This was by far a painfully agonizing page turner. I rushed through this book because I just had to know. There was only one plot point that I saw coming, everything else, including the ending threw me for a loop. I am going to be on pins and needles until May 25th when the third and final installment of the series will be released, " The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest".

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pre-order it now from Amazon and get it for $11.50, which for a hardback is a damn steal!

Snow in February, IN AUSTIN!

2010-02-23T13:52:00.000-08:00

February Reads

2010-02-22T10:37:00.000-08:00

I am currently reading two books, "Very Valentina" and "The Girl that Played with Fire". So far "Very" is VERY boring. I didn't like her other book either, "Viola in Reel Life". "The Girl that Played with Fire" however, is 'so far- so good'. Tomorrow will be good reading weather, the high wont get above 35 and we will have snow on the ground. Yes, snow in Austin! Usually this far into February we are free and clear of winter, but not this year. What have you read this month?

# 10 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2010-02-19T17:43:00.001-08:00

I had mixed feelings about this book. It was well written in that it was paced to hold the suspense and engaging the reader. It was also though a little bit more violent and graphic than I normally like. The mystery aspect I enjoyed, but the sexual violence against women was difficult for me to read. I also was irritated by the CONSTANT mentioning of what type of apple computer the character was using. I felt like I was reading a commercial sometimes. The author even quoted a link to a free apple application that the character liked to use. I also didn't like the ending. It left me hanging and a little confused. I have heard a lot of people feel this way and that the second book, "The Girl that Plays with Fire" makes up for it. So that it what I am going to start next. I gave up on the Sunday philosophy club, it was just too boring.

Currently Reading

2010-02-16T17:21:00.000-08:00

Apparently this is the year of the Mystery books for me. I am currently reading, "The Sunday Philosophy Club" and "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo". Both are pretty excellent so far. I am excited about going to my first book club meeting in almost a year! I have joined the Library's book club and we will be discussing, "Amigo Land".

What are you reading? Anyone read anything that is a MUST read? Any good thrifty book finds?

For Valentines, my hubby got me, Sara Donati's, "Endless Forest". I have only been harassing him for weeks to get it for me : ) It is the final book in the Wilderness Series. If you haven't read this series you MUST!!! The author is also super cool, check out her website: Storytelling. She has also written some really awesome stuff under her real name, Rosina Lippi. Expect a review of it in the not so distant future. Sadly, for now I have to finish the books I took out of the library!

Book#9 Amigo Land

2010-02-15T05:49:00.000-08:00

I read this for my library book club. It was good, but it wasn't a big "WOW". The nursing home scenes were similar to the nursing home scenes in "Water for Elephants." It was good but not a rush out and read it kind of book.

Book #7: In the Woods

2010-02-05T21:53:00.000-08:00

"In the Woods" by Tara French was a disappointment. I felt it was obvious who the master mind behind the murder was and the ending was a total let down.

Book #6: A Reliable Wife

2010-01-31T17:12:00.000-08:00

This book read like a happy ending/Edith Wharton novel. It was not at all what I expected but it turned into a real page turner in the end. I finished it in two days! I am about half way through "In the Woods" and have started, "Amigo Land" for the library book club! Happy reading everyone!

Two months & Two Years

2010-01-28T06:01:00.001-08:00

I can't believe my little dude is going to be two, two months from today!

A Reliable Wife

2010-01-28T05:59:00.000-08:00

This book isn't what I thought it was going to be. Who knew! I am almost done with Tara French's book, "In the Woods" which is an awesome little mystery!

Book Update of the week

2010-01-27T05:32:00.000-08:00

I finished the 7th book in the #1 Ladies Detective Agency, "Blue Shoes of Happiness". It was pretty good, though not the best in the series. I got "A Reliable Wife" from the library and so far, so good!

Book 4: Nurture Shock

2010-01-24T11:49:00.000-08:00

This is a must read for parents. It is a collection of new research on children (birth-teens) and their development. It shatters a lot of commonly held ideas about kids. I LOVED the book!

Book #3: Story of Edgar Sawtelle

2010-01-11T12:41:00.000-08:00

Weird book! This novel is a mirror of the classic play by Shakespear, Hamlet. I have not read Hamlet but know enough to notice the references to the play. Yes, there are even ghosts. The problem was, Elizabethan drama's are out of place in 1970's America. The character's motivations were lost on me, which made the story often confusing and irritating.
Ultimately, I thought the novel was well written in some parts and pedantic in others. I know more about dogs and dog breading that I care to know. I give it a 2/5 stars.

Edgar Sawtelle

2010-01-06T06:37:00.001-08:00

So far this book is really good. I am almost finished with the 6th book of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.

Too Many Books?

2010-01-03T17:00:00.001-08:00

Is there such a thing?

Back to bringing home the bacon

2010-01-03T12:45:00.000-08:00

Well I did it, I applied for a job.

Best Board Game of the Year!!

2010-01-02T17:26:00.000-08:00

If you only buy one game this year, make it Monkeylab!

Description

As former lab monkeys, players cooperate and compete to free imprisoned monkeys from a well-guarded testing facility. Of course, since the monkeys don’t have keys, they must use their creativity and the items found around the lab to pick, pry, and smash the cages open. The more monkeys you rescue, the more reward you receive.

For more information: Board Game Geek

Read an interview with the Designer: News Tribune

Austinites buy local at Dragon's Lair and Great Hall Games

Where to buy on-line?

Monkey Lab Board Game
$22.99 new - CoolStuffInc.com

Monkey Lab board game (Alderac)
$27.50 new - Troll And Toad

Monkey Lab Board Game (alderac) Sealed Board Game
$30.75 new - eBay

1st book of the new year

2010-01-02T06:28:00.001-08:00

Well I technically should have finished this in '09 but will have to mark it as a 2010 read. March, by brooks, is the account of Little Women, told by the father. It takes the reader into the depth of depravity of the civil war. The stories of the slaves and those who were considered contraband of war, are heartbreaking. It shows the father of the story in a light we might not have thought to put him in, though brooks did her research and based much of her writing off of journals and known letters of Alcott's own family, which was also the basis of Little Women. For those who love Little Women this will be a hard, but ultimately rewarding read.

Best Books of 2009

2009-12-31T16:47:00.000-08:00

My top Five Books of 2009!

Caligrapher's Daughter
City of Refuge
Belong to me
John Adams (bio)
Grapes of Wrath

2009- A Year in Books

2009-12-31T16:43:00.000-08:00

Well I didn't make it to 50 books this year, but was still pretty close with 47. I almost finished the book, March, which would have been by 48th, but I instead played board games with my husband. Last year I was only able to read 39 so this was a big improvement all the same.
Here is my final list:

The Full Cupboard of life
Her Fearful Symetry
Best Friends Forever
Morality of Beautiful Girls
In a Perfect world
The fig eater
Lovely Bones
Tears of the Giraffe (#1 ladies...)
The No. #1 Ladies Detective Agency
Year of Wonders
Lace Reader
Sunflowers
Caligrapher's Daughter
19th Wife
Viola in Reel Life
Always Looking Up
Baker Towers
The likeness
Now & Then
Mrs. Kimble
City of Refuge
The Wednesday Sisters
The Condition
The Blue Notebook
Love Walked in
Farewell to Arms
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
World's Fair
Wicked
Home repair
Belong to me
The no cry sleep solution
The Pact
freakonomics
Goodnight Nobody
Last Lecture
Good in Bed
The Green Book
John Adams.
Heir to the Glimmering World
The Worst Hard time
Grapes of Wrath
Things I want my daughter to know
North River, Hamill
Under The Skin-Faber
Who By Fire

One Cool Dude

2009-12-26T16:42:00.001-08:00

Taking his new toy for a "test drive"

46 Her Fearful Symetry

2009-12-24T08:55:00.000-08:00

I don't know if I liked this book. It was weird and seemingly non-sensical in other parts. It was rife with "implied" story lines. Some parts were very obvious and therefore boring. I wasn't happy with it at all. Talk about a one hit wonder.

45

2009-12-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

I finished the fourth novel in the #1 Ladies Detective agency. I am in the middle of "Her Fearful Symetry" and "March". I am currently occupied though with a sick baby. Hoping whatever he has is gone by Friday!

44th Book: Best Friends Forever

2009-12-16T15:56:00.001-08:00

This new book by Jenifer Wiener is a story that is slowly unraveled layer by layer like an onion. It was perfectly paced story of two girls/women who are best friends and how after a row as teens they make their way back together as women through a traffic/on purpose accident. A good, quick read!

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency

2009-12-12T10:39:00.000-08:00

I am totally digging this series. I am starting on the fourth book now and am also reading Jennifer Weiner's new book, "Best Friends Forever". I started, "Edward Sawtell", but decided to read it after the new year since, Bookclub Girl, will be doing an on-air interview with the author on January 13th.
43 books down and seven to go!

Book 42: In a perfect world

2009-12-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

I just finished, "In a Perfect World" and it is a really good read. It is a look at what could happen if a pandemic hit the US and wiped out most of the population. It is from the point of view of a newly married woman who is adjusting to being a stepmom to three unruly children/teens.

Book count

2009-12-01T17:45:00.000-08:00

I have read 41 books so far this year. Can I get in another 9 before the end of the year? We'll see!

Home again, home again!

2009-11-30T16:26:00.000-08:00

I'm back from my two week long vacationpalooza. I am going tomorrow to pick up a shoe to wear for my broken toe!

Broken toe

2009-11-24T06:33:00.000-08:00

I broke my toe! Not good when I need to be chasing a toddler who is hell bent on running, NEVER walking, through life.

Books Read in 2009

2009-11-14T13:57:00.000-08:00

I have gotten a lot of reading done this year. This is my list so far:

The No. #1 Ladies Detective Agency
Year of Wonders
Lace Reader
Sunflowers
Caligrapher's Daughter
19th Wife
Viola in Reel Life
Always Looking Up
Baker Towers
The likeness
Now & Then
Mrs. Kimble
City of Refuge
The Wednesday Sisters
The Condition
The Blue Notebook
Love Walked in
Farewell to Arms
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
World's Fair
Wicked
Home repair
Belong to me
The no cry sleep solution
The Pact
freakonomics
Goodnight Nobody
Last Lecture
Good in Bed
The Green Book
John Adams.
Heir to the Glimmering World
The Worst Hard time
Grapes of Wrath
Things I want my daughter to know
North River, Hamill
Under The Skin-Faber
Who By Fire

I am really getting into the series, The No. #1 Ladies Detective Agency. They are good quick reads. I am almost through the second one and just started it today. In another week or so I will post the top five books of 2009, so stay tuned. What are your top reads of 2009, any must have recommendations?

Currently Reading

2009-11-11T04:17:00.000-08:00

I am half way through, "Year of Wonders", which is super depressing. I think I like it though.

Other acquisitions from charity garage sale, Days 1 & 2

2009-11-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

Bubbles with loopy bubble sticks
Crappy toddler scooter (gigangor is too big apparently--who knew?) r
Bright Builders
Duplo box (containing old school Duplo)
Richard Scarry fold out train with flip ups
Tractor
pair of jeans and three shirts (me)
three long sleeve shirts (gigantor)
sippy cup
2 board games (Fist of Dragon Stones & Times Up)

STAY TUNED FOR THE RESULTS FROM BOX DAY!

Days 1 & 2 of Charity Garage Sale Books

2009-11-07T13:21:00.000-08:00

The Night Trilogy: Night, Dawn, Day

Elie Wiesel

American Wife: A Novel (New York Times Notable Books)

Curtis Sittenfeld

The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Book 4)

Alexander Mccall Smith

Summer People: A Novel (P.S.)

Brian Groh

What We Keep: A Novel (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

Elizabeth Berg

Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!: A Novel (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

Fannie Flagg

People of the Book: A Novel

Geraldine Brooks

Shelter Me

Juliette Fay

The Piano Tuner: A Novel

Daniel Mason

For Love

Sue Miller

Shiksa Goddess: (Or, How I Spent My Forties) Essays

Wendy Wasserstein

Marie Antoinette: The Journey

Antonia Fraser

The Florist's Daughter

The Thirteenth Tale [13TH TALE]	Diane(Author) Setterfield	Your library Wishlist Currently reading To read Read but unowned Favorites Edit collections...
House of Leaves	Mark Z. Danielewski

Patricia Hampl

Busy!

2009-11-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

I have been super busy. I had by birthday and then Halloween. Gigantor went as a puppy. I have also been doing a LOT of reading. Since I last posted I have read the following books:

Lace Reader
Sunflowers
Calligrapher's Daughter
19th Wife
Viola in Reel Life
Always Looking Up
Baker Towers
The likenessddy

I am currently reading, McCullough's, "Morning's on Horseback" about Teddy Roosevelt. This weekend is the big Settlement Home Garage Sale Extravaganza, also know as, the best weekend of the year!!! I am very excited to go and will hopefully remember to come back and post as I always do the spoils of the weekend.

Currently Reading

2009-10-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

I am reading the 19th Wife, I'll let you know how it goes.

New Book!

2009-09-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! I got, "The Lace Reader" by Brunonia Barry in the mail today. I am going to submit questions for the blog talk radio interview by Book Club Girl. Let you know how it turns out. The book, "Always Looking Up" by Micheal J Fox is interesting.

Sick

2009-09-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

Our little family has been passing a stomach bug around. First the baby, then me and now my husband is sick. I am exhausted and can't wait for everything to get back to normal.

I at least got a lot of reading done while I was sick. Currently I am reading, "Always Looking Up". I also read my first young adult novel in what seems like forever, "Viola in Reel Life". I am on book 32 of the year. What is everyone else reading?

Books, books, books

2009-09-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

I have been on a reading frenzy. In the last three weeks I have read:

Now & Then
Mrs. Kimble
City of Refuge
The Wednesday Sisters
The Condition

All were pretty good, though my favorite was City of Refuge. Three of them I received through Book Club Girl. If you haven't checked out her site yet...why haven't you? She is a lover of books and a mama who has a lot to offer to readers. I have submitted questions to several of her interviews, check it out on Blog Talk Radio.
Tonight I finished my 28th book of the year. I don't know how I am going to find time to read when I quit nursing!

Back

2009-09-10T05:50:00.000-07:00

I am back from Vacation but not quite acclimated to being back. I am still adjusting to everything and dealing with an increasingly naughty toddler.

Interesting Article on What Girls Read

2009-08-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

I was eating lunch and surfing the net when I came across this great article posted on Facebook by Book Club Girl. The article is called is an interview with Lizzie Shurnick, author of "The Shelf Discovery: What girls read and Why". Click here to read the article.

I didn't always love reading, but got into it as a young adult. I came from a family of readers, but it wasn't until I discovered the joys of reading for myself in my own way that I too became a life long reader. I am going to definitely check out her book. It sounds really interesting.

At the end of the article she gives great advice to parents about encouraging reading in children:

I think there are three ways, plus a codicil.
1) Always read to them when they are little
2) Have a lot of books around.
3) Be a good example! They're not going to read if you never crack a spine, and it's not fair to expect them to.

And my last thing: don't make them feel bad about not reading. People really come to reading at different times and for different reasons. You can't push someone to appreciate a book or understand what's great about reading before they're ready. Of course, if you are a manipulative parent, you can just not allow them to read. That'll do it.

This is my favorite excerpt from the article:

Not to give away all the important analysis you do in the book, but what did we gain from reading and rereading these books?

I think what they gave us was the idea that you are at the center of your own life, not as the star but as the person who has to observe the world and make decisions. I think girls are often taught to make people happy or to make things all right or to solve problems or to load the dishwasher. And it was really wonderful to see girls as the members of a narrative with full rights.

The Blue Notebook

2009-08-19T05:46:00.000-07:00

This is a heartbreaking novel that follows a young girl who is sold into Mumbia's child sex slavery business. It is important to bear witness to these atrocities and work to find ways to help these children. All U.S proceeds from the purchase of this book goes to the International and National Centers for Missing and Exploited children. Go out and buy this book!!

Angry Mama

2009-08-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

Being a parent is never easy though some people do make it look easy. Even when you think you are ready to settle down and start a family you never know what you are getting yourself into until you are standing in the thick of things. This is especially true of motherhood. There are a lot of things that you learn being a mother and a lot of things you have to give up when you take on this role. I have always been what my husband calls an, "ANGRY" person. As a mother this has not changed. I still bitch and bemoan about everything and anything. Here are some of the things that have been pissing me off lately:
1. Expectant mother parking. Why don't they have just MOTHER parking. It wasn't hard walking when I was pregnant. It is however difficult to drag a toddler from the back parking lot into a store.

2. Speaking of stores, is EVERY single damn strap broken on EVERY single cart??? I hate having to pull out twenty carts just to find a strap that works.

3. Southpark Meadows shopping Center parkinglot. If you live in Austin, you know what I am talking about, the place is a death trap. My husband's car was totaled there by some idiot going 35 in a parkinglot.

4. Mom's who dress up for the hot gymboree instructor and pay no attention to their child. Who in all likelihood is causing my child physical harm.

5. People who judge me for being a breastfeeding mother of a toddler! Yes, I am still breastfeeding, no I am not quitting any time soon. No, I am not hurting my child by still breastfeeding him. Yes, he can ask for it, and no we aren't stopping just because it wireds you out!

Short Reviews

2009-08-10T12:01:00.001-07:00

Farewell to Arms: the first half of the book was B-oring! The second half of the book, depressing! It also took me awhile to get us to the LONG sentences that seemed to have a mind of their own.

The Book of Daniel by EL Doctorow: I am only a quarter of the way through and am having a hard time following the story lines. Not sure I will finish this one.

Currently reading: The Condition, so far so good!

Eric Carle, My First Book of Shapes: I love this book because it actually shows the shape and not just things that are a certain shape. It makes you match up the shape with the object that is that shape instead.

Free Books over the last month: Wednesday Sisters, The Condition, and The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel.

Favorite new podcast: The moth, it is a collection of people recorded telling stories on a stage without notes.

Survivor Man: The hubby and I knocked out this series on netflix and just loved it. I heard he stopped doing it though because of the toll it took on his health.

Huggies Overnight Diapers: AWESOME!

Good Deal: Buy two boxes of diapers at Babies R US and get a $10 gift card!

Update: Things are going well over here. The baby keeps be VERY busy. He is currently playing with my new mary jane crocs that I got for $10! I am going to start posting more mommy post soon--Angry mama. Those of you who know me in real life know, that I complain, I bitch, I judge. So I thought I would bring a little bit of me to this blog.

Something new

2009-08-06T07:04:00.000-07:00

Keep an eye out for some changes around this old blogspot.

2009-07-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

Love, love, love Melissa de Santos' book, "Love Walked In". I adored the sequel, "Belong to Me" as well.

2009-07-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

Midway through the year and I have read 20 books. Things have been pretty crazy here. Baby has the sniffles and I think I have a sinus infection. I am off to find a new doctor and make an appointment.

Chase

2009-07-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

My little ones favorite game is chase. He wears me out, thankfully he wears himself out too! Here are some latest pictures.

Books, Books and More Books

2009-07-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

I just finished my 18th book of the year, Wicked. It was a really good read and I can't wait to see the Broadway play this August. I also read, "Home Repair" and "Belong to Me", as part of Book Club Girl's incentive to be a part of the author interview. I hated Home Repair, I do not recommend it at all. Though I am interested in hearing the author interview and what other readers thought of the book. The characters are very shallow and stereotypical and the plot was all over the place. Belong to me on the other hand was EXCELLENT, I highly recommend it. The characters were rich and inviting--you felt a part of their world. The plot was engaging and not at all predictable. Check out the book and the author interview. The interview was really interesting. I was bummed that I wasn't able to participate in the chat for the interview : ( since I got my time zones all mixed up.
Book Club Girl is a really great blog check her out!

PS: I GOT MY HUSBAND TO READ "A FAREWELL TO ARMS" WITH ME.

RAIN!

2009-06-30T06:33:00.001-07:00

Thank God! We finally have rain!

Raosting

2009-06-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

We have had 11 days of above 100 this month. Today is suppose to be the hottest nearing 110!

Here are some old pictures that a friend finally sent me. It was in April at the Wild Flower Center:

2009-06-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

I have been really busy lately with church business and baby's schedule. Here are some fun pictures from the last couple of weeks. On the reading front I finished, "The Pact" by Jodi Picoult and am in the middle of "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter". Next week is the last week of swim class for Gigantor. He is turnnig into a speed walker.

"Did Dad install this right?"

Learning laws of conservation

He wasn't keen on the pool at first, but now loves it.

His absolute favorite past time: trucks and cars or "VOOM VOOM" as he calls them.

June?

2009-06-03T11:52:00.001-07:00

How did it get to be June already? Lately my days are a blur of gymboree and play dates at the park. I am still working on the grant for church, but am finding that I am a bit rusty on grant writing. I am trying to take out time each day for myself to read, nap, or surf the net. I am reading a pink cover novel, a chick lit, "Certain Girls". After that I am reading a book for the library book club, "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter". What is everyone else reading? Any fun summer plans? We have swim class starting next week, which I am very excited about.

BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES & What's up

2009-05-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

May is a big birthday month for our family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes to my...
Mother-in-law, nephew, brother-in-law, Dad and cousin Kathy!

WHAT'S UP WITH ME?

We are having a garage sale this weekend in the hopes of clearing out some of our junk. Baby has had a rough couple of nights this week with tummy aches and teeth coming in. He has also busted himself up pretty good. He has a busted lip and skinned and bruised knees. Speaking of knees, mine are killing me! I am off to get some sleep while gigantor, who was mistaken for a two year old today, is napping.

Weekend

2009-05-26T18:07:00.000-07:00

We had a nice relaxing weekend. Gigantor got a new wagon to play with outside and helped his dad make some fresh squeezed lemonade.

outside with wagon:
Making Lemonade

2009-05-22T11:26:00.001-07:00

Little by little everything is coming together. I got the loan paperwork filled out and we will be able to get our interest down to 4%, which is awesome! I got quite a bit done on the grant as well. We had a long meeting on Tuesday night to get information together for the grant. I had to take little man to the doctors he has really bad excema. He scratched his neck so hard that it actually broke the skin. I am looking forward to this weekend. We are taking the little man to the zoo again, which should be a lot of fun. I am off to have a much needed nap!

Uggg

2009-05-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

I have so much to do in the next couple of weeks. I have a grant for church, refinancing the house, and putting together paperwork to dispute the tax rate on our house. Ugg...I need a personal assistant to do everything for me.

Garden 2009

2009-05-12T10:27:00.001-07:00

This year we planted peppers, tomatoes and strawberries.

Pepper plants

Gigantor enjoying the backyard.

Tomato Plants

Birds eye view of the garden

Busy,busy, busy

2009-05-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

We have been keeping busy here. I will be posting some pictures of our garden soon.

Park it

2009-05-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

We have been going every afternoon to the park for two-three hours. It is a lot of fun and a very economic activity.

Walkin

2009-05-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

MAY DAY! MAY DAY!

2009-05-01T12:55:00.001-07:00

I can hardly believe it that May is already here. Time seems to fly past me almost unnoticed. My little one is now walking, much to our chagrin. Though he still has to learn about stopping without the use of walls to abruptly stop him. Needless to say the child is covered in bruises.

I am almost done with John Adam's biography. We rented the mini series a few weeks back and am now tackling the book it was based on (700pgs!) I now know more about the revolution and our first few presidents. It is really interesting. It makes me sad that so much of this I didn't already know. Our school systems are very much lacking in the teaching of history and government. The next book I am going to read is, Plain and Honest Men, which is an account of the creation of our constitution. After that I am going to read the Lecture, which I picked as our May book club read. Anyone reading anything interesting?

Tomorrow is my 6th wedding anniversary! We are going out on the town for some theater and yummy food. I am very excited to be getting out and having an adult conversation.

I will try soon to post a video of the little one getting his walk on.

2009-04-29T07:02:00.001-07:00

Woohoo! My friend got the job she applied for! My little monkey is trying very hard to get out of his crib. I may have to lay out some pillows to prevent him from doing too much damage to himself if he succeeds.

Poop machine and Charity

2009-04-26T13:23:00.001-07:00

Things have been very crazy at our house as of late. My little poo machine is feeling much better. All of his test came back normal so the doctor thinks he just had a bad viral infection. Besides the bruises he is accumulating from learning to walk, he is doing well. He is currently playing with his daddy a new toy I picked up this weekend from a garage sale. Our charity event was a smashing success, which will result in over 1400 people getting food. We are happy with the results and happy to have it past us so we can have a break! I hope all is well with you all. I promise to try and be a better poster!!

Cross your fingers

2009-04-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

I just got a call from a prospective employer that a friend is applying for a job with. She had me down as a reference. In today's economy it is nearly impossible it seems to get work so pray that she gets this job.

Poop machine

2009-04-19T19:00:00.001-07:00

My darling little poop machine still does not feel well. It got so bad that he had to go diaperless for a little bit today to air out his raw bottom. This resulted in some not so fun but mildly entertaining antics on his part. He has been extra cranky because of his bottom issues. To add insult to injury he also has been suffering from allergies. His little nose has been running non-stop for days. We got him a monkey from baby gap that makes monkey noises and it quickly became his new favorite toy. We haven't heard from the doctors yet, but are expecting to know what is up by tomorrow afternoon. Until then, he has to keep away from all of his little friends.

I hope all of you are having entertaining lives that don't revolve around poo. I will live vicariously through you.