Tuesday, December 9, 2008

SICK SICK SICK

So I started reading Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott. I knew what it was about. I had prepared myself for the awfulness that was child abuse in one of the worst situations. Well, I then started listening to a new audiobook. Without thinking about the plot, I started my next interlibrary loan book on cd so I'd have it back in time. Ack! It was Ellen Hopkin's newest book Identical, which also includes child abuse.

It was a very rough time getting through both books. However, I hate starting something and not finishing, so I plowed through. It was also interesting comparing the two. Living Dead Girl focused on child abduction, as well as verbal and physical abuse. The abuse in Identical is parental, and the plot is much more extensive. Both books are extremely troubling and realistic, while having plots at different ends of a terrifying spectrum. It was interesting that while the stories were similar and different, that the stories of the abusers were explained.

***SPOILER*** kinda
A message I enjoyed in both stories was the end of the cycle of abuse. It was apparent in both stories that the abused girls were determined to be the end of the chain of abuse. While the stories were tough to read/listen to at times, the message of strength and overcoming a powerful force (their abusers) made these girls survivors, not just victims.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Fantastical Fiction

So I'm not a fantasy reader. Never really have been. So I've decided to try a bit more, but on my terms. The hidden world within our world plot drew me, which is a plot line I typically enjoy in my other fiction (more for horror, vampires, Stephen King, etc.). So I tried Valiant, by Holly Black (co-author of The Spiderwick Chronicles, which I did love). It was really good. I enjoyed the realness, the edginess of the characters. I absolutely loved Val's love interest (I won't spoil it) and her determination to do the right thing. She was a very human character; there were times I wanted to yell at her for her stupidity, but I did love her humanity, faults and all.

I also read Impossible, Nancy Werlin, as fantasy AND 2008. It is on a lot of Printz pick lists, so I was very interested in reading it. I thought that the curse plot was cool, but the execution was way overdone. The love story and the Elvin Knight was pretty cheesy; however, it reminded me of a teen fairy tale, so the over-the-top moments weren't too bad.

So my fantasy reading was alright. I'm still not a huge fan of the fairies/faeries/fay/whatever. But I can definitely read and enjoy.

P.S. Due to a busy weekend, Twilight will be seen Monday night. I can't wait!!!! I've ignored a lot of the hype and articles. To me, it's about Edward, Bella, and their world, not Robert, Kristen, and the real world.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Good endings, Duplicate covers?, Catching up with a year

The Truth About Forever ended nicely :o) The book was longer than I'm used to. It held my attention but since it's twice as long as I'm used to, I did feel ready to move on.

Oh! And I think that the paperback for Ivy by Hearn and Tantalize by Smith both have the same picture on the cover. Ivy is just lightened a lot. The face and hair look identical.



















I noticed this when going through preparing for my 2008 books. Lots to read! But since there are so many different kinds of books, I think I can keep it interesting :o)

Monday, November 3, 2008

food & teens

On the Law & Order shows, they eat a lot. Maybe to portray that they're too busy working to stop and eat, but still, they eat a lot on-screen.

In the teen library world... It was a very quiet night. There were a ton of teens in without any behavior incidents. This made me very happy :o) They're all good kids and I hate nagging them for noise and rough-housing. I don't want to be the cranky old librarian, but it does happen.

One of my goals for next year is to have more passive programs (board games, puzzles, whatever). This serves two purposes: (1) it fosters more independence among the teens and (2) I'm not spending my time preparing for programs that have poor turnout. I've also been booktalking A TON on the spot. I need to read more :o)

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Forever

I'm currently listening to The Truth About Forever, by Sarah Dessen. So far, I am really into it. I understand the need to be in the control, to be "perfect." I'm just over halfway through and very wary for the end. I foresee a finale that I'm not going to agree with! Not because of anything the book has done; just bracing myself for the inevitable. But who knows; maybe it will all work out.

This winter, my library is doing a Mock Printz. I'm shifting my focus to trying to read more 2008 books. Only a handful are available on audiobook, so that stinks. I'll actually have to READ them! I've had motivation problems recently actually picking up and finishing books. Normally, reading either happens on breaks from work or in long sessions at home. Guess my TV addiction gets the best of me :o)

P.S. New Law & Order starts Wednesday. I <3 Jeremy Sisto. Since seeing him in Six Feet Under then the movie Hideaway (based on a Dean Koontz book, same title), I might have a celebrity crush. Right up there with Scott Brick...

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Aching

So I'm listening to Sweethearts by Sara Zarr. I love it because it makes my stomach hurt. I think Zarr captured the voice of teenagers. It makes my stomach ache thinking about these poor (fictional) kids. There are people in worse situations but life still hurts. It's one of those books that make me hesitate when I go to shut off the car. My only complaint thus far is that it's read by the author... While I like the idea of the writer giving the book a voice, Zarr hesitates at the end of each sentence, making it choppy at times and all her voices sound the same. Maybe I'm just a spoiled listener :o)

TV shows have also taken over again! CSI is in full swing, so we're just waiting for Grissom to leave *tear*. Law and Order SVU is as awesome as ever, and the repeats (and repeats of L&O) are always there to fill my boredom voids. True Blood is my new love! Californication and Entourage are back in their awesomeness. My dear Dexter has returned! My only sadness is that the stories are so plot-heavy, we don't see as much of serial killer Dexter as I'd like. Oh well; such is life. So yes, TV keeps me busy!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Notes

I'm such a bad blogger! I've had a chance to read a few great books, but my audiobook listening has slowed. Due to budget constraints, my library hasn't bought audiobooks in a while. However, I just ordered a bunch from a neighboring county and can't wait to have the company of a good story in my car again!

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist was one of few realistic stories about finding one's soul mate. I love that everything happened in one night and that there wasn't necessarily any major climaxes. It was just a window into the two lives of these teens, and it was fun living vicariously through them. I can't wait to see the movie.

Peeps made me think. The science behind vampirism just makes it even scarier because it could be real. It's not myth or magic; it's SCIENCE. Still, I didn't feel a visceral pull like in some other books.

No More Dead Dogs. Good clean story. Cute tale about friendship and loyalty. More for younger readers. The audiobook was good, but some parts just didn't translate well.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Forbidden Love

I just finished J.M. Warwick's A Season of Eden. I literally just finished a few minutes ago, so I'm still digesting. After the Twilight series, I wanted a love story. This one came from the publisher, and I am very grateful. The feelings of Eden for her teacher, James Christian, help her realize how shallow her life is. For the first time, she doesn't get everything that she wants.

Maybe it's just the cover art with the teacher holding a red apple, but the imagery of Eden/apple/teacher/Christian is a bit thick. However, besides names and a couple visits to James's church, I didn't find it to be distracting from the story. The ending is hopeful and I felt Eden's feelings in the pit of my stomach.

For referrals, there is not any controversial language or sexual content. The only area of concern would be an inappropriate relationship between a student and teacher. However, Eden is 18 and James is 22, and that forbidden love is what makes this a romance.

A must read for anyone looking for love beyond their normal lives.


Beyond the content, there are quite a few editing mistakes. Misplaced commas and his age changed a couple times (22 to 21 to 22). I'm a nerd, so it caught my attention, but I was soon back aching for James.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Prom Nights from Hell was okay. Maybe I'm spoiled by the fact that novels are better. Maybe these authors are just better at writing novels. Either way, it was worth the time, I guess. Next is Up All Night; let's hope this one is better.

On the library side, I love my job. We were open yesterday, even without electricity. People still came! Not a lot, but we also looked closed from the outside. Still, there were people there which was pretty cool.

Plus! I've been planning my own programming. I keep coming up with new ideas, so I have quite an extensive list for the future. I keep reminding myself, "It's just the beginning; there's no hurry! But still exciting!

October: Books with Bite (vampires, book trivia, make your own edible blood, games, etc.)
This winter: Wii day, writing contest, cd case calendar book discussion, Mock Printz, Gamevention

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Invited vs Welcome

So I'm reading Prom Nights from Hell, a collection of scary short stories about, you guessed it, prom. Well, one was about vampires, and they mentioned how vampires can't enter a place unless they are invited. We've heard that before. But my question... Does a welcome mat count? What if welcome mats were designed by vampires so they could gain access to people's homes?

I don't have one. Do you? It's your neck.

Ha, I know that was bad. But still... Who are you welcoming to your home?

Friday, September 12, 2008

Hilariosity

Haha, I drove to Columbus and back today. That mean mucho minutos con Georgia. I have moved on to book 4 where, sadly, they have switched to another female doing the title and end of disc announcements. Oh well.

I went to the Ohio Library Council Expo today. It was nice seeing past co-workers, both those still at my old library and those that have moved on. There were also nice exhibits. But I was through all booths in about an hour. There also wasn't as much as there was last year when it was hosted with the Convention. It was still cool to visit and worth the time to go.


P.S. I about died today when in the book, Sven (Swedish/Norwegian exchange student) was talking to a club doorman and something along the lines of, "These are my chicks and my pants are ready to party." Listen to it; you'll see.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Sex gods and nunga nungas

Ah! I'm a bad blogger. Almost a month. Tsk tsk.

Anyway, I am almost finished with the third Georgia Nicholson book on CD. As incredibly hilarious and wrong as the books are, they are not the funniest part. That is at the beginning and the end of the discs when a MAN reads the title. So you're listening to the craziness that is Georgia, and you hear a British man say, "Knocked out by my nunga nungas" (book 3). The second book was great: "On the bright side, I am now the girlfriend of a sex god."

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Breaking Dawn

Reader Beware: This entry is destined to be packed with spoilers.

So, I'm done. I read it in 2 nights. Let me just say that I am glad Bella can finally contribute. She's always played small parts in the real drama, but let's face it, when you're surrounded by vampires and werewolves/shape-shifters, there's not much you can do. But now, not only CAN she help, she saves her family.

This book was completely different than the first three. However, at this stage, the characters are different. The first book is definitely the best. It is full of enchantment and the excitement of learning about a hidden part of our world. As the books progress, the more you learn, the more complex the story is. As Bella becomes a Cullen, of course it will be different. Yes, I realize that the fact that Edward impregnated her is sketchy; his saliva and eye juice (dissolves contacts) are venom, why isn't is semen? Plus, those boys have been waiting for 80 years... And if Edward doesn't have a blood flow, how does it work? Anyway, yes, sketchy. But this IS A FANTASY NOVEL. Don't dwell on that. If the entire pregnancy can last a month, then let's not fret over the conception.

I was disappointed to not know a bit more about the actual sex scenes (yes, I'm pervy like that). But I do think that Meyer kept within content limitations to not give into gratuitous sex. Enough was explained so that we got the IDEA and that's all we really need.

Let me say, I hate Jacob. I've always hated Jacob. And it has nothing to do with Edward. Jacob is annoying. He had this huge growth spurt when he was what, 16? So he's not really that mature. He was always a little childish, which was one reason Bella liked being with him. It was easy. But that boy got on my nerves. In BD, when it switched to his narration, I was frustrated. Afterwards, yes, I see that it was necessary to efficiently share a part of the story. But I still didn't enjoy it. I'd spent thousands of pages reading as Bella. Now to do a 180 and be Jacob? That doesn't work for me. I survived.

All in all, this was a good series. The 4th book was worth the wait. They all had their ups and downs, but overall, I am satisfied. Will I read it again? Probably not. If new ones come out, will I read them? Most likely. It is a good STORY. There are parts I don't like. For instance, I think Jacob is a complete jerk. But he is a part of a story, and the story I enjoy. I do hope she does not try to discuss Edward and Bella's future; I think that story is told. I could enjoy books about the other family members or even (shudder) Jacob. After all, Renessmee (sp?) won't exactly make a great wife at 7 1/2. (I always thought he'd eventually imprint on the she-wolf and they'd be the prime breeders, but that's just me.)

Maybe I'm jaded by my profession as a librarian. I loved the Twilight books and I am excited that so many people love them. Further, I also love that so many people hate them or are just not impressed. Like our dear friend Harry Potter, it has gotten people to read and discuss literature. There will never be a book that everyone loves. But when we find books that people get worked up about, good and bad, then that book is important.

P.S. The movie won't be as good as the book, so I'm sure it will bring its own critique. However, let's celebrate that people are going to be able to compare, that people will be excited and disappointed. Expectations should be let go and the movie enjoyed, but we will all have that little piece of our hearts that ache for the fact that the movie will never be as good.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Twilight Saga ramblings

While this is mainly rambling out of control, there may be a spoiler or two in the madness. Just warning you.

My attempt at self-control failed miserably. Tuesday, I polished off Twilight. Since I was reading a copy that contained the first chapter of New Moon, I figured, why not? Because it was midnight, that's why not. But I read anyway, going to bed around 1am. I finished New Moon Wednesday around 1am. I began Eclipse Thursday during my lunch break, and finished at 2am. Did I mention I work full-time? I am happy to be finished, but am eager for Breaking Dawn. I will be on vacation through August 10th, which gives my mom and sister a chance to read it so it's all mine when I get home.

So, my opinions...
Bella is insane, and I love her for it. The whole thing with Jacob is crazy. She doesn't want him. Yes, she loves him, she may even be in love with him, but it is not the same as with Edward. Jacob was there for her when she needed a friend. Feelings may have escalated with time, but he is not her true love. I still wonder if he actually imprinted on her or if it is just normal love (as normal as can get in the series, anyway). I've heard rumors that Jacob will die in Breaking Dawn. I don't really want that. I want him to imprint on someone else, to move on. But I'd rather have him die than continue to bother Bella. Maybe it's just because I've always preferred vampires to werewolves, but I love the grace and other-ness to the vamps. Werewolves are like a man and a pet in one. Jacob has matured a bit, but he is still very childish and annoying. During her pain from Edward's leaving and other displays of their love, I cried. (Yes, I am a crier anyway, but still...) With Jacob, I don't feel that connection. He's there to test Bella, to make her choose Edward. Jacob can offer a relatively normal life: growing old, spending time with family, and having a human husband most of the time. But to me, I haven't been reading about Bella's life. I've been reading Bella and Edward's love story...

I want Bella to stay with Edward. They should get married, say they're traveling around the world for a year or two while she adjusts to being a vampire. This would discourage any unwelcome visits and too-disappointed parents. Then she can go to college. Just a thought.

I have a sinking feeling that the Cullens will transform Bella, sparking a war with the werewolves due to breaking the treaty without boundaries. I do want Edward and Jacob to fight, with Edward victorious without killing Jacob. Then let's not forget the Volturi (sp?). They'll be back. While I feel for Bella being human, doing what she can, and wanting to do more (often being stopped from doing so by her more powerful friends), I want to see her transform. I want to see her skills and abilities. I want to see her be able to stand up to these beings on her own. I love Edward protecting her; I'm old fashioned like that. But I want her to be able to take care of herself.
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*sigh* 3 weeks.

I might have more to say later. Right now, it's all just a mess of thoughts and anxiousness for closure. There better be closure.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Just checking in

Action. Adventure. Heirs of the Knights of the Round Table. Expensive cars. Fights. Guns. Flatulence.

These are just some of the main points of The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp (Yancy). Overall, a good book. I had problems getting into it, but I think it was just personal preference. I would definitely recommend this to boys. It could almost be a movie, with the high speed car chases and sword fights.

I am also working on Twilight (Meyer). It tugs at me, making me want to just sit down and read the whole series. I'm trying to pace myself, to not get engrossed only to have to wait a month to read the last book (I'll be on vacation when Breaking Dawn is released). So until then, my obsessive tendencies are kept at bay.


Movies? Jumper was better than I expected. Not an award winner, by far, but it was entertaining. It would also be a cool ability to have, to go wherever you want.

Be Kind Rewind... I think I'm missing something. Yeah, it was cute. But it didn't really hold my interest. There was just too much going on, with the jazz musician, the movie making, the people, and corporate America trying to take down the little (and decrepit) business. It had its moments where I couldn't help but laugh, but for the most part, it was just chaos.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

I started my new job today! Everyone was super-nice, and it was very low-key. I look forward to learning more and getting into more Teen Services. It was weird to not have other projects to work on. More to come later...

Monday, June 23, 2008

Work!

My job hunt... I sent out several resumes. I looked in 7 different counties in Ohio and Kentucky. And sure enough, I had interviews with 2 systems. These interviews led to offers. One for a youth services librarian (birth - teen) and one for a teen services librarian. I was floored. Both are great systems, just outside of Cincinnati. Youth services would give me great experience working with all ages. In the end, I chose the teen services position. Teen services is where I want to work. The staff I met were extremely nice. The previous teen services librarian was promoted to the information services manager, so my boss is a teen advocate. The branch itself is new, but still offers a diverse population. The location is more convenient, and is only 10 minutes from where I used to live. It just seemed like a good fit, a place I could stay for a long time.

My advice is super cheesy: be yourself and do your best to show your passion. I can think of a million things I would do better in my interviews. But whatever I did do, it worked. My nerdy stories and portfolio couldn't have hurt ;o)

I start next Wednesday. This works out really well, since my mother is having surgery Monday. I'll be home to help Monday and when she comes home Tuesday. The weekend rotation should even work out for Buckeye football season, but I'll know for sure once I start.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

DysFUNctional families

In an effort to keep me from watching Law and Order (my new addiction), my boyfriend was watching Gene Simmons' Family Jewels. Let me just say that Gene really, really annoyed me during The Celebrity Apprentice. I don't do well with people who think they know everything. But Family Jewels is actually pretty good. Everyone is quirky, as being rich will allow you to be, but it's not the extreme madness of The Osbournes. The kids are almost normal, and everyone rags on Dad Gene. Is this a show I will follow? No. But when nothing else is on, hey, it's entertaining.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Brats are good for a laugh

Isn't it funny how we enjoy characters in books/tv shows/movies who we wouldn't be able to tolerate in real life? I just finished the two Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, and when reading reviews on goodreads (Books 1 and 2) some people have commented about what a brat the kid is. And he is. And that's why he is so hilarious. He says things and does things that none of us would dare. It reminded me of Michael Scott on the TV series The Office. Insane and shameless. And that's why we love (or hate) them.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Laughing & Crying

So I read over half of Diary of a Wimpy Kid during my dinner break the other day, and couldn't help but laugh out loud. While it is a lower reading level, it is hilarious! Anyone in middle school or beyond has to read it.

And in my car, I'm listening to Before I Die. For the last couple of discs, all I can do is cry. I'm not even finished, and find myself bawling at even the shortest drives. I love the accents (it takes place in the UK) and the cultural differences are not often noticeable. There is a lot of sex and love. It is beautiful.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

The end of our world, and the insanity of our (fake) past

On page...

Do you ever read/listen to a book that really gets into your head? I'm listening to Life as We Knew It (Susan Beth Pfeffer). Well, as part of the moon being closer to Earth and the world coming to an end, gas prices skyrocket. Since transportation is difficult and the oil wells are destroyed by tsunamis, volcanoes, and more, gas is difficult to come by. So after listening for a while during a long car ride, I pulled into the gas station to fill up my car. Something about just being there and it being so easy made me feel uneasy. I know I was being crazy, but the feeling was still there.


On screen...

We watched National Treasure 2. It was decent for action, but still as hokey as the first one. And I just have to say that if it were a true story, these historical figures had waaaaaaay too much time on their hands. Treasure hunts, hidden compartments, and secret doorways. Come on now.

I have two more days of class left until I can consider myself to have an M.L.I.S. With interviews and more positions coming open, I am hopeful of finding something in the Cincinnati area. I will be sad to leave my current job, but I feel I have come as far as I can as a Library Assistant here. I'm excited at the prospect of returning home and being near my family again. There is a lot of competition for employment in libraries, so I have spent a great deal of time worrying. I'm doing my best, and hopefully, it will pay off.

After compiling a pretty decent portfolio, I am buffing up my materials for youth services. I have planned a pretty cool preschool storytime (bugs, of course) and brainstormed a good list of future topics. I have an elementary-age program series on weather. I've always been a fan of what I call "2nd grade science"--all the cool stuff without too much detail and jargon. And with classes ending, I might actually get a chance to put a dent in my to-read list. I will feel a lot better once I have a full time job (preferably as a librarian), but for now, things are looking up. My many years of library service are paying off.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Do you ever have those moments where you think "the world is a horrible place"?? I had one of those a few days ago. My current audiobook for my car is Rules of Survival; a wonderful and awful book about child abuse. There is little physical abuse thus far, and shows how a parent can torture her/his own children without (1) the parent realizing how crazy they are and (2) the parent coming in physical contact with the children. Very disturbing. I'm almost finished, so things are better, but it's still a sad tale. So amid listening to this book, I watch the movie An American Crime. I didn't know what to expect, but was blown away. It is about the true story of a girl in Indiana who is left (with her sister) in the hands of a woman who already has more children than she can handle. The girl is eventually thrown into the basement and beaten on a regular basis by the family and neighborhood kids. Some of the details are still fuzzy to me but I really don't want to know.

While these are horrible, horrible stories, the reality of the situations are why these books and movies must exist. Both stories include people that know what are happening but are essentially in denial about how bad it is. No, I'm not saying everyone should jump up and attack parents for a single bad decision. But patterns of behavior need to be addressed. And kids in these situations need to know that there are people to help them. If they tell someone who (unfortunately) doesn't listen, then they need to tell someone else. There is escape. Sometimes they need to be creative, but no one deserves what these kids go through. And they need to know that.

Okay, off my soapbox.

Still preparing for interviews. Still swamped with class projects. Still stressed and loving it.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Bushes and Cook

Okay, so it looks like my having to take one more class isn't so bad. I AM actually learning practical information for a future of librarianship.

In addition to school and work, my personal project has been putting together a portfolio for upcoming interviews. For those who are thinking of making one, definitely do it! I was nervous preparing for interviews. How do I tell them about the work I do? How do I apply what I have done to this new job? I'm also a fairly modest person, so it is hard for me to express what I have done. Not that I think I am the best ever, but I do feel I have made contributions to my libraries. Therefore, the portfolio is ideal. It has helped me remember all of that schoolwork that at the time were just assignments, but now are examples of my capabilities. I have a collection of my contributions, which also show my dedication and abilities. I would recommend that everyone keeps tabs on the work they are doing and hold on to it. It will come in handy.

Laura and Jenna Bush are on Jay Leno as I write this. Political affiliations aside, I do enjoy the fact that people are on Leno talking about the importance of libraries and reading. I'll admit, I tuned in to see David Cook. So to turn the channel and find a discussion on how libraries are growing, evolving, and addressing technology, I was quite excited. And I do know that many people still have an antiquated view of dark buildings with old books. Hopefully, that idea is being discredited as more people realize that the library has something for everyone. Speaking of, Jay mentions books on tape, and the jokes go to how people fall asleep while listening. At least Laura got a comment in there how there "is something to them." So yeah, library discussion on Leno was pretty cool.

Speaking of David Cook... We are Idol fans. The finale wasn't as glamorous as they had been in the past. Maybe Idol Gives Back takes from that. However, I did enjoy it. And I did vote for Cook. I loved the fact that he was a rocker, could sing, and still wasn't too cool to do the stupid stuff Fox has contestants do. He was real but still a natural star. So the finale was this week. We DVR it, since I work Wednesday nights. Because of spending time with friends, work, and class, Dan and I watched it tonight. We did watch most of the performances and none of the commercials. Then, in true Idol style, they make the winning announcement at the last possible minute. So I'm watching, anxious after avoiding the Internet today so I would not know who had one. And Ryan says, with his frequent pauses, "The winner... by 12 million votes... of American Idol 2008 is... David..." Then my DVR prompts that it is the end of the recording. Darn Fox. I laughed, as I had said only moments before "I bet it will cut off right before it's announce." But I had no idea it would cut that close! Dan knew who won, so I found right away, but still!

Enough rambling for one night!

Monday, May 5, 2008

Spring and Spiderwick

Last weekend, I saw signs for yard sales. Forget the groundhog; yard sale signs mean it is spring!

My semester projects were all turned in today, so that means I get a break from now until class next Tuesday. Woohoo.

So I'm listening to the Spiderwick Chronicles. They are wonderful! I am not a big fan of general fantasy. But this is one where everything occurs in our world; we just can't see it. It is like when I was a kid. Maybe I read too much, but I always looked for something more. School, family, friends... everyone experienced that. I wanted something more, something different. For the Grace kids, this happens when they find their great-uncle's Field Guide in a hidden room when they move into his house (he has been missing for decades and his daughter is in a mental hospital). Secret room! That would be cool. A world a fairies, goblins, and griffins that is there, but we just can't see it? That would be cool. I just started Book 5 and can't wait to see the Grace children finish their tale. My only real tiff is that the audiobook was apparently released in two volumes (Books 1&2 and Books 3&4) and now with all 5. So at the beginnings of Books 1, 3, and 5, they had Holly Black's introduction story about how her and Tony DiTerlizzi came across the story of the Grace children. Couldn't they have edited that out for the release of all 5 books? Oh well. That's what fast forward is for! And Mark Hamill is a FANTASTIC narrator. I hate when I arrive somewhere and have to get out of the car, the books are that good. Let's hope the last book and the movie live up to my expectations!

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Sleep and blogging

So my practicum notebook and paper were due today. That means that since I got out of bed yesterday at 7:30am, I have slept only 3 hours. In the end, my binder kicked butt, but it took a lot of time to get that way. Take the fact that it is a lot of work and combine it with my obsessive nature you get a whole mess of prints, re-prints, and trips to different office supply stores. You know, because the Staples by my house did not have the binder or the tabs I wanted. I remember getting the last ones at Office Max, so I drive to my local Office Max. Well, they're closed. So I drive to the other side of the city because it is the only other Office Max I know of. But they have what I want, so it is worth it. Now only a couple weeks and one more 4-week class stand in the way of completing school forever. Or at least for now.

So why a blog? Well, because I can. Do I expect anyone else to read it? No. But I'm okay talking to myself. What will the blog be about? I don't know yet. Just life. Books. My love and lack of craftiness. TV. My job hunt. Whatever. This is just my little corner of the WWW. Nothing fancy.

Okay, back to work.