So Long 2012!

After another year, it is time to say "so long old year" and "hello new year". 

So Long 2012

• Thanks for your fun times at work, with friends and relaxing.
• Thanks for new technology (Kindle, iPhone) and time to enjoy them.
• Thanks for the Nerd Convention - friends, new connections, learning and a time to immerse myself into Classics again.
• Thanks for wonderful family, visits with family, our ability to travel to see them and their ability to visit us.
• Thanks for fun times - my brother's wedding, Thanksgiving and Christmas with family.

Hello 2013

• I am awaiting vacations:  Vegas, Wisconsin/Chicago
• I am awaiting education:  Ultimate Nerd Convention about Peloponesian War
• I am awaiting getting older, but I am not eager for it.
• I am awaiting more fun times with friends.
• I am awaiting more time for relaxing, reading books and watching movies.

I hope you have a wonderful New Year!

Io Saturnalia ~ Saturnalia day 1

Source

Happy first day of Saturnalia!  I plan on posting a more detailed blog later.  Until then, enjoy this guy wearing a pileus (soft felt cap)!

Spider Bones, by Kathy Reichs

This past week I finished another in the Temperance Brennen series.  Spider Bones, by Kathy Reichs, is an interesting tale of stolen identities.  A body is found in Canada whose fingerprints match those of John "Spider" Lowery, a solider who died in the Vietnam War.  Tempe uses her forensic skills (beautifully described in words by the author), as well as some detecting by her Canadian partner Andrew Ryan, to help figure out this "spider" web.

This investigation leads to the exhumation of Spider Lowery's grave in North Carolina, the re-examination of those remains, researching into Spider's past, and uncovering secrets that are painful.

This installment of the Temperance Brennen series is great.  I really enjoy how Kathy Reichs describes the science of the forensic process with beautiful detail and vivid adjectives.  The pace of the story is great and kept me turning each page!  Another great book read!

Productive and Busy Weekend

I got so much done this weekend!  I did a ton of chores (6 loads of laundry, 4 loads of dishes, trash, picking up), baking for the women's event, and some short grocery and other stuff shopping.  I watched some more episodes of Once Upon a Time, Bones, and Community.  I listened to Christmas music.  I attended church and the women's event in the afternoon.  I got in some reading, organizing and planning for work.  I got some sleep and even slept until 9 am on Saturday!  Whew!

It is now time to face a really busy week:  work, finishing chores and deep cleaning, errands and all the rest. 

5QF ~ December 7, 2012

Here is another 5QF from our friends at My Little Life.

1. How many times have you moved and do you have any tips?  If I count moving times after we got married, we have moved 5 times.  My tips are lots of smaller, and less heavy, boxes.  Be sure to label them.  Keep fragile boxes light so when you finally get to the point to load/unload them, you don't drop them!  Also, don't move.  As much as possible, stay put.  But when you do move, get rid of stuff you don't use/want/need anymore!


2. Do you have a budget for the holidays, or just keep sliding the credit card and have a heart attack in Jan?  We plan a budget range.  $-$$ for xx person. 


3. What is the one medical thing you avoid like the plague?  It used to be flu shots.  Then, 2 years ago, I brought home the flu from work and our doctor scolded us and told us to get flu shots.  Then, bang, 2 years of flu shots. 


4. What your least favorite Christmas song?  "Santa Baby" because it just seems not right to me.


5. This Christmas are you spending more, less or about the same? Why?  Probably about the same.  We try to be "fair", but we also try to get things that the people on our list truly want and will enjoy.  Donations to charity are one of our favorite gifts for people we don't know what to get for them.  Then we are helping someone who has a need and not buying random junk people don't need.

206 Bones, by Kathy Reichs

I have been feeling pretty crummy this week, so I have spent plenty of time on the couch reading.  This afternoon I finished 206 Bones, by Kathy Reichs.  This is the twelfth book in the Bones series.

206 Bones finds Tempe in hot water professionally as one of her cases is being questioned.  An annonymous tipster called the authorities and stated that Tempe got it wrong - the wrong ID, the wrong bad guy, the wrong conviction.  Tempe and Detective Ryan must fly to Chicago to meet with a lawyer and the coroner, among others, to defend both the investigation and forensic findings.

Back in Canada, Tempe has a number of cases on her plate including the discovery of miscellaneous bones found after having been submerged for over 40 years and a series of "granny murders" (my term).  There appears to be a serial killer out there who specializes in the murder of old women.  Throughout the investigation they discover that large, unaccounted/unbanked amounts of money were taken from 3 of the women.  The fourth woman just doesn't fit...or does it?

Also at the lab there is a young pathologist who has an interest in archaeology and forensics.  She offers to do lab work for free for the experience.  She always seems to be in the right place at the right time to discover something that turns the case inside out.  Trouble is, she seems to be finding things that Tempe, with all her experience, misses. 

206 Bones is another good entry into the series.  There was less of the dangerous, tense field situations in this book.  I found that I really enjoyed the details of the forensics, the devious and interesting workplace drama and the twists that Kathy Reichs is great at putting into her novels.  As I finished the last chapter, I was still shocked!  A must read for mystery and forensics fans.

The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson & the Olympians #5), by Rick Riordan

This week I finished the final novel in the tale of Percy Jackson.  The Last Olympian follows Percy and his friends in the final days before his 16th birthday - the birthday of the Great Prophecy.  Percy, Annabeth, Grover and all of their friends must save Olympus (found at the top of the Empire State Building) from Kronos.

This fast-paced story follows the demigods during the final week of this epic battle.  They meet Hestia, goddess of the hearth, who was an Olympian until she gave up her place for Dionysus.  There are a lot of action and battle scenes that keep you turning the pages.  There are some surprises as well.  (That's what makes a good book...right?)

Overall, the Percy Jackson series was amazing.  I am glad that a student suggested it and that I have read it.  It is a great blend of my love of Classics, novels and young adult fiction.  I really want to read Rick Riordan's other two series!  They are on my Christmas list, so I haven't started on them yet...

The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #4)

Over the long weekend I was able to finish the fourth Percy  Jackson and the Olympians book.  The Battle of the Labyrinth, by Rick Riordan, opens with Percy in trouble at school....again.  See, the monsters keep seeking out the demigod Percy and trying to destroy him.  This time, they destroyed the gym of the high school that Percy will attend in the fall.  Percy, and a mortal girl named Rachel Elizabeth Dare, were cornered by some pretty serious monsters disguised at school cheerleaders in the band room.  Rachel can see through the Mist and see what is really happening.  She helps Percy escape the clutches of these monsters.  Percy heads off to camp as he flees the authorities, and the monsters, in the hopes that he does not get into more trouble in the mortal world.

At camp things are going pretty well.  Percy's friends are all there - Grover the satyr, Annabeth daughter of Athena, Tyson the cyclopes (and Percy's half brother).  All is going well...until it is discovered that Luke - former counselor, half-blood and brainwashed into helping Kronos - and his crew have found a secret way into camp.  There is an entrance to the mythical Labyrinth - created by Daedalus - on the grounds of the camp.  If Luke can get into the camp, he can destroy everything including the demigods, and help Kronos become victorious.

The only way to stop Luke is to enter the Labyrinth and attempt to get Daedalus to agree to help the demigods (and the Olympians) and not Luke and Kronos.  The maze is tricky and takes them all over the country.  The group winds up in many places such as Mount Tam in California, Garden of the Gods in Colorado and everywhere in between.  They must face many battles and it seems they will not be able to stop Luke without some strange help.  Rachel Elizabeth Dare can see through the Mist and must help Percy and his friends find Daedalus. 

The Battle of the Labyrinth is a page-turner for sure.  I closed it and started the next book right away.  This is a really good series and I want to reach the end, but I am afraid it will be bittersweet.  Another great book!

Busy Holiday Weekend ~ Thanksgiving

In the last 4 days we have driven to another state and back, completed most of our Christmas shopping, ate good food many times, did normal weekend chores and helped to decorate our church for Advent.  Whew!

Wednesday we left to travel to visit family for Thanksgiving.  I got off work earlier than I expected, so we were able to make it before dark!  We took a trip to the cell phone store and I am now a member of the "smart phone community".  I am glad that I finally got a smart phone and that it is one that I will enjoy and has just the right number of bells and whistles for me!  We then went out to Chili's with my parents.

Thursday morning we visited my in-laws - mother-in-law, father-in-law and grandma-in-law.  We had a nice brunch, sat around and visited, looked at old pictures and had a good time.  It went too quickly though.  Then we returned to my parents house for Thanksgiving dinner.  We got to see my brother, sister-in-law, nieces, grandma and parents.  There were also 4 dogs running around and being crazy.  I think the family dog meet-up went well....they were all tired at night.  Thursday evening we went out and did a bit of the doorbuster/Black Friday shopping.  We got some really good deals on a few things and helped out my brother a bit in the process.

Friday morning I got up and did some more shopping - mostly clothes.  We visited for a little bit more, stopped by the in-laws one more time, then headed back home.  We were so exhausted but had a good visit.

Saturday was a lazy day - unpacked, did dishes, showered, finished a book (review to come), watched TV and napped.  I definitely needed the recovery day!

Today was church in the morning, visiting with friends at church & decorating the church for Advent.  Another season of waiting is upon us.  We just got home from grocery shopping.  While putting away groceries, we knocked hands and dropped the eggs.  They all broke on the floor.  We were thankful the Pup was still in her room and got it all cleaned up before she could come and "help" us!  A sick puppy would not have been fun. 

What is up for this evening?  Laundry, prep for the week and relaxing.  I am glad that we had a wonderful Thanksgiving and beginning to the Advent season - also that I am not on crutches this year for Advent!

The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book 3), by Rick Riordan

Another week has gone by and I finished the 3rd book in the Percy Jackson series.  I am so eager to open up the next book that it is taking me a while to close the next book and blog the one I just finished!

The Titan's Curse, by Rick Riordan, opens with Percy, Annabeth and Grover finding two new half-bloods.  Nico and Bianca di Angelo are brother and sister who are at a boarding school in Maine.  Percy and the gang must get these two new half-bloods to Camp Half-Blood before the crazy monster (posing as the dean of the school) can get to them.

When everyone returns to camp, they discover that the goddess Artemis has been kidnapped!  (Is it goddess-napped though?)  They must embark on a quest to save the goddess Artemis, Annabeth (who has also been snatched), discover the identity of Nico and Bianca's Olympian parent, and, of course, save Western Civilization.  Their quest takes them across the country to San Francisco and the Bay Area.

This is another great book.  Rick Riordan builds each book in the series upon the previous.  If you picked up book 3 first, you would be able to know what is going on.  However, having read the previous books you know so much more.  I am really, really enjoying this series!  I get to enjoy great fiction, Greek/Roman mythology, mystery and the quick pace of young adult writing all in one series.  I highly recommend them!

5QF ~ November 16, 2012

I am SO glad that today is Friday.  It has been a long week.  There is a bunch we need to get done this weekend, but hopefully we can still rest in the meantime.

1} What snack/drinks do you eat at the movies?   I almost always get popcorn and a Sprite.  Sometimes I throw some M&Ms (plain) into the mix.

2} What's one food you refuse to ever try?   Liver and sushi

3} What's your favorite nail polish color?   Right now I am digging on both a light purple and a dark purple.  Time to re-paint those nails this weekend though too!  

4} What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?  Getting up early on Black Friday, hitting the Starbucks and then shopping in the madness that opens the Christmas prep season!

5} What are your least favorite words in the English language?  The word "retarded" really bugs me.  

Our Pup Sleeps in the Strangest Places

The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2), by Rick Riordan

What kind of books does a nerdy Classicist, who works at a middle school and enjoys mystery and suspense read?  Why, the Percy Jackson series!  This week I finished book 2 in the series:  The Sea of Monsters, by Rick Riordan.

Riordan's second novel in the series finds Percy attempting to save his friend Grover, the satyr, from the clutches of the evil cyclopes Polyphemus.  Grover had ventured out into the world to try and find Pan - the patron god of satyrs.  While following the scent (because Pan apparently smells good to satyrs), Grover falls into the hands of Polyphemus.

Grover contacts Percy through an empathy-link to ask for help.  Percy and his friend Annabeth, along with Percy's new-found friend/half-brother Tyson, head off on a quest to save Grover.  During the quest Percy learns to truly love his newly revealed brother Tyson - who happens to be a cyclopes himself.  He also begins to develop his powers of harnessing the sea/rivers to help him in his quests. 

Percy, Annabeth and Tyson must travel through the Sea of Monsters - previously the sea that Jason, Odysseus and other heroes traveled, now located in the Bermuda Triangle - in order to find Polyphemus' island.  Polyphemus is the giant cyclopes that Homer describes being tricked by Odysseus in The Odyssey.  In fact, much of this quest mirrors Odysseus' journey.

Along the way our heroes learn that Luke - half-blood and former friend to the heroes - is working for Kronos and attempting to help him return to power.

The Sea of Monsters is another great book in the series.  I closed the book and started book 3 right away on Wednesday.  It is another good one!  I'll blog it when I am done.

5QF ~ November 2, 2012

Happy Friday!!!

1. What terrifies you the most?  Tornadoes.  They feel uncontrollable and there is nothing I can do to ensure that they do not happen to me and/or destroy my home, family, etc.

2. Favorite fall/winter drink?  Hot cocoa with whipped cream (aka Hot cocoa with Oh My!)

3. Do you and your spouse have the same political views?   Similar.  I used to be very vocal about my political opinions/views.  In recent years, I have decided that being so vocal only makes other people feel bad/angry and then I feel bad/angry and it is not productive at all!

4. What was the last book you read? Was it any good? The Lightning Thief - Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1.  Super good.


5. Do you look forward to the snow each winter? Why or why not?  If it snowed one time, a whole bunch, and I didn't have to leave the house for a few days and then it was done snowing, I would be okay.  But this snow and be freezing and cold winds and never be sunny business is NOT for me!

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1), by Rick Riordan

So here it is, the long-awaited (to me) review of my most recent read!  The Lightning Thief - Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1, by Rick Riordan, was an amazing read.  This is the tale of Percy Jackson, a demigod in modern America. 

Percy Jackson is a 6th grader who has been kicked out of every school he has been in.  It seems that Percy is always getting into trouble.  However, while at Yancey Academy, the worst scenario happens - he is attacked during a field trip by his . . . MATH TEACHER!

It turns out that young Percy is the son of a mortal woman (his mother) and Poseidon, the sea god.  Percy spends his summer at a camp for demi-god children.  Trouble is still attracted to Percy.  He is sent on a quest with his friends Annabeth and Grover - to retrieve Zeus' stolen master thunderbolt.

This trio of teens face many interesting obstacles on their quest.  The gods of ancient Greece - the Olympians - are alive and well in modern America.  Percy learns who his true friends and supporters are.  He also discovers that some people he thought were allies are actually enemies.

I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to start the second in the series.  Keep looking for the next installment in the Percy Jackson series!

All Saint's Day

In our Lutheran tradition, we often remember those who have died, as well as all the living, as saints.  This year I especially remember:
my grandma
my aunt
my brother's friend
all who have donated organs or tissues upon death
those who have touched my life
those who bring a smile to my face
and
those I love.

We are all saints, sharing our love, humor, comfort and smiles.

Happy All Saint's Day!

I haven't been around the blog much this month.  It has been a busy month so far.  We closed the first quarter of our school year last week.  There were some "aahhh" moments for students and some "aahhh" moments for the staff.  We are on to the second quarter and things are humming along.  I can not believe it is already second quarter!

This month I helped to chaperone a student council/FBLA field trip to a corn maze.  It was a lot of fun.  The group of kids we took were well behaved, cleaned up our area nicely and were polite and interested in what the people who run the corn maze had said.  I got to go through the maze a few times - both the short and the long sides before dark and the short side again just at sundown.  It was quite fun.

I have been continuing to walk daily.  My good friend at work, "Coach", makes me walk every morning with her.  We usually get in 40 min or so each day before we start working.  We are also doing pretty good at taking Miss Pup for a trip every day.

In my free-time (haha, like I actually have free time) I am continuing the eternal cycle of Bones.  I finished season 3 again yesterday and am on to season 4 (again).  I started reading one book, but then took a pause from it this past week.  I'm reading a good book - so hard to put down - that one of our students is reading for book report.  I can't wait to "review" it for you.

Well, tonight holds more reading, organizing and planning for work, hanging out with my pup and probably at least 1 Bones episode!  Tata for now!!!

5QF ~ October 19, 2012

Welcome, once again, to 5QF...posted a little late today, but still posted!

1. Where do you hide junk when people come over?  Our room.  However, that falls apart when a person under 3 feet tall needs a quiet room to nap.  Then, company sees your messy room.

2. Do political ads help you decide who you are going to vote for?  No and yes.  I wish that politicians/advocacy groups were only allowed to make positive ads.  However, the super negative, smear ads make me not want to vote for someone.

3. What's your favorite holiday party to host?  We don't really host "parties", but I like when family comes for Christmas or Thanksgiving.  Blending many different family traditions is difficult but fun.

4. You go to an island with your husband and can only take one personal item. What is it?  Kindle...with wi-fi access.  Never will be bored with plenty of books to read.

5. If you found out your spouse was a Dexter style serial killer (only kills people to save others) would you rat?  Probably.  However, I watch enough Bones to be able to help keep law enforcement for discovering us him for a bit.

Welcome Back Wind!

Today is the first day I can say that the wind is back for the fall.  Today's weather forecast called for "increasing wind", and we sure got it.  We all had hair flying everywhere during outside recess time.  I was concerned that the gusts might blow some of the smaller students over - a big one almost knocked me over!

The recorded winds are only in the teens with gusts up to 38 mph, so I know that it will get much worse in time.  In the mean time, the wind is helping the trees be rid of their fall leaves and sending the entire neighborhood's leaves to my yard.

Happy Fall!

Wordless Wednesday - Vote!

Quick Update

As we have already started another busy week, I thought I would take a moment to record and share some of my observations and plans.

It is another busy week at work.  Our quarter ends next Friday, so students are finally becoming aware that they have a limited amount of time to get their grades where they want them to be.  It also means that there are a number of assessments (quizzes, essays) and projects due.  Once those assessments and projects are graded, we will have to get copies of the pertinent items for students' files.

My after school group (mostly 6th graders) are really starting to feel the end of quarter stress.  They are still really fun and energetic.  I had one student ask me last night if I could host the program until 7pm instead of 5pm.  Do they know how tired I get with them for just 1 1/2 hours?

Fall weather is crazy.  We had snow on Saturday morning and Monday it got up to the 60s.  We are looking at mid-50s today and then 70s Wednesday. 

That's about it for now....I am sure there is more to come.

Snowy Saturday

This was awaiting us this morning.

5QF ~ October 5, 2012

Woke up today to some snow flurries and a light dusting.  Weather sure is crazy in the fall!  Anyway, here is this weeks 5QF!

1. What album/cd/download are you embarrassed to admit you have?  I have a bunch of goofy 90s music on my iPod.  For example, Mambo No. 5, Blue (Da Bo Di), Ice Ice Baby, Hey Ya....and on and on. 

2. What's the one thing your spouse does better than you?  Many things, but the biggest is cooking dinner.  I don't like to do it and he does it without complaining most of the time.

3. When do you start buying Halloween Candy?  When it comes out!  Especially Reese's Pumpkins.  You see, there have been no special Reese's since Easter...so by the time the Pumpkins come out my hoarding and eating instincts kick in and I am ready to snag them all!

4. What is the best fall activity?  I love to take walks and enjoy the changing of the leaves.  I'll even crunch some leaves under my feet.  Nice.

5. Which home/cleaning chore do you hate the most? Why?  Taking out the trash and/or cleaning the toilet.  Yup - such a girl!

Fall's Arrival!

Well folks, after complaining that our summer heat has lasted too long, today fall has officially arrived (in my opinion at least).  Today was the first day to really wear a sweater and jeans (a fall staple) and the wind has a bit of a nip to it.

The weather forecast is predicting snow for tomorrow - probably only light showers though.  I know that in about 3 or 4 weeks I will start complaining that I hate winter and snow and cold.  But for now I will continue to enjoy my fall weather!

Devil Bones, by Kathy Reichs

I finished reading yet another book over the weekend.  Devil Bones, by Kathy Reichs, is another installment of the Bones/Temperence Brennen series.  

The plot finds Tempe investigating two crime scenes that appear to have artifacts suggesting worship by fringe religious groups.  At one location, in the basement of a recently purchased home, Tempe and the police discover cauldrons filled with soil, animal bones, a picture of a young girl and human bones.  The location is set up like a sacred or religious space for someone who practices santeria.  

Shortly after the investigation of this location begins, Tempe is called to a body dump along a marshy river/lake.  The body discovered is marked with symbols of demonic worship.  This case is just as baffling as the first one for Tempe.

The police work leads Tempe, Detective "Skinny" Slidel and Detective Rinaldi into the world of the varied fringe religions - Wicca, santeria, Satanism, etc - and throughout the area surrounding Charlotte.  In the course of the investigation, someone gets killed, someone else must decipher the notes and discover what the person had learned - information that got him killed.

This was another great installment in the Temperence Brennan series.  It is great to see an objective and kind look into religious traditions that are unfamiliar to our traditionally Judeo-Christian society. 

Shirt Off Your Back 5K!

Today I participated in a 5K Run/Walk here in town.  This is the first 5K I have participated in in quite a while.  The proceeds from the race benefit a wing at Children's Hospital in Aurora - this will provide gifts for families at the hospital at Christmas as well as help aide the hospital in providing things such as new video game controllers for the patients and their families.

I finished the race in 53:40!  I was hoping for under 1 hour, and I made it.  Woohoo!!!!  Here are some photos from a great morning.

With my number ~ 143

Starting the race...

Crossing the finish line!

Awesome sign that greeted us about 2/3 of the way through the race - created by my supportive and loving husband!

Race bib with date and finish time

5QF ~ September 28, 2012

I am off to a field trip today to learn about the prairie eco-system.  You are about to read another edition of Five Question Friday.  All in all, I would say we should have a great day!!

1. Do you prefer to drive to your vacation spot or fly?  Can teleporting be an option?  I would totally teleport.  
I prefer to drive if I don't have to be in the car for more than 5 or 6 hours (and if it is more than 3 I need a stop and potty break).  Driving you get to take more stuff and have more control on your arrival and departure. 
If I am going farther away I will fly.  However, flying also has a bunch of hassles and always seems like a good idea until you are at the airport 2 hours before your flight just sitting around thinking about how much closer you would be if you had just driven.  Blah.

2. If you could live any where in the world, where would you go and why?   Italy.  Rome specifically, but I would want to be able to go to various archaeological and historical sites often.  Why?  Because I am a big, old Classics nerd.  That is why.

3. Should grown women wear leggings?  No.  We are grown, we should wear pants.  I actually don't think leggings look good on anyone. 

4. If you could change your name to any other name, would you? And what would it be?  Well, I changed my last named when I got married.  As a kid/teen I always wanted to be named Amy Elizabeth.  Now, the names that I like I am saving for when we have kids.  For now, I rock my teacher name quite often.

5. What magazines to you have subscriptions to?  Entertainment Weekly.  I like to read about the TV shows, movies and books.  I have also gotten a few good music recommendations too. 

More Random Thoughts

I guess this is the time of year for posts with random thoughts.  Here is what is percolating in my mind tonight.

• Watched yesterday's Bones tonight.  Don't want to post any spoilers, but I enjoyed it.
• It poured rain this afternoon.  I love the smell of asphalt during a rain storm and the sound of the rain drops hitting the roof.  Unfortunately, Pup very much dislikes those things.
• Fall colds/allergies stink.  I am tired of congestion.  Boo.
• Reading books for pleasure takes much longer during the school year.
• I really need to get back into the workout/eat right habit.   

The Scorch Trials, by James Dashner

On Saturday I finished reading the second book in the Maze Runner series.  The Scorch Trials, by James Dashner, picks up right where the epilogue of the first book ends.  Thomas and his fellow Gladers are told by WICKED (the crazy intergovernmental agency that is behind the trials) that they have been infected with the Flare - a deadly virus that makes its victims go crazy and begin to cannibalize each other before the painful death.  The Gladers also find out that there is a "Group B" made up of girls.  The Gladers and Group B are "competing" to reach the Cure.

The Gladers find themselves in a place called the Scorch.  Here it is completely desert with fierce lightning storms and dry, dusty ground.  In the middle of the Scorch there is a city filled with Cranks (people infected with the Flare).  Most of the Cranks are crazy.

Thomas and his friends must fight their way through the city, against enemies both known and unknown, and make it to the Safe Haven over 100 miles away.  Can Thomas and his friends survive the Scorch?  Will they reach the Safe Haven and be given the Cure?

There are the twists and turns that make any novel great.  I found myself alternating between really liking and really hating some of the characters.  The novel definitely played with my mind and I am not sure what is "real" and what is a lie told to the characters by WICKED.  

Book 3 is on my list to read!

Gospel of Jesus' Wife....the story moves fast

I mentioned in a post last week that I wanted to look into the archaeological story that was coming out called the "Gospel of Jesus' Wife".  The story has moved quite quickly.  After much scholarly criticism (both in print and in the blogosphere), it appears that this papyrus fragment that refers to Jesus' wife is a hoax.  

I haven't had time to wade through all the information, but Mark Goodacre's NT Blog has been following the developments.  I feel that Dr. Goodacre does a good job gathering the multitude of sources and then providing his opinion.  There are a few other of the blogs that I follow that have summarized the information too.  I haven't really had the time to wade through all of this.  We will see if I feel like I have an opinion after I have become familiar with the information, opinions and evidence available.

5QF ~ September 21, 2012

1. What is one grammar issue you cannot let go without correction?  
I have given up on correcting it online, but when people use there/their/they're or your/you're or to/two/too incorrectly it makes me crazy!

2. What's your favorite thing about fall?   
Sweaters and jeans

3. What's your favorite dish to take to a potluck?  
Dessert.  However, that may be because I like to bake a lot more than I like to cook!

4. When do you start Christmas (Holiday) shopping?   
Around Thanksgiving.

5. Did you move homes a lot growing up?  
Moves I remember:  TX to CO before my 4th grade year, one house to the other house when I was 15.  We moved a few times before I was old enough to remember.

Long Days and Random Thoughts

This week has been filled with long days!  Here is a random list of things on my mind.

• Why would they schedule our CPR class during a testing week?  I know it is so the CPR classes are consistent, etc., but I am tired and today hasn't even started!
• I bought 2 new songs on my iPod last night...I am excited about them!
• I wish I had time just to curl up and read.
• At least tomorrow is Friday.
• We are in the long haul until Thanksgiving - no days off and full weeks and weekends.
• I really want to look more into Gospel of Jesus' Wife.  The link is to Mark Goodacre's "round-up" blog.  Guess this will wait until the weekend.

That is all...have a great day!

September Photo-a-Day, Part 3

(15) First Thing You See, (16) Strange, (17) In My Fridge, (18) Price

September Photo-a-Day - 2nd Installment

(7) Natural, (8) At Night, (9) Something You Do Most Weekends, (10) Black + White

(11) Hero, (12) Together, (13) Table, (14) Favorite

5QF ~ September 14, 2012

Welcome to another (busy) edition of 5 Question Friday!  
***Warning:  Question #2 may gross you out!***

1. How long did it take for you to find your wedding dress? It took 2 visits to the bridal shop.  My mom and I went first and tried on about a million dresses.  I narrowed them down to a short list of three.  Before I went back with a whole crowd, I was having lunch with a friend and found out she was going to be wearing one of my choices to her wedding the same summer.  So, that one was out....I didn't want to steal her thunder.

Fast-forward to visit #2 - I tried on the three short-list dresses (knowing one was already nixed).  I knew I had the right dress when I saw the look on my Dad's face when I was trying the winning dress on!

2. Someone in your general vicinity releases a NASTY smelling fart. Do you say anything or blow it off?  It depends on where I am and who I am with.  For the most part though, the nasty farts in our house are the pup's...so it is a safe bet to blame her!

3. What is the scariest thing that happened to you or scared you recently? Driving through the neighborhood (we have many, many streets that have no stop signs either direction) I came to a corner that had a huge bush.  I slowed and looked both ways twice before I proceeded through the intersection.  I started to push on the gas pedal and see a car flying through the intersection the other way out of the corner of my eye.  I was safe and sound - no impact - but I was pretty scared!

4. Favorite brand and flavor of ice cream.   Favorite favorite is Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey.

5. Are you able to sleep well in hotels?   I always wish I could sleep well in a hotel, but I don't.  Something about the noises of a bunch of people that always keeps me awake!

The Maze Runner, by James Dashner

Loyal blog readers,

You must run, not walk, to your nearest library/bookstore/e-reader site to get this next book I am reviewing!  I am not joking.  Go.  Now.  
...
Oh, you want more information?  Okay.

I just finished The Maze Runner, by James Dashner.  This is a "young adult" novel that was recommended to me by one of our new English teachers at the middle school.  Also, my Kindle thought I might like it and gave me the ad for it - so it was in my mind anyway.

I started this novel and it was super difficult to put down.  If I had to say what it is like, I would say a cross between (get ready for this) Hunger Games/1984/Brave New World/Lord of the Flies.  

The book focuses on a teenaged kid who wakes up in an elevator and he has no memories.  He knows things, but he can not connect any memories to distinct events or people or places.  He is deposited into a strange place filled with other teenage boys.  The Glade has stone floors, a pieced together house, a farm, barn, tool shed, kitchen and strange giant walls surrounding it.

Thomas is introduced to the Glade and quickly learns how things are there.  The walls open in the morning and close at night.  Outside of the walls is a Maze.  The boys all work in the Glade in order to keep a functioning society.  A new boy is brought up the Box (the elevator) every month.  Some boys die, but they survive because of order.

Thomas learns about the various jobs as well as about what the boys call the Creators.  The Creators put the boys in this place and the boys feel like there is a reason they put them there, but they can not reach in their minds those memories.  

The story takes off from there with vivid imagery and lots of action.  Of course, in good novel fashion, the chapters all end in cliff hangers.  There are also about a million twists in the tale, including the addition of the first (and only) girl to the Glade.

Can the boys (and girl) figure out how to "beat" the Maze and escape the Glade?  Who lives and who dies?  The author does a great job at answering these questions by letting you know the least amount possible and then throwing a wrench into the plans.  The Maze Runner was so good, I immediately went online and got the second book in the series and started reading.  

Happy reading!

Fall...

Just a quick note about the beginnings of Fall.  Today was the first real fall weather day.  Overcast and cloudy, cooler and sporadic sprinkles.  I wore a sweater for the first time this school year.  I even kept it on for about half of the day!

This school year is off and running.  Things are busy, happy and fulfilling.  I am learning the quirks and behaviors of a whole new group of kids and I must admit that I get a bit overwhelmed at times.  I forgot how much time and effort it takes to transition with a new group - especially after a summer off for all of us!

Things are quite busy and I haven't had a ton of time to post.  But be looking for a long book review post (coming on Thursday) and September Photo a Day collages (hopefully in the next few days).

Corgi Races 2012

Yesterday was spent at another annual Corgi Classic to benefit our local rescue.  We went and had a fun, but exhausting time.

After arriving, checking in our racer and checking out the silent auction, we ate a hot dog lunch and waited for the festivities to begin.  The costume contest/parade was good.  There were Ketchup and Mustard (our groomer's corgis), Romeo, Cleopatra and a silly clown doxie.  There are some funny pups.

Next up was the "rescued" parade and the parade of racers.  Daisy girl was able to go around the ring and tell the people that she was adopted by us.  She sure is a happy girl.  Daisy and I got a special prize because she was the first corgi registered.  Daisy got a new squeaker (she hasn't been given it yet) and I got a window sticker for the car that says "Corgi Mom". 

While we waited on our division, we got to visit with some other corgi pups and their parents.  Daisy made friends with Mickie and Andee.  Daisy took 2nd in our heat so went on to the finals in our division.  However, she got a bit freaked out when I put on the bandana for the finals.  By the time the race came, I she was a bit confused and came in at the end (5th or 6th) in her finals.  I am going to blame that on her freak out.

Daisy had a great time smelling everything, peeing and pooping inside and barking and trying to chase other dogs' squeakers.  We had a wonderful day supporting our rescue!

September Photo a Day - Part 1

I have decided to do a "photo a day" challenge for September.  I am also learning how to use some new photo tools!  These are the first 6 days of September in my first attempt at a collage.  I am excited that this may be a new way for me to share my life with you guys!

(1) You Now, (2) Father, (3) Far Away, (4) In My Mailbox, (5) Bright, (6) Every Day

Daisy is now 5!

I am a little behind in my blogging with school starting and all.  Hopefully I will catch up soon!

We celebrated Daisy's 5th birthday this past Labor Day.  Our little princess had a good day with both her Mom and her Dad home with her all day, no morning nap, getting a new Bobo and getting a long leash at the park!  We didn't make her pose in a birthday hat this year since she hates hats, but here are some photo highlights of the day.

I love my new Bobo!

::derp::  The park is fun!

Something over there is interesting....

Such a happy girl

Thanks for the great birthday!

Chasing Mona Lisa, by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey

Last night I stayed up a little too late (::yawn::) finishing my latest Kindle read.  Chasing Mona Lisa, by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey, is the story of how a group of young people attempted to secure the Mona Lisa for France in 1944.

Before World War II starts, Collette and her colleagues at the Louvre hide the Mona Lisa from the German soldiers.  There are many attempts to take and hide France's great artistic treasures.  

Liberation arrives and Parisians are celebrating.  During the celebration Collette, her French boyfriend Bernard, and two Swiss special operatives, Gabi and Eric, learn that a German general has plans to steal the Mona Lisa.  They must go on a journey to locate the Mona Lisa and bring her back to Paris.  They encounter German henchmen and various people attempting to thwart their actions along the way.

There are many twists and turns, especially in regards to the characters' motivations and allegiances.  As a reader, I was surprised to the last page.

The book was difficult for me to get into.  I struggled because I am not strong on European politics and history at the end of WWII.  The second half of the book definitely went much faster as I got into the story of the chase.

5QF ~ August 31, 2012

We have a ton of smoke settled into town from the fires in Nebraska.  I hope that all the firefighters and the people out there stay safe.  

As for me, it has been an awesome first week of school.  I am exhausted, however, so you get a Five Question Friday post today.

1. What do you enjoy doing the most with your spouse?  
I love it when we can laugh.  He can totally imitate our pup snoofing things and crack me up.  Laughter is good.

2. How do you eat your taco? From the top or from the side?  
From the side.  I didn't know there was a "from the top" choice.  I read the first half of this question and anticipated the second half to say "from the side or from the other side".  Guess I am tired.

3. Have you ever shut off the basement light and ran like a fool because you knew someone was down there and would get you?  
I hate the dark and am not fond of people jumping out from the dark/behind corners/where I don't expect them and scaring me.  Usually I will have many/all the lights on in the house.

4. If you could change one thing about you what would it be and why?  
I want fuller and thicker hair.  Not too much (a la Brave), but enough to be able to buy cool hair stuff at the store and have it stay in.

5. What age do you think is appropriate to have the "bird and the bees" talk with your children?  
No kids, but this is my opinion.  "Appropriate Truths".  We have a friend with a young one who discussed this in a different context, but I think it applies here as well.  Kids need to be aware of things, especially as they and their peers are entering puberty.  But I believe it needs to be an ongoing discussion and the answers the adults give the students should be age/maturity level-appropriate.
 For example, a 7 year old girl doesn't need to to know the details of "the birds and the bees" that a 17 year old girl does.