Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts

Friday, January 3, 2014

2013 Wrap Up Post



I have been setting a reading goal on Goodreads for the past several years of 150. I usually come close but not this year. I ended the year with only 90 books read. I will say while my numbers were down, due to several reading slumps, the majority of my books were 3.5 ratings and above. I was putting a lot of books down and starting new ones instead of forcing myself to read something I wasn't enjoying.

Stats for 2013
First Book Read: The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan
Last Book Read: The Problem Child by Michael Buckley (book)
                           Welcome to the Jungle by Jim Butcher (graphic novel)
Longest Book: Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Here's a list of all my 4.5-5 star reads this year.

The only challenge I've signed up for so far in 2014 is the Goodreads challenge. Signed up for 150 again. Hoping to either finally beat it or get much closer than this year.

Have a Great and Happy Reading Year in 2014!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

**~Merry Christmas~**

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Christmas Hijackers by  briannacherrygarcia


Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!


Hope everyone that celebrates is having a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

by gating

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Off Topic ~ What I'm Watching


I'm still in my mini reading slump. I've managed to read some good books but it is still taking me a long time to read them (weeks rather than days).
The new fall tv shows are not helping so I thought I would share some of my thoughts on what I'm watching. I don't often watch when the shows are actually on but try to get them done within the same week they air.

Sundays: Once Upon a Time ~ This series was really hit or miss for me last season. So far it is looking up. I don't really care for the Pan/Henry story but all the side stories surrounding it are keeping me watching. I like the Regina/ Tinker Bell story and it seems to be going for a straight on collision with Mulan/Robin Hood.
Amazing Race ~ I've been watching but not paying enough attention to have a favorite yet. I find the Afghanimals and the girls they call their wives annoying, which means they will last 'til the end.

Mondays: The Voice ~ I've been listening but don't really start paying attention until all the teams are set and they ditch the back (sob) stories.
Bones ~ Thought the end of the Pelant story was anti-climatic but other than that I'm still watching.
Sleepy Hollow ~ This has been entertaining. I don't worry or even pay attention to whether it is historically accurate.  It's all about the characters/story for me. Really like the Abbie/ Ichabod pairing and the fact that it's not a romance thing.

Tuesdays (or the day that everything seems to be on and the DVR complains):  NCIS/ NCIS LA ~ Didn't think it was possible but I've been more interested in the LA episodes than the regular NCIS.
Part of this is because Ziva was my favorite and I'm still bummed she's gone. The other would be that I've always liked the storyline following Callen's family and this weeks episode is fresh in my head. The one romance that I might actually like is Kensi and Deeks.
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. ~ Still not sure on this one. I like Coulson and Agent May  but kind of on the fence with the rest. This week's episode was my favorite so far and hinted at some back stories that could keep me watching.
FaceOff ~ I came to the conclusion this week that Tate should win this. No matter what problem anyone else is having he always seems to have the answer and helps them if they need it. Other than that it has played out as expected (for me) the vets seem to be running away with the show. There have been some really great pieces done this season (some really bad as well).
plus hubby records Sons of Anarchy

Wednesday: Criminal Minds ~ This season is starting better than all of last season. The first episode was kind of Ick but the second part made up for it. Final Shot (ep 3) has been one of my favorites in a long time. Everything just seemed to work. From the shootings and possible tie ins with JFK anniversary to learning more about how snipers work it just felt like one of the older episodes.

Thursday: I've been watching Project Runway but that ends this week. This show has gone down a lot in recent seasons. The All Star seasons tend to have better/ more experienced designers but no Tim Gunn. No real favorite, they've had their moments of shining and their duds. I never agree with the judges and don't expect this season to be any different once I see the final episode.
I watched the first episode of Once Upon a Time in Wonderland and was underwhelmed. The characters, costumes, and scenery seemed very bland compared to the main show. I may give it a couple more episodes but don't see it lasting at the moment.

That and watching my Tigers' bats turn to ice in the post season has kept me entertained when my books aren't keeping my attention.



Thursday, July 4, 2013

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Summer Vacation

Just stopping in with a quick note. Summer vacation has started and with a little one that means a lot of time spent outdoors. Unfortunately my blog is suffering from it. I'm getting a lot more reading done but not much blogging. I'm hoping to get back into a routine and start posting again in the coming weeks.

It's also a great time for family movies. We're going to see Monster's University today and my son is already excited to see Despicable Me 2.



Have a Great, Safe Summer! Happy Reading!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Early Family Vacation

We had a college graduation to go to this past weekend. Since it was out of state and our son had never been to D.C we decided to take a few extra days and see the sights.

We spent Friday going around to all the different Memorials. There are plenty to see and we all had our favorites. My son's was the MLK memorial, DH's was the FDR, and mine was the WWII (for today, it tends to change).

Saturday was graduation day.
Sunday we went to Arlington Cemetery and then spent the rest of the day at 2 of the Smithsonian Museums.



After a long day driving home and then yesterday catching up on all the house work (still have lots to do) I am hoping to get back to blogging at some point this week, just in time for another holiday weekend.
Have a Safe and Fun Memorial Day!

(we also got a new kitten before we left, meet Sharky)

Friday, April 5, 2013

Coming Soon To...

...A Theater or Shelf Near You


This just looks like a really cute book.

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

Mortal Instruments I know this is supposed to make you want to see the movie but it just makes me want to reread the first book.

The last are just a couple of animated films that I'm looking forward to this year.
 Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2 Despicable Me 2 Love the Minions!

Saturday, January 5, 2013

2012 wrap up ~ 2013 book challenge(s)


I figured I should get one of these done before we got to far into this year.  Here of some figures from 2012...

I set up for 150 books and read 126 (41907 pgs)
first book read: The Good, The Bad,  and The Undead by Kim Harrison
last book read: How Beauty Met the Beast by Jax Garren
longest book: Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey; 1015 pgs
first review: Divergent by Veronica Roth (review)
last review: The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde (review)

2013 Reading Challenges 

I use Goodreads to keep track of my books read for the year (as well as other stats).
I'm going to try for 150 books again this year. I figure if I keep trying I'll eventually make it :)
I haven't really signed up for any others at this time. Might try and find a TBR or clear my shelves type of challenge.
I usually keep up with the Debut authors challenge but with all the drama last yea, even with a new host, I will probably just read the books but not keep track of them.

Happy Reading and Good Luck with all your Goals in 2013!