Friday, January 3, 2014
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
New Year,New Question
Salaam Alaikum and Hello,
So 2013 is gone. How did my year end and how did 2014 begin?
My new year's eve was horrible, but not as bad as Lauren Destefano's. She rung in the new year as a popsicle. She tweeted that her heat went out in the wee hours of the morning. She waited for the repairman all day only to find out that the repair company lost her order. By the time I hit the sheets at 8 pm- yes, 8 pm- it was 30F in her house. She was frozen and almost in tears. I hope she found warmth somewhere else.
My evening drove me to the sheets. First, I drove 45 minutes only to find my B&N had closed at 6:30. On the way back home I ordered hot wings from my fave wing place in an effort to cheer myself up. The girl forgot parts of my order, and my husband forgot to check all was in order before leaving the counter. So when I got home I had wings and homemade chips but no Blue Cheese or Ranch. There are so few things I am adamant about. But if I am paying you,I expect you to give me what I payed for. And no I couldn't just go back. The restaurant is 30 minutes from my home. So after eating, I go in search of the flossers in the bathroom. When eating wings toothpicks don't cut it. I have tight teeth and flossing is the only way. They're not there. I look everywhere- where the bag of flossers could be and a few places where they couldn't. I do have kids who put things in the craziest of places. I finally ask my husband only to find out that he'd dropped the whole lot into the toilet. Mental notes:(1) Raid dentist's old- fashioned floss stash. (2) Keep an emergency stash of floss in my bedside table.
So there they are- my three strikes. No sweetness in between strikes either. It was a 1-2-3 punch that just felt all wrong considering my day had been going along so unremarkable. So after saying a little prayer for Lauren, I turn in.Maybe January first will be better. Man was I wrong.
I woke up to the sad realization that last night had actually happened. And after 15 hours of somewhat uninterrupted sleep, (I woke up for Fajr and to feed Ibrahim breakfast. The kids slept), I am still exhausted. (Big shout out to winter break and PMS.) Ibrahim wakes up WELL rested and bouncing with joy. The kids wake up ravenous, and I can't feed them fast enough. My son is content with his massive bowl of cinnamon flavored cereal. My daughter pushes away the cereal, and begs for waffles and ice cold milk. Fine. Out of the freezer comes the waffles, into the freezer goes the milk. So far an ordinary morning washes away a disappointing evening.
My husband, feeling bad about the sad turn of events last night, calls to say he'll duck out early and we'll do what we had planned to do yesterday- B&N ,coffee and sandwiches ,reading, all that jazz. Oh the joys of owning one's own business. Sounds delightful. Wait. Are those screeching breaks I hear getting closer?? Yep. My son, true to his procrastinator form, says he needs to do homework. He could bring his work to do at B&N you suggest? NO. The last time I allowed that he forgot the materials necessary for two of the four assignments. And that was just the last incident. Whenever he does his homework somewhere other than home he can't finish it. He does his homework at home where there is everything he needs except excuses. Ten days of no school and he doesn't do a thing? Just when I felt our last sit down with him had finally worked, I realize I am going to have to return to my life as a barnacle on his back. I call to cancel with my husband, and sit down to write this blog post with a bag of Hershey's kisses.
And here you find me dear reader. My laptop in my lap and a considerably lighter Hershey bag by my side. My son having finished his homework, sadly finds himself on KP (kitchen patrol). It's dark outside. The sun having set on my day if discontent. I don't know if it's PMS, or if I have a valid reason for being so upset. Is it possible to ask for something and have it come off with out a hitch? To have it come off period? It seems like more and more personal things happen in my life as a result of a glitch. I am in no way implying that I wish I did not have children or that I was not married. I do know that family life is hectic and trying,but also beautiful and satisfying. But, is it selfish to want something that is personally gratifying to happen without a problem? Is it bad to be sore at the fact that while I make efforts for other peoples personal wants, mine hit snags and brick walls? Do the snags happen because no one cares or because that is just the way things are? I can't make heads or tales of it when I can't get to a bookstore for the past two days for coffee, a sandwich, and a book. It would seem as if every time I want to do something for myself I am asking to win the lottery.
So. Is is bad to want something that is personally gratifying to happen without a problem? To say, " I want to do,or I want to accomplish ...." and it occur without running into any bumps? Especially if it is a simple thing. Weigh in guys. Let me know if I'm over reacting.
So 2013 is gone. How did my year end and how did 2014 begin?
My new year's eve was horrible, but not as bad as Lauren Destefano's. She rung in the new year as a popsicle. She tweeted that her heat went out in the wee hours of the morning. She waited for the repairman all day only to find out that the repair company lost her order. By the time I hit the sheets at 8 pm- yes, 8 pm- it was 30F in her house. She was frozen and almost in tears. I hope she found warmth somewhere else.
My evening drove me to the sheets. First, I drove 45 minutes only to find my B&N had closed at 6:30. On the way back home I ordered hot wings from my fave wing place in an effort to cheer myself up. The girl forgot parts of my order, and my husband forgot to check all was in order before leaving the counter. So when I got home I had wings and homemade chips but no Blue Cheese or Ranch. There are so few things I am adamant about. But if I am paying you,I expect you to give me what I payed for. And no I couldn't just go back. The restaurant is 30 minutes from my home. So after eating, I go in search of the flossers in the bathroom. When eating wings toothpicks don't cut it. I have tight teeth and flossing is the only way. They're not there. I look everywhere- where the bag of flossers could be and a few places where they couldn't. I do have kids who put things in the craziest of places. I finally ask my husband only to find out that he'd dropped the whole lot into the toilet. Mental notes:(1) Raid dentist's old- fashioned floss stash. (2) Keep an emergency stash of floss in my bedside table.
So there they are- my three strikes. No sweetness in between strikes either. It was a 1-2-3 punch that just felt all wrong considering my day had been going along so unremarkable. So after saying a little prayer for Lauren, I turn in.Maybe January first will be better. Man was I wrong.
I woke up to the sad realization that last night had actually happened. And after 15 hours of somewhat uninterrupted sleep, (I woke up for Fajr and to feed Ibrahim breakfast. The kids slept), I am still exhausted. (Big shout out to winter break and PMS.) Ibrahim wakes up WELL rested and bouncing with joy. The kids wake up ravenous, and I can't feed them fast enough. My son is content with his massive bowl of cinnamon flavored cereal. My daughter pushes away the cereal, and begs for waffles and ice cold milk. Fine. Out of the freezer comes the waffles, into the freezer goes the milk. So far an ordinary morning washes away a disappointing evening.
My husband, feeling bad about the sad turn of events last night, calls to say he'll duck out early and we'll do what we had planned to do yesterday- B&N ,coffee and sandwiches ,reading, all that jazz. Oh the joys of owning one's own business. Sounds delightful. Wait. Are those screeching breaks I hear getting closer?? Yep. My son, true to his procrastinator form, says he needs to do homework. He could bring his work to do at B&N you suggest? NO. The last time I allowed that he forgot the materials necessary for two of the four assignments. And that was just the last incident. Whenever he does his homework somewhere other than home he can't finish it. He does his homework at home where there is everything he needs except excuses. Ten days of no school and he doesn't do a thing? Just when I felt our last sit down with him had finally worked, I realize I am going to have to return to my life as a barnacle on his back. I call to cancel with my husband, and sit down to write this blog post with a bag of Hershey's kisses.
And here you find me dear reader. My laptop in my lap and a considerably lighter Hershey bag by my side. My son having finished his homework, sadly finds himself on KP (kitchen patrol). It's dark outside. The sun having set on my day if discontent. I don't know if it's PMS, or if I have a valid reason for being so upset. Is it possible to ask for something and have it come off with out a hitch? To have it come off period? It seems like more and more personal things happen in my life as a result of a glitch. I am in no way implying that I wish I did not have children or that I was not married. I do know that family life is hectic and trying,but also beautiful and satisfying. But, is it selfish to want something that is personally gratifying to happen without a problem? Is it bad to be sore at the fact that while I make efforts for other peoples personal wants, mine hit snags and brick walls? Do the snags happen because no one cares or because that is just the way things are? I can't make heads or tales of it when I can't get to a bookstore for the past two days for coffee, a sandwich, and a book. It would seem as if every time I want to do something for myself I am asking to win the lottery.
So. Is is bad to want something that is personally gratifying to happen without a problem? To say, " I want to do,or I want to accomplish ...." and it occur without running into any bumps? Especially if it is a simple thing. Weigh in guys. Let me know if I'm over reacting.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Bout Of Books 9.0 Goals
Salaam Alaikum and Hello,
Who isn't excited about the Bout of Books Readathon? For me it can't get here fast enough. So just how many and what books will I be reading between the 6th and 12th? If you have been following me on Youtube, then you would know that in 2014 my plan is to buy less books and read more from the copious amount of gems that are already on my shelves. I want to start on that endeavor with a bang, so I have pulled almost every book from my library that is less than 300 pages. I say almost because I didn't select any installments from the House of Night series. That is an incomplete series on my shelves so I didn't include it. (I hope it holds no ill will towards me.) I also left a sequel on the shelf,but if given the opportunity I will read it. It's just that my TBR is 14 books long, and even though they are short reads I don't want to get in over my head. (As if I haven't already.)
So, let's go down the list and get page counts and whatnot shall we.
BOB TBR
1. Matilda by Roald Dahl - 232 pgs
2. Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms by Lissa Evans - 270 pgs
3. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - 205 pgs
4. (Graphic Novel)The Infernal Devices:Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare - 243 pgs
5. (Graphic Novel) The Infernal Devices:Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare - 260 pgs
6. The Poison Eaters And Other Stories by Holly Black - 212 pgs
7. Mine To Tarnish by Janeal Falor - 121 pgs
8. Captured by Erica Stevens - 184 pgs
9. Snow White by The Brothers Grimm - 80 pgs
10. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - 160 pgs
11. The Short Second Life Of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer - 178 pgs
The Hogwart's Library
12. Quidditch Through the Ages - 103 pgs
13. Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them - 85 pgs
14. The Tales Of Beedle the Bard - 105 pgs
It seems like a lot of books. The total page count is 2,438 pages. But there are some secrets in this seemingly monstrous pile. Matilda is small in size, and has half and full page illustrations. Horten's is small in size, but big in font. The two Infernal Devices novels are graphic novels so illustrations take center stage. The pictures speak the thousands of words. (The Infernal Devices is my favourite YA trilogy of 2013-of all time. It's my plan to reread the books in 2014.My excitement will speed me through these two novels.) The Poison Eaters is a collection of 12 short stories ranging from 9 pages for some to around 30 for others.Needless to say it is a "one sitting" book. I won't have a chance to get bored with this one. Snow and Alice are books that are HEAVILY illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia. (My daughter read Snow White in 15 minutes.) And let's just face it. The Hogwart's Library? It's the world of Harry Potter guys, come on.
Even with all that explained,this TBR is challenging. With the exception of The Infernal Devices,all of the books are first time reads for me. And I've never even read the graphic novels,but I've read the books. So there will still be an element of novelty about The Infernal Devices story. I've only seen Disney's Snow White in the past two decades. I was probably 6 years old the last time I read the fairy tale. I've never read Alice's Adventures In Wonderland-ever. The rest of the pile is all new to me, and there are sprinklings of illustrations but lots of words to be read. I'm super excited to read my first Patrick Ness book. A Monster Calls comes highly recommended. I read the Twilight Saga ages ago, (I'm long overdue for a reread), but I never read Bree's story. As deep as my love runs for Harry Potter I have never read any of the short stories associated with his world.
So if I finish all 14 books and there is time to spare I will pick up
.
Who isn't excited about the Bout of Books Readathon? For me it can't get here fast enough. So just how many and what books will I be reading between the 6th and 12th? If you have been following me on Youtube, then you would know that in 2014 my plan is to buy less books and read more from the copious amount of gems that are already on my shelves. I want to start on that endeavor with a bang, so I have pulled almost every book from my library that is less than 300 pages. I say almost because I didn't select any installments from the House of Night series. That is an incomplete series on my shelves so I didn't include it. (I hope it holds no ill will towards me.) I also left a sequel on the shelf,but if given the opportunity I will read it. It's just that my TBR is 14 books long, and even though they are short reads I don't want to get in over my head. (As if I haven't already.)
So, let's go down the list and get page counts and whatnot shall we.
BOB TBR
1. Matilda by Roald Dahl - 232 pgs
2. Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms by Lissa Evans - 270 pgs
3. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - 205 pgs
4. (Graphic Novel)The Infernal Devices:Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare - 243 pgs
5. (Graphic Novel) The Infernal Devices:Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare - 260 pgs
6. The Poison Eaters And Other Stories by Holly Black - 212 pgs
7. Mine To Tarnish by Janeal Falor - 121 pgs
8. Captured by Erica Stevens - 184 pgs
9. Snow White by The Brothers Grimm - 80 pgs
10. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - 160 pgs
11. The Short Second Life Of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer - 178 pgs
The Hogwart's Library
12. Quidditch Through the Ages - 103 pgs
13. Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them - 85 pgs
14. The Tales Of Beedle the Bard - 105 pgs
It seems like a lot of books. The total page count is 2,438 pages. But there are some secrets in this seemingly monstrous pile. Matilda is small in size, and has half and full page illustrations. Horten's is small in size, but big in font. The two Infernal Devices novels are graphic novels so illustrations take center stage. The pictures speak the thousands of words. (The Infernal Devices is my favourite YA trilogy of 2013-of all time. It's my plan to reread the books in 2014.My excitement will speed me through these two novels.) The Poison Eaters is a collection of 12 short stories ranging from 9 pages for some to around 30 for others.Needless to say it is a "one sitting" book. I won't have a chance to get bored with this one. Snow and Alice are books that are HEAVILY illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia. (My daughter read Snow White in 15 minutes.) And let's just face it. The Hogwart's Library? It's the world of Harry Potter guys, come on.
Even with all that explained,this TBR is challenging. With the exception of The Infernal Devices,all of the books are first time reads for me. And I've never even read the graphic novels,but I've read the books. So there will still be an element of novelty about The Infernal Devices story. I've only seen Disney's Snow White in the past two decades. I was probably 6 years old the last time I read the fairy tale. I've never read Alice's Adventures In Wonderland-ever. The rest of the pile is all new to me, and there are sprinklings of illustrations but lots of words to be read. I'm super excited to read my first Patrick Ness book. A Monster Calls comes highly recommended. I read the Twilight Saga ages ago, (I'm long overdue for a reread), but I never read Bree's story. As deep as my love runs for Harry Potter I have never read any of the short stories associated with his world.
So if I finish all 14 books and there is time to spare I will pick up
.
It is 350 pages. Being over 300 pages, it didn't make it on the list. But if time allows why not finish the duology. I'm also currently reading the third and final book in The Bronze Horseman Trilogy- The Summer Garden- by Paulina Simons. I can always read some more of it if there is some time but not enough to finish an entire book.
So there you have it. My goals for the BOB 9.0. I have a great pile of books, and I'm just going to read, read, read. I have no idea what challenges, if any, that I will be participating in. I will make sure to enter into as many as possible.They are usually a lot of fun. Twitter chats are high up on the list for me. My typing skills are a bit slow, but I love them. I also want to take more time to check out some new bloggers. (I'm hoping to improve my blogging skills,so maybe I can find ideas and inspiration as far as content and design.) I will be posting daily updates. Not only here,but also on my Youtube channel. I will simply link the video at the end of each blog post.
So I will see you guys later
https://www.boutofbooks.blogspot.com
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
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