Am I burned out on reading? Or just happened to grab a lot of uninteresting books? This is how my reading goes lately:
1) Pick up book.
2) Blurb sounds good
3) Four or five chapters in; going well.
4) Suddenly I realize I'm skimming....when will this damn book end?
5) Big relief when I read last page.
6) Call it 3 stars...but can't leave a review.
Hopefully this next book will hold my attention.....blurb looks good....uh-oh, repeat steps #3-6.
Thankfully, this 'trend' seems to be over, since beginning Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky. I had a hard time putting it down last night, and forced myself to do so at midnight. Went to add it to my GR list and was surprised by all the negative reviews! Guess maybe my reading taste definitely does not follow the crowd.
So what's your take on my sudden 'reading apathy'? I know one book I had issues with the head-hopping. Strange; that never used to bother me before!
Karaoke Update:
Saturday night was okay. Was told I did well on Endless Summer Nights and God Bless The USA:) Unfortunately, my camera rebelled and refused to video me. I did get two of Melissa:)
Monday, April 28, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
Flashback Friday: Easter, Baptism, and Shower!
April 2004:
April was a busy month for us. W's 1st Easter, his baptism, and baby shower:)
Easter Sunday was a quiet celebration at home, I think.
The following week, we had him baptized, and he looked like a little chef with his hat on! My parents and D's mom and sister's family made the trip, and we all went out to Damon's afterward.
My mom made the trip down the next week for the baby shower my friends S and C threw for me at S's house. My BFF made the trip, and she fell in love with W. We still hadn't made up our minds whether to shorten his name, but it was soon pointed out that we already called him by the shortened version, so it stuck.
After the shower, my mom hugged me and said she really enjoyed meeting my friends:)
*******
Present Day:
Temps are warmer, in the high 60s and low 70s! I made cookies all week, since our new oven heating element was installed last week.
Tomorrow's 'Roke Line UP:
Got A Hold On Me-Christine McVie
Endless Summer Nights-Richard Marx
Got My Mind Set On You-George Harrison
God Bless The USA-Lee Greenwood
Gimme All Your Lovin'-ZZ Top (if time)
April was a busy month for us. W's 1st Easter, his baptism, and baby shower:)
Easter Sunday was a quiet celebration at home, I think.
The following week, we had him baptized, and he looked like a little chef with his hat on! My parents and D's mom and sister's family made the trip, and we all went out to Damon's afterward.
My mom made the trip down the next week for the baby shower my friends S and C threw for me at S's house. My BFF made the trip, and she fell in love with W. We still hadn't made up our minds whether to shorten his name, but it was soon pointed out that we already called him by the shortened version, so it stuck.
After the shower, my mom hugged me and said she really enjoyed meeting my friends:)
*******
Present Day:
Temps are warmer, in the high 60s and low 70s! I made cookies all week, since our new oven heating element was installed last week.
Tomorrow's 'Roke Line UP:
Got A Hold On Me-Christine McVie
Endless Summer Nights-Richard Marx
Got My Mind Set On You-George Harrison
God Bless The USA-Lee Greenwood
Gimme All Your Lovin'-ZZ Top (if time)
Friday, April 18, 2014
Flashback Friday
April 1994:
A friend's grandfather passed away, coinciding with our trip to the MIL's for Easter. I spent Saturday in Lawrenceville, reminiscing with the family, then returned to the MIL's. Easter morning, we went to church, and little K hunted his Easter Eggs.
The weather grew warmer; I took K to the park a few times and let him play on the swings, slide, and in the sandbox. Snapped pictures of him, and he seemed to enjoy the change of schedule.
********
Present Day:
I was sick all day yesterday, so today is Recuperation Day. I missed singing last night, but Tueday's Chrism Mass was wonderful! Fr. Dave took us all out to the Log Cabin Inn for a late meal.
Today I'm hoping to do the outdoor Way of the Cross like last year, then tomorrow I have Uncle Mac's funeral in the afternoon, then have to be back at church by 8:30; Yeah, tomorrow's going to be hectic. Uncle Mac died Monday, just 5 days before his 81st birthday. RIP.
I AM looking forward to seeing cousins I haven't seen in over 15 years/
A friend's grandfather passed away, coinciding with our trip to the MIL's for Easter. I spent Saturday in Lawrenceville, reminiscing with the family, then returned to the MIL's. Easter morning, we went to church, and little K hunted his Easter Eggs.
The weather grew warmer; I took K to the park a few times and let him play on the swings, slide, and in the sandbox. Snapped pictures of him, and he seemed to enjoy the change of schedule.
********
Present Day:
I was sick all day yesterday, so today is Recuperation Day. I missed singing last night, but Tueday's Chrism Mass was wonderful! Fr. Dave took us all out to the Log Cabin Inn for a late meal.
Today I'm hoping to do the outdoor Way of the Cross like last year, then tomorrow I have Uncle Mac's funeral in the afternoon, then have to be back at church by 8:30; Yeah, tomorrow's going to be hectic. Uncle Mac died Monday, just 5 days before his 81st birthday. RIP.
I AM looking forward to seeing cousins I haven't seen in over 15 years/
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Flashback Saturday-Oops!
I missed posting yesterday, so here it is:
April 1984:
With one month til Prom, I found the dress I wanted, a beautiful lavender color with lacy sleeves and ruffles at the bottom. One of the sleeves was torn, so the shopkeeper told me I could have it for $80 instead of $99. Mom bought it for me after seeing me in it, after I assured her I had every intention of attending my Senior Prom.
Next step: Find a date.
I screwed up my courage and during a private moment before school began, asked B if he'd take me. A look of chagrin crossed his face.
"Remember after Senior Night at the ballgame, when J's parents took our picture? She asked me to take her. You and I weren't talking at the moment, so I said yes."
"You can't get out of it?"
"No. God, I'm so sorry. I think F still needs a date."
"I don't want to go with F. I'll find my own date, thankyouverymuch, even if I have to ask the guy two doors down." I stalked off and went to the IMC, and told friends K and T about my dilemma.
K said, "My friend BR has been after me to introduce you to him. He thinks you're good looking, but is too shy to meet you on his own."
I was intrigued, and agreed to meet BR the next day.
We ended hitting it off, and he agreed to take me to the Prom.
Disaster Strikes
The week before Prom, BR caught me before school with some bad news.
"The play I'm in this weekend? My understudy's in the hospital and can't take my place. I have to be there Friday night."
I panicked. I went back to the IMC and told K to square things with his girlfriend, so he could take me to the dance. I had three days to find a date, since on Thursday I would be on a field trip with the Head Start kids at the Children's Museum/
K said he would contact his g/f that evening.
Wednesday morning, he reported he couldn't get a hold of her, but said he'd take me anyway. I dragged him down to meet Mom, get his address (since his driver's license was suspended and I didn't have mine yet), and that we'd take care of everything else. I didn't care if he couldn't wear a tux; a suit would be fine. Relieved, we went back to class.
I had a fantastic time at the Children's Museum with my kids, then Friday was a bundle of nerves. Seniors were being dismissed at noon, so all we did 2nd period was go tour the gym and talk about our dates and what we were wearing. Since I had no classes until 6th period, I hung around Mom's office till her lunch hour. She took me to McD's for lunch, then took me home to relax and get ready.
I took a long bath, followed by a shower, then did my hair and makeup with shaking hands, and dressed.
Mom took a few pictures of me in my dress, then we left to go get K. About five minutes from his home, Dad asked me how I was feeling.
"Is it too late to cancel everything and take me home?" I tried to joke about it.
Mom smiled and patted my hand, then we arrived at his house. They dropped us off at Arni's, where we soon fell back into 'friend' mode. When we were finished, Mom and Dad arrived and we went to the dance.
"Go Back To The Balcony with the Other Parents, Please?"
We had our pictures taken, made the rounds of the four specialty corners, and found people to talk to. I got frustrated with my mom, who was walking around taking pictures of various kids she liked. I wasn't happy with her 'following' me around, so I got a little short with her. Then after losing my self-consciousness, found her and apologized.
B and J showed up in time for the Grand March, and they danced next to us during the final song, Against All Odds by Phil Collins. Then midnight arrived; K and I found my parents we took him home. I went home and collapsed into bed. It hadn't been the Prom I'd always dreamed of, but I was happy I'd went.
Mom told me the next morning she'd received a phone call around 2am, asking if she knew I wasn't at the After Prom!
"She's sound asleep in bed."
"Are you sure?"
"We live 6 miles from town and she has no driver's license. I'm sure."
I was a little miffed she told whoever had called about my non-driving ability, but I got over it.
Next Month: Graduation!!!
********
Present Day:
I've been a bad blogger. There's no time during the day, and I'm usually too tired at night.
I'm singing the 11 am service tomorrow, so I'm going to karaoke tonight! Songs I plan to sing include:
God Bless The USA
Goodbye Earl
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Don't Pay The Ferryman
Edge of 17
April 1984:
With one month til Prom, I found the dress I wanted, a beautiful lavender color with lacy sleeves and ruffles at the bottom. One of the sleeves was torn, so the shopkeeper told me I could have it for $80 instead of $99. Mom bought it for me after seeing me in it, after I assured her I had every intention of attending my Senior Prom.
Next step: Find a date.
I screwed up my courage and during a private moment before school began, asked B if he'd take me. A look of chagrin crossed his face.
"Remember after Senior Night at the ballgame, when J's parents took our picture? She asked me to take her. You and I weren't talking at the moment, so I said yes."
"You can't get out of it?"
"No. God, I'm so sorry. I think F still needs a date."
"I don't want to go with F. I'll find my own date, thankyouverymuch, even if I have to ask the guy two doors down." I stalked off and went to the IMC, and told friends K and T about my dilemma.
K said, "My friend BR has been after me to introduce you to him. He thinks you're good looking, but is too shy to meet you on his own."
I was intrigued, and agreed to meet BR the next day.
We ended hitting it off, and he agreed to take me to the Prom.
Disaster Strikes
The week before Prom, BR caught me before school with some bad news.
"The play I'm in this weekend? My understudy's in the hospital and can't take my place. I have to be there Friday night."
I panicked. I went back to the IMC and told K to square things with his girlfriend, so he could take me to the dance. I had three days to find a date, since on Thursday I would be on a field trip with the Head Start kids at the Children's Museum/
K said he would contact his g/f that evening.
Wednesday morning, he reported he couldn't get a hold of her, but said he'd take me anyway. I dragged him down to meet Mom, get his address (since his driver's license was suspended and I didn't have mine yet), and that we'd take care of everything else. I didn't care if he couldn't wear a tux; a suit would be fine. Relieved, we went back to class.
I had a fantastic time at the Children's Museum with my kids, then Friday was a bundle of nerves. Seniors were being dismissed at noon, so all we did 2nd period was go tour the gym and talk about our dates and what we were wearing. Since I had no classes until 6th period, I hung around Mom's office till her lunch hour. She took me to McD's for lunch, then took me home to relax and get ready.
I took a long bath, followed by a shower, then did my hair and makeup with shaking hands, and dressed.
Mom took a few pictures of me in my dress, then we left to go get K. About five minutes from his home, Dad asked me how I was feeling.
"Is it too late to cancel everything and take me home?" I tried to joke about it.
Mom smiled and patted my hand, then we arrived at his house. They dropped us off at Arni's, where we soon fell back into 'friend' mode. When we were finished, Mom and Dad arrived and we went to the dance.
"Go Back To The Balcony with the Other Parents, Please?"
We had our pictures taken, made the rounds of the four specialty corners, and found people to talk to. I got frustrated with my mom, who was walking around taking pictures of various kids she liked. I wasn't happy with her 'following' me around, so I got a little short with her. Then after losing my self-consciousness, found her and apologized.
B and J showed up in time for the Grand March, and they danced next to us during the final song, Against All Odds by Phil Collins. Then midnight arrived; K and I found my parents we took him home. I went home and collapsed into bed. It hadn't been the Prom I'd always dreamed of, but I was happy I'd went.
Mom told me the next morning she'd received a phone call around 2am, asking if she knew I wasn't at the After Prom!
"She's sound asleep in bed."
"Are you sure?"
"We live 6 miles from town and she has no driver's license. I'm sure."
I was a little miffed she told whoever had called about my non-driving ability, but I got over it.
Next Month: Graduation!!!
********
Present Day:
I've been a bad blogger. There's no time during the day, and I'm usually too tired at night.
I'm singing the 11 am service tomorrow, so I'm going to karaoke tonight! Songs I plan to sing include:
God Bless The USA
Goodbye Earl
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Don't Pay The Ferryman
Edge of 17
Friday, April 4, 2014
April Reading Schedule
March Recap:
Weather:
In like a lion (began with snow storm) and ended like a lamb (70 degree weather!)
Books Read:
9, with 3 DNF
Karaoke:
Had problems attending, due to weather. Did not add any new ones, yet sang 6 'G' titles.
Health/Exercise:
Managed to gain back two pounds over spring break and the week MDQ and ME visited.
Submission/Writing:
Kenzie's aliens were rejected, but easily fixed; sent it off to FB. Beta readers enjoyed my hotel story! Finished Ch 2 on 2nd alien book.
April Reading Schedule:
Print:
Political Suicide-Michael Palmer Different from the med thrillers, but a page turner! RR
Second Chance Pass-Robyn Carr Loved it! RR Now I want to read the rest of this series!
The Wedding Officer-Anthony Capella Very interesting! RR
Temptation Ridge-Robyn Carr Very good!
Springtime Seasons-Linda Lael Miller Enjoyed 1st two stories and skimmed the last two.
Rekindled-Barbara Delinsky DNF
The Bride's Necklace-Kat Martin OK
The Sherbrooke Twins-Catherine Coulter OK
Family Tree-Barbara Delinsky Enjoyed it!
Close To Perfect-Tina Donahue DNF
E-book:
Disappear-Mary Martinez Wonderful! RR
Quiet-MM Loved it! RR
Second Time's The Charm-Melissa Keir Loved it!! Can hardly wait for next one! RR
Mutual Release-Liz Crowe Enjoyable
Trouble with a Cowboy-Sandy Sullivan
Karaoke Songs:
Go Rest High on that Mountain-Vince Gill
God Bless The USA-Lee Greenwood Received applause!
Goodbye Earl-Dixie Chicks Not bad
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road-Elton John Okay
Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight-Spaniels
Got A Hold On Me-Christine McVie Bleh
Got My Mind Set On You-George Harrison
Weather:
In like a lion (began with snow storm) and ended like a lamb (70 degree weather!)
Books Read:
9, with 3 DNF
Karaoke:
Had problems attending, due to weather. Did not add any new ones, yet sang 6 'G' titles.
Health/Exercise:
Managed to gain back two pounds over spring break and the week MDQ and ME visited.
Submission/Writing:
Kenzie's aliens were rejected, but easily fixed; sent it off to FB. Beta readers enjoyed my hotel story! Finished Ch 2 on 2nd alien book.
April Reading Schedule:
Print:
Political Suicide-Michael Palmer Different from the med thrillers, but a page turner! RR
Second Chance Pass-Robyn Carr Loved it! RR Now I want to read the rest of this series!
The Wedding Officer-Anthony Capella Very interesting! RR
Temptation Ridge-Robyn Carr Very good!
Springtime Seasons-Linda Lael Miller Enjoyed 1st two stories and skimmed the last two.
Rekindled-Barbara Delinsky DNF
The Bride's Necklace-Kat Martin OK
The Sherbrooke Twins-Catherine Coulter OK
Family Tree-Barbara Delinsky Enjoyed it!
Close To Perfect-Tina Donahue DNF
E-book:
Disappear-Mary Martinez Wonderful! RR
Quiet-MM Loved it! RR
Second Time's The Charm-Melissa Keir Loved it!! Can hardly wait for next one! RR
Mutual Release-Liz Crowe Enjoyable
Her Story
antho-Dorothy Abrams, et al
Unforgettable You-Marci Boudreaux
Sweeter Than
Sugar-Sandra Sookoo
The Gentleman’s Harlot- Natalie Dae
Mark’s Crush
(Finding Happiness)-Diana DiRicci
Almost A
Virgin-Berengaria Brown
The Vicar’s
Virgin-BB
A Promising Virgin-BB
Karaoke Songs:
Go Rest High on that Mountain-Vince Gill
God Bless The USA-Lee Greenwood Received applause!
Goodbye Earl-Dixie Chicks Not bad
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road-Elton John Okay
Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight-Spaniels
Got A Hold On Me-Christine McVie Bleh
Got My Mind Set On You-George Harrison
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