Book 12

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder

by Joanne Fluke

5/9 Adult Reading Challenge

10/50 2015 Reading Challenge:  a book you can read in a day

I am finding it hard to believe that I have read a dozen books in January!  Of course, I was super motivated to read the Disney book prior to reaching 60 days out from my trip so I could make my Fastpass+ reservations.  And I was sick at the beginning of the month which gave me plenty of excuses (I mean time) to read.  You might remember I read a mystery earlier this month about a baker who solves crimes that I thoroughly enjoyed.  I borrowed the first book in the series to read because the Hallmark Channel is making it into a movie!  And then maybe they will make it into a series!  I can only hope.  I will say that the author has improved over time, however I did enjoy it AND I read it in a day.  

Book #11

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
by Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa

4/8 Adult Reading Challenge
9/50 2015 Reading Challenge:  A non-fiction book, A book with more than 500 pages (923), A book with nonhuman characters (Mickey Mouse), A book with magic (The Magic Kingdom), A book published this year

I am going to Disney World this year with the LRHB.  Now, don't be thinking you can rob my home whilst I am gone, as we are not all going on this trip which is the only reason I am mentioning it.  Well, not the only reason.  I mention it because I read most of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2015 in preparation for our trip.  I didn't read the chapters about Universal Studios, the Disney Water Parks (those I did skim even though we have no intention of going to them), shopping, the spa or a significant part of "Where to Stay"(because I already booked my room).  I did read many more than the 500 page requirement and I got so many helpful tips.  I am looking forward to this trip and even got up at midnight to book my fast-passes!  I would TOTALLY recommend this book if you are undertaking a trip to THE WORLD.  Great, great tips and information.  One note, don't read the restaurant section on an empty stomach.  Just saying!  

Resolution #5

Resolution #5 - Drink a glass of water when you wake

I am sure that if I googled drinking water, I would get several article links for you to read about why you should drink water.  However, I also believe that if you googled the inverse, you'd get articles to support that theory.  So today I am just saying, drink a glass of water when you wake up.  Chances are you wake up dehydrated.  Chances are that if you fill your tummy with water, you will fill more full after eating the proper sized breakfast.  Chances are, it won't hurt to do it.  

This is the next thing I am imposing on the LRHB.  He's been so fond of my measuring out his food (NOT), that I am sure that he will love this new household policy, too.

Book #10

The Perfect Christmas
by Debbie Macomber

3/8 Adult Reading Challenge
3/50 2015 Book Challenge:  A book set during Christmas

I read this book several years ago.  I called it cute and brainless with a happy ending.  True.  And I loved having a little bit more Christmas in January!

Book #9

Cream Puff Murder
by Joanne Fluke

2/8 Adult Reading Challenge
2/50 2015 Book Challenge:  A mystery or thriller

I loved this book.  I am going to be checking out more of this gal's books!  I loved the characters, it was G-rated, the mystery was just barely horrifying (the bad girl went down!) and the relationships were sweet.  There were fabulous recipes that I would be inclined to try if I wasn't eliminating sweets from my world right now for that fabulous spring break trip I am taking.  In fact, having looked over my 2015 challenge, if I check out a book with a color in the title (is lime a color?  cherry?  peach!), I can cross another one off my to-do list!

Resolution #3 & #4

Resolutions 3 & 4 - Measure Your Food, Just One Plate

I have trouble with portion control.  I think that servings apply to other people.  I look at what I eat and I think, "My diet isn't that bad, why does my weight keep going up?"  Yes, one reason is I exercise in spurts (a few weeks here, a few weeks several months later, etc.).  However, a big reason is that I don't exercise control when it comes to measuring out food.  And if I do manage to put an appropriate amount on my plate, then I proceed to fill up my plate again.

I am sure that somewhere in my past, either or both of these have been resolutions.  However, that doesn't mean I shouldn't try again.  And I am making EVERYONE in the house adhere to the measuring your food rules, and two of us are sticking to just one plate.  A growing boy is entitled to two servings (measured servings), right?  It takes time, measuring out things to the proper amounts for each and every meal, each and every day.  But I would like to think a healthier version of me is worth it.  

I'm worth it, I'm worth it, I'm worth it!  Are you?

Book Club

Book Club, inspired by A Reading Promise by Alice Ouzma

A few years ago, as my son was an emerging reading and I was looking forward to those evenings when we would read to ourselves side-by-side each night, I read Alice Ouzma's book.  I decided then that I would continue to read to him, perhaps not thousands of nights consecutively like her father did, nevertheless, I would continue reading aloud to him.  I got up on my soapbox and gathered friends together to join us.  That was two-and-one half years ago.  Our group has solidified into 4 families, 5 children and just one boy, my son.  I no longer attempt discuss the books analytically as we did that first summer, although they are far more capable of sustaining those conversations now than they were then.  Our children watch the movie that tells the story of the book we have read.  The moms indulge in conversation, wine and sisterhood.  We are true to each other, encouraging, non-judging, and it has become a place of solace for me.  I love that my son has these young ladies as friends.  I pray that our group can continue for many more years.

This month, we read a classic, The Secret Garden.  

Book 8

Tulle Little, Tulle Late
by Kimberly Llewellyn

1/8 Adult Reading Challenge
1/50 2015 Reading Challenge:  A book by an author you have never read

This book puts me in mind of Sex and the City.  Character caught up in clothing, single and looking for love, career oriented-ish, with great gal pals there for you no matter what.  Add in some family drama, quirky characters and SEX and you have this story.  I'm not saying I didn't enjoy it, however, I am not choosing to order more of this author from the library.  Cute title, fun gal, too much sex and too much contrived drama.

Book Challenge 2015

http://www.popsugar.com/love/Reading-Challenge-2015-36071458

Someone posted the above link to a reading challenge for 2015.  The gauntlet was thrown down and I not only picked it up, I am shaking it above my head!  I will do this!!  Why?  I am really not sure.  It is 50 books.  Last year I only read 61, now I am devoting 50 of them to what... non-fiction and memoirs and mysteries?  Oh wait, I read those.  Audible sigh of relief.  Wait, a PLAY?  A GRAPHIC NOVEL?  What is that, anyway?  Ugh.  Why did I agree to do this and is it too late to back out?  There is no money, just pride riding on this and by darn, I am going to stick it out.  Look out readers, I will have some interesting tales to review this year!

In the meantime, I am taking suggestions on plays, graphic novels (or at least an explanation) and "a book with bad reviews" that someone thought was good.  The rest of them I think I can muddle through.  Additionally, our local library does an Adult reading challenge so I will be attempting to read 8 books in the next 8 weeks.   YIKES!

Resolution #2

Resolution # 2 - De-Clutter the Kitchen

I mean, everyone means to de-clutter their home.  Some people are natural at it and others have to work at it.  I fall somewhere in the middle.  I am all in for "when it doubt, throw it out", but there are times I get caught up in the "hold onto it" movement for sentimental or practical reasons.  I find, I am getting better at clearing out as I age.  

Someone on FB posted a link to a de-clutter calendar for January.

http://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com/declutter-calendar-january.html

Ideally, you spend 15 minutes a day and at the end of the month, the KITCHEN will be done.  I am assuming that we will progress through the home.  This is new to me.  However, I am IN.  I am giving this a try.  It being the 12th of the month, however, I am a bit behind.  I printed the calendar and instead of following it day by day, I am crossing off the ones I complete, saving the longer, more difficult, time-intensive tasks for later in the month (see day 2).  

I do pledge that the de-clutter theme will only be ONE resolution a month, but one I will have to keep on working on throughout the month.

I am happy to say that I finally have put all of the pictures back on shelves and walls.  I am unhappy to report I have 5 boxes of stuff piled on a table (no longer in my bedroom) that I must figure out.

Book #7

Mockingjay
by Suzanne Collins

This story finished the Hunger Games trilogy.  They split this last book into two movies so I read just over half of the book in early December prior to going to see part one.  Then at the end of the year, I finished it.  I like the books, I like the movies, and I think they have meshed the story telling well.  I have a feeling I may be picking this book up again next fall to refresh my mind before seeing the final installment.  If you haven't gotten into the Hunger Games movement, I cannot recommend it enough.  I originally went to keep my middle one company; he'd read the books.  However, then I was hooked!  Next fall, get the books and read them.  Get the first movies and watch them.  Then, pay the big bucks and watch the finale in the theater.  I truly believe you will not regret it.

*** This is just one of 3 books that I had started during 2014, but will finish in 2015

Books 5 & 6

Home at Last
by Nora Roberts

I hadn't read my old friend Nora for some time, but I was reminded of why I enjoy her tales.  She has good characters, interesting stories and ties them up neatly at the end (some authors just rush through that part).  This book was made up of two previously released stories, Song of the West and Unfinished Business.

As I am writing up these books that I have already read this year, I am guessing I probably actually read a couple of these as 2014 expired.  I was ill, down for the count and had nothing else to do, but read, read, read.  So if you are wondering how I have managed to read so many books already this year, this might be your answer.

Books 3 & 4

A Country Christmas
by Debbie Macomber

This book features two stories of Debbie's from the past.  Both are told with Debbie's usual well developed characters and romance.  As they both come from two different series, it was great to visit with "old friends".  The previous books were Return to Promise and Buffalo Valley.

Book #1 & 2

The Christmas Wedding Ring and Yours for Christmas 

by Susan Mallery

Both tales are filled with Christmas and romance and happy endings, of course.  Yours for Christmas is part of her Fools Gold Series making it especially delightful.

This year I am going to continue to title my Book Posts with what number for the year it is that I have read and I am going to use green to write about the book.  Additionally, I am going to list the title and author at the top of the post to make it easier to find a specific book or author.  Finally, if it is related to a movie, I am going to add that to the labels so if you are looking for book/movie combinations, they will be accessible with a simple sort.

Resolution #1

Resolution #1 - Put everything back

It is terrible really what happens to my bedroom during the holiday season.  All that stuff that I just don't want to deal with all year long and ends up in boxes or piles or bags, it is in my room.  Piled on stuff.  Cluttering up my world.  Then, because of the moved in clutter, I allow other clutter to happen.  Not folded clothing and folded clothing piles up.  Don't know where to put that new gift, pile in mom's room.  Don't know where to put the replaced items? Pile in mom's room.  

The Christmas items have been stowed away, however, everything hasn't been put back where it came from.  I mean, in order to put things back they must:

1. Have a place to go
2. Have a clean place to go

None of that exists right now.  Sort of.  So this week I am devoted to putting everything back.  And those boxes filled with things?  Can we say "Resolution #2...".

2014 A Year in Summary

Another year has finished.  A year of growth, change, resolutions and books.  I didn't hit 52 resolutions this year.  I didn't read as many books this year.  I didn't become thin and in amazing shape this year.

I did work full time this year.  I did volunteer for organizations that I want to support.  I did continue to grow relationships, support my children and stay married to my husband.  These far outweigh the "didn'ts" of the first paragraph.

I finished the year celebrating Christmas with my parents in my home.  It was wonderful.  I finished the year sick with a lung infection.  Although not wonderful, at least I had the time to rest to recover.  I finished the year watching my sons be heroes, saving the life of a family friend.  A moment of wonder, horror and pride.

Resolution #36 of 2014 - What comes next year?
Books - 61 read, 4 more in progress