tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13063018762666767312024-03-13T11:02:37.770-04:00No Lazy Days... where I have no clue what I'm doing ...Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-18663617844515305982020-12-31T10:06:00.000-05:002020-12-31T10:06:47.038-05:00Obligatory year-in-review post - 2020<p>It's been a hot minute. My last post was in 2019? I figured it's time for an update. It’s long, but I haven’t posted
on here in so long that this is more for my personal memories than it is for
general public commentary. Feel free to comment though – I encourage it!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sure there were lows with this year … pandemic notwithstanding, 2020
goes down as being worse than 2017 in my book and that’s saying something for
me. There were likely other lows, but these were the ones that stood out the
most at the end of the year:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I sold the home that I thought we’d be raising a family in and
possibly stay in forever with grandkids and extended family gatherings<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My mom was put on hospice care and then passed away almost 8 years
to the day that my dad passed – St. Patrick’s Day is no longer a favorite day
for me<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Well, you know, the world shut down<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My shadow dog (Frannie) passed away <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From March through December – nearly all the races I had
registered for went virtual. Without a reason to run, I found I just didn’t
want to anymore<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Less than a week after getting her driver’s license, my daughter
was in a wreck that ended up totaling my car. I wasn’t prepared for a car
payment just yet.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One of my running buddies broke her arm in a fall quite literally
right in front of me and during one of the few in-person races that happened
this year, which then made me skittish about running on trails, which I had
started to really enjoy as a way to get out in nature<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We sold my parents’ house that they bought 2 ½ weeks after getting
married in 1965 and had to clear it out rather quickly. 55 years’ worth of
memories and clutter had to be cleared out in less than a month.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My reading slump took me by surprise. I just finished book number
6 for this year. Six. This is from someone who always had to read before
bedtime. And who always ALWAYS carried a book around when out and about. I’m
disgusted with myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But then there were highs as well … again, there were definitely
other highs but these stood out:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I unloaded a far-too-big for me house (5 beds, 5 baths for me and
two teenagers) and bought a Baby Bear house (just the right size) in a great
area of town<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My mom did not have to suffer with being quarantined. I was able
to visit with her daily and was with her when she passed. With her dementia,
she might not have missed not seeing us, but she might have withdrawn even more
without the interaction. It was a blessing in disguise that she passed at the
beginning of everything.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With the stay at home order at the end of March through mid-May, I
was able to be home with the kids during their virtual schooling and got to be
there for Frannie. As it was, she passed away in my arms on the way to the vet’s
office. If I had been going to work, she would have died at home alone. Bittersweet,
but I was thankful for that time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I signed up for more virtual races and challenges, which forced me
to get outside and run. With the smaller backyard at the new house, I’ve also
gotten into the habit of walking the dogs each night. Belle’s walk takes about
an hour (3-4 miles) and then I come back to exchange her for Spade – he can’t
go for a mile yet, but it’s good for him to get out and at least try for ½ to ¾
of a mile. A purchase of a Lighthound vest from Noxgear was a fun addition – I
can now walk the dogs in the evenings without having to rush back to the house
when the sun goes down.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">No one in my immediate family has come down with the virus. I
fully expect it to happen at some point, but I will be getting the vaccine and
will make sure my kids get it as well. We’re just a matter of months away from
this and we can do this.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I joined a few book clubs, but one stood out more than the others
in that they actually mail the book to me … which doesn’t help in the matter of
having too many books, but it has encouraged me to actually read that book to
join in the discussions in the FB group. Here’s hoping that this means I’ll at
least double my completed reading in 2021 if I can read a book a month with
this group. Sure would like to read more than that so I can get rid of some of
the books stacked throughout the house.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With all the trips up to Indianapolis to help my sister and
brother with clearing out the family home, there’s no way my other car would
have made those trips – having a newer vehicle with great gas mileage was
another blessing in disguise. And my daughter has already claimed it as her own
when she goes off to college in another year. She has my sense of humor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My son, who didn’t do well with the virtual schooling in the
spring, went off to college. Most of his classes were virtual as well, and I
feel like he was thrown into the deep end with the classes he was taking – but the
fact that he registered for 2<sup>nd</sup> semester and seems to be looking
forward to returning (even if he has to repeat a class or two from 1<sup>st</sup>
semester), makes this mama happy to see him finding his path. And my daughter
is thriving in her virtual schooling – I know I couldn’t have done it at their
age.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Credit cards are PAID OFF! I never thought I would see that happen
and sweet Baby Jesus, is it a wonderful feeling. I mean, now there’s a car
payment and a kid in college and the new house has a higher mortgage payment
than the previous one … but can we just appreciate no more freaking high
interest rates on past purchases?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Even with the pandemic and not getting out to see friends and with
my hearing, not being comfortable to participate in Zoom gatherings, I didn’t
really feel alone this year. We had small group runs with others who had been
very good at restricting who they were with or when they went out – I have so
needed these runs and the endorphins and laughter they provided. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My job has been steady – we are considered essential, and my
position is considered essential (payroll, I mean, of course!) so as long as
there were people to be paid, I had job security. I’ve been with this place for
19 years. I probably could have looked elsewhere along the way, but I like what
I do (even if I hate math) and I like the people I work with and the services we
provide to the community. Sure do wish we could have worked from home a little
longer so I could get the basement organized during my lunch breaks, etc. … but
it’s all good. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I found me again. The Elizabeth I remembered being before 1998.
And I like her quirkiness, her dorkiness, and her easy laugh. Don’t ever
change, kid.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367628412299189722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-44194807248386947262019-12-10T08:30:00.001-05:002019-12-10T08:30:22.657-05:00Reading Time - December Sooo ... it appears I last book-posted in August. Since then, I’ve been a little busy and haven’t been able to focus on reading as much as I’d like. I’m still reading every day, but by the time I can get to my book ... I’m already exhausted and lucky to get a chapter read and sometimes it ends up being a paragraph or two. Always thankful for <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/" target="_blank">Steph</a> and <a href="http://janasays.com/" target="_blank">Jana </a>hosting this linkup - check out the other posts and add to your TBR.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42390721-hope-rides-again" target="_blank"><img alt="42390721. sy475 " src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1552095159l/42390721._SY475_.jpg" /></a></div>
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So since August when I posted I was then-currently reading “Hope Rides Again”, I can say I finished that one! It’s a sequel to Hope Never Dies, and I preferred Book 1 to this one. It could be a stand alone book, but I recommend Hope Never Dies first anyway. It was a good introduction to what they were doing after they left office. I’m still curious if President Obama and/or Vice President Biden have read either of these and what they think. Book 2 seemed to be rushing the story line - it was a solid 2.75 stars for me.<br />
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According to Goodreads, it took me 2 months to finish that one and I didn’t start my next book for another two weeks. It seems like I was slacking, but in my defense I was also finishing up training runs for marathon #5 and sleep was a priority for me. Then I made the mistake of starting two books at the same time. That’s normally not an issue for me but these were too similar to each other: Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell and When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O’Neal. Well, they were similar at the beginning - and I don’t think I’m giving away any spoilers by saying both involved a missing daughter who died in one book and was presumed dead in the other. One was set in London and the other was set in California and New Zealand and there I was trying to figure out 'am I reading the one where the daughter really died or only they thought she died?' Anyway, I set the Mermaids one aside to finish Then She Was Gone.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35297426-then-she-was-gone" target="_blank"><img alt="35297426" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1523891273l/35297426.jpg" /></a></div>
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This one was good once I was able to differentiate between did this daughter really die and the location. All good now - I'm easily confused these days. 4 stars, though I did kind of guess where it was going. I thought I had read others by this author but that's a no - I have most of her books in the Want To Read category. Those who have read her, which one should I read next?</div>
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Currently reading: </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43706726-when-we-believed-in-mermaids" target="_blank"><img alt="43706726. sy475 " src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1552035063l/43706726._SY475_.jpg" /></a></div>
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I thought I would have finished this one by now, but then the house situation happened (in the process of selling). It's very good so far (about 75% done) and I can see myself in both sisters - aloof and analytical but also a pro at compartmentalizing (is that a word?). </div>
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Not sure if I'll get much reading done after this one for the rest of the year - I have to go through my hundreds of books to sort through what I want to keep and what I want to donate. I guess that's a benefit of Kindle/e-books, but I still very much prefer real books I can see on the shelves and hold in my hands. </div>
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So, there you have it. About 2 books in 3 1/2 months. It's been worse and I know it'll get better. Again, check out the other posts in the linkup and feel free to leave a comment on if you've read these and what tips you have for selecting books to keep forever or anything else. </div>
Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-57312613542454070642019-12-05T09:22:00.002-05:002019-12-05T09:22:16.183-05:00When suddenly ... December There's nothing like the passage of time to make one ... freak out.<br />
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I have been meaning to post something non-book related this year and failed miserably. But this has been a year for the memory books and I at least want to post something year-endy so I have something to remember. Looking at all my posts still in draft mode, I'll try to consolidate some of the highlights of the year. Keep in mind though - I'm still going to be wordy so TL;DR - it was a good year and looking forward to 2020.<br />
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<a href="http://www.seeyouinaporridge.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Grab button for What's New With You" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPna2uSI9q4E2H6NoIc_LdEzAaMJvPU6lO0cmPgvFI_XgaRc3WCnP2NCNpJqnHJ4uD1IJF_eC1wbVbUjruQkWxIg4pJLLc4KC-ctIVnDMIZiPI6fjF7joaSXy1nbqGLWUqegu5egyHhEM/s320/whats+new+with+you.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Click here: <a href="http://www.seeyouinaporridge.com/" target="_blank">Linking up with Kristen</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Home - excitement awaits as I close the final chapter on this house and we prepare to move to a new one. All of this was so random, so unplanned, yet happened so quickly that I still am not sure this is real. Recap: we purchased current home between kids. In fact, in one week our toddler son had surgery, the next day we closed on purchasing this house, and the day after that I find out I'm pregnant with #2. Sixteen years later and I. am. done. Too many unfinished projects, too many rooms (5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms -- just ridiculous for one person there full-time), not enough know-how or funds to pay someone with know-how ... and far too many false/tainted memories that I want to escape from. I really just want to escape it all and the kids are right there with me on that. A neighbor who is a realtor posted on Next Door in the spring that she had a client looking to move to our neighborhood. I commented that it's too bad my house needs a lot of work. That was all I said but that was all it took. Next thing I know, she was bringing her clients around to see just what needs to be done -- they came by twice but then decided it was far too much work for them. I was resigned to staying in this dump till I died. It led to some depression and trying to keep everything together on the face of things but I'll admit it - it was rough. I kid you not, during a particularly bad evening when I was ready to just pack a few things for the three of us and just leave with the dogs, I got a text from the realtor that someone wanted to make an offer. It was enough to cover my mortgage, cover the down payment on another place, and a small cushion to help with moving costs ... truly a Godsend and I still get weepy thinking of how it transpired. (Also, not sure why the font is so small ... technology confuses me)</span><br />
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Family - my mom is still physically doing well at her nursing home; mentally, not so good. Her long term memory is shot and her short term memory is non-existent. And with everything that's been going on, it's been difficult to get over to visit with her as often as a good daughter should. Kids are now young adults and it's freaking me out. Son is getting ready to graduate and daughter isn't far behind. Gah!! I've been able to spend time with my new niece - which is especially nice since I don't get to see the others (sad about that after reaching out to my former SIL and realizing that no response is still a response).<br />
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Animals - we added another bird to the menagerie (Kale, joins Turnip) and lost garage-kitty (Millie). Spade is basically blind (he can see some but he does walk into things, so he'll mark something if it's out of place ... grrrr.) Frannie is my old girl (still don't know how old) - she pulled through her gall bladder/liver issues from 2018 but she's slowing down and doesn't hear well. Belle went from a little fluff ball smaller than the pugs to a 65 pound Tigger who bounces around the house and uses the pugs as her live-action chew toys. The concern with all of them at the new house is that it's considerably smaller (that was one of the reasons for moving!) and the back yard isn't as big for Belle to run around in - I see many more walks in my future and less relying on the backyard for potty breaks.<br />
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Reading - another year of likely missing my Goodreads goal and another year of not really caring about it. Tune in next week for the Show Us Your Books link-up, hosted by Steph and Jana. Aahhh ... and another thing about going from monstrous house to cute bungalow ... no built-in bookshelves, not a lot of storage space, and trying to figure out whether to keep all the books or pare down CONSIDERABLY. Sad, really. But the Friends of the Library will be getting the bulk of my collection and that's a good thing. Currently reading: When We Believed in Mermaids</div>
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Eating - all the pantry and freezer items so as not to have to move as much stuff. No exciting recipes - pretty much the same stuff, but with different spices. No garden spot at the new place, but that's more than fine with me and my brown thumbs.<br />
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Buying - nothing. Christmas presents are done and I have no idea what's in store for the move - I'll need to add a backyard fence and buy a fridge, but other than that? To be determined ...<br />
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Selling - everything. It's overdue. Wedding presents, furniture, books, tools, ... it's amazing what sells on eBay, Craigslist, FB marketplace, ... because the more I sell or donate, the less I have to move.<br />
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Running - it was a year of Personal Records, a disappointing result that was a learning experience, and more races and mileage than I've ever done.<br />
Here's a list from my Google Keep -- the numbers in parentheses are total race mileage for year:<br />
March 9 - Rodes City 10k (6.2) - PR! 1:06:07 at 10:38 pace<br />
March 23 - Sam Costa half (19.3) 2:25:51 (new to me race but no PR on the distance)<br />
April 7 - Filly Women’s half (32.4) 2:29:13 (no PR)<br />
April 27 - KDF half (45.5) 2:28:23 (still no)<br />
May 4 - Indy Mini (58.6) 2:28:04 (still no)<br />
May 18 - Horse Capital Marathon (Lexington) (84.8) 6:13:20 (new to me race and horrible time)<br />
June 8 - Barnyard Dash 10k (91.0) 1:06:52 (almost a PR and with HILLS)<br />
Sept 8 - Downtown Doubler 30k (109.6) - 2nd year doing this but course was too short last year due to flooding. They moved it to my side of the river and was the full distance.<br />
Sept 28 - Indy Women’s Half (122.7) 2:26:57 - no PR<br />
Oct 5 - Indy Half at Fort Ben (race entry won!) (135.8) 2:24:16 - PR!! Finally!!<br />
Oct 12 - Susan G Komen 5k run/walk (138.9) (new to me course and not chip timed - course was short too)<br />
Nov 9 - Monumental Full (165.1) PR!! 5:07:09<br />
Nov 17 - Harrods Creek 5k trail race (168.2) - new to me race<br />
Nov 28 - Fast Freddie's Five Miler (173.2) no PR - 51:11.40 (51:03 is PR, dang it)<br />
Dec 21 - 12Ks of Christmas (180.7) - new to me race<br />
Dec 28 - Waverly Park Trail Bash 1/4 marathon (187.25) - new to me race<br />
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Each year I say I'll slow down on the races and find another hobby ... and then I'll win an entry or get awesome discounts or FOMO after talking with friends and the next thing I know ... my weekend mornings are booked again. 2020 will bring two different marathons (one in Philadelphia!) and a bunch more new-to-me races (trails!). So very thankful for running friends.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Looks like a midnight run but it was early evening. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The run was cut short when we spotted 'glowing eyes' in a field along the Greenway ... however, that definitely gave us negative splits on the way back!</span></div>
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<a href="https://philadelphiamarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/marathon-239x179.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://philadelphiamarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/marathon-239x179.png" width="200" /></a> <img alt="2020_LOGO.png" height="170" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6759b0_b32045e5c5754a8288da8549256fd2a4~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_333,h_284,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/2020_LOGO.webp" width="200" /> </div>
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Church - a bit of a break at church when we called a new minister and the congregation split over whether to be inclusive or not. My God loves all -- why is this so difficult? I spoke with some recently who were of the more vocal against the new minister. They said they miss the people but not the church. In my mind, it's the people who make up the church, not the minister -- it's a community and a family. We don't have to agree on everything, but I don't understand how people leave a community because they didn't get their way on one issue. Sad about how that went but thankful to be in a supporting community accepting of all.<br />
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What's ahead for the rest of this month and 2020? Looking forward to finding out! Click on over to see what's going on with others in the link-up. I can assure you their posts most likely aren't as long and tedious as mine.<br />
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Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-59038233778442609812019-08-13T08:02:00.002-04:002019-08-13T08:02:44.925-04:00Books! (finally) - AugustIt's been a hot minute since I've written about books and joined in the monthly linkup. Well, it's been a hot minute, period. The cool, damp spring/early summer was perfect weather for me .. the 90s with heat index in the 100s? Not so much.<br />
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Be sure to check out the other posts in the link up and thanks again to <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/2019/08/show-us-your-books-august-2019.html" target="_blank">Steph </a>and <a href="http://janasays.com/show-us-your-books-august-2019/" target="_blank">Jana </a>for hosting these each month.<br />
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So ... since March (told you that minute was hot), here's what I've read:<br />
<img alt="22073005" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1423107113l/22073005.jpg" width="132" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22073005-you" target="_blank">You, by Caroline Kepnes</a> - I wanted to read this one before seeing the series on Netflix. Um ... definitely messed up and I needed a palate cleanser after reading. Tried watching the series and it didn't hold my interest. Maybe because the book was too much for me in a stalkerific way.<br />
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<img alt="31434883" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1564647507l/31434883.jpg" width="132" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31434883-eleanor-oliphant-is-completely-fine" target="_blank">Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, by Gail Honeyman</a> - I liked this one. It wasn't really what I was expecting though - I guess I thought it was a fluff novel, then it got darker than I was expecting, but I still liked it.<br />
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<img alt="37703550. sy475 " height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1563462890l/37703550._SY475_.jpg" width="133" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37703550-where-the-crawdads-sing" target="_blank">Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens</a> - Really liked this one. Kind of reminded me of Educated, without the whackadoo religion or the true story aspect.<br />
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<img alt="37715078" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1539616949l/37715078.jpg" width="132" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37715078-good-riddance" target="_blank">Good Riddance, by Elinor Lipman</a> - Meh ... it was OK. A lot that I had to just accept and move on with - main character receives her mom's yearbook, throws it away, realizes it probably wasn't a good idea, then tries to get it back.<br />
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<img alt="42399951. sy475 " height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1540048170l/42399951._SY475_.jpg" width="133" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42399951-the-overdue-life-of-amy-byler" target="_blank">The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, by Kelly Harms</a> - I'd say 3.5 stars ... funny in parts, a quick read, but if I hear "momspringa" one more time ... The whole concept is ridiculous to me and that's fact.<br />
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And then for the 24-in-48 hour book challenge, I picked up several smallish books to breeze through:<br />
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<img alt="22738563" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1430821222l/22738563.jpg" width="140" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22738563-we-should-all-be-feminists" target="_blank">We Should All Be Feminists - by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie</a> - 5 stars. Read it.<br />
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<img alt="36479356. sy475 " height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1524528877l/36479356._SY475_.jpg" width="130" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36479356-american-sonnets-for-my-past-and-future-assassin" target="_blank">American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin - by Terrance Hayes</a> Poetry - definitely not my usual jam, but it was good.<br />
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<img alt="33858905. sy475 " height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1484434655l/33858905._SY475_.jpg" width="132" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33858905-the-end-we-start-from" target="_blank">The End We Start From - by Megan Hunter</a> - I liked this one. Kind of an apocalyptic story set in London. Seems like all the end of the world stories take place in the U.S. of A. so that changed things up for me.<br />
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<img alt="41715227. sy475 " height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1536780063l/41715227._SY475_.jpg" width="133" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41715227-evidence-of-the-affair" target="_blank">Evidence of the Affair - by Taylor Jenkins Reid</a> - quick read, but it was the first TJR book I've read and I'd been wanting to read her books based on so many others recommending her. However ... trigger-warning ... why do I put myself through these? I mean, the title should have been a giveaway.<br />
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<img alt="27746288. sy475 " height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1509043032l/27746288._SY475_.jpg" width="133" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27746288-goodbye-vitamin" target="_blank">Goodbye, Vitamin - by Rachel Khong</a> - really really good. Also a quick read. Main character moves home to take care of her father, who has dementia.<br />
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I didn't track my time for the readathon - 24 hours in 48 is just not feasible for me - but I do like participating in them, because it gives me a reason to step back from all the other stresses going on and just chill with some books. Also gave me a reason to try a new coffee maker and ... hello ... so good ...<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-06853-Stovetop-coffee-Aluminum/dp/B000CNY6UK?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_4&th=1" target="_blank"><img alt=" Bialetti" height="200" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71J24QlhH6L._SL1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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What I'm reading now:<br />
<img alt="42390721. sy475 " height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1552095159l/42390721._SY475_.jpg" width="131" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42390721-hope-rides-again?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Hope Rides Again - by Andrew Shaffer</a> - about 1/2 way through. Picks up a little bit after Book 1 (Hope Never Dies). The bromance is alive and well.<br />
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Questions for you ...<br />
Have you read any of these? Do you do readathons and track your time? Have you tried a Moka Pot?<br />
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<br />Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-42612443510534815082019-06-11T10:33:00.001-04:002019-06-11T14:37:37.693-04:00Bookish questions ... since I haven't been reading lately<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2c2c2c; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm in a reading slump ... I want to read and keep getting books from the library. But when it comes time to sit and read? Nope. I blame the nice weather and just the general busy-ness of doing other things. So when I saw this list of bookish questions, I figured I'd answer ... even if no one else cares to read them. If you are reading, hey there! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Edited to add the links I'm supposed to be linking to! This is kinda/not really part of the monthly Show Us Your Books linkup with <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/2019/06/show-us-your-books-june-2019.html" target="_blank">Steph </a>and <a href="http://janasays.com/show-us-your-books-june-2019/" target="_blank">Jana</a>. If you're looking for book recommendations, go to their sites and then peruse the links. Lots of great suggestions on there! Here? ... not so much. Also edited to add, I have no idea what happened to the formatting. I copied the list of questions from <a href="http://www.knitbygodshand.com/2019/06/a-book-question-post-for-book-day-since.html" target="_blank">Rebecca </a>so maybe that's where I went wrong. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What book has been on your shelf the longest?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That I've read? That would be the Book of Giant Stories. I love that book - my mom found it when going through one of her decluttering phases and gave it to me for my personal library. My memories include climbing up in my dad's lap to have him read this to me, then he'd fall asleep and I'd keep reading aloud to him. I know my son found it and read it when he was younger. It's only 3 or 4 short stories but the artwork is pretty amazing too. And as many times as it's been read and carried around, the binding is in great shape.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="764720" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1178152734l/764720.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That I haven't read but keep meaning to? No idea - but I did/do have a habit of buying books and then never getting to them, because I would buy more books or go to the library to get other books. So yeah, there are a lot of books that are on my shelves that haven't been read. I've been getting rid of some (donations to Friends of Library booksale or dropping off at the Little Library in the neighborhood), but I swear those books multiply when I'm not looking.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 24px;">What is your current read, your last read, and the book you’ll read next?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Currently Reading: Good Riddance, by Elinor Lipman</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <img alt="37569327" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1524763503l/37569327.jpg" width="133" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Last Read: Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="36809135" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1524102644l/36809135.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next Read: Becoming, by Michelle Obama</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="38746485" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1528206996l/38746485.jpg" width="131" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What Books Did Everyone Like, but You Hated?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"></em>Hmm ... not sure. I even went through my Goodreads lists and couldn't find one that I "hated". Life is too short and my TBR list is too long - if I get to the 3rd or 4th chapter and am still not into it, it's gone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What book do you keep telling yourself you’ll read, but you probably won’t?<em style="box-sizing: border-box;"></em></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Les Misérables ... I have it on my Kindle and may eventually get to the end of it. Reading only a chapter every few months will take forever though. Amazingly, when I do get back to it, I still remember what's going on and who's who.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What book are you saving for retirement?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"></em>Why save them? Or maybe that will be Les Mis for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last page: read it first or wait ’til the end?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"></em>I won't read it first, but I'll occasionally glance at it to see whose names are mentioned. Spoilers have never really bothered me in books or in TV/movies - it's all about the journey for me.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 24px;">Acknowledgment: waste of paper and ink or interesting aside?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Meh - I don't read them. I'll read the dedication page at the beginning, but all the thank yous at the end? nope. I'd rather read about what the author was doing or going through when the book idea came to them or if current events influenced them in some way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Which book character would you switch places with?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"></em>Elizabeth Bennett - 'nuf said.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 24px;">Do you have a book that reminds you of something specific in your life (place, time, person)?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I would always get a John Grisham paperback for the flight back home from Alaska - not sure why other than he happened to release a book every summer and I needed a book to read on the flights. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Name a book that you acquired in an interesting way.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Can't think of any - I do love it when friends give or loan me a book they think I'll like. The fact that they're thinking of me and want to share a book moment with me strengthens the friendship bond. I used to hoard my books and not want to loan any out, but now I've gotten to the point where I want to share these books with my friends and have been gifting them (no loans - please keep!) if I think they'll like them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Oh - but I remembered one when I was filling in the last question below: </span></div>
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<img alt="56821" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526275572l/56821.jpg" width="135" /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have a few books at home from my college days as a German major. I doubt I'll ever read them again or if I could even read them now. But one I'll never get rid of is Der Pate. I stayed with a friend for a summer in Germany - wasn't really a foreign exchange student, wasn't really on vacation, just visiting her and traveling around when her school/'Gymnasium' was out for the summer. When I wasn't going to school with her as a pretend-student, I stayed at the house and tried reading Der Pate since I pretty much had the story memorized from reading the English version regularly (The Godfather, if you haven't guessed from the cover). On my last day there, her mom gifted the book to me ... and I haven't tried reading it since. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have you ever given a book away for a special reason/to a special person?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes - (see answer above)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Which book has been with you to the most places?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My Bible -- not changing Rebecca's answer ... the current one or any other version/format has been with me the longest and thanks to the YouVersion app on my phone, it's always with me. Before smartphones, my Bible went with me to every summer camp in Indiana and Alaska, went to college with me ... I can't say I read it as regularly as I'd like to or should, but I know I'd miss it if I didn't have it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Any ‘required reading’ you hated in high school that wasn’t so bad two years later</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Two years later?? Well, I've been out of school a little longer than that. And I never liked being told what to read or when so I rarely actually finished a book in HS or college. One of my reading goals is to finally read what I said I did in school - so this is only a short list of those books that I've reread/finished in the past 25 years since college: A Separate Peace (Knowles), 1984 (Orwell), Great Expectations (Dickens), Metamorphosis (Kafka) ... I'm sure there are others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Used or brand new?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No preference</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have you ever read a Dan Brown book?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yep - kind of odd that this was the author suggested for this question though, so I'm wondering why. Is something wrong with his books?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have you ever seen a movie you liked more than the book?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Also yep - but I prefer to read the book before I see the movie so I know what's going on in the movie. I really REALLY like The Handmaid's Tale series and am glad that I saw the series (seasons 1 and 2) before reading the book - it's a flip for me because the series helped explain what was going on in the book for me and I think I would have been lost in the book had I tried reading it first.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have you ever read a book that’s made you hungry, cookbooks included?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"></em>Julie and Julia, by Julie Powell - made me want to try to make some of the recipes. I do have Julia Childs' cookbook, but haven't tried anything from there yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Who is the person whose book advice you’ll always take?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ooh - this is why I always try to look at the posts in the Show Us Your Books linkup. I don't know if there's just one person on there that I take all of their book advice - it's more like a collection of books from everyone's posts that I try to remember when I go to the library. Lately, I'll open up the library's website along with the linkup and start requesting as I come across a book I want to read. Always a fun time when the requests come in all at the same time ... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Is there a book out of your comfort zone (e.g. outside of your usual reading genre) that you ended up loving?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">True crime - I prefer to read fiction, but I read I'll Be Gone in the Dark and was quite surprised I liked it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="35068432" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1499131009l/35068432.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="132" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">BONUS - Fun book facts about me... </span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Um ... not sure what to put here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I prefer paperbacks, then ebooks, then hardbacks. But prefer ebooks from the library, because ... germs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don't like series and I really don't like that so many new authors are focusing on stretching their stories out to 3-4 more books. Stop. The first book would have to be freaking amazing for me to look for book 2.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are books in every room of my house and I wouldn't want it any other way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've read almost all of Stephen King's books</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I can't do audiobooks because I'm constantly distracted. When I sit down with a book/Kindle, I focus on what I'm reading. An audiobook is, for me, like TV or radio - I can have it it on in the background for noise and do other things, but then I don't know what I just listened to. Even in the car, my mind wanders rather than focusing on the book being read. The only audiobooks I've been successful with were the Harry Potter books ... mainly because I have those stories memorized. </span></div>
Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-4897511746412155602019-03-12T07:57:00.001-04:002019-03-12T07:57:21.069-04:00Reading Time - MarchIt's that time again ... I wasn't expecting to have many books read since the last SUYB - Feb 12 to Mar 12 is a mere 28 days and gone in a blink. However, our illustrious hosts of the monthly link-up added a bonus readathon (thank you again for my prize!). Mix that in with a few winter weather advisories and an unfortunate opportunity to miss another long run, and I was able to read a bit more than originally thought.<br />
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Be sure to check out the link-up with <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/2019/03/show-us-your-books-march-2019.html" target="_blank">Steph </a>or <a href="http://janasays.com/show-us-your-books-march-2019/" target="_blank">Jana </a>to see what others have posted/read/recommended and let me know if you've read/liked/disliked any of the following.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Please note - the links are only to Goodreads and the off-chance that I actually put a review on there.</span><br />
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<img alt="37435" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1473454532l/37435.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37435.The_Secret_Life_of_Bees" target="_blank">The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd</a><br />
Not sure how this one came to be in my possession - I'm thinking it was a purchase from the Friends of the Library's book sale. It was really good though and I recommend it. I think I thought it'd be similar to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18652002-the-bees" target="_blank">The Bees by Laline Paull</a> that was written from the bee's perspective - but, nope. Actually, I recommend The Bees too.<br />
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<img alt="35068618" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1518828894l/35068618.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35068618-on-the-come-up" target="_blank">On the Come Up, by Angie Thomas</a><br />
This is a standalone and only mentions the events of The Hate U Give a couple times, so don't feel like you have to have read THUG before you read this one. Read them both, but in whichever order you want. Just read them both. This one was just as good and as unputdownable.<br />
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<img alt="28664920" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1470023717l/28664920.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28664920-mischling" target="_blank">Mischling, by Affinity Konar</a><br />
I borrowed this one from the library when I stopped by to pick up On the Come Up. An Auschwitz survivor was on the schedule to speak locally so the library had a table dedicated to the Holocaust. Being a Germanic Studies major/European History minor in college (still, why??), I stopped to see what books they were promoting and selected this one. It was OK, but I don't recommend it. If you have any interest in survivor stories, read one from an actual survivor - not a romanticized artsy version that was just too syrupy/mucky. Not really sure how else to describe it.<br />
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<img alt="12961964" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1498139932l/12961964.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12961964-the-handmaid-s-tale" target="_blank">The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood</a><br />
Ooh - this one was good and I'm going against personal belief by recommending you see the Hulu series first and then reading the book. I think if I had read this first and then saw the series, I'd be lost while reading. It was good - it really was, but it time-jumped around (much like the series did) and I was glad I had seen the show first to help explain what was going on and vice versa. And apparently there's a second book coming out this year called <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42973319-the-testaments" target="_blank">The Testaments</a>. This was also in my personal collection but I kept skipping over it for something else.<br />
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Currently reading:<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36430011-you" target="_blank">You, by Caroline Kepnes</a><br />
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Does anyone else's library do this?<br />
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Also, shout out to <a href="http://www.seeyouinaporridge.com/" target="_blank">Kristen at See You In A Porridge</a> ... I got an email from Amazon about expiring credits for ebooks and I knew to go to her Instastories to find some good deals. I haven't figured out if I can share ebooks (someone, please tell me if I can) so I'm pretty picky about what I spend those credits on since I'll likely have that book forever.<br />
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Also-also, I can't remember whose post I read that mentioned the Unread Shelf Challenge (if you're reading this, please let me know if it was your post last month!). This is definitely a challenge I can get behind and will be doing this year. I need to pare down my book stacks and this is a good motivator. In the three months of SUYB posts, I'm about 50-50 on reading my own unread books vs. reading library books. Not bad ... not bad at all ... of course, we've already bought books this year so the Unread Shelf stays about even. I figure if I can read just one book per month of what I already own, I'll do better than what I have in the past. Trying to find a balance between supporting my library and reading-then-donating my books to keep going with the decluttering.<br />
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<br />Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-65605206679357320232019-02-12T08:04:00.001-05:002019-02-12T08:04:36.870-05:00Reading Time - FebruaryEven though I'm no longer blogging, I'm still jumping in on <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/2019/02/show-us-your-books-february-2019.html" target="_blank">Show Us Your Books with Steph</a> <a href="http://janasays.com/show-us-your-books-february-2019/" target="_blank">and Jana</a>. I thought I was off to a good start with reading in 2019 and even more so with the 24in48 readathon last month ... but life was already crazy, then it got crazier, and I haven't really done as much reading as I thought I had, but it's still more than before. Crazy times.<br />
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Anyhoo ... since my last book post:<br />
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<img alt="40059630" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1525764627l/40059630.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40059630-dry" target="_blank">Dry, by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman</a><br />
Not to get into the debate on if climate change is real or not (it is), but this was a good read. YA Fiction about a drought in California reaching catastrophic proportions and what people do to survive ... apparently NOT leave the area, because then there wouldn't be drama or a book. Side note: A few years ago, I went on a field trip with my youngest where we learned there is a finite amount of water in the world. You can't create more water - what's already here on earth evaporates into the atmosphere and then develops into precipitation. Constant cycle. Maybe everyone already knew this, but I was near 40 when I learned this bit of info. I now do what I can to conserve water - stop leaks, turn off taps, shorter showers or use the water-saving feature.<br />
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<img alt="32075853" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1493817315l/32075853.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32075853-erotic-stories-for-punjabi-widows" target="_blank">Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows, by Balli Kaur Jaswal</a><br />
Well, this was NOT what I was expecting and I was blushing or skipping past parts. But it was still good and I would recommend it. Got this one from the library in time for the 24in48 readathon.<br />
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<img alt="Hello, Sunshine" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1481736571l/27274420.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27274420-hello-sunshine" target="_blank">Hello, Sunshine, by Laura Dave</a><br />
I found this one in one of my bookcases ... no idea where I got it from though and it's headed to the donation box for the Friends of the Library book sale. Quick read and it kept my attention. Main character is a YouTube/cable cooking star who gets 'outed' for not being who she said she is. Good reminder that social media is just selected snapshots of a person's life, not always true, not always accurate, not always the whole picture. Also read during the readathon.<br />
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<img alt="18692431" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1450515891l/18692431.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18692431-everything-everything" target="_blank">Everything, Everything, by Nicola Yoon</a><br />
I borrowed this one from my daughter, who had recommended it. She had also seen the movie but we're very good about NO SPOILERS in our house, so I didn't know anything about the book, the movie, or the ending ... which I had guessed pretty quickly. It was still a good and very fast read about a girl allergic to literally everything. I vaguely remember the John Travolta movie (Boy in the Bubble) but not all the plot points -- not sure how similar this was though. Also reminded me of Bubble Boy on Seinfeld ...<br />
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Currently reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37435.The_Secret_Life_of_Bees" target="_blank">The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd</a><br />
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Be sure to jump over to the linkup and see what everyone else is reading.Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-73174523623278910592019-01-08T09:21:00.000-05:002019-01-08T09:21:04.749-05:00Reading Time - January 2019<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Show Us Your Books. Join the Link-Up! Talk books the 2nd Tuesday of Every Month" src="http://janasays.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/SUYB-sidebar-image-FINAL.jpg" /></div>
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I finished out the year with some good books, though it helped that we were traveling during some of that time and wi-fi coverage was minimal (if any) in the Grand Canyon. Kicking it old school and thoroughly enjoying it until the kids started complaining.<br />
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Since last time ... (links just go to my Goodreads acct - I don't usually leave a review though)<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36692478-there-there" target="_blank">There, There by Tommy Orange</a><br />
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I had wanted to read this anyway and got it from the library during November's Native American History Month ... or let's celebrate turkey and stuffing and give thanks for Manifest Destiny and small pox. I actually finished it on the plane on our way to vacation ... which was mostly located on reservations. Basically, it was a timely book for me. I highly recommend, but I will say that each chapter is in a different POV and it took me a bit to keep the characters straight in my head. (library ebook)<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13167796-a-dog-s-journey" target="_blank">A Dog's Journey by W. Bruce Cameron</a><br />
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First off, didn't realize this was a sequel until I started reading it. I was worried that I should have read the first one, but this is a stand-alone. I will go back and find A Dog's Purpose though. Any book that has me ugly-crying within the first 30 pages should come with a warning. And being 1500 miles away from our doggos while I was reading this? Not good. But I loved this book and highly recommend it to any dog-lovers. I have no desire to see the movie the first book was based on - especially after the controversy that the actor-dogs may have been mistreated ... I can't handle that. I definitely came back home with more empathy? understanding? compassion? for the three pups who greeted us so enthusiastically on our return. (personal collection)</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17570843-jesus-feminist" target="_blank">Jesus Feminist by Sarah Bessey</a></div>
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Not really sure what I expected to get out of this but it wasn't what I thought it might be. It was a good book with some good insights, but I skipped over a lot of it. (ebook - own)</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38198021-a-killer-s-mind" target="_blank">A Killer's Mind by Mike Omer</a></div>
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I think this was an Amazon First Reads book - it's in my personal ebook collection, but I don't really remember where it came from. Good read though and I recommend it if you like psych thrillers. Apparently it's the first in a series ... because if a book isn't part of a series, is it really a book?</div>
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Currently reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38355098-dry?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Dry, by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman</a></div>
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Be sure to check out <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/2019/01/show-us-your-books-january-2019.html" target="_blank">Steph </a>and <a href="http://janasays.com/show-us-your-books-january-2019/" target="_blank">Jana's </a>link-up to see what other book nerds are reading. </div>
Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-52092884177686842462018-12-11T08:14:00.000-05:002018-12-11T08:17:36.976-05:00Reading Time - December<div style="text-align: center;">
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Linking up with <a href="http://janasays.com/show-us-your-books-december-2018/" target="_blank">Jana </a>and <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/2018/12/show-us-your-books-december-2018.html" target="_blank">Steph </a>for Show Us Your Books. Didn't get much reading in this month due to overall busy-ness but quality over quantity, amiright? Also, I started 2018 with a Goodreads goal of 40 books and I have 7 to go with 20 days left in the year ... oh well. I hope to knock out a few more, especially during our travel days, but I'm not stressing about it. Comment below with what you've been reading or if you've read any of these, then check out the link-up and see what others are reading.</div>
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<img alt="8123395" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328301259l/8123395.jpg" /></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8123395-slaughterhouse-five" target="_blank">Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut</a><br />
As a native of Indianapolis, I'm embarrassed that this is the first Vonnegut I've read. Little bit science fiction, little bit autobiography, little bit dark comedy, little bit rock and roll. A fast read about Billy Pilgrim (a WWII POW who experienced the firebombing of Dresden, as did Vonnegut) and his life. So it goes.<br />
<img src="https://cdn2.visitindy.com/web/2017/1/17/vonnegutmural.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.visitindy.com/indianapolis-vonnegut-mural" target="_blank">Photo from Visit Indy site</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24957546-dumplin">Dumplin' by Julie Murphy</a><br />
I had had this one on my TBR for awhile and knew I had to read it after seeing the trailer on Netflix. Great story and highly recommended! Oh ... how different things might have been had I had the self-confidence of 16 year old Willowdean.<br />
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<img alt="Flowers for Algernon" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1509493465l/36512332.jpg" /></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36512332-flowers-for-algernon">Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes</a><br />
Another re-read of a book that I read in high school. I didn't think anything about it at the time, but maybe because I have two high-schoolers now, I'm surprised my teacher assigned us this book in sophomore English. Another good story about imposing social norms on those who might be considered lacking - but are they? I wish there were an epilogue though - perhaps from Alice's POV after visiting Charlie at Warren State.<br />
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Currently reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36692478-there-there">There There, by Tommy Orange</a><br />
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<img alt="Show Us Your Books. Join the Link-Up! Talk books the 2nd Tuesday of Every Month" src="https://janasays.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/SUYB-sidebar-image-FINAL.jpg" /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367628412299189722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-72610929282812478512018-11-13T07:12:00.003-05:002018-11-13T07:12:44.062-05:00Reading Time - November 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzROdw-uO_XxCM0Abz8cKaQ6HS62SQli2Ru7-nMXLOF8jzFWkgL-R2SqBiLVhXngJcGp96PSElZ59rcxUtNMqia-rnH3ra7LtH4WbrE-hAxtNxDApJyJwpg9cQma39QHYMfcbxYu8rBvp/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzROdw-uO_XxCM0Abz8cKaQ6HS62SQli2Ru7-nMXLOF8jzFWkgL-R2SqBiLVhXngJcGp96PSElZ59rcxUtNMqia-rnH3ra7LtH4WbrE-hAxtNxDApJyJwpg9cQma39QHYMfcbxYu8rBvp/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Because sitting on the couch and reading requires three dogs ... apparently.</span></div>
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Remember, this is a link-up with <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/2018/11/show-us-your-books-november-2018.html">Steph </a>and <a href="http://janasays.com/show-us-your-books-november-2018-edition/">Jana</a>, so be sure to click on their names, check out their main posts, and see what everyone else is reading/recommending/DNF'ing ...<br />
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Taking a much needed break from running (though contemplating a spring marathon in a new-to-me state) and the time that was spent doing training runs can now be spent on reading, while still avoiding finishing very old DIY projects that I still don't know what the end result was supposed to be.<br />
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So, since last month's post ...<br />
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<img alt="24974996" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1495747080l/24974996.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24974996-dear-martin">Dear Martin, by Nic Stone</a><br />
Very very similar to The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas. Very. This one takes place in Atlanta and is from a boy's perspective - but a LOT of similarities. I liked THUG better, but this one was also good ... of course, I'm speaking as a WASP-female who's not had any experience with being racially profiled. (ebook and a really quick read)<br />
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<img alt="17345947" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1360518823l/17345947.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17345947-whistling-past-the-graveyard">Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall</a><br />
This was a recommendation from a dear friend who read it in their book club earlier this year. Set in the 1960s in the deep south and focuses on a young runaway and how her eyes are opened to race issues going on in Mississippi and Tennessee. Highly recommend! (real book, borrowed from AKT)<br />
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<img alt="35097255" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1510789132l/35097255.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35097255-the-president-is-missing">The President is Missing by Bill Clinton and James Patterson</a><br />
Meh - it was OK. I mean, it had a decent story and didn't get political. I've never read anything from James Patterson ... or from Bill Clinton, for that matter ... so I don't know whose writing style I was reading. There's also a ghost writer who didn't get front cover billing (David Ellis) so it could be all his writing too. This one was a chore to read - but mainly because I kept running out of time on the library loans due to other books I was reading and other things going on IRL. First an e-book, then the real book, then the ebook again (even though my library stopped charging overdue fines for late real books, I felt guilty about keeping the real book to finish). And as word got out about the book, the wait list for both the real and e-books kept getting longer so I made sure I finished it on the third loan ...<br />
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<img alt="40497497" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1528517367l/40497497.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40497497-frankenstein-or-the-modern-prometheus">Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley </a>- this had been on my 'currently reading' list for awhile and I was tired of seeing it, TBH. I had already read it a couple times (once in college and then a few years later when I attempted to reread/actually read the books I had been assigned in college but skimmed over) so this was an easy read ... which is why I didn't stick with it till the end when I started it. Already knew the ending and all that jazz. This was also the selection for a statewide library read to celebrate the 200th anniversary of its publication. (ebook in personal e-library)<br />
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<img alt="150060" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1316131050l/150060.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/150060.Marathoning_for_Mortals?from_search=true">Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield </a>- granted, this isn't the first time I've read this but I think it's the first time I've listed it on a SUYB post. It definitely helped get me in the mindset for long-distance running and realizing I could do this on a regular basis. Just wanted to list it in case anyone has been thinking about maybe running a full or a half and how to prepare for one. There are training modules in the back for if you want to run the entire time, or if you want to run more than walk, or if you want to walk more than run. I completed three full marathons on their run/walk program and I definitely recommend it! After completing #3 last week, I'm ready for either a new challenge or a new training program. (own copy - but recommended by <a href="http://www.knitbygodshand.com/">Rebecca Jo</a>)<br />
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Currently reading:<br />
looking for recommendations ... and motivation to finish the house projects.<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367628412299189722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-52357343375576997222018-11-01T07:17:00.000-04:002018-11-01T07:17:21.444-04:00What's New With You linkup - Oct recap/Nov lookahead<div style="text-align: center;">
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.seeyouinaporridge.com/2018/11/october-2018-recap-whats-new-with-you.html" target="_blank">Kristen at See You In A Porridge</a><br />
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Yay, November! </div>
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But to recap October first:</div>
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I completed my first round of the #minsgame (from The Minimalists) and while there were some days that were difficult to complete, I barely scratched the surface of all the crappity-crap at home. If you don't know the 'game', you collect one item on Day 1, two items on Day 2, etc. through 30 items on Day 30 for a total of 465 items donated/recycled/gone from your living space. I didn't count clothing, since we'd already done a closet purge. We took two bags of books to the library for their monthly book sale/fundraiser, one bag of craft items to church, and 4 huge boxes of general items to the Salvation Army. I will definitely be doing this again - most likely January. Join me? </div>
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Fall break - the kids and I just kind of chilled this year rather than go on our annual trip to the beach and it was nice. Plans are in motion for our epic trip in December and it's all I can do not to spill the secrets. </div>
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Family - My sister and I completed a super-speedy and altogether too short trip to see family in Philadelphia. Sadly, we're all at the ages that the only time we see them is for funerals. It was good to see them though and we had a bonus state thrown in the route -- New Jersey - where I *thought* I was finally getting to eat my first cheesesteak sandwich ... only to find out it was roast beef with cheese on it ... which is fine, because I should probably be in Philly for my first "Philly cheesesteak". Twelve states from start to finish in less than 48 hours - yowza. Of the 12 first cousins on that side of the family, five of us were able to gather to say farewell to the third one gone. </div>
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Running - still at it and I get a break after this weekend, but I started the month at the Indy Half in Fort Ben. First time running it and I won an entry to next year so I guess I'll be doing it again! Then met up with some friends to do the Pumpkin 5pice 5k. We were in the portapotty line at the start time so it was fun being able to pass many when we did finally get started. I didn't have any preset goal since it was pretty hilly, but I surprised myself by being able to run the whole thing non-stop and almost got a PR for that distance, even with the hills! </div>
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Reading - meh - I'm still reading but with the weather cooling down, I've been doing more around the house and taking the dogs on walks so it cuts into my reading time. I'll be linking up with Steph and Jana on Nov 13 though so that gives me two weeks to get a move on with the three books I'm currently in the middle of. </div>
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Watching - Alternating between Doctor Who (on #12 now and I admit, I wasn't a fan at the beginning but he's OK now), The Office (finally), finished whatever season of Walking Dead that was recently released on Netflix, and binge-watched Marcella and Bodyguard (both on Netflix). If you like British police dramas, I highly recommend both of those. Marcella is two seasons, but BBC seasons are super-short (5? 6 episodes?). Allie and I also make a point to watch 911 on Monday nights - we're hooked.<br />
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Voting - yay for early voting! No excuses, people.</div>
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Looking forward to ... </div>
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my 3rd marathon this weekend - don't really have a goal in mind. My first one was to prove to myself I could do it. My 2nd one was a blur since it was during the dumpster fire/emotional trainwreck of 2017 with minimal training (though I did get a PR from the year before). This one will be for me. </div>
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Finalizing plans for the aforementioned epic trip in December - gah! I want to spill the beans!!</div>
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My first duathlon later this month</div>
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Finishing up some rooms at home</div>
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And whatever else life has in store for me.</div>
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Your turn ... </div>
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Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-83672245762705744182018-10-09T08:02:00.003-04:002018-10-09T08:02:26.767-04:00Reading Time - Oct 9Linking up with <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/2018/10/show-us-your-books-fourth-anniversary.html" target="_blank">Steph's</a> and <a href="http://janasays.com/show-us-your-books-four-year-anniversary-edition/" target="_blank">Jana's</a> Show Us Your Books ... Skipped last month due to another bookish slump but didn't want to miss SUYB's 4 year anniversary bash! I'd have to say at least 1/3 of the books I've read since I started following Steph and/or Jana have been because of recommendations of their SUYB groupies ... of which I am one. So, thanks!<br />
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I've decided to make one of my bookcases into my own personal library hold shelf. It's filled with books that belong to me (or are on loan from my kids) that I haven't read yet. I'm hoping that by having them visible and in a location that I see regularly, that I'll start reading more of them. My 'problem' is that I work a block from a library in a neighboring county from my home library and they have a reciprocal agreement -- so if I live in one and work in another, I can have a library card to the one where I don't live. Meaning, that if I see a book I want to read, I can be on the waiting list for the real book and/or ebook at both locations. So I basically have access to 6 libraries -- work county library, work county ebook library, home county library, home county ebook library, actual home library, and all the ebooks that are on my Kindle/Glose/BookShout/NetGalley apps. Overload ... all circuits are busy ... please try again.<br />
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Anyway ... my books recently ... and sadly, only 2??<br />
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<img alt="Hope Never Dies" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1520867208l/36531052.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36531052-hope-never-dies" target="_blank">Hope Never Dies, by Andrew Shaffer</a><br />
I totally picked this because of the cover. Good mystery, pretty cheesy, and I recommend it. There are no politics in here, so if you like pulp crime, check this one out. Also found out that the author is fairly local. (4 stars and ebook from local library)<br />
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<img alt="You'll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1440379906l/17657148.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17657148-you-ll-get-through-this" target="_blank">You'll Get Through This, by Max Lucado</a><br />
A friend gave this to me during the divorce proceedings and I spaced it out to a chapter at a time as a devotion. Not rating it because it's not a book to read just for fun and not all of it applied to me, though I'm glad I read it. While I do enjoy most of his books, I can only read one every few years. (personal collection)<br />
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Currently reading (and hopefully will be on next month's post ... if I can get out of this slump):<br />
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<img alt="Whistling Past the Graveyard" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1360518751l/16058610.jpg" /><br />
(Borrowed from a friend)<br />
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<img alt="Dear Martin" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1495747080l/24974996.jpg" /><br />
(Ebook from the library that had magically appeared on my Kindle)<br />
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And to close, really looking forward to 'The Hate U Give' coming to theaters this month! I *highly* recommend the book and really hope the movie is as good. My daughter really wants to see the movie so she's reading it now - I'm trying to get both kids into my habit of reading a book before going to see the movie.<br />
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Any suggestions? Have you read any of these? Are you a read-before-movie person too? Or do you have your own books organized with a not-yet-read shelf?Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367628412299189722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-20847084838350997112018-10-04T08:47:00.001-04:002018-10-04T08:47:55.115-04:00What's New - Sept recapI don't do the monthly recaps as often as I should and I should do more since this is a good way to remember what I've done ... especially since September was the longest. month. ever.<br />
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.seeyouinaporridge.com/2018/10/september-2018-recap-whats-new-with-you.html" target="_blank">Kristen </a>:)<br />
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This isn't even a proper recap since I barely remember what all I've done so here are the highlights and some photos of the month ...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was on the way to her first dental cleaning. I didn't want to do the cleaning but she had some loose teeth and the vet had been recommending a dental for a few years. However her liver enzymes were double what they should have been and The Google told me that dental issues could cause that so I decided that she'd have it done.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8rfDyxAPHUUlmJn3xKFzFx66bgukMj7_TG3zqnnk0kHulOVRCIjN5lBCA6VeWTqPrhDetrHqXZClZc6xaOLsJBR7A3elpNG80v__jfZO0bOdu4c5qmqlwXy_-CAplMRudip0Gq5cXmG6/s1600/IMG_2755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8rfDyxAPHUUlmJn3xKFzFx66bgukMj7_TG3zqnnk0kHulOVRCIjN5lBCA6VeWTqPrhDetrHqXZClZc6xaOLsJBR7A3elpNG80v__jfZO0bOdu4c5qmqlwXy_-CAplMRudip0Gq5cXmG6/s1600/IMG_2755.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the following week. She's not tired, this is depression in dogs. I didn't know it could happen. She wasn't herself, definitely. Didn't want a treat, didn't want to be the first to crate up (she is well-known for dashing to her crate as soon as the word is mentioned), but was drinking a lot of water and just laying around. This is my shadow-dog and I was so incredibly scared at this point, but having to keep it all to myself since the kids were worried too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjL1nNDuSOu4YnXcmtUcjXHdu8mQdhpaJE2OlY4jEX0_HooB7rDS0N6kzA4UlkEbAt5IlZAV3maWWewVZZOpXOsYgGIWeUtW8csUKkax2JzIhdDYlWLJPrv4lMLF8afT-h7QdE06JWROO/s1600/IMG_2760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjL1nNDuSOu4YnXcmtUcjXHdu8mQdhpaJE2OlY4jEX0_HooB7rDS0N6kzA4UlkEbAt5IlZAV3maWWewVZZOpXOsYgGIWeUtW8csUKkax2JzIhdDYlWLJPrv4lMLF8afT-h7QdE06JWROO/s1600/IMG_2760.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is Frannie Grace after a 48 hour stay at the vet, back to her smiling self. The vet had suspected cancer but ruled that out when she perked up so quickly with an IV to help flush out her liver. The liquor cabinet now has a lock on it and she's on a specialty diet plus two meds, likely for the rest of her life ... which will be for at least another 30 years, so it's worth it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Stop Markets is part of the newroots.org program where they take CSAs into communities that might not have access to fresh food. There are four different levels of participation and everyone receives the same amount of produce, regardless of income. What I like is that there are enough people who purchase the "Justice Share" (at cost plus a little more) so that extra shares are available for donation. This was my first pick-up: 10 different produce items, plus recipes, plus samples of the recipes made by a local chef, all items are locally grown and organic. This benefits the farmers and the community -- win/win!</td></tr>
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I just thought this one was funny. :)</div>
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This old guy ... Spade Maximus. 7 years old and acts like he's 70.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The month I bid farewell to my Fitbit. I had to get another one right away since I had a Stepbet starting the next week. This little contraption is one of my side hustles with Stepbet, Achievement, points added to my Walgreen's Balance Rewards and Dick's Sporting Goods accounts, and I suppose it helps me stay healthy and motivated too. Whatever.</td></tr>
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I got a different Presidential Alert text. I would have preferred this one. RIP Scrimgeour.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is literally the smallest medal for a race I kicked booty in. It was actually a keychain, but they also provided a lanyard so I ditched the keychain part and made it a medal. First time running this race and scored my best pace ever! Really looking forward to the marathon in LESS THAN A MONTH!</td></tr>
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For October, I'm participating in the Minimalist challenge. I don't use Instagram Stories but I guess I'll post the pics on there after I get a few more days so it doesn't clutter up my regular IG profile filled with pictures of pugs and books and food. Look for me on there: @elladams</div>
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I'll also be posting Tuesday, Oct. 9 with Jana and Steph's Show Us Your Books. I need to get to reading ... with all the running and running around and spending time with my kids, I'm not reading as much as I used to and I miss it ... but I also enjoy the running and spending time with my kids. They're getting older too quickly but as long as they want to spend time with their mama, I will make sure my attention is on them. </div>
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Your turn ... what's new?</div>
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<br />Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-54251673094095853442018-08-14T06:45:00.001-04:002018-08-14T06:45:10.892-04:00Reading Time - AugustThis is a link-up with <a href="http://janasays.com/show-us-your-books-august-2018/" target="_blank">Jana </a>and <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/2018/08/show-us-your-books-august.html" target="_blank">Steph </a>- be sure to check out their links and see what everyone else is reading!<br />
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Apparently, I go in phases on wanting to blog vs. wanting to disappear. It's the introvert in me, I suppose. But since it's been a couple months since my last post (re: reading, of course), I figured I'd jump in this month with what I've read since June. Kinda helped having a readathon in there and also a library who REALLY wants me to read all the books. Browsing their website and adding things to my Hold List seems to tell the librarian who lives in my computer that I want each of those books at the same time.<br />
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So ... since June ...<br />
<img alt="37510667" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1515708798l/37510667.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37510667-goodbye-paris" target="_blank">Goodbye, Paris</a> - 4 stars. Kind of sappy, kind of what I needed on that particular day. Received the ARC from Simon & Schuster - not sure how or why but when I get a free book in the mail, I don't normally question it. If anyone would want to read it next, let me know and I'll pop it in the mail to you (or meet you for coffee, if you're local).<br />
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<img alt="38313161" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1517415337l/38313161.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38313161-the-sense-of-an-ending" target="_blank">The Sense of an Ending</a> - 4 stars too. Pretty good and short. It was listed on <a href="https://modernmrsdarcy.com/short-novels/" target="_blank">Modern Mrs. Darcy</a>'s post about short books to read and THAT post came just in time for the <a href="http://24in48.com/" target="_blank">24in48 Readathon</a>. Speaking of the readathon, I didn't complete the full 24 hours and I wasn't really expecting to. I did make it to 13 or maybe 14 hours, which was more than last year. (Library e-book)<br />
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<img alt="3980" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327784751l/3980.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3980.From_the_Mixed_Up_Files_of_Mrs_Basil_E_Frankweiler" target="_blank">From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler</a> - I'd never read this one before but I think we have a copy at the house. I remember seeing this cover in one of the kids' bookcases but it might have been selected for The Great Purge of 2017. Found out about it from the <a href="http://andrewluckbookclub.com/" target="_blank">Andrew Luck Book Club</a> selection for rookies in June? July? Also 4 stars and good for adults and kids. The August selection for veterans is Lincoln's Last Trial - looking forward to reading that one and note to self - need to pick it up before the hold expires. (Library real book)<br />
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<img alt="25533896" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1431553737l/25533896.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25533896-every-heart-a-doorway" target="_blank">Every Heart a Doorway</a> - meh ... 3 stars. It was also listed as a short read by Modern Mrs. Darcy. It's listed as the first book of a series, but the entire time I was reading it, I felt like it was probably book 4 or 5 of an 8 or 9 book series ... basically, I was lost. It kept me interested but it seemed like it started with a lot of loose ends and ended with a gazillion more and none of the starting ones were quite cleared up. (Library e-book)<br />
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<img alt="16147088" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1430488671l/16147088.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16147088-the-outsiders" target="_blank">The Outsiders</a> - 4 stars. Hadn't read it before and still haven't seen the movie. Definitely enjoyed it and now I'm on the hunt for the movie. Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold. (Library e-book)<br />
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<img alt="40787340" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1531351990l/40787340.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40787340-the-guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-pie-society?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society</a> - 4.5 stars. Pretty quick read but I didn't catch on until I was well into the book that it was based on letters and telegrams so then I was distracted by thinking how quickly the mail was delivered back in post-war England. From someone with a college degree in Germanic Studies (pretty much useless), the Occupation part really got to me. Definitely recommend and I wanted to finish in time to catch the movie on Netflix (really good but I wish they hadn't cut out/changed so much) (Library e-book)<br />
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<img alt="18904302" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388249739l/18904302.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18904302-the-house-on-mango-street" target="_blank">The House on Mango Street</a> - another super-quick read (like a couple hours or so) so I think this also came from the short books list from Modern Mrs. Darcy. Also from the local library. Apparently I just like going in and adding random books to my hold list because I got an email that this was automatically loaded to my Kindle and I don't recall requesting it. I opened it up and couldn't put it down ... not a good thing when it's already 11:30 pm on a weeknight. 4 stars though - really good!(Library ebook - already mentioned but consistency rules all)<br />
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<img alt="2195464" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1473397159l/2195464.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2195464.What_I_Talk_About_When_I_Talk_About_Running" target="_blank">What I Talk About When I Talk About Running</a> - I liked this one because the author isn't an elite runner. He writes for a living and he runs for exercise and to clear his mind. I don't write (though I wish I did) but those are the reasons I run as well. I'll never win any races and that's never been my intention. I run to get out of my head, to be outside, to run with a large group of strangers who are running for their own reasons but we all support each other - even for the short few seconds that we're running next to each other ... oh, and I also run for the free banana at the end. And chocolate milk. And a bagel or cookie. (Library real book)<br />
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DNF but not through any fault of the author:<br />
<img alt="Scrappy Little Nobody" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1469410391l/29868610.jpg" /><br />
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I keep trying audiobooks and this one was the recent failure. Some people might be able to multi-task and listen to an audiobook while doing housework or driving or whatever ... I can't. When I'm in a book, I am IN a book. I was trying to multi-task and listen to this while on a trip (can't really be distracted while driving) and also while running (I may have tripped a couple times because I wasn't paying attention) and finally realized I need to stop and return it to the library and just wait for my name to come up for the real book.<br />
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So, as usual, let me know if you've read any of these or if you can suggest something else. Also, do you have the same issues as I do with audiobooks? The only audiobooks I've been successful with "reading" were the Harry Potter ones -- considering I had already read the books numerous times and I love listening to Jim Dale's reading voice, I could get distracted and return and know exactly what I had missed.<br />
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(also ... and boom-shakalaka ... figured out how to add Disqus so hopefully my replies to your comments will actually get back to you now! We shall see ... )Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-6683648206564986552018-06-12T08:22:00.002-04:002018-06-12T08:23:16.978-04:00Reading Time - JuneLinking up again for Show Us Your Books with <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/2018/06/show-us-your-books-june-2018.html" target="_blank">Steph </a>and <a href="http://janasays.com/show-us-your-books-june-2018/" target="_blank">Jana</a>. It appears I skipped the past few months because I figured I needed to add more books than the few I've read. However, I've since decided to sacrifice my sleep for more reading and I feel that was a good trade.<br />
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To the books ...<br />
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<img alt="36247169" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1505517604l/36247169.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36247169-educated" target="_blank">Educated by Tara Westover</a><br />
This one was a difficult read, but interesting. Incredible how much influence a parent has on a child's self-esteem and beliefs. Glad she was able to break away and find her true self.<br />
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<img alt="35002997" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1505758737l/35002997.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35002997-braving-the-wilderness" target="_blank">Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown</a><br />
This was a quick read - lots of affirmations and it was recommended to me after last year. Also was the first time I'd read anything from her.<br />
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<img alt="33406197" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1490734108l/33406197.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33406197-the-good-daughter" target="_blank">The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter</a><br />
Really good read - also first time I'd read anything from this author as well. If her others are like this, I'll try to read more.<br />
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<img alt="I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1500595056l/35714058.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35714058-i-ll-be-gone-in-the-dark" target="_blank">I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara</a><br />
Fast read and yep, she (author) was obsessed. I could totally see how/why as I became obsessed while reading it, especially considering they've arrested a suspect.<br />
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DNF:<br />
<img alt="35861628" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1508171663l/35861628.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35861628-i-ve-been-thinking?from_search=true" target="_blank">I've Been Thinking by Maria Shriver</a><br />
This was a DNF only because it was an ebook from the library and I realized it was more of a daily devotional book rather than one to read in one sitting. The chapters I read were really good and affirming and I have this in my Amazon list for a future purchase.<br />
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Currently reading (re-reading, actually):<br />
<img alt="Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1528517367l/40497497.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35031085-frankenstein" target="_blank">Frankenstein; or the Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley</a><br />
I had this one in my queue anyway after it was put on the One State/One Story read by the <a href="https://indianahumanities.org/nehfrankenstein" target="_blank">Indiana Humanities Council</a>. Then I recently watched The Frankenstein Chronicles on Netflix so here we are.<br />
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Still have a TON of books in my TBR ... and will likely add to that number after checking out everyone else's lists today. No complaints here!<br />
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<br />Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-63867576424175034912018-06-01T14:32:00.000-04:002018-06-01T21:05:21.147-04:00June - life updateKids are out of school for summer - surprisingly (to me, at least), they both readily agreed when I said I wanted them to read over break. Yay! Our library is providing a <a href="http://nafclibrary.org/cultural-pass/" target="_blank">Cultural Pass</a> to all students who sign up for the reading program and I'll be picking up the passes this weekend since they won't be with me - not yay. But we'll be able to go to local museums, theaters, state parks on both sides of the river, etc., so yay again!<br />
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Doing another half marathon this month while also officially starting training for full marathon #3 to happen in the fall. Went up to Indianapolis for the Mini Marathon at the beginning of May and enjoyed a dinner out with my oldest/dearest friend. My usual pre-race dinner has traditionally been pizza but this one was bratwurst and beer. I'm sure the sodium helped keep my fingers from swelling, as they do when I run longer than a 10k ... and the beer = carbs. Justification. That was also the first race where I was seeing people dropping like flies because of heat exhaustion. Shoulda had a beer?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This was at SunKing brewery in Indpls and that's a Wee Mac (Scottish ale).</span></div>
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We got a puppy in April and it's been all kinds of chaos. The pugs are over it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Meet Belle. She's part lab, part collie, part shepherd, part kangaroo. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This was during a calm moment during puppy training class.</span></div>
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Reading came to a halt after puppy arrived -- but I had hit a lull anyway so a break was needed. Happy to say the break has ended and I'm back on the wagon.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Currently reading.</span></div>
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Trying out some new foods. <a href="https://refer.brandless.com/s/gidca" target="_blank">Brandless </a>has been a hit at home - even the kids like it. I like it because the items are all $3 (except for the soups - $1.50) and all items are organic and/or non-GMO and/or vegetarian/vegan and/or kosher ... basically, it's good stuff and great prices, depending on what you order. Better prices than Kroger and the delivery is fairly quick. Full disclosure - if you click on <a href="https://refer.brandless.com/s/gidca" target="_blank">this link</a> and place an order, I think you'll get free shipping? or $6 off your order? or maybe it's $6 off and if you order more than $39, it's free shipping anyway? I don't know - I think I get a free item ($3) and the kids have placed their order for what they want next time ... so if you click and order, thank you from me and the kids!<br />
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Strict no/low spend month in progress. It is what it is.<br />
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Short week and a lot of things going on ... hard to believe it's June, but then again, it feels like time is finally slowing down and I can catch a breath or two. Also trying to get caught up on blog-reading and possibly writing in this one more than once a blue moon.<br />
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<br />Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-20800249093493443062018-03-13T08:18:00.001-04:002018-03-13T08:18:39.950-04:00Reading Time - MarchIt's time for another link-up with <a href="http://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/2018/03/show-us-your-books-birthday-month.html" target="_blank">Steph </a>and <a href="http://janasays.com/show-us-books-march-2018/" target="_blank">Jana</a>. Click on over to see what others are reading.<br />
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I saw a post on a book club page that suggested seeing what books you've read that were published the same year you were born. I was curious ...<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/popular_by_date/1971/" target="_blank">1971 was a good year</a> (click to see why). Those who know me will understand how excited I was to see The Lorax was published the year I was born. Why? Because I am the Lorax! Proudly and unapologetically so.<br />
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OK ... since last month's reading post, I've been busy with home projects and spending time with my kids, but also have to make time to read. I fell off the reading wagon one too many times and don't want it to happen again anytime soon.<br />
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<img alt="Homegoing" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1453588557l/28683066.jpg" /></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28683066-homegoing" target="_blank">Homegoing, by Yaa Gyasi</a> - I don't give many 5 stars. This was definitely 5 stars. A tale that starts with the lives of two sisters from Ghana, whose lives take very different paths - one as a slave, the other the wife of a slaver. Each chapter is then from the viewpoint of the next generation through the current era. Excellent read.<br />
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<img alt="The Wife Between Us: A Novel" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1498094927l/35494553.jpg" /></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35494553-the-wife-between-us" target="_blank">The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanan</a> - Truly don't know why I read this. Full of triggers and I was totally cheering for Vanessa to crush Nellie. Midway through, I don't know what I was reading and it took a chapter or two to realize the flip the authors did. 3.5 stars<br />
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<img alt="I Am, I Am, I Am" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1518796247l/35300832.jpg" /></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35300832-i-am-i-am-i-am" target="_blank">I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O'Farrell</a> - I think I misread the description and didn't realize it was about one person's close calls with death (17 of them, though not all were close calls ... more like what could have happened). After the first 3 or 4 chapters when I realized it was all things happening to the same person, I was wondering how accident-prone she really is and how can she still be alive? Also, I don't know Maggie O'Farrell, as in I haven't read any of her books so her memoir wasn't thrilling to read. But it was an interesting book. 3 stars.<br />
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<img alt="The Great Alone" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1501852423l/34912895.jpg" /></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34912895-the-great-alone" target="_blank">The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah</a> - Oh, Alaska ... I will return. This book was freaking awesome, in that it reminded me so much of why I love it there. I know I wouldn't survive trying to homestead or live off the land, but so much of what she wrote about reminded me of places I visited, people I met, food I ate, etc. I guess back in the early 70s when the story started in AK, locals called the ferry the Tusty (I squealed when I read that) ... when I was taking that same ferry to Kodiak in the mid-90s, it was the Rusty Tusty. I guess time and weather is harsh up there, even on beloved ferry boats. I would say 4.5 stars on this one. I haven't read her other books but I have The Nightingale in my stack (see pic below).<br />
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Currently reading: I've Been Thinking, by Maria Shriver and Educated, by Tara Westover (both e-books from local library).<br />
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Meanwhile, my stack of books to read keeps growing.<br />
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Read any good books? Have you checked what popular books were published the year you were born?<br />
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<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367628412299189722noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-87966974001488912672018-02-13T06:19:00.003-05:002018-02-13T06:19:26.157-05:00Reading Time - FebruarySo I did some statistic checking since <a href="https://nolazydays.blogspot.com/2018/01/reading-time-and-2018-goals.html">my last Reading Time post</a>. I had mentioned that I was bummed about 'failing' my 2017 goal of reading 40 books and 'only' read 25 books. Jana commented that 25 is still 2 books a month and that's more than what a lot of people read.<br />
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According to <a href="https://www.irisreading.com/how-many-books-does-the-average-person-read/">this post</a> on Iris, the average person reads about 4 books a year. A. Single. Year! I can't comprehend. But click through for more details - it's pretty interesting.<br />
<ul>
<li>In 2015, 72% of Americans read a book. (<i>A single book. One.</i>) This includes only reading a book 'in part' so they might not have even finished that book. (<i>That one single book. One.</i>)</li>
<li>Educated women tend to read the most (<i>side note: I occasionally go back and read books I should have finished in high school or college. Do you know anyone who reads Kafka's 'The Metamorphosis' or 'The Trial' for fun?</i>)</li>
<li>Americans don't read as much as most other countries. (<i>We're lazy.</i>)</li>
</ul>
And according to <a href="https://media.bookbub.com/blog/2017/03/22/news-study-how-many-books-we-read-in-a-lifetime/">this Bookbub post</a>, I have about 2000 books to go before I die. That's a sobering thought and might be why I'm no longer hesitant to DNF a book if it doesn't cut it for me in the first 3 chapters. Every book now is going to be judged on if it's worthy or not to be included in my 2000 books. This kind of reminds me of Lost and when Desmond was carrying around Our Mutual Friend by Dickens to be the last book he ever read. When my aunt passed away 15 years ago, I found out she died while reading a book written by Dickens - her favorite author. The morbid romantic in me did ask if it was Our Mutual Friend (she would have appreciated Desmond's choice and reason) ... but it wasn't and I can't remember which one now.<br />
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So anyway ... on to the books:<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464826122l/6643885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="195" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464826122l/6643885.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6643885-a-is-for-alibi">A is for Alibi</a> - As mentioned last month, I had thought about reading this series before but it wasn't until we were chilling around the house and the news came that local author/celebrity Sue Grafton had passed away that I did some quick searching and downloaded the book. Technology is useful. Very '80s, but good. Not sure I want to put a priority on reading the other 25 ... (ebook from local library)<br />
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Then ...<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1504625848l/35633343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1504625848l/35633343.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35633343-promise-me-dad">Promise Me, Dad</a> - Also very good. I teared up in parts of it. Put politics aside, this is a good book about a father and the loss of a son. I was also very interested in reading some of the bits about what was going on behind the scenes during some of the political manuevering. I recommend it. ('real' book borrowed from local library)<br />
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Then ...<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1504436485l/34220606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1504436485l/34220606.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34220606-sisters-first">Sisters First</a> - This must be the month for memoirs. Again, put yo' politics aside. I love presidential history and the families are included in that, (#45 excluded). This was a good book with anecdotes from both Jenna and Barbara and how their lives were before, during, and after their dad was president. ('real' book borrowed from local library)<br />
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And this one:<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1178152734l/764720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="395" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1178152734l/764720.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/764720.The_Book_of_Giant_Stories">The Book of Giant Stories</a> - One of the check-ins for the 24in48 reading challenge was to find the oldest children's book you have or the one you've held onto since childhood ... and it's this one. I remember crawling up into my dad's lap for him to read this to me over and over. He worked long days and when he'd fall asleep reading to me, I'd continue reading the stories aloud to him - maybe that was his plan. The illustrations are the best - Weekly Reader Books for the win. (book in personal collection and going nowhere - though I need to fix the spine)<br />
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Then:<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1386795198l/18693763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1386795198l/18693763.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18693763-everything-i-never-told-you">Everything I Never Told You </a>- After reading Little Fires Everywhere, I put this one in my queue at the library. I think I liked this one better than LFE, but both were hard to put down. 'Familial Dysfunction' is the name of the game with this author. ('real' book borrowed from the library ... and also the ebook borrowed from the library for when I was waiting at an appointment and had forgotten my book. I do feel bad for double dipping when someone else was likely waiting for either copy ... really, I do. Both were returned promptly after finishing.)<br />
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Then:<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1494333227l/33797105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1494333227l/33797105.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33797105-they-both-die-at-the-end">They Both Die at the End</a> - Pretty good story. What would you do if you got the call that you'd be dead within 24 hours? (another e-book from local library)<br />
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And then:<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1500549432l/35121240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1500549432l/35121240.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35121240-the-hazel-wood">The Hazel Wood</a> - I was mainly drawn to this because it's the name of my kids' school. But the plot was interesting too. YA fairy tale - so there's teen angst involved -- and guess what .... another e-book from local library.<br />
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Currently reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32920226-sing-unburied-sing">Sing, Unburied, Sing</a><br />
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So much for my goal of reading through the stacks of my own books ... most of what has been read so far in 2018 has been from the library (real and e-books).<br />
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Be sure to check out <a href="http://janasays.com/show-us-books-february-2018/">Jana </a>and <a href="http://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/2018/02/book-love-is-true-love-show-us-your.html">Steph's </a>link-up and see what other books everyone's discussing. You can pretty much guarantee that I'll be on Goodreads throughout the next couple days adding still more books that I want to read but may never get to.<br />
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Thoughts on the stats or have you read any of the books listed? What are you reading?Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367628412299189722noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-37806063081462846452018-02-02T07:59:00.000-05:002018-02-02T10:42:28.198-05:00Do-over dayIn the spirit of Phil Connors and in honor of today, I sometimes like to think I want a do-over.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Who else is thinking this?)</span></div>
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I think everyone goes through phases of the what-ifs -<br />
What if I had been more outgoing in school?<br />
What if I had been a better friend?<br />
What if I had gone to a different college?<br />
What if I had stuck to my original major?<br />
What if I had said no?<br />
What if I had said yes?<br />
What if I said 4 years were enough?<br />
What if ... what if ... what if ...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I do know it wasn't this.</span></div>
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And then I know that if anything from my past had been even slightly different, I wouldn't be where I am today (acceptance to my new reality). But then again ... if anything from my past had been even slightly different, I wouldn't be where I am today (wishful thinking of a better reality). But then again, when I look at my kids -- there's no way I would have changed a thing.<br />
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So now my new what ifs are full of present and future changes --<br />
what if I can be a better mom?<br />
what if I can be a better daughter and sister?<br />
what if I can be a better friend?<br />
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So on that note ... happy Friday! Paint crew coming tomorrow ... wish me luck.<br />
<br />Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-88793128503607324112018-02-01T08:05:00.002-05:002018-02-01T08:05:35.623-05:00January update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.seeyouinaporridge.com/" target="_blank">Kristen</a> and <a href="http://www.gretchruns.com/" target="_blank">Gretch</a> for a monthly update on what's up and what's down.<br />
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Reading - Tried to participate in the <a href="http://www.24in48.com/" target="_blank">24in48</a> readathon last weekend. I read more than I normally do on weekends but definitely didn't make it to 24 hours. I'll have a nice list of books to share on the Show Us Your Books post on the 13th.<br />
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Work stuff - Just finished the busiest month of the year for me there and glad for a bit of a breather. However, once I get everyone else's W2s out, that means I need to start thinking about personal taxes. A little nervous about my taxes this year. Trying not to stress about it though.<br />
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House - Getting stuff done around the house - painting, plumbing, electrical work, gutter repair, wall repair, carpet getting pulled up, wallpaper getting ripped down, etc. I thought I should do some before/after photos, but I'd rather forget the 'before'.<br />
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Running - Two parts to this one ...<br />
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Discovered a trail race out in the boonies of Shelby County, KY. It was totally not what I was expecting ... but I finished and with minimal pain. Thankfully, I wore an old pair of running shoes because I overestimated my creek-jumping abilities and landed in the mud. When I tried to climb the creek bank, my shoe stayed behind. I was crouched down trying to yank that shoe out of the mud with both arms and full-body strength. It FINALLY came up ... but had filled a bit with mud. Unfortunately, that was in the first mile and I had to run 3 more miles with my foot in cold mud/horse poo. Ran most of it with Katie <a href="http://www.fromicecreamtomarathon.com/" target="_blank">(of fromicecreamtomarathon)</a> and if it weren't for her, I'd have never finished. Some of those hills were brutal and the mud didn't help. We finished 4 miles in just under an hour though so I'm happy about that.<br />
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Then - I'm combining two training programs to get through the winter. One is the Marathoning for Mortals run/walk half marathon that has worked wonders for me in the past. My only beef with it is I'm only to run twice during the week and a 'long' run on Saturdays. Sorry, but I need more active days than that ... so I'm also doing the Norton's Health training program for the Kentucky Derby Festival marathon/mini-marathon. This one is a bit of overkill with one rest day, one cross-training day, and 5 running days each week. I won't win any races and it's mainly to keep me moving and my mind off things. And also get caught up on Netflix/Amazon Prime Video without feeling like a slug, because ...<br />
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Eating - too much. But also planning the garden and getting the seeds ready to start. The kids have put in their requests for what to grow and they promised to help when they're here.<br />
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Watching - not the State of the Union address. It's not because of who gave the speech - I never watch it, regardless of the party in charge. The constant popping up and applauding gets old in the first 30 seconds so I wait to read the transcript of the speech on the next day. That was also a disappointment. I'm almost done with "Comedians in Cars getting Coffee" -- the episodes are super-short, super-funny, and super-dangerous to watch while on a treadmill. I tried with just one episode and had to keep grabbing the handrails while belly-laughing at 6 mph. Not safe. Not safe at all.<br />
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Glad January is over ... as slow as it went, time is still moving too quickly for me. My sophomore received letters from three different colleges last week. Plus, a letter from the school highly recommending him for AP classes, based on his PSAT scores. Here's the thing - this kid doesn't even remember taking the test. It was just a regular standardized test to him so he didn't study, didn't stress, didn't do anything his mom did when I took the PSAT. And he doesn't like school. Go figure. My daughter wants to sign up for all the AP classes she's able to, loves school, loves organizing and planning what she wants to do ... total opposites and yet both are so like me. I love this time with them. :)<br />
<br />
so that's January ... and on to February ...Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-31177175065324170612018-01-09T07:55:00.001-05:002018-01-09T07:55:45.067-05:00Reading Time and 2018 goalsLinking up with <a href="http://janasays.com/show-us-books-january-2018/">Jana</a> and <a href="http://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/2018/01/show-us-your-books-january-2018.html">Steph </a>again ... while also adding umpteen numerous books to my already overlong TBR list ... It's a good day for a good day and reading updates are always good days.<br />
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So ... 2017's Goodreads goal was for 40 books. Slipped in #25 right on New Year's Eve ... so that was a fail. Life got in the way and I'm getting back to finding my groove so I'll keep 40 books as the 2018 goal and see what happens.<br />
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I like to mix in a classic every now and then - kids' classics included.<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474126053l/10374117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="311" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474126053l/10374117.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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I don't think I'd ever read this or even heard of it until it was an Andrew Luck <a href="http://andrewluckbookclub.com/book/the-phantom-tollbooth/">book club selection</a>. Cute book and reminded me of Jasper Fforde's works. Speaking of Fforde, have you read any of his Thursday Next or Nursery Crimes series? Good stuff there.<br />
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Then this one ...<br />
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I had started it as an ebook library loan but couldn't start it right away so it 'disappeared' after two weeks and I still had a few chapters to go. Put my name immediately back in the queue for the ebook and realized I never cancelled the hold request for the 'real' book - ended up getting the 'real' book first. Took me a little bit to get into this one, but once I got past the first few chapters, I couldn't put it down.<br />
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Then this one ...<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1486131451l/853510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1486131451l/853510.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
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I had been meaning to read one of her books for years. She was my grandma's favorite author so I felt like I should at least try. Plus, I wanted to see the movie and always opt to read the book before seeing a movie. Pretty good story and I didn't know the ending so it kept me interested to the end.<br />
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And ended 2017 with this one ...<br />
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I was actually more interested in the book because it takes place in Indiana, more than that the author is an actress. Never saw Jessica Jones or Don't Trust the B**** in Apt whatever-number or even Breaking Bad ... so I'm not very familiar with her. I realize I get stuck on the details and if something's 'off', then it's hard for me to move past that without closure. There were a couple editing quirks that threw me off -- but the plot was good enough to help me get over it.<br />
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Currently reading ...<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464826122l/6643885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="195" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464826122l/6643885.jpg" /></a></div>
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Not sure what I was expecting with this one and I probably won't read the B through Y books, but A is interesting enough.<br />
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Since I seemed to read more ebooks than real books in 2017, I had thought I'd set a goal to read all real books in 2018. Going to revise that and just aim for more real books than ebooks ... all was in order to start on my stacks of real books when the news came that Sue Grafton passed away. I downloaded A is for Alibi within minutes and my first book of 2018 consists of staring at a screen instead of holding a book. I'm also in the habit of reserving both ebook and real book versions of the same book, since statistically I know the ebook list will go quicker than the real book list - thanks to books just simply disappearing (magic!) whether the reader is done or not. Also, I noticed that more than half of my 2017 books were library loans ... so another 2018 goal is to read more of my own personal stash (ebooks and/or real books) and then pass those along when done.<br />
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Have you read any of these?<br />
Are you a book-loan hoarder? That is, do you put your name on the library list for both real book and ebook versions to see what comes first?<br />
Any book goals for 2018?<br />
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I'm off to check out all the other linked blogs and add to my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/716116-elizabeth">Goodreads </a>list ...Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367628412299189722noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-60499894218221428252018-01-04T08:05:00.001-05:002018-01-04T08:05:32.642-05:002017 recap - if that's possible<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1Bpyj0sk-lWwQCZi2eReHUoGPIH7PlJXZBC1bCZMJ-DPq9HD3HudR5JDDjlFHOC6g28GwLAxQZFv_12Nys-3z-9b_aHsOaIQk9eqWLD9DcjfPDpuJmDIVs7ZYskE3iHeeIXouuSAVnk/s1600/k5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1Bpyj0sk-lWwQCZi2eReHUoGPIH7PlJXZBC1bCZMJ-DPq9HD3HudR5JDDjlFHOC6g28GwLAxQZFv_12Nys-3z-9b_aHsOaIQk9eqWLD9DcjfPDpuJmDIVs7ZYskE3iHeeIXouuSAVnk/s320/k5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I actually want to forget most of 2017 so I'd rather not do a full recap, other than to say it was a year that made me realize how strong I am. Started off just like every other year and ended just the same - with my favorite people. The end was with one less person (his choice) and also the news that the divorce was finalized a few days prior. So ... after 19 years, I have my own sequel: A New Beginning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusu2SjdoFfKlBieqtcB5wII-NCsx8P4HmLA-ZiTB_Zohdaw4gH8diVhE23pmoCiiea0KfbYFBSR9blmqKlQ29mGLgdbl82yWSJc5ScpYtbXO0GxoDU0QeJARPLqsOPE05tcU7qWsiO4IA/s1600/IMG_2277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusu2SjdoFfKlBieqtcB5wII-NCsx8P4HmLA-ZiTB_Zohdaw4gH8diVhE23pmoCiiea0KfbYFBSR9blmqKlQ29mGLgdbl82yWSJc5ScpYtbXO0GxoDU0QeJARPLqsOPE05tcU7qWsiO4IA/s320/IMG_2277.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Spade is my spirit animal with regards to dealing with the past year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Not today, Satan. Not today.</span></div>
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Family in 2017 - moved my mom to a nursing home near us in February. We've been blessed to have found this facility and that they had an open room for her. I know my sister felt obligated to keep Mom home as long as she could, but it wasn't benefiting Mom to stay isolated. She's not a flight-risk (not mobile) so she's in 'gen-pop' instead of in the Alzheimer's Care unit and they have activities going all the time to keep her mind active and involved. Plus, she's 10 minutes from us instead of 100 miles. She doesn't always remember Dad has passed on, but then also doesn't always remember she was married for almost 50 years and has 3 kids. It's rough. Cherish your parents while you can.<br />
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Finances in 2017 - started the year as previous years, still drowning in debt and finished the year almost debt-free, but with the agreement that I take on one of his credit cards ... so back to saving and scrimping and making sure that's paid off as quickly as possible. I'm so done with credit cards and stupid debt. It was something that constantly weighed on my mind and affected me in other ways -- so many times I tried sharing with him what our circumstances were and he would zone out. So many times I turned down going out with friends because we didn't have the money available. (Him? whip out a card. If that one gets rejected, whip out another one.) Working on meal-planning, freezer-meal prep with friends, coupons/sales, and getting into the habit of Aldi's shopping.<br />
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Fitness in 2017 - well ... I lost 30 pounds. Wasn't planning on it and don't recommend the method (stress), but it also gave me some PRs in pretty much every race this year. Silver lining, folks. Always look for the silver lining. Finished the year with a 4 miler (cut down from an 8 miler due to extreme cold), a 10k, 2 10 milers, a less than 3 mile 5k, 3 halfs, a full marathon, and ended with a 5-miler.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My participation medals from the year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Each one represented a PR in either the distance or the course though.</span></div>
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Looking ahead to 2018 - no resolutions for me. Just aiming to be better than I was the day before.<br />
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Reading - I'm currently reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6643885-a-is-for-alibi" target="_blank">A is for Alias</a>, downloaded the ebook from the library after hearing that local author Sue Grafton passed away. And one of my 'goals' for 2018 was to stay away from ebooks so I could plow through my stacks of real books - oh well. Goodreads goal is set at 40, same as last year and I missed the mark by 15 books. Sleeping better and my mind is in a better place this year so I hope to get back to reading consistently again. Scared off from the library after running into "her" and making a fool of myself. Stupid emotions. Can't we just slap a scarlet A on her and be done with it? Too much? Anyway, I have another library I can use while I work through this. And it's good that I have plenty of unread books at the house so I don't have to risk that again.<br />
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Fitness - As of January 1st, I'm registered for pretty much all my races this year. Looking forward to trying a couple new ones with some friends - a trail run this month and a new-to-me half in the fall.<br />
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Finances - as previously mentioned: meal plan, freezer-meal prep, and also planning a garden this year since I'm no longer an urban chicken tender (wink wink), and living as frugally as possible. Any tips along the way are appreciated! I was worried about Christmas but was SO VERY thankful for the monotony of doing surveys throughout the year. I had enough in Amazon gift certificates that I spent $5 on a fish and maybe $50 at Old Navy ... everything else came from cashing in from survey sites. The looks on the kids' faces are worth it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Difficult to surprise older kids when they provide a very detailed Christmas list. Son had mentioned how he was interested in hydroponics after all the sophomores took a field trip to the vocational school. He was so excited when he saw this gift, he wanted to get it all set up immediately. This is a week's time of hydroponic-growing of wheatgrass (no dirt, just seeds and growing stones and fish poop).</span></div>
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House - repainting and renovating what I can and when I can. I have a five-year goal to be out of that house by the time my youngest is in college. There are so many half-started demolition projects to deal with that there's no way it could even be sold 'as-is'. It is what it is though and it'll give me something to do. Google and YouTube have helped me with some repairs already.<br />
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Friends - reconnecting with old ones and spending time with new ones. It's really amazing how much freer it feels not to have all that debt weighing down on me. Meet for chips and margaritas? Yes! I can do that now! Dinner at a new restaurant I've been wanting to try? Double yes! I'm an introvert and prefer to stay at home, but connecting with people has helped me realize I'm not alone in this ... and also finding out that all those happy marriages aren't quite as happy as they seem on Facebook.<br />
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Travel - hoping to travel someplace new with the kids this year. If not new to me, then new to them. Family in Philadelphia will be moving soon and I want to get the kids there to meet cousins and see the sights I got to see on my annual trips. They've also requested some locations that aren't road-trip distances so that's another reason for me to get the new debt paid off this year - it's crazy what plane tickets cost now. Last time I flew was in 2005? 2006?<br />
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And that's a recap in a nutshell. Linking up with <a href="http://www.seeyouinaporridge.com/2018/01/december-2017-recap-whats-new-with-you.html" target="_blank">Kristin </a>and <a href="http://www.gretchruns.com/2018/01/whats-new-with-you-happy-new-year.html" target="_blank">Gretchen</a>.<br />
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Ending with a reminder from a new friend ...<br />
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And something that gives me a chuckle each time I read it ...<br />
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<br />Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-20397219153325443462018-01-01T14:23:00.002-05:002018-01-01T14:23:40.987-05:00A letter to my kids to start 2018<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So many things - so many changes happened to us and for us <span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">in 2017</span></span> - so much I want to say and so many tangents I could go off on ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In no particular order ... and knowing that I'll add to this regularly ... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be strong</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be kind</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be consistent</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be intentional</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Apologize when you're in the wrong</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't assume</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stand up for what's right, not what's easy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Help each other</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be there </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be present</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be yourself</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Keep reading</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Challenge yourself</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Travel</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Get outside your comfort zone on occasion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Know that you can always come home - I might not let you stay but you'll always a place to rest and recharge</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Volunteer</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stand by your commitments</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Remember that quitting isn't failure - not trying is failure</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Realize your mistakes and learn from them</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be a friend</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Help the animals</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stay curious and don't be afraid to ask questions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Remember that 'family' is whoever is there for you when you need them, not just when it's convenient for them</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Get involved </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Look for the good in everything</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Trust - but be cautious</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Drink water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Try new things ... unless it's illegal</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Unplug regularly</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Set goals - large and small</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dream</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Vote - and educate yourself before filling out that ballot</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Donate blood </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Say please, thank you, and you're welcome -- and be sincere about it</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Never be afraid to say 'no'</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No one is better than you and you are no better than anyone else</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be brave </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Get out in nature </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Exercise</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For your mama and for your health, eat some freaking vegetables that aren't potatoes or fried</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Get plenty of sleep (meaning go to bed earlier, if necessary)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Find your passion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brush your teeth</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Traditions aren't set in stone - make your own</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Remember that your job pays the bills, your hobbies make you happy. If you can find a job that pays you for doing what you love - even better.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Learn how to budget and stick with it. AVOID credit card debt, at all costs!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sure you can pay someone to do everything for you (plumber, electrician, paint, yard work) but you also need to learn how to do basic repairs on your own. Personal satisfaction.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be thankful for the learning experiences - because everything is a learning experience. Everything.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Always remember that you are loved.</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-20066036575270707062017-11-14T07:59:00.002-05:002017-11-14T07:59:47.310-05:00Reading Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You know, I really thought I should just jump on this link-up every other month but October was pretty good for me reading-wise. Far from perfect or ideal, but better than previous months - so I'll take it. And this must have been an e-book month ... but I miss 'real' books. So linking up with <a href="http://janasays.com/show-us-books-november-2017-edition/" target="_blank">Jana </a>and <a href="http://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/2017/11/show-us-your-books-sweater-weather-with.html" target="_blank">Steph </a>-- go and see what everyone else has been reading. I usually spend the bulk of this day adding to my TBR list ...<br />
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Discovered this YA while trying to renew The Hate U Give online on vacation. It sounded interesting, but I didn't realize it was "YA". Not sure why that would make a difference, but I spent the first part of the book guessing 'is it a mystery? is this some sort of Twilight-crap? is this fantasy? why am I reading this?' But I was on vacation and it was an easy one to read while at the pool or beach or hanging out with the kids at the condo. (E-book borrowed from local library)</div>
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This was another one 'discovered' on vacation. Jeepers was it intense, though. It's about a school shooting ... which is all-too-common. And with two kids in school, I was a bit emotional while reading this too. Definitely wouldn't want to read it again, but I thought it was good. Keep in mind that it's told from the viewpoints of four people and spans about 45-60 minutes, but with a lot of backstories. (E-book borrowed from local library)</div>
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Yay for getting this one without having to wait for it! Something about reading a book set in my hometown that really made me enjoy it even more. This was also intense - but so interesting! I highly recommend this one. I could picture the locations he was talking about - some were invented for the story, but not all. Mental health is something that we all need to be more aware of. (E-book borrowed from local library)</div>
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I've had this one on my TBR for awhile and bumped it to the top when I saw it's this month's selection for book club. Looking forward to the discussion about it next week. Took me a bit to get into it but a good read. I laughed, I cried, I saw myself both in Ove and in Parvaneh ... <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span>(E-book borrowed from local library)</div>
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Currently reading. Also a book club selection ... the selection for the Rookies in the Andrew Luck Book Club this month. Wasn't able to locate the selection for the Veterans. #noshameinmybookclubgame (E-book borrowed from local library)</div>
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Soon-to-be currently reading. First had a notification that I was 5th in the queue to check this out ... then BOOM! got an email saying it was in my Kindle and ready to read. Finishing up the Tollbooth today so I can get started on this one. (and ... e-book borrowed from local library, obvs)</div>
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Have you read any of these?Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1306301876266676731.post-14357662168590672122017-05-17T11:05:00.002-04:002017-05-17T11:05:40.845-04:00Running/existing in a random stream of consciousness I guess I first started this blog as a way to keep track of what my little family was doing ... but after starting it, I didn't have time to update it because I was too busy living/loving life with my little family.<br />
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Then when I started running, I figured I'd use it to keep track of my training, races, etc. and I've pretty much stuck with that, even though I don't update it as often as I should.<br />
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Also, I haven't really made my blog public knowledge yet. I mean, I'm okay if people find out about it but it's not something I publicize or promote. More like a "these are my thoughts - read them at your own risk" kind of thing.<br />
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side note: I do love to write. I just rarely have time to.<br />
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And I thought the title of this particular post is very apt with how I'm coping these days ... pretty much in a random stream of consciousness. Day by day, hour by hour, whatever it takes to get to the next thing.<br />
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And that's pretty much how I run too. Without music (unless I'm on the dreadmill) and just thinking my thoughts in a random state of mind. I think about life, I think about love, I think about my family, I think about the future, I think about how much pain I'm in (physical, emotional, etc.), and I think about pretty much everything in between. I pray. I solve whatever problems I think I have. I ask for help for whatever situations I may need help with. I thank God for every blessing I undeservedly have. Basically, I think about anything and everything. I mean, the actual act of running is pretty boring and my mind moves faster than my legs do anyway.<br />
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I'm taking some time off from running. It's not that I'm burned out - but I am. I'm burned out on a lot of things right now -- running, reading, walking during my lunch hour or even with the pugs around the neighborhood ... pretty much anything that I enjoyed is not high on my priority list right now. And that sucks. I've been doing some Pure Barre classes. Signed up for a free week and then got suckered into signing up for 30 days at a 'low' rate. They might think it's low but after the 30 days are up, I'm definitely done. I even went ahead and put my name on the schedule for as many days as possible -- but I've already missed one. Will likely miss more as the weeks go on. But training for marathon #2 will start on June 19. I'm not really looking forward to it as without my running partner, I've lost all motivation. I have to prove it to myself that I can do this without his support.<br />
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I was talking with someone recently about communication and how there are so many different aspects to successful communication. It's not just talking and listening. It's about being heard and making sure you're communicating in a way that the other person will hear and understand. I spent a summer in Germany during college. My German sucked (still does) and even though many of the students I became friends with had been studying English for many years, there were always communication difficulties. For example - this was the summer that Wayne's World came out and I went to see it in the theater over there. Some of the jokes were translated literally and made no sense in German so no one laughed throughout the movie and I found out that the movie basically bombed outside the U.S. Had the translators rewrote some of the jokes so that they'd appeal to German (or foreign) audiences, the movie would have been more successful. Likewise, if I'm trying to communicate with someone or they with me, we need to be able to read each other to know if the other person is actively listening and comprehending what is being said and not said. If it appears the other person just doesn't get it, then we need to change how we are expressing ourselves to that person. Sure makes a hell of a lot of sense to me ... just wish I had realized this a few years ago. But ... well ... it's too little, too late. Amiright?<br />
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Life sucks sometimes.<br />
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Thanks for reading though. If you're a praying person, please say a prayer for me. I'm in the most difficult season of my life right now ... but I know that if I can get through this, and if I can show my kids that I can survive this, then I'll come out stronger in the end. God help me.Elizabeth - No Lazy Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11850346132248360959noreply@blogger.com2