LauraBrook's 2015 Category Challenge!

Hello! Welcome to my category challenge for 2015.

Since 15 x 15 = 225, that should be doable for me, but it makes me nervous to "have to" hit that high of a number. So, the rules for my challenge are to read at least 5 books in each category, with a total goal of 150. If I hit that and have enough time in the year, I'll up my total.

Total for the year: 164





from bookriot.com, and it's in my own state!

Categories

1. Continuing Series
2. Finish That Series!
3. Book Clubs
4. ER / ARCs
5. PaperbackSwaps
6. Impulse Grabs At Work
7. ROOTs
8. Manga / Graphic Novel
9. Work & Work Related
10. Childrens / Middle Grade
11. Audiobooks
12. LT Challenges
13. Coffee Table / Adult Picture
14. SantaThing / XMas Swap
15. Kitchen Sink

A. Continuing Series Books in series that are still being published

1. A High-End Finish (#1) by Kate Carlisle, 2 stars (won't be continuing this series)
2. A Trick of the Light (#7) by Louise Penny, 4.5 stars
3. Immortal in Death (#3) by JD Robb, 3 stars
4. A Spirited Gift (#3) by Joyce & Jim Lavene, 3.5 stars
5. A Touch of Gold (#2) by Joyce & Jim Lavene, 3 stars
6. Malice at the Palace (#9) by Rhys Bowen, 4 stars
7. Speaking from Among the Bones (#5) by Alan Bradley, 4.5 stars
8. The Curious Case of the Copper Corpse (#5.5) by Alan Bradley, 4 stars
9. The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches (#6) by Alan Bradley, 4.25 stars
10. As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust (#7) by Alan Bradley, 4.5 stars
11. Wicked Charms (#3) by Janet Evanovich, 3.5 stars
12. A Spirited Tail (#2) by Leighton Dobbs, 2 stars (won't be continuing this series)
13. Midnight Crossroad (#1) by Charlaine Harris, 3 stars
14. The Miser of Mayfair (#1) by M.C. Beaton, 3 stars
15. Glory in Death (#2) by JD Robb, 3 stars
16. Storm Front (#1) by Jim Butcher, 4 stars
17. Sweet Filthy Boy (#1) by Christina Lauren, 2.5 stars
18. Beautiful Beloved (#3.6) by Christina Lauren, 2.5 stars
19. Naked in Death (#1) by JD Robb, 3.5 stars
20. A Second Chance (#3) by Jodi Taylor, 5 stars
21. Roman Holiday (#3.5) by Jodi Taylor, 4.5 stars
22. A Trail Through Time (#4) by Jodi Taylor, 4.5 stars
23. Christmas Present (#4.5) by Jodi Taylor, 4 stars
24. The Face of a Stranger (#1) by Anne Perry, 4.5 stars
25. Bared to You (#1) by Sylvia Day, 1 star
26. Reflected in You (#2) by Sylvia Day, 0.4 stars (won't be continuing this series)
27. S.E.C.R.E.T. (#1) by L. Marie Adeline, 3 stars
28. A Symphony of Echoes (#2) by Jodi Taylor, 4.5 stars
29. When A Child Is Born (#2.5) by Jodi Taylor, 4 stars
30. The Bone Season (#1) by Samantha Shannon, 3.25 stars
31. Tricky Twenty-Two (#22) by Janet Evanovich, 3 stars

B. Finish That Series! Series that aren't active any more, but I still have to finish up

1. The Big Four (Poirot #5) by Agatha Christie, 4 stars
2. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (P #4) by Agatha Christie, 4 stars
3. Postern of Fate (Tommy & Tuppence #5) by "", 3.25 stars
4. The Queen is Dead (#2) by Kate Locke, 4.25 stars
5. By the Pricking of My Thumbs (T&T #4) by Agatha Christie, 4 stars
6. N or M? (T&T #3) by "", 4 stars

C. Book Clubs For my two real life book clubs

1. Peter Pan by JM Barrie, 2 stars
2. The Uninvited by Cat Winters, 3.5 stars
3. The Predictions by Bianca Zander, 3 stars
4. The Monogram Murders by Sophie Hannah, 4.5 stars
5. Domestic Manners of the Americans by Frances Trollope, 3.5 stars
6. The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemingway, 2 stars
7. The Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton Frank, 0.2 stars
8. The Adventures of Simplicissimus by Hans Jakob von Grimmelhausen, 1.3 stars
9. Trigger Warning by Neil Gaiman, 3.5 stars
10. Billy Boyle by James R Benn, 3.5 stars
11. Ellen Middleton by Georgiana Fullerton, 3 stars
12. The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo, 5 stars
13. Newport by Jill Morrow, 2 stars

D. ER / ARCs Somewhere to put my inevitable ER wins, and for the stacks and stacks of ARCs that I've gotten from work, AKA the library

1. Tita by Marie Houzelle, 1.5 stars
2. Simon's Cat Off to the Vet by Simon Tofield, 4 stars

E. PaperbackSwaps Books I've requested from PaperbackSwap.com that I haven't gotten around to yet.

1. The House Party by Jeanne Savery, 2.5 stars
2. The Male Member by Kit Schwartz, 3 stars

F. Impulse Grabs At Work Does what it says on the box.

1. Laura Ingalls Wilder: Author of the Little House books by Carol Greene, Jan ?, 46 pgs
2. An Illustrated Life by Danny Gregory, Jan ?, 272 pgs
3. The World of PostSecret by Frank Warren, Jan ?, 288 pgs
4. The Five Dharma Types by Simon Chokoisky, Jan ?, 416 pgs
5. Terezin: Voices from the Holocaust by Ruth Thomson, Jan ?, 64 pgs
6. Laura's Album: A Remembrance Scrapbook of Laura Ingalls Wilder by William Anderson, Jan ?, 80 pgs
7. Less Doing, More Living by Ari Meisel, Jan 29, 144 pgs
8. The Little House Guidebook by William Anderson, Jan ?, 96 pgs
9. The Anne Frank Case by Susan Goldman Rubin, Jan ?, 40 pgs
10. kim kardashian west: selfish by kim kardashian, 1 star
11. Slaughterhouse 90210 by Maris Kreizman, 3 stars

G. ROOTs Books of my own. There's got to be some place to put these babies! :)

1. Food: A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan (Feb 4) 352 pgs
2.

H. Manga / Graphic Novel Will hopefully not be too out of control this year!

1. Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast (Jan 1) 240 pgs
2. The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil by Stephen Collins (Jan 29) 240 pgs
3. Ristorante Paradiso by Netsuke Ono
4. The Bride's Story volume 6 by Kaoru Mori
5. Saga volume 1 by Brian K Vaughn
6. Saga volume 2 by ""
7. Locke & Key vol 6 by Joe Hill
8. An Age of License by Lucy Knisley
9. Saga Volume 3 by Brian Vaughn
10. Saga Volume 4 by Brian Vaughn
11. Strange Fruit, Volume 1 by Joel Gill
12. Y: The Last Man, Volume 1 by Brian Vaughn
13. Sculptor by Scott McCloud
14. Clubbing by Andi Watson
15. Criminal Macabre by Steve Niles
16. Mystery Society by Steve Niles
17. Slow News Day by Andi Watson
18. Princess Decomposia and Count Spatula by Andi Watson
19. Displacement by Lucy Knisley
20. Doctor Who: The Forgotten by Tony Lee
21. Doctor Who: The Hypothetical Gentleman by Andy Diggle
22. Not Your Mother's Meatloaf by various
23. The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage by Sydney Padua
24. Daytripper by Gabriel Ba
25. Step Aside, Pops by Kate Beaton
26. Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
27. Sex Criminals, volume 2 by Matt Fraction

I. Work & Work Related All things massage, energy, metaphysical, and energy work

1. Realms of the Earth Angels by Doreen Virtue, Jan ?, 176 pgs
2. Through Time Into Healing by Brian L. Weiss, Jan ?, 202 pgs
3. The Angel Therapy Handbook by Doreen Virtue, Feb 1, 272 pgs
4. A Headache in the Pelvis by David Wise

J. Childrens / Middle Grade

1.

K. Audiobooks I have far too many unlistened-to on Audible, let alone what I grab at the library.

1.

L. LT Challenges For Mark's American Author Challenge (AAC), Paul's British Author Challenge (BAC), ANZAC, Bingo, etc



1. The Mystery of the Blue Jar by Agatha Christie (ebook) 33 pgs (Jan 7) for the Bingo challenge square 1
2. As You Wish by Cary Elwes (Jan ?) 272 pgs for challenge square 3. It reminds me of the many many many times I'd sit in front of the TV, totally enthralled in the story of The Princess Bride. Wonderful.

M. Coffee Table / Adult Picture No, not that kind of adult picture.

1.

N. SantaThing / Xmas Swap I've hardly read any of the wonderful books I've received over the years, and that's truly a shame.

1. Sorcery & Cecelia: Or, The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer (Jan 9) 326 pgs
SantaThing 2012, from casvelyn

O. Kitchen Sink Just in case nothing fits anywhere else.

1. Slow Love by Dominique Browning (Feb 1) 250 pgs
2.

Monthly Totals Number of books / pages / time listening for audiobooks

January 16 / 2,945 / 0

February 3 / 874 / 0 (updated Feb 5th)

And I'm open for business!

Gorgeous library! Looking forward to following your reading again in 2015 :D

>19 rabbitprincess: Hiya, rp! Congrautlations on being first!


I'm looking forward to your reading in 2015 too! :)

Hi Laura, here's hoping 2015 is a spectacular year for you. (I am a little disappointed that Adult Picture category isn't going to feature some handsome male studs!)

Yippee! Another new thread! And lots of slots for books!

Great to see you here. Love that picture.

Looks like a great reading year ahead for you, Laura.

Happy reading year - looking forward to following along next year too!

>21 DeltaQueen50:
That's what I was thinking!! :)

Happy reading!

Looking forward to following your reading in 2015!

I am looking forward to seeing what books you read for your categories, Laura!

>21 DeltaQueen50: Hah! How about this, Judy?

Thanks and welcome to Judy, mamzel, Betty, Linda, Eva, MissWatson, Vivienne, and Lori!

Nice categories!

Dropping by to star your thread.

Happy reading!

oh you cheat. putting up Mr Clooney. Sheesh.

>29 LauraBrook: - Thank you for posting that very lovely photo!

More adult pictures to come?

Hmmmm, how about something like this?

Handsome men reading, even better :)

Ooh, strongly approve of the Tennant, Benedict and Rickman pictures in particular :D

Aren't they all lovely? *sigh* I think a man reading, any man at all, is at least 63% more attractive just by having a book in hand.

Book 1 Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast

Wow. A wonderfully powerful way to start out the new year! A recommendation by a few LT friends, and what really pushed me to read it was my favorite high school teacher, Mr. Bear (nickname, but everyone calls him that). I see him fairly frequently at work (my local library), and I've always run into him over the last 20 years since he was my teacher. (English teacher, of course.) He's been the main caregiver for his mother (currently 104 years old, I believe) for longer than I've known him. She's a wonderful woman, I'm pleased to know her, and he read this book in November. When I saw him in December he said "Laura, if you've been caregiver for a parent, or had to deal with a loss, you have GOT TO read this book. It's right up your alley, and so wonderful." Okay!

While my relationship with my parents isn't like Roz's, I can certainly relate to the feelings about all of the various aspects of caring for her elderly parents. Like Roz, I'm also an only child, and that certainly changes the dynamic of caring for aging parents. My Dad had cancer three previous times before his final illness/passing, and while my Mom did most of the heavy lifting previously, simply because she lived with Dad and I didn't, I was still a large part of his care. And this last time too, there were thousands of moments ranging the emotional spectrum that Roz covers here so eloquently and precisely. A heartbreaking, honest, funny and loving memoir, this is one that will stay with me for a very long time. 5 stars!

>39 LauraBrook: - Yes, a reading man is an attractive man.

I'm almost finished with this book too and have found it funny and poignant. Fortunately, my parents haven't had any health issues yet, but chances are it will happen eventually.

A man with a book AND a cat is even more attractive.

Happy New Year Laura!
>35 LauraBrook: so, who is the reading - er, sleeping- man with the black cat and the open dishwasher? He doesn't look familiar.

Men with books yum!

>40 LittleTaiko: You're right, unfortunately. You know it's going to happen, but nothing quite prepares you for it.

>41 BookLizard: Amen!!!

>42 VioletBramble: Happy New Year! That's yet another Robert Redford. I love him. :)

>43 BBGirl55: I know, right?!?

Gotcha starred! :)

>45 saraslibrary: Yay!!!!!

Happy New Year, Laura. As I scrolled down I was so happy to see George Clooney - and with a book! So you can imagine how thrilled I was when scrolling further I encountered even more men, all reading. There is definitely something very sexy about a man with a book. You've made my day!

Nice photos! My favourite is the Redford one with the cat. Or maybe ...

225 books doable????

Not in a million years for me. Well, not in anything less than at the very least half a decade.

Kudos!

>47 DeltaQueen50: Happy to oblige, Judy! :)

>48 VivienneR: I know, it's hard to pick just one, Vivienne.

>49 IrishHolger: I'm so glad you're here! Somehow over the last few years I've managed to add another hundred or so to my reading totals. Yes, some of those are children's picture books, but the rest are regular ones. I don't get it, but I'm glad! :) Now if only I could stop checking out books from the library and just read what I have here.



Today is a self-imposed snow day for me!!! The temps have been right around 0° F for the last 4 days, with intermittent snow. All schools are closed today, and since my car had a hard time starting yesterday, my Mom was nice enough to let me borrow her (much newer) car. Even that almost didn't start after work last night! I decided then that I would call in today and spend the day catching up on things around the house, some TV, some reading, and maybe get a nap in. I'm so glad I'm playing hooky! It's not worth the $28 I would've earned in 4 hours, to me.

So far I've slept in until 10 (!!!!), had lots of coffee, cleaned up/brought in aluminum cans (some of which exploded last night!), watched a few TV shows while putzing online, added books to LT, avoided some crazy people who are out doing door-to-door junk in this weather, organized some paperwork, and emptied my garbage cans throughout the house. Not bad, but there's also a long way to go today! I'm getting ready to head out and refill my bird feeder and heated bird bath, and eat some lunch. I was planning on lots of laundry, but I'm getting too nervous about the pipes bursting so instead I'll just stay out of the cold basement and up on the ground floor, picking up the house. I'm so happy I'm home today! :D

You are certainly accomplishing a lot while enjoying a day at home!

I'd love to have a snow day like that. Without the snow, that is. :)

Happy 2015! and Happy Snow Day!

Great Categories, lovely men - what more can you ask for? Oh, I know, a snow day! I hope you get another soon.

Before I respond to everyone individually...

Here's a fun meme I found on Morphy's thread:

When did you join LT? April 4, 2008

When was your first message? Feb 18, 2009 (almost a year later!)

What group was the message in? Book Talk

What was the subject line of the thread? LauraBrook's 999 Challenge

What was your first message?
I'm still in the middle of picking my categories, but I'm trying to choose them based on books I have either already read this year or books that I already own.
A. Contemplate a Classic
B. Children/Teen
C. Travel Lit
D. Unfinished Business
E. Guilty Pleasures
F. Mystery & Suspense
G. Biography & Autobiography

and, I finished actual books!

Book 2 The Mystery of the Blue Jar by Agatha Christie
If you would've told me that when I got my Kindle a year ago, I'd primarily use it to read Agatha Christie, I would've thought you were insane. But it's so true! It's the oddest thing, really, when I have such lovely physical copies, but she's my preferred e-reading author. This short story either flew over my head or I read it when I was sleepier than I realized at the time, because I have very little memory of it. Only more of a "wait, is this the ending?" kind of a thing. I'll reread it again, probably later this year, but for now I'll say that I enjoyed it and give it 3 stars.

Book 3 Sorcery and Cecelia or the Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
What a charmer! I received this book from SantaThing in 2012, and my Santa was casvelyn - what an excellent choice she made! I love all things epistolary, British and magical, and this has 'em all in spades. Here's the summary from the inside cover. "In 1817 in England, two young cousins, Cecelia living in the country and Kate in London, write letters to keep each other informed of their exploits, which take a sinister turn when they find themselves confronted by evil wizards." What started out as a fun project for these two friend and authors to do in their spare time has taken off and not only spawned this book, but two sequels! It's really a lot of fun (even if I got occasionally confused by who was whom), and it made me smile each time I picked it up. Lots of fun, and I'm on a quest to get the next in the series right now! 4 stars

************************

>51 VivienneR: I'm glad you think so, because it certainly didn't feel like it!

>52 -Eva-: Eva, that's exactly right! It's so pretty to look at and watch come down, but removing it from your walks and driveway is another thing. It stinks! Makes me wish I lived where you do!

>53 andreablythe: Happy 2015, Andrea!

>54 Dejah_Thoris: Dejah, I sort of have a snow day now! It's one of my two days off this week (it's been awhile since I've had two!), it's snowing lightly, and I'm at home and in pajamas. Still doing laundry (currently on load number 3 of at least 6), drinking lots of coffee, and not only have I finished a difficult connect-the-dots book, but I also watched several episodes of Oprah's Super Soul Sunday while doing so! I love that show and have to be awake and focused on listening to it, if not actively watching it, so it's really good for days like these.

I've been actively putzing around the house (picking something up to put away, then grabbing something from that room to put away in another room, repeat) since lunchtime, and have just started listening to As You Wish. I started reading it late last year but had to return it when I was only halfway through it. After I returned it I put both the book and the audiobook on my hold list, and I received them both on the same day a couple of weeks ago! Right now, I'm alternating listening and reading, depending on what I'm doing, in an effort to finish it before it's due once again.

I'm also dithering over when to put my notice in at the library. At first I was thinking that I'd wait until my boss returns from maternity leave at the end of March, but that's too far away. I've told 3 people at work in confidence that I'd be leaving, and they're all sorry to see me go but are understanding and supportive of my decision. Plus, I'm hoping one of them will be willing and able to take my "position" of working partly in the back room checking in and setting up the carts and partly shelving. It's more hours, and no one really pays attention to where you are, always assuming you're at the other place. It's kind of nice, in that I don't feel bad wandering the shelves for a few minutes, looking for a book I'd like to check out. Or, you know, hiding from the literally mentally disturbed patrons who sometimes get overly attached to you. I know, it's not my place to find someone to take over, but I'd like to have someone to recommend to my interim manager. Another fellow shelver would love to have the job, and as she is universally unliked, doesn't do her job correctly or properly, and always causes problems with anyone she encounters, I would hope that E (the interim manager) wouldn't just give it to her because she asked. Literally no one at work likes her, and the more we get to know her the less we like her. It's like she's shedding these false skins and the more she talks (and the less she does) her true self is coming out. It's really unfortunate.

Anyways - aside from trying to time when I should leave, it's also partly gearing myself up to take the leap, lose that guaranteed $500/month, and put all my efforts towards massage once again. I think I'll be okay this go round, though, as when I tried before I was always in a, let's say "less than ideal" location, and I was so terrified to have anyone leave anything less than thrilled with their experience, that I did more than I should have and crossed my own boundaries. (By that I mean, I worked any and all times a client would call for an appointment, including my rare days off, and to the complete exclusion of a personal life - or sometimes personal responsibilities - of any kind.) Right now, I'm older, wiser, and I'm certainly not the person I was when I first started out. I'm in a great location (in all ways, though having to go down 10 steps to get to me is less than ideal), with a great business partner/friend, with other great massage therapists, and I not only have my own regulars, but I'm inheriting all clients from another dear friend/therapist who is unfortunately no longer physically able to do massages. It will still be a part time job, but, while I'm nervous about how I'll actually financially survive, I'm excited about it. Excited about devoting my time to doing massage, excited about having more than 1 day off a week, excited about taking continuing education classes (something I don't have time for currently), excited about having time to clean up my house, excited to clean OUT my house, excited to have some time to take care of myself. It's going to be so great, and I"m really looking forward to it. But still scared to make that final decision.

I could use your advice, friends. Have you been in a similar situation before? What you do think I should do here? What about timing? Any and all thoughts are much appreciated.

I received this book from SantaThing in 2012, and my Santa was casvelyn - what an excellent choice she made!

I'm glad you liked it! And I got mentioned in someone else's thread! It's kind of like being famous!

Okay, enough with the exclamation points. I've done Santa Thing in 2012, 2013, and 2014, and I've out of all the books I've received, I've read one. I should probably get on that.

>55 LauraBrook: I happen to love Sorcery and Cecelia - I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

As for the work decisions, well, it's always difficult to give that sort of advice. It sounds as though the library job is keeping you of really attempting to make a success of the massage business, right? If that's the case and it's what you really want to do, I say go for it.

>56 casvelyn: I'm pretty sure this is the first I've read too! And I've done it the same years as you too, so you're not alone! :)

>57 Dejah_Thoris: This will be my 8th year as a massage therapist. For the first 5 I worked at the massage clinic upstairs from the massage school I attended. It's a place for you to build your business and then take your clients with you when you find your own place. Like so many things in my life, no one was really "in charge" there, and since it would take a relatively small effort to make things outstanding, I sort of took over the basic running of the place. Often staying for hours and hours after working on one client just to return phone calls, or clean, or catch up on everyone else's laundry, I enjoyed working on my own schedule and doing a good job both for myself and everyone else there. Even when I was fed up at the end and getting resentful, I still enjoyed parts of it. It was about a 20-30 minute freeway drive one-way from my house, and I usually worked 6 days a week. It took me two years of debating whether I should leave or not to finally actually leave. I moved to a place about 4 miles from my house (10 minute drive) in an ideal location, but with an owner and her daughter who were unprofessional, complete slobs, and as victims in every aspect of their lives. While I lost most of my clients in the move, it was a less than ideal situation to find myself trying to rebuild a practice with the disaster area that was the business. They thought it was funny and cute that I was so concerned over the cleanliness and appearance of the place. I was doing the bare minimum to make it endurable to stay there for the few hours required to work on my clients. Not only did I have a tough time dealing with them, but they roped me into doing Groupons, wherein I worked just as hard for a quarter of my normal pay. Not worth it.

Determined not to be in the same situation I'd just left, I said out loud "Okay, I need to get out of here and into a better place with better people. I need a little help!". I came home and a dear friend (and fellow massage therapist) called me, asking if I'd like to rent a massage room with her, and she thinks she knows of a place. Talk about Someone Up There listening! Within a few months, I'd managed to move out and into my current room. Then, 2 months later, my Dad suddenly got sick and passed away, and my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer a month later. It's been just over a year since then, and while I happily gave up my "normal" life to take care of my Mom and myself, things are finally getting back to a new normal, and I think I have the energy/time/headspace/talent/etc to really make this finally work.

Is that too big of a blab? Does that clear some things up? Make anything murkier?

It sounds as though you already know that the time is right to do this. I'm certain you've already calculated what you would have to do to make up the $500/month and wouldn't be contemplating the change if you weren't confident you can make it work. Change can be difficult, even when it's a good change.

And kudos to you for putting the needs of your family first - but maybe it's time to do what you need to do.

>59 Dejah_Thoris: If I do another 8 massages a month I'll make what I make at the library. So, being generous with setup/cleanup times, if I work 20 hours doing massage, that's 2 or 3 days of work. That's compared to 20+ days of work at the library! Right now I'm up 6 people, so I'm nearly there. And I think once I open up my schedule and my life (and network a little more) I'll get the extra 2 that I need. Plus, I think a couple of my regulars have people they'd like to refer to me, but don't because they know I have so little time as it is.

And kudos to you for putting the needs of your family first - but maybe it's time to do what you need to do.
Thanks for saying this. There's a little voice inside my head saying this, and she's getting a little louder every day. You just echoed her! :)

>55 LauraBrook: I must have missed a post somewhere, but how come you're leaving your library job? :( You can most certainly mention that so-and-so would be interested in having your hours. That's how I got an extra 15 hours at work. It's entirely up to the manager, but it's worth mentioning. :) As for whether or not you should it, that's totally up to you. It sounds like you're super optimist and excited to focus on your massage career, and you're so lucky to have that as a second job. I'm sure it'll take some getting used to, but as long as you can financially swing it, I say go for it! :) I forget how many days/weeks you have to give them notice, but I'd say give plenty of time; but be fair to yourself, too, if you're not happy there. I'll send lots of good thoughts your way. And I wish there were a way I could send customers your way, too. :) Maybe I'll fly Stephen out to get a massage from you. ;)

ETA: If you're taking care of your mom on the side, you might look into the whole caretaking thing. I think you get some kind of money for taking care of someone who is ill, etc. My mom and I are looking into it as well with her M.S.

>61 saraslibrary: Just left you a giant PM, Sara. I wish I would've thought about the caretaking thing when she was really sick. Right now it wouldn't work for us. I hope it works for you, though, it sounds like it should.

I'll be waiting for Stephen's call to schedule his massage with me.

>62 LauraBrook: I just got it, thank you! :) I'll try to get you written back during lunch.

I never thought about the caretaking thing either, until my counselor recommended I look into it. She's had patients who do the same thing. I mean, if you're taking your mom to appointments, etc, it's all legit. I don't know the steps it takes to get paid for it, but it's work looking in to. I'd definitely like a little extra cash, too, which would probably just go right back to my mom anyway. It's ridiculous what insurance, etc won't cover. (Sorry to babble. :)

LOL! Yeah, you might be waiting a while for him to call you. I'll probably just make the call for him, abduct him, then dump him at your office. ;)

>55 LauraBrook: & >58 LauraBrook:

It sounds like it's a good time for you to move on, and I wish you all the best with the transition.

I don't know about you, but 2015 already feels lighter, like this is going to be a better year. Maybe it's just the new year joys still clinging to me, but I feel like this is going to be a year of positive transition.

Sounds like you are on the verge of taking some big steps this year, Laura. I wish you all the best and will be here to root you on. I think it's great that you are going back to doing what you love to do and I hope you get filthy rich while doing it. Of course being happy in your work is a huge benefit.

Snow days, even self imposed ones, are fantastic! Great meme and thanks for letting me know that Morphy has her thread up.... I haven't made it over there yet.

I am not much for advice on the work front. I tend to operate in two extremes - I either stay longer than I want to in a job and then find myself getting frustrated and resentful about my own decision or I just cut ties quickly and then go through a phase of scrambling a bit before I get settled into my new setup. As Dejah has said, it sounds like you have put a lot of thought into this and you are now just trying to decide when in the next two months to make the shift.

I know, I am not being much help. ;-)

Congrats on getting to go back to the massage-business properly - that is where your passion is, after all. And, everyone should be allowed to have time off and time for some CE. Of course family comes first, but I sincerely hope you don't have any more of the stuff you've dealt with last year and that you get to be you for a while without having it be a struggle!

>64 andreablythe: Until this week I felt the same way, Andrea.

>65 DeltaQueen50: Being happy at work is a big thing, Judy. And I don't know about "filthy rich", I'm just shooting for "comfortably in the black". :)

>66 lkernagh: I'm usually at the stay-too-long extreme, Lori. Can't seem to help it. You were a help - I made a move!

>67 -Eva-: Thanks, Eva! Of course family comes first, but I sincerely hope you don't have any more of the stuff you've dealt with last year and that you get to be you for a while without having it be a struggle! Well, that is so not happening, Eva. See below...

(copied from my 75er thread)

Well, friends, I pulled the plug and turned in my notice this past Monday. My last day working at the library as a page will be next Friday. I spoke to my Mom and her friend (who is like family) on Saturday, face to face over lunch. Mom is more worried about financially being okay because nothing is guaranteed, and Marsha (bless her) had to keep saying "Ann, she has unlimited earning power now - at the library she is stuck where she is!", and it's so true. Coworkers keep coming up to me, shocked that I'm leaving, and they're all saying they're really sorry to see me go and that they'll miss me. I'm thinking it's probably just something you say, though I do know a few of them meant it. And one of them teared up! It's making me feel sad, and the fear part of me thinks maybe I made a mistake, but I know I didn't. I've been so much lighter and happier since Monday morning, I've had a lot more energy all around, and I'm looking forward to this next chapter in my life. I'll still be in there at least once a week so I'll see everyone, and I have plans to get together with several people in the near future. It's all good. My interim manager is really kind and wonderful, and has said a couple of times to me "sheesh, you're the best page we've got now - we're really going to miss you!" which is very nice to hear and makes me feel good about myself. Hopefully not in a pompous way, obviously. So there - decision is made, deed is done, and I'm just putting in my time until the end.

In other news - my Uncle in Alaska is causing all sorts of problems. I don't remember if I've said anything about this earlier or not, so I'll try and keep it brief. We got a call from his dear friend and neighbor, Mary, on my Mom's birthday in November. Uncle Rob had been in the hospital for a week, was unable to walk, has dementia, some bruising, extreme cirrhosis - all from long-term effects of alcohol abuse. We knew he drank (more than we were comfortable with, but nothing too alarming - a frat boy wouldn't blink), but not at the level he has been, and for the decades he has been. The past 2 1/2 months have been filled with extreme stress and worry. He was in the hospital for about 6 weeks, and they finally found an appropriate long-term care place in his town (versus going to Juneau or Seattle or paying literally $14,000 a month). He has been and still is in this location. He has the brain of a special needs 7 year old most of the time, and he has enough lucid moments that he has come close to causing more than a few medical/personal disasters. He's treating Mary and anyone around him like crap, misbehaving, generally being a really nasty son of a bitch, and I've come close to suddenly traveling up there (that's around 3,400 miles) several times, the last of which was yesterday. I'm keeping my Mom as out of the loop as possible since this whole situation makes her so sad and angry that she gets really depressed for a couple of days, so I've been the one "in charge" down here, answering questions for Mary and trying to figure out what is going on, and what lies were told when and to whom. It's a giant mess. We were on the phone last night for over three hours, trying to piece together the newest junk, and figure out if it would be better for him to stay there in Fairbanks, or for him to move down here in a facility for the rest of his miserable life. That's still up in the air.

What I do know is that I love him dearly, and he is breaking my heart over and over again every day. It's overwhelming and infuriating and sad all at the same time. For now, the only plan I have to go up there is for this spring/summer to work on cleaning out the hoarder horror show that is his main house. I'm spending far too much time crying and worrying and not sleeping. And while I'm looking forward to this new life I'm forging for myself, there's this giant heavy cloud hanging over, threatening to flood it all.

I don't know if it's by chance (I think not), but the first week that I'm not at the library, I only work for 3 hours one morning. So I basically have a week off! That hasn't happened in probably 15 years. I am looking forward to resting and taking care of myself, and to reading and cleaning up my house, readying myself for positive things.

Somehow I've gotten a few books read, but that's going to have to wait a couple of days until I have a little more time to figure out what I read, etc.

Anyone have any fun plans for the weekend? I'll be working at the library tomorrow, and doing laundry, getting ready for another 6 day week.

Good news that your world will be opening for you after next week. I hope you find something terrific. I hope the people who will miss you managed to give you attagirls while you were working!

So sorry to hear about your uncle. That's tough!

My plans for the weekend is to try and get a broken tree branch cut up and into my yard waste receptacle. And to kill lots of monsters in Skyrim. Maybe try a recipe for tacos carnitas I came across. Hope yours is as fun.

Wow, so you did it? Good for you! :) I knew you'd be happier doing your massage work. And that's cool you'll still be in touch with some of your ex-coworkers.

Yikes about your uncle! I'm really not sure what to say to help you there, since my family isn't close at all. But I'm really sorry you all--including him--are going through such an emotional time. :(

You haven't had a week off for 15 years? My god, girl! Enjoy it! :) My weekend consists of work, as always. Woo hoo. :P

Laura, I'm so glad you decided to do what you feel is right for you. I wish you all the best as you build up your massage business again.
Don't take your uncle's behavior personally. His behavior is probably a combination of the brain damage, alcohol detox-ing and feeling a loss of power in his current situation. It sounds like he has a large property (or properties) that will take a long time to clean up.
Enjoy your week off.
I'll be working this weekend.

I'm very sorry to hear about your uncle. Dementia is a terrible thing to deal with.

Hope your last few days at the library are good ones and that you have a totally relaxing week off afterward!

My weekend will consist of some coursework, reading and watching DVDs I've borrowed from the library. Should also probably consider tidying up a bit, as there is a possibility my parents might visit next weekend.

Laura, I'm sorry that the situation with your uncle hasn't calmed down. It might be a good thing that you (and especially your mom) aren't there to deal with it first hand. You need that week off you're finally getting. I hope that it will be relaxing and restorative.

As for my weekend, we had people over for dinner on Friday - a coworker of my SO's and his wife, and they were nice and we all had fun, which is a fun surprise when you commit to spending several hours with people you've never met before. And then today I took my son, who is 11, into downtown Munich where he met two friends and they headed out On Their Own for a few hours. They had a lot of fun and I ran a few errands and had coffee with the parents of one of the girls. And I went to Hugendubel, the big bookstore chain here (five floors!), which has a good selection of English books. My Thingaversary is in 2 weeks, so I'm planning. Tomorrow is going to be a day of reading. One thing about having strangers over for dinner is that the house is clean, so none of the usual weekend chores apply this weekend.

The news about your Uncle is so sad - and I am so sorry for the painful position it has put you in. I agree with Kelly - don't take his behavior personally. Just do what you can for him without driving yourself crazy.

And the other hand, I'm delighted to hear that you gave notice at the library - woohoo! What a huge step you've taken toward your own happiness. Congratulations!

There's nothing particularly exciting going on for me this weekend. I occasionally conduct Mystery Shops and for some reason scheduled myself for two this weekend. One today (done and submitted), one tomorrow. No big deal, but mildly entertaining.

I hope you enjoy your time off!

Dealing with dementia is not fun but the situation will settle down some in time. You are lucky that there is someone local to keep you informed. Meanwhile, take care of yourself and relax in your time off.

Good for you on the job front decision. I am also glad your mom's friend was able to help your mom understand the decision you have made as being a positive one.

I have my fingers crossed that things will start to improve regarding the situation with your Uncle. That is tough.

I've been following your story and I'm so glad that you decided to take the plunge and get back into a job you love. Just don't let anyone take advantage of your good nature and hard-working ways. Sorry to hear your uncle is adding concern to your life. Nothing you do there will make him feel better, he's beyond that now. Same advice works in this spot too.

Take care of yourself Laura. Best wishes for the new/old career.

I hope all is going well for you, Laura - take care!

All the best for the new career. That was a courageous step. Hope everything else works out, too!

I am so sorry to hear that things are so rough with your Uncle. HUGS!

Well done you for going through with it - and you should absolutely be proud of and feel good about the nice comments they made. We should all take the time to tell other people we appreciate them! Such sad news about your uncle - oh, to be able to go back in time and affect choices, both your own and others. *huge hugs*

Enjoy your weekend off!!! My weekend goal was to do all my handwashing and file my taxes. Taxes are done, but all the handwashing is still in a big pile on my bed... :)

Hi Laura! I hope all is well with you and that all the changes in your life aren't proving too stressful Happy February!

I know I haven't been here in a week and a half (sorry), but I had to pop back in to quickly say thank you to all of you. I'm so lucky that you're all my friends!

And, before I head out to a late client, I just wanted to ask if anyone else here watches "Hart of Dixie"? I've got 2 episodes left of the first season (I've been bingeing all weekend), and OMG I need to freak out about it like a teenager for a little bit.

Hi, Laura! :) Glad you're still doing well. And, sorry, I've never seen "Hart of Dixie," but I'm glad it's bringing the teenager out in you. :) Enjoy!

>83 LauraBrook: I watch "Hart of Dixie"! :) I binge-watched it on Netflix and am now caught up…the 4th (and I think final) season is currently airing. But you're in a really good spot of the show, if I remember correctly! So feel free to send any freakouts my way. :)

Sara, holy cow, I'm a total teenager right now. It's true, she is pretty much a terrible actress, but it's such a delicious show that I hardly notice!!!!!

Christina, YAAAAYYYY!!!!! I'm binge-watching on Netflix myself, and I'll catch up with season 4 on Hulu as soon as I'm done with the first 3 seasons. I can't imagine this show being cancelled right now because I'm so in love with it, but maybe I'll feel differently after I watch the next 2 seasons. I can't believe that Zoe and Wade FINALLY hook up, only to have George appear after ditching his wedding, saying how he wants her! Wow!!! Seriously, such addictive TV! I'm enjoying the angst of it all right now. Plus, I can only imagine what Lemon will get up to in season 2. You should freakout about the show with MickyFine and norabelle414 too, they're also obsessed. :)

It's good to hear you're doing well! (Rushes off to look up "Hart of Dixie")

>86 LauraBrook: Ah yes, Zoe's love life is perennially interesting! I'm totally in favor of Zoe + Wade! And I love Lemon's Machiavellian tendencies. But I think my favorite aspect of the show is that it's set in such an adorable small town! I totally want to live in a TV small town like Bluebell or Stars Hollow (from "Gilmore Girls").

>86 LauraBrook: I think it's a prerequisite to teen sitcoms and movies--bad acting! But they must look purdy. ;) I'm so glad you're feeling like a total teenager right now. I know how fun that is. :)

Hello and thank you to mamzel, Sara, Kelly, rabbitprincess, Kay, Dejah, hailelib, Lori, VivienneR, MissWatson, Andrea, Eva, and Christina! It doesn't quite feel real, no longer working at the library, as in my head this is my week for vacation. Maybe next week it will kick in some more? And the Uncle situation is the same, unfortunately, but I've managed to find a way to keep my brain from obsessing in an unhealthy, overly emotional way so I can function and do other things. It's all so awful, but there's really not much we can do for him, both because he's done this to himself and that we are 3,500 miles apart.

So far I've managed to avoid any more Hart of Dixie-ing as my DVR is filling up quickly. I'm trying to watch and get through as much as possible so I can get back and see what Wade Zoe gets up to. I'm currently watching "Lady Jane" and it's fairly boring, despite fetus versions of both Cary Elwes and Helena Bonham Carter in it. Oh well.

And finally, here are the books I managed to read in January and a few in February!

Book 4: As You Wish by Cary Elwes
What a load of fun, revisiting the making of one of my favorite movies by the lovely Cary and other members of the cast. I mostly read this one, but I did listen to a chunk of the audiobook too, and it was fun to listen to as well. Recommended for fans of the book and movie! 3.7 stars

Book 5: Laura Ingalls Wilder: Author of the Little House books by Carol Greene
Read surreptitiously in the children's section while I was "working", this was a quick, easy biography for kids to learn about Laura. 3 stars

Book 6: Realms of the Earth Angels by Doreen Virtue
Very interesting, especially considering that I felt I had to buy it and take it home with me, and I'd never even heard of the book before. From other reviews I've read this is essentially the same as another book by the author, but as it was unknown to me, I still enjoyed it. An 3.5 stars

Book 7: An Illustrated Life: Drawing Inspiration from the Private Sketchbooks of Artists, Illustrators, and Designers by Danny Gregory
An impulse grab at work, this was a fascinating look at how some creatives journal, and it gave me some inspiration to do the same again. I did this (minus drawing, more of a scrapbook kind of thing) when I toured Europe, and I wish I'd kept it up in regular life. Oh well. 3.3 stars

Book 8: Through Time Into Healing by Brain L. Weiss
The second book of his, I enjoyed this look at other patients that he has seen in his earlier work as a hypnotherapist (this was from the 90's), and other issues that were resolved due to past life healing. Really interesting. 4 stars

Book 9: The World of PostSecret by Frank Warren
Every time I remember PostSecret exists, I can wave goodbye to a few hours of my life. This latest book was just as much of a time-suck as I expected, and it so scratches that curiosity itch that I have. 4 stars

Book 10: The Five Dharma Types by Simon Chokoisky
Another impulse grab, this was interesting, and I could really see how it could help me improve certain aspects of my life. But, since I'm already doing the things that would be a starting point for me, I kind of lost interest after a week or so. 3 stars

Book 11: Terezin: Voices from the Holocaust by Ruth Thomson
Yet another grab at work (from when I was shelf-reading the biography section in children's), I wanted to read this because it's the one concentration camp that I've visited. Told in drawings and writings from people who were really there, it was a wonderful and heartbreaking peek into daily life in what was probably one of the "nicer" camps, not that such a thing really existed. I'll have to track down my photos from my visit and post a few. That's assuming that my scanner will decide to work, of course. 4 stars

Book 12: The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil by Stephen Collins
This is a dark, quietly creepy, beautifully illustrated, Gorey-esque tale of a gigantic beard that starts as one small hair and slowly spirals out of control. It kept me turning the pages to see both what happened next and how the gorgeous pencil illustrations would unfold. 4 stars

Book 13: Laura's Album: A Remembrance Scrapbook of Laura Ingalls Wilder by William Anderson
Yet another impulse grab at work, this was a nice visual collection of some previously unseen (by me, at least) photos both of the Ingalls and Wilder families, and their homes and objects that they made and loved. 4 stars

Book 14: Less Doing, More Living by Ari Meisel
Eh. It sounds like an interesting book/subject, but unless you want to put most of your life online/make it digital by hiring out virtual assistants, this wasn't so practical. Also, it seemed a little dated, even though it's only a couple of years old. 2 stars

Book 15: The Little House Guidebook by William Anderson
A really wonderful collection of each location Laura lived at, including directions on how to get there, lots of photographs, and other things to do, places to eat, etc, in each area. 5 stars, and it really made me want to take a trip to visit all of these places.

Book 16: Slow Love by Dominique Browning
Yes, other reviewers are right in that the author is a rich, privileged white lady who whines about some First World Problems and has an idiot married boyfriend ("cleverly" nicknamed Stroller), but aside from that, Dominique has a wonderful way with words and can really paint a picture of what an interior and exterior life can look like when you're really in touch with yourself. Only sort of recommended. 3 stars

Book 17: The Angel Therapy Handbook by Doreen Virtue
Not so much a book you can read straight through, it's rather a course book on working with angels. Interesting, and some parts were fairly skippable. Eh. 3.5 stars

Book 18: The Anne Frank Case by Susan Goldman Rubin
This is the last children's biography I snagged at the library, I swear. This is the story of Simon Wiesenthal and his search for the policemen/gestapo that arrested Anne Frank and her family. It takes decades and many countries to travel, thousands of hours of work, and incredible patience to get to where he wants to be. A great story for anyone, especially for those who didn't previously know about it before, like me. 4 stars

Book 19: Food: A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan
A funny book, with some verbatim jokes from his stand-up routines, but a good distraction nonetheless. Recommended for all fans of Jim and all fans of eating. A lot. 3.75 stars

Wow, what a lot of good reading. As You Wish sounds particularly wonderful. I love Princess Bride, too.

It was really interesting, Andrea, and there are lots of "asides" from all of the other actors, like Mandy Patinkin, Robyn Wright, Christopher Guest, so their recallings are included too. I can't decide if I preferred listening to it or reading it, since they both have their own merits. I hope you can track down a copy - and then watch the movie again, of course!

Were the asides read by the ones who wrote them, too? Rob Reiner would be funny to listen to.

Yes they were, except for one person - Wallace Shawn. Maybe there was one more too, I want to say Fred Savage? Or Billy Crystal? But I remember Rob Reiner and Many Patinkin and Carol Kane.

That is quite a lot of reading done! I too am interested in the Cary Elwes-book. I mean, who doesn't love Princess Bride?

"who doesn't love Princess Bride?"

Inconceivable!

Uncle is not doing better, but thinks he is. It doesn't seem possible, but the shit keeps hitting the fan. He's tried to call me twice the last two nights. Left a voicemail the first and not the second, and I can't listen to my voicemails now for no real reason (they play, but there's no sound and all of my software is up to date). Just makes me anxious and unable to sleep for days. Oh well. I just keep saying "someone please take this from me - it's not mine, and I don't want it" and I feel better.

So yeah. Alaska Uncle isn't great but so far is still in the long-term care facility. Word is he might be moving home soon, but don't know how that would be possible, especially if anyone saw the pictures. Oh well, it's out of my hands.

In other, crappy news, my other Uncle, my Dad's brother, Marvin, passed away last Saturday night. He and my Dad were a lot alike, talking the same, their voices sounded really similar, how they dressed, their hobbies, sense of humor, inability to leave the house without a baseball hat, etc. He was sick for a few months with lots of odd delays in getting help (doctors on vacation, equipment backordered, missing pieces backordered, waits to see specialists, blah blah blah), and then my Mom finally told me what was going on on Friday. We planned on stopping over to see them on Sunday. Late Saturday night my Aunt and cousin called my Mom to come and stay with their pets while they ran out to the hospital - Uncle Marvin had stopped breathing and they brought him back - and he passed a couple of hours later. It's very sad, and he was a great guy too, just like my Dad. At least his passing was quicker, and I'm pretty sure my Dad stopped in at my house on the way to pick up his brother. I (and my friend who was over) smelled his pipe smoke for about 20 minutes a few hours before Marvin crossed over. That made all of us feel a little better. So yeah, more sadness.

Changing topics again, I've started my one-job life! I only had a few appointments this week, and I've got two tomorrow and even more next week, so that's good. It feels weird to only go to one place for work. And I keep getting nervous about being there on time, and checking traffic, and things. I leave at least an hour before the appointment time so the table and water can get warmed up and I"m not rushed, and my office is only a couple of miles away! I'm a cuckoo for sure, but whenever there's a job transition that's how I am for awhile. Could be worse.

Book-wise, I'm kind of stalled on all of the books I'm reading. Some of that is because I have an ER book that I'm not digging, some are on my Kindle (which I only read at night in bed), some are hardcovers and thus not conducive to hauling around daily, some are audios, etc. Oh well. They're mostly good, so that's something. And I have a stack of a bunch of GNs that are due next week and I'm hoping to pry myself away from LT soon and whip through them. Since I've been here off and on all day I don't have high hopes.

Is anyone else still woefully behind on the threads? I'm barely keeping up with the 75 group, and I haven't even gone through the Category Challenge group yet to find all of my people. I stink.

I'm sorry to hear about your other uncle, especially since he reminded you so much of your dad. That is comforting though that he was looking out for him.

Re being stalled on books, I feel exactly the same way. Lots of books on the go but not much progress made on any of them.

Hugs to you and your mom!

98> You don't stink - it's impossible to keep up with so many threads on LT. I've discovered how I fall so far behind . . . I'll look and see someone's thread has 30 new posts and I'll decide I don't have time to read it right now, but I'll read it later (which never happens). Of course, if I actually looked at the thread, I'd see it was a continuation of a previous thread with 15 posts for the 15 categories carried over & 15 more posts of people saying "Happy New Thread!"

Besides, you've had too many other things to worry about. I'm sorry for your loss, and sorry your Uncle in Alaska is no better.

Hi Laura, you certainly do not stink. It is virtually impossible to stay current with all the threads. I thought limiting myself to having only one thread this year would help, but I fear I am more behind than ever. The answer appears to simply do the best you can - everyone is in the same boat and understands.

Condolences on your uncles' passing. Also sorry to hear that your other uncle isn't doing as well as expected. But very happy that you are doing good with your 1 job life!

LT will always be here when you can take a break from RL. And you have had more than your share of RL it seems. I don't know if anyone can keep up with the 75 group!

Hi Laura! I'm sorry to hear that you're still having such a rough time. Some stretches of life go that way, I know Take care of yourself.

Btw, I agree with everyone else - you do not stink! It's extremely hard to keep up with everyone's threads - I frequently don't visit my own! We do the best we can and don't sweat it.

And thanks for playing Trivia Crack with me!

>98 LauraBrook: So glad I'm not the only one behind on threads. Somehow I've found it impossible to keep up this year.

So sorry to hear about your loss and the difficulties with the uncle in Alaska. Things will get better.

>97 LauraBrook: LOL! Love it! :)

>98 LauraBrook: I am so sorry to hear about both uncles, but especially about Marvin who passed away. :( Hugs to you all!

I find it admirable that you're so super early to your massage job. Me, I'm usually 10-15 minutes late to work (on average) every day. I've never gotten in trouble for it at this branch, while at another branch, that supervisor was always on me about punctuality. I think it's just a sign I'm starting to really, really hate my job, because I'm normally on time for everything else--doctor's appointments, etc.

Good luck with your stack of TBRs! :) That's quite the variety of books, too. I rarely listen to audiobooks, though I did give one a go last month (The Castle of Otranto) for a horror reading challenge. Classic gothics...*shudder*...never again!

*raises hand* Oh, yes! I am way, WAY behind on people's threads. I'm sure some people think I'm just snubbing them, but honestly it's hard to keep up with reading AND updating your reads AND socializing on LT. It's almost like a second job. A non-paying, but much more enjoyable job. :) *sniffs Laura* Nope, I think the stinkiness is from me. I have one dog in particular who stinks no matter how often you bathe him. I call it his "manly funk." :P I'm sure the female dogs appreciate it. ;)

Surprisingly, I didn't find a whole lot of Princess Bride Valentine's Day pics, but anywho:



The best thing about V.D. Day--chocolates are cheaper tomorrow!! :)

When it rains it pours, eh. I can only offer my condolences and my continued wishes that thing will turn around and become brighter very soon for you! *hugs*

Thank you so much, everyone. I talked to my Aunt today, and I had a harder time than she did - pretty sure I cried throughout our 20 minute conversation, and then I couldn't stop. Oh well, better out than in. Hopefully I'll get a chance to see her this weekend.

>103 Dejah_Thoris: Absolutely! You kick my butt every time, but I live in hope. :) And if anyone else wants to play me on Trivia Crack, my name is @lblenz

>105 saraslibrary: I have to be that early for massage, Sara. It takes about a half hour both for my table warmer to sufficiently heat up the flannel sheets, and for the water to be hot enough for the towels I use on the face, neck, and back. Plus, if I get there less than a half hour before the appointment time I get really nervous and then rush around the place, and OMG what if the client shows up early and sees the crazy, and .... yeah.

Maybe Castle of Otranto just wasn't the book for you? I enjoy some classics more than others, certainly, though that's one that's still on my TBR. Are you going to give classics another shot? I can work on some recs if you are.

Thanks for the Westley valentine, even though he's maybe not so comfortable there. :) Still need to re-watch that movie.

************************

I found this on the interwebs and couldn't think of a more appropriate place for it:



Currently listening to: Old Filth and Shadow of the Titanic: The Extraordinary Stories of Those Who Survived by Andrew Wilson. I think I'm confused/missed something in Old Filth so I'll have to grab a physical copy and see where I lost my way. And "Shadows" is interesting, but loooooong. It's been nearly 3 hours, and I've just started the third chapter. Oof.

Currently watching: season 2 of "Hart of Dixie", finishing the last episode of "Selfie", and later tonight will be watching the Angela Lansbury version of "The Mirror Crack'd (From Side to Side)" and the Peter Ustinov version of "Death on the Nile".

Currently reading: I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith, A Symphony of Echoes by Jodi Taylor, Ellen Middleton by Lady Georgiana Fullerton, Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren (don't judge, guilty pleasure), Moab Is My Washpot by Stephen Fry (LOVE him), Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen, and Tita by Marie Houzelle.

Up next: The first three Saga books, Y: The Last Man volume 1, An Age of License, Ristorante Uno, the sixth Locke & Key, Strange Fruit volume 1, Bride's Story volume 6, The Strange Library, Collected: Living With the Things You Love, The Ghost Bride, North of the Tension Line, Billy Boyle, Alec Baldwin Doesn't Love Me, The Grand Tour: Around the World with the Queen of Mystery, The Aspen Papers, Tipping the Velvet, and Going Back. Plus, there's more that I can't think of right now.

I may have a problem. ;)

I can't imaging how you keep so many book straight at once!!!! Good glory! Btw, I love I Capture the Castle

I'm sorry about the tough conversation with your Aunt. I hope you get to see her soon.

*dashes off to challenge on Trivia Crack*

I'm currently all out of lives (I don't do extras either), but if you guys want to play me on Trivia Crack, I'm @ the_viking_chick (don't judge!). :)

>107 LauraBrook:
You have some great graphic novels coming up!!

>108 Dejah_Thoris: Um, I kind of don't keep them all straight. They're just in stacks on various flat surfaces in my living/dining room, and I keep reshuffling them all. Castle is going really well, but it requires me to focus on it, and my brain hasn't been so good and concentrating lately.

>109 -Eva-: Just started a game with you, play whenever. :) I'm looking forward to all of my upcoming GNs - if only I'd let myself read them!

I got you both! Dejah_Thoris kicked my butt, of course. :) I keep running out of lives, so that tends to delay me.

>111 -Eva-: I'm being very lucky tonight for some reason - great questions, even in my soso categories. I run out of lives, too, being disinclined to pay for extras. More will come....

Yeah, I'm not paying for extras either! I seem to be in an NFL-swarm tonight and I'll never do well on those. :)

>113 -Eva-: Oh, no - the NFL is not my strength, either. How can I be worse at Entertainment than Sports? A puzzlement....

Got you, Dejah. Then promptly got an NFL question wrong, to my chagrin.

My two best categories are the ones I'd expect as are my two worst categories.

I blush to admit I just missed a MLB question - I thought the answer was too obvious....

107> No judgment. Sweet Filthy Boys sounds better than Old Filth any day. ;-)

>107 LauraBrook: Wow, I had no idea there was so much prep work for massages! It's almost like surgery. :D

I'm thinking you're right--Castle of Otranto just wasn't for me. I went with the audiobook version of it, because that way I'd have to finish it. (I listened to it while working.) If I had the book version, more than likely I would've tucked it away in my locker and purposely forgotten about it. :D I do plan on giving classics another shot, especially since I joined a horror thread this year that has a lot of gothic classics on it. Next month the sub-genre is Victorian Gothic, but I don't think I own any of those. Here's a brief list they gave for March (the only one I've read/own is a A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott, which I actually liked at the time), but any Victorian Gothic recommendations would be super awesome. The shorter, the better. Thanks, Laura! :)

You're welcome for the Westley Valentine. Oh, I'm sure he's super uncomfortable, but that's the whole point of the movie--how brave and macho he is. ;) A rewatch of The Princess Bride sounds like fun! I hope you're doing better! :) And I'll be Eva's echo: you have some great graphic novels coming up! I've only read volume 2 of Y: The Last Man, but it was very good and I didn't feel like I'd missed too much by starting out of order. I hope you like it. :)

Everyone is kicking my butt on Trivia Crack lately. I keep getting questions I have zero clue about, and since I'm playing so many games now my lives run low after one round. Sports is very much my worst category and it keeps popping up. Grrrr. Hopefully today will be better than the first half of the week has been!

>117 BookLizard: Hah! So far it's certainly more fun. Still haven't tracked down where I am in the audiobook so I can backtrack. *shrugs* Oh well.

>118 saraslibrary: Yeah, it is a bit of prep work, but it's mostly turning things on and lighting candles and then waiting for the electrics to do the warming-up. And calming my own crazy brain down. :) I'll work on recs for you, Sara. Plus, I'll ask one of my book club ladies - she's got a mind like a steel trap and it's all filled with books, so she should have a few things on tap. Trying to get through my library and Netflix DVDs now, and once they're done I can settle down with Westley. :) I've just started my second library DVD, "Death on the Nile" with Peter Ustinov as Poirot, so when I get home from work tonight I can hopefully ignore my bursting-at-the-seams DVR and spend some quality time with Buttercup and the lot. :)

>119 LauraBrook: Absolutely. Because if the massager isn't relaxed, neither will the customer. :)

Thanks so much for working on recommendations for me. :) That's so sweet! I just put 5 audiobooks on hold at work: 1) The Best of Edgard Allen Poe, 2) Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, 3) The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens, 4) Classic tales of horror and suspense, and 5) The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. I doubt I'll get through all of them, but it's a start. But I definitely look forward to more recs! :)

Oooh, movie time! Sounds like fun. :) I thought of you when I saw this:



So many Keep Calm books/signs/shirts... :D

I've joined in on the Trivia Crack bandwagon - littletaiko if anyone wants to play. I just challenged Eva and LauraBrook - looking forward to playing!

I too succumbed to the lure of Trivia Crack -- I'm christina_reads over there as well!

>119 LauraBrook:
I get into swarms of cluelessness as well, but I learn a lot. I just learned that Leon Trotsky was killed with an ice axe. Not sure when I'll be able to actually use this information, unless I get that question again. :)

>123 -Eva-: I'd like you to please get into a swarm of cluelessness when you're playing me. You've been wiping the floor with me!

>122 christina_reads: I've just started a game with you.

>119 LauraBrook: I'm finding that Trivia Crack goes in waves for me - I'll get on a roll and be doing well over a number of games and then suddenly I can't get anything right! And Sports and Entertainment are certainly my downfalls....

>123 -Eva-: Filing that tidbit away in case I get it as a question. Geography and Science are my weak spots. Got to love those little reminders. :)

Just dropping by to say hello - I hope you're doing well!

>125 Dejah_Thoris: Sports is one of my strong categories.

Thanks for the reminder that I need to request the Ustinov version of Death on the Nile! So many great actors: Bette Davis, Maggie Smith AND Angela Lansbury in the same film!

Hi, everyone! Trivia Crack has been kicking my butt lately. And I've also discovered a game called "Criminal Case" (which has a horrible and unrelated icon, IMO) where you solve murders, investigate crime scenes, interview suspects, etc. Thankfully you run out of energy after a little while, or I'd be there for hours.

This afternoon and tomorrow afternoon I'm doing hand massages for a Mad Hatter Tea Party hosted downtown at one of our lovely small museums, the Charles Allis. We don't get paid, and the whole 2 hours are spent with our arms streeetched across a too-wide table to give hand massages. I hadn't done this job in a few years, said yes, and am now wondering why. They're incredibly nice, lovely people there, and it's a good way to promote my business (we can have our business cards out), but it's almost not worth the effort. I hope that doesn't sound whiny or unappreciative, but after doing this 3 times and getting absolutely no clients out of it, sore back/neck/shoulders, I think this will be my last year. I'm sure it will be a nice time today and tomorrow, but still, it's not terribly worth it, I think.

In book news, I'm clipping along in pages in all 8 that I'm reading, but not really getting anywhere in any of them. I'm planning on fixing that tonight after dinner.

In movie/TV news, I'm finishing watching "The Philadelphia Story" now, and I watched a French film, "Nathalie", this morning over coffee. I'm 2/3 done with the second season of my current guilty pleasure, "Hart of Dixie", and am working my way through my DVR'd programs at a fairly steady clip. Hope I can catch up on "Sleepy Hollow", "The Blacklist", "Cougar Town", get a start on the most recent season of "Doctor Who" this week. I also received a few swapped DVDs in the last couple of weeks ("The Original Kings of Comedy", "First Knight", and "Labyrinth"), and while I've seen them all before, I'm hoping to at least put them on while I'm cleaning and run through them.

Also, in Trivia Crack, I'm losing nearly every game. I keep getting sports (my downfall), so even if I get on a small streak of 3 or 4 correct answers, as soon as I get sports I'm done. Stinks.

I'm up and down on Trivia Crack, but I seem to always learn something new in each round, so I'll enjoy it for that. I'm getting regularly whipped by our fellow LT:ers, so I'll emphasize with you on that one... :)

Yeah, don't sign up for the freebie massages again - if it brought new business or money for a charity, fine, but if you're going to end up sore, do it for your regulars! :)

Eva, I agree with you - LTers regularly beat me, and quickly too! Today's hand massage was fine, but kind of scattered. I heard through the grapevine that there will be double the number of people there tomorrow, and as it was I didn't have time to get a snack or enjoy the free Rishi tea. I talked with Lisa (my co-massage therapist) and this will be her last year too. It's fun, but like you said, it's not for charity doesn't bring any business, so...it's got to go.

Just had a pig-out dinner from Noodles & Co, and now of course want to lay down and not do anything for the rest of the night. Actually, I think that can be arranged. :)

Right?! You and I are 2-2 in our current game - your turn. :)

Mmm, noodles. I made pão de queijo to have with a Caesar salad for lunch, but just kept popping the little balls of yummy into my mouth and now have no room for salad. :) And, a nap is coming up, I can feel it. ;)

I think I'll avoid Trivia Crack, as I don't really need any other time suck distractions. I come up with plenty on my own. :)

I'm enjoying the Trivia Crack though it does seem to be hit or miss as to how I do. Love the times when I get on a streak, it makes up for those times where I'm staring dumbly at the screen with no idea what the answer is. :)

I've pretty much quit playing Trivia Crack. I was getting bored with it.

Hah, the sports trivia was what was wrong with Trivial Pursuit too! & I agree with Eva - if you haven't gotten any new clients out of it, it's not worth it.

& as for being woefully behind on threads, you & me both! I'm happy to see all the handsome men with books, but very sad to hear about both of your uncles. Sigh.

I agree that you shouldn't bother with that event. If you want to give free hand massages, there are plenty of people here with tired fingers from typing. ;-)

I've slowed way down on the TC. It does help when I get a streak of answers I actually know, and then it comes to a screeching halt. That usually lasts through the next 4 people. ;)

So glad to be done with that hand massage event. Both of us (Lisa and I) decided this was our last year. They did end up paying us $20 each for each day, a grand total of $40 for about 6 hours total of work, including commute time. Glad it's over with. Haven't had many clients this week, but I've been running around for at least an hour or two every day, running errands. It's exhausting! Plus, I've fallen into a bad pattern again of having 1 thing to do each day for the next week or so. I'm trying to rearrange some things onto other days if I can, but it's not looking so great. I can get things done much better (at home, that is) if I can have a whole day to do things as opposed to watching the clock every 10-15 minutes to make sure I'm not going to leave late - for literally hours before I'm due to leave. It's some weird anxious habit that I don't know how to work around, and it leads to a lot of nervousness and wasted time. Here's hoping I can work on that tomorrow morning for awhile before going to work, though, and will then have less to do once I get back home.

Sunday is the first meeting of a crochet circle! There are about 5 of us, myself included, in this circle. It started with two former co-workers at the library, one of whom used to teach crochet, and the two of us that are relative newbies. Then another librarian wanted to join, and the "teacher"'s daughter-in-law too. This Sunday I'm hosting, and it will just be the "core" three of us. I'm looking forward to it, and it's good motivation to get my house cleaned up and in better order. I'll try and post a picture or two if I can, but not promises. Of crochet stuff, not necessarily my house.

I just finished book #50 for the year (yay!) and realize that I have to come back and write each one up since it's been too long. I've started a few different crochet projects but have to keep pulling them out because I keep doing things that seem fine until I've done a bit more and then I see that it actually was a mistake. I'm down to only 8 books checked out from the library, and I'm on a streak of reading more of my own. (That streak has just started this week, and I'm hoping it lasts as long as possible so I can get some shelves/stacks thinned out around here.) At the end of April I'll be getting all new windows on my house, and I can't wait! They were supposed to come the last week in February, but it was too bitterly cold, so we got rescheduled. I've been Netflix bingeing on The Dead Files, Bob's Burgers, and I just started Wings last night. Wings is making me nostalgic for my childhood.

What are all of you up to these days?

Sounds like you have made a good decision to not participate in the hand massage event next year. Congrats on finishing book #50! Oh, a crochet circle. That sounds like a fun and relaxing way to spend your Sunday! Not much happening on my end these days - just work, reading and currently tending to my other half who has come down with a nasty throat infection (not strep, thank goodness). Raining today so a good day for tackling some laundry, making a batch of cabbage rolls (now that I have learned how to separate the cabbage leaves!) and some reading. Boring, I know, but I am in the mood for boring this weekend. ;-)

Have fun with the crochet circle! Knitting and crochet and other crafty pursuits are great ways to relax :)

Looking forward to hearing about what you've been reading, too. Fifty books already is a fantastic achievement! And to be reading lots from your own shelves is great as well!

This weekend I am staying in and reading because we were supposed to get freezing rain today (although it isn't doing anything right now and I didn't get up until almost 10, so the system might have passed through already). Tomorrow I'm going shopping with a friend and hoping to spend a gift card I got for Christmas.

Before my near vision started to go I enjoyed needlework while watching TV. I've also started to experience discomfort in my thumbs that would interfere with the work. I have tons of yarn and quite a collection of needles, including double-ended (for socks - never accomplished) that I hope to someday get back to using. I really did enjoy doing it when I could.

Another time suck that I have been enjoying is a video game. Monsieur built me a kick-ass computer with super graphics and surround sound that just screamed for a good old dungeon crawl. Elder Scrolls is a series that has culminated in a spectacularly crafted game called Skyrim. The graphics are so stunning that I found myself stopping to enjoy the scenery! Not to mention the huge world and nearly endless quests. I just went back to the previous game, Oblivion, and have gotten past the point I left off with the last time I played it. I do try to accomplish some house work before I sit down, or in yesterday's case, do laundry while playing, so I don't feel so guilty. I had to get a little travel clock to put right below the screen to make sure I don't forget to make dinner, or completely lose track of time.

The croquette circle sounds fun! Will you show us some of what you produce?

And I can't wait to see what you've been reading.

March has been a busy month for me. Last weekend was FOGcon, where I got to go and talk about scifi and fantasy books and writing all weekend. This weekend/week I'm traveling in Orlando for a work conference and this upcoming weekend I'm participating in a 10k run. I'm also going to be a feature performer at an open mic next week, reading from a collection of poems if I can put them together. On top of that there's all my reading and a. March Around the World Movie Challenge.

Hello, friends! I am alive, despite my lack of evidence at this fine place on the interwebs. :)

I think I just hit a wall as to what I could handle and checked out of nearly everywhere online (except to update goodreads since it's so easy and it's the now the only way I can keep track of what I read) and in writing/sending letters and anything that didn't absolutely have to get done. The mental space and effort it took just to keep my head on regarding the latest escapades of my Uncle in Alaska, and what I could and couldn't/shouldn't tell my Mom, was enough to handle. Plus working and doing the basics to keep my house not Red Cross-level-insane, that was it. To sum the last month or so: I've had all windows replaced in my house (a 4 day job), almost moved my business but ended up staying where I am, one of my cats had two emergency vet visits in 3 days (she's fine and apparently ate a bug - something only her brother has done so far in their 11 years), spent a few 12 hours days watching my friend's adorable 1 1/2 year old son, went with a friend to one of her last chemo treatments, cleaned out over half of my shoes (a more enormous task than I thought it would be at the start), and had daily phone calls from my Uncle's friend/neighbor/power of attorney regarding his latest. (He is still currently alive, and after falling and being in the hospital again - essentially a mini version of his first fall this past November - he is now in the only facility in the state that will take him. Thankfully, it's just outside of his city, so the potential for the few friends he hasn't alienated to visit is there. His liver is totally gone and is disintegrating, his kidneys are failing, his dementia is constant, his torso and lungs are filling with fluid at the rate of about a liter a day, and his organs are now starting to fail, and he can barely walk. But, he is cleaner than he's been in his adult life, very well-cared for, and seems fairly happy to spend his days there. And, thankfully, they will be declaring his house as condemned at some point soon, with the allowance for myself/whomever to go in for short periods of time in a hazmat suit to sort through what's left and remove paperwork as needed, and they will most likely be burning his house and whatever is left once we're done.)

So yeah. I'm wiped out, and using books for an escape and coping mechanism in between visits with my therapist. Even thinking of and typing all of that above tires me out all over again. The one good thing that's come out of this is that I do actually relax for at least half of the time that I'm not working, which I never used to do. Sure, it's because I'm exhausted to the point of near-narcoleptic levels, but I do feel better after I've slept a couple of hours, and I'm able to handle sorting through some paperwork or something for a little while before picking up a book or turning on the TV. I'll do a big list of what I've read since my last update, but after I've had something to eat and some more coffee. Uffda!

I hope you've all been doing well, and I'll start doing rounds at some point soon. I really missed you guys!!!!!

It's good to here from you and know you're persevering. You have so much on your plate! Of course we'll still be here when you finally have lots of time and are fully rested. I'm glad your cat is fine now and that your vet is able to build that addition to their home. And that your uncle is somewhere safe and caring.

>144 LauraBrook: Hooray, you're alive! :) I was going to sic my cats on your scent, but knowing them, they'd walk about two feet and then fall asleep. ;) Sounds like you've had quite a bit going on, and you've been handling it very well. Hugs!

That is a lot to have to deal with and I totally understand the need to withdraw. HUGS!

Hi Laura, great to hear from you. You do have a lot on your plate but it sounds like most things are heading in the right direction. It is good that your uncle is somewhere where he is safe and looked after.

Hi Laura! Glad to have you back even if only for a brief visit. You've sure had a lot to deal with. Hopefully your uncle is content and safe and you have some peace of mind.

Maybe you have a book's worth of excitement there. Ever consider becoming an author?

Wow, that's quite a list. Take all the time you need and we will, of course, welcome you when/if/how you feel like you want to hang out here. :) Sending loads of virtual strength your way, even if it doesn't do much to relieve you.

Hello ladies! So wonderful to see you all, and thanks for all of the support and encouragement - I can feel it! :)

This past Monday night I did something fun! My high school choir director is retiring after 38 years of teaching, and as a surprise a high school (who works at our school) organized about 60 alumni to join the students on stage to sing the final song. It was a lot of prep work, but it was totally worth it as Jo was so surprised and touched. It says a lot, I think, that even the 8th grade boys were crying off and on throughout the concert, along with just about every other student on stage that night. Afterwards a bunch of us went to our old post-concert hangout, where our director showed up to have drinks with us, and then 5 of us went on to a 24-hour restaurant to talk until 3AM! I'm still recovering 2 days later, but it was totally worth it, both to celebrate Ms. H and see old friends and catch up. Real life waits for no one, however, so I'm still motoring along here.

I just found out my Uncle has his cell phone back, which is not a good thing. He's tried calling here twice (once I was home and ignored it, thinking it was one of his "friends" who has been trying to convince us to move him down here to Milwaukee - 3,500 miles away), and he talked to my Mom once. We'll see. His new thing is that his doctors really screwed up and that's why his liver is so bad. Oh yeah, sounds right. Don't acknowledge or take responsibility for heavily and consistently binge-drinking for decades, nope, couldn't be that, must be the doctors. Ugh. I almost don't want to talk to him, since he only wants to talk about the good old days (which were before me and I don't really know about) or how his life is someone else's fault, and there wouldn't really be a point to me disagreeing or saying anything otherwise. I just want him to know that I love him, and that it's okay for him to go. I don't know if I should really talk to him again, you know? It would just upset both of us, and I'm mentally trying to get to a settled place with him. Every time, just when it's okay and I don't think about it 30 times a day, he pops up again with a phone call. It's driving me nuts.

Okay, gotta shake that off. A dear friend just dropped off a belated birthday present, which was partly made up of 2 English newspapers, so maybe I'll have a glass of wine and read through them for a bit.

I snagged a group shot from the restaurant! I'm the one on the right in the middle with the blue shirt.

Great group shot! :) And what a lovely gesture to put together the concert! I'm sure she really appreciated it.

>152 LauraBrook:
Th alumni performance sounds like it was wonderful, but the ongoing Uncle stuff sounds very stressful. I can totally understand not wanting to deal with the phone calls and how it could cause anxiety.

Hugs!

>152 LauraBrook: It's good to hear from you, Laura! :)

That does sound like a lot of organizing and prep work, but that was so thoughtful what you guys did for your retiring teacher! :) I'm sure that touched her immensely.

Gah, who let him have access to his cell phone? :/ Too bad he couldn't vent at someone else other than you guys. It's probably healthier if you did keep some distance from him, but like you said, let him know you love him.

LOL, your "shake it off" comment immediately made me think of that Taylor Swift song. ;)



Btw, happy belated birthday! :) That was sweet your friend sent you a couple English newspapers. Are they as big as ours? More interesting?

Anyway, thanks for sharing the awesome photo! I knew who you were right away. :) Nice shot!

I hope you have a wonderful, peaceful weekend! :)

I'm glad you had a great evening/night. You needed and deserved that! I'm sending hugs. Here's a link to pictures that always cheer me up:

http://snakesinhats.tumblr.com

It's snakes wearing hats. I don't know why, but it makes me happy.

Hi everyone! Hugs and smooches all around!

>153 rabbitprincess: Hi, rp! She was shocked and very touched. And looking forward to retirement!

>154 andreablythe: Hi Andrea! The concert/evening was a nice break from real life. Thankfully there haven't really been any phone calls of late, which is a relief.

>155 saraslibrary: A "friend" of his gave it back to him. Idiot. He was causing his usual amount of damage at first, but it's been pretty quiet for the last few weeks, so hopefully it's "broken" again (i.e. he doesn't know how to use it and is blaming the device). Either way, I look forward to when it's taken out of his hands again. That Taylor Swift gif is cracking me up! The English papers are a more manageable size overall, and thicker - they're kind of perfect! I don't know why ours are so giant when they're unfolded. Aw, that's awesome that you knew who I was right away! Yay for long-term-internet-friend-stalking! ;) Hope you're doing well, m'dear!

>156 RidgewayGirl: Hah, those are great! I especially like the fancier ladies hats with ribbons and feathers trailing off of them! Thanks for the hugs and the laughs!

I've got a very lazy Fourth of July weekend in progress here - the only things on my plate are reading, laundry, and cleaning up the house as the spirit moves me. (Here's hoping it moves just a little. It's getting a little clutter-tastic around here.) Earlier this week I went thrifting for the first time in years with a friend. I got a few nice little serving/snack bowls, a set of sheets for my massage table, some 8x10 picture frames, and few other random things. We agreed to find something ridiculous for under $5 that the other would buy for themselves - Susie chose a pair of gold and silver glitter hooker heels for me. They crack me up - and if walk more than a few yards in them, I may crack a bone. This is the closest image I can find online - mine are like these, only open-toed and with a thicker criss-cross X strap instead of ribbon.

Classy, hey?!? ;)

Other than that, I've just been keeping busy! My Mom had excellent check-ups with her doctors and mammogram over the last few weeks. She's going back to PT to help with arm swelling (it's not noticeable if you're not starting at her arms) and getting re-fitted for a sleeve some time soon. I'm still shopping for a new-to-me car. Uncle Rob is still alive, and I hope he feels as good as possible until he crosses over, whenever that may be. My massage partner gave me her 2 months notice that she's leaving. But then she thought she'd come back. And then not. Either way, as of September 1st I'll have to cover the rent for our room on my own. *gulp* I'm looking online for some reputable part-time work. I need something that's flexible enough so I can leave to work on my massage clients when I have appointments, and I can work on this mystery job in betwixt and between.

Reading is still coming along nicely, though I seem to have slowed-down over all. I keep starting books and then never really getting around to finishing them. (Doing a quick mental count, I think I'm currently reading around 15 books.) Hopefully the weekend RAT here will help get me to finish some of them up!

>157 LauraBrook: Love those hooker heels! ;) (Actually, if they were a ballet flat in that same sparkly material, I would be all over them!)

Also, regarding flexible part-time work, you might try a transcription company. I am working for one now, and it's pretty easy to set your own hours.

Those shoes are fantastic! Though, I would never wear them simply because I would probably break an ankle. Coordination is not my forte.

>157 LauraBrook:
Love the shoes!!

>158 christina_reads: Thanks, Christina! I'll start checking into transcription companies as soon as I'm done here. Trying to "break into" editing is looking to be too much work for literally dollars a day, and that's not what I'm about right now.

Thanks for the shoe-love, ladies! I nearly crippled myself walking around my house trying to take a picture, and they've been sitting on my closet shelf ever since. Maybe if I lose over 100 pounds, I could try wearing them for real. Until then, they're a sparkly shoe to look at. :)

I have NO IDEA how it's been over a month since I was here last. What in the world is happening to time?!? And to my life?!? Sheesh. Things are still pretty much the same. My Uncle called me just after I last updated here, and it was an upsetting half hour "conversation" with him, which ulitmately resulted in me crying for a while afterwards.

And then, a few days later (to console myself), I rearranged my books. That was wonderful and therapeutic and fun and all of the excellent things that it always is for me. I did a quick pull of some books that I wanted to read and get rid of - the couple of hundred of them are still sitting in small stacks on the floor in my living room. No idea where they'll live until I can get to them all, but that's okay. What surprised me most about doing this was that I only had 2 duplicates! Pretty impressive for someone who's been slacking on updating my library here. I made some new groupings of my books, and got all of my shelves/drawers in alpha order so theoretically I can find things easier. All in all, it still makes me happy to have that fun task done with.

Otherwise, I've just been working and trying to help my Mom take care of herself emotionally. And doing tons of laundry, of course.

Reading books is still being done, though I've been in a stalled mode lately, reading only a few pages at a time, not really getting anywhere in any of them. And then last night I finished up two books I've been reading for months, and I'm suddenly in a zone where I want to finish all the books right away. Finally! All I have to do is finish up the ones I want to finish, plus start and finish two book club books in the next week. Theoretically, this is possible, but I doubt it will happen. Oh well! I'll do my best.

I'm going to (honestly, seriously) update the books I've read so far this year. I'm over a hundred books right now, but I haven't updated here since number 19. Here goes nothing!

20. Island Bride by Danica Winters
21. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
22. Partners in Crime by Agatha Christie
23. The Secret Lives of Men and Women: A PostSecret Book by Frank Warren
24. A Year With Six Sisters' Stuff by Six Sisters' Stuff
25. Ristorante Paradiso by Netsuke Ono
26. Tita by Marie Houzelle
27. A Bride's Story Volume 6 by Kaoru Mori
28. Saga #1 by Brian K. Vaughan
29. An Age of License by Lucy Knisley
30. Locke & Key, Volume 6 by Joe Hill
31. The Case of the Caretaker by Agatha Christie
32. The Case of the Perfect Maid by Agatha Christie
33. Xingu by Edith Wharton
34. The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo
35. Saga #2 by Brian K. Vaughan
36. Saga #3 by Brian K. Vaughan
37. PostSecret by Frank Warren
38. Collected: Living With the Things You Love by Fritz Karch
39. Strange Fruit, Volume 1 by Joel Christian Gill
40. Ellen Middleton by Lady Georgian Fullerton
41. The Pioneer Detectives by Konstantin Kakaes
42. A Symphony of Echoes by Jodi Taylor
43. When A Child Is Born by Jodi Taylor
44. Clubbing by Andi Watson
45. Y: The Last Man, Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan
46. Billy Boyle by James R. Benn
47. The Sculptor by Scott McCloud
48. Criminal Macabre by Steve Niles
49. The Spiderwick Chronicles Movie Storybook by Tracey West
50. Mystery Society by Steve Niles
51. Moab Is My Washpot by Stephen Fry
52. They Came to Baghdad by Agatha Christie
53. Slow News Day by Andi Watson
54. Never Stop to Think...Do I Have A Place For This? by Mary Randolph Carter
55. Trigger Warning by Neil Gaiman
56. Princess Decomposia and Count Spatula by Andi Watson
57. Displacement by Lucy Knisley
58. The Grand Tour by Agatha Christie
59. The Adventurous Simplicissimus by Hans Jakob von Grimmelshausen
60. Imagist Poetry: An Anthology by Bob Blaisdell
61. The Public Library: A Photographic Essay by Robert Dawson
62. Calamity-Free Crochet by Catherine Hirst
63. Seduction by Velvet
64. Bared to You by Sylvia Day
65. Grammar Girl's 101 Misused Words You'll Never Confuse Again by Mignon Fogerty
66. The Face of a Stranger by Anne Perry
67. The Spiderwick Chronicles Book 1 by Tony DiTerlizzi
68. S.E.C.R.E.T. a Novel by L. Marie Adeline
69. Reflected in You by Sylvia Day
70. The Martian by Andy Weir
71. The Spiderwick Chronicles #2 by Tony DiTerlizzi
72. A Second Chance by Jodi Taylor
73. The Sittaford Mystery by Agatha Christie
74. The Real Life Downton Abbey by Jacky Hyams
75. Naked In Death by J.D. Robb
76. The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman
77. The Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton Frank
78. The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemingway
79. Roman Holiday by Jodi Taylor
80. Christmas Present by Jodi Taylor
81. Beautiful Beloved by Christina Lauren
82. Goblins Attack by Tony DiTerlizzi

Great list!! Nice to see some Agatha Christie in there.

I've had Billy Boyle in my TBR pile for forever.

83. Doctor Who The Forgotten by Tony Lee
84. Doctor Who Series 3 Volume 1 The Hypothetical Gentleman by Andy Diggle
85. Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren
86. Unusual Suspects by Dana Stabenow
87. By The Pricking of My Thumbs by Agatha Christie
88. Sense & Sensibility A BabyLit Opposites Primer by Jennifer Adams
89. The Queen Is Dead by Kate Locke
90. Storm Front by Jim Butcher
91. Glory in Death by J.D. Robb
92. Night's Edge by Barbara Hambly
93. The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton
94. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
95. Domestic Manners of the Americans by Frances Milton Trollope
96. Minding the Manor by Mollie Moran
97. Masters of Midnight by Michael Thomas Ford
98. Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
99. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
100. Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris
101. A Spirited Tail by Leighann Dobbs
102. The Monogram Murders by Sophie Hannah
103. Fodor's Escape to Provence by Nancy Coons
104. Wicked Charms by Janet Evanovich
105. Orlando by Virginia Woolf
106. Handwritten Recipes by Michael Popek
107. Postern of Fate by Agatha Christie
108. Seven Daughters of Eve by Bryan Sykes
109. Let's Bring Back by Leslie M. M. Blume
110. Malice at the Palace by Rhys Bowen
111. The Miser of Mayfair by Marion Chesney
112. The Granny Square Book by Margaret Hubert

I seem to missing one book, but I can't find it right now. Hmm...

>163 lindapanzo: Hi Linda, thanks! I just finished the last Tommy & Tuppence book and it's making me sad. Reading Christie on my kindle has become a constant thing.

Welcome back and nice list! :)

Glad to see you back! :) And doesn't it feel great to move books around? I colonized half of one of the BF's bookcases last week (both of my bookcases were double-stacked and couldn't really hold too many more) and it was so much fun to re-shuffle some of them around. Of course it also reminded me just how many I still need to read... :S

What did you think of The Monogram Murders? I probably won't read it, but I am always interested to hear what people think of it!

Thanks, Andrea! It feels good to be back here and getting into the swing of things again. I still have over 80 threads to catch up on (yikes!), but there's always tomorrow too.

Hi rp! It's sooooooo good to move books around, in fact it's one of my favorite things to do. I suspect that if I had fewer books I'd do it much more often. I really really liked The Monogram Murders. I've been reading a lot of Christie this year and was very leery of starting this one - could Sophie Hannah live up to Agatha? - but I was very pleased to have enjoyed it just as much as, if not more than, Christie herself. My Mom read it too, and she felt the same way. If you see it somewhere, I'd say give it a go! I hope she writes some more.

As I've been catching up on threads I've been listening to the Serial podcast and now only have the final episode to go. Has anyone else listened to this? I know I'm way behind the bandwagon, but I wondered what others think about the case and about Adnan? I'm still not sure what to think.

Lovely to see you posting, Laura! Great lists of reading! What did you think of The Ghost Bride? I am currently reading/listening to the audio of that one. I am only half way through and not quite sure how I am going to review/rate it.

Great to see you back!! And what an impressive list - love it! Also, congrats on only finding two duplicates, that's quite an achievement. :)

>169 lkernagh: Hi Lori! I LOVED The Ghost Bride! In fact, even though I read it months ago, I think about it nearly every day. I hope you like(d) it!

>170 -Eva-: Hi Eva! Thanks, and I'm shocked and impressed that I only had two duplicates as well! Maybe my brain isn't quite as hole-y as I thought it was. ;)

I've been working on facing my fears and letting go of some stuff that no longer serves me. Or rather, some things I'd rather not serve me any longer. One of those is writing. I grew up writing and drawing all the time, playing with paper dolls and reading books and creating stories. Once my teen years hit, I still journaled regularly, and a couple of different friends and I would draw and write our own books on occasion. In college, once I realized I was unhappy, stopped being afraid of disappointing someone (no one in particular, mind you, just a general, looming "someone") I changed my major (from Elementary Education to English) and was happier. And in my last semester of college while touring Europe with the choir I did an independent study course on travel writing. My emphasis on graduation was to go to graduate school and get a Masters degree in writing/editing/something of that nature. But then I got back from Europe and graduated and was filled with youthful glee and hopefulness, and didn't want to go to school any more. I wanted my own personal gap year, and I worked several different jobs, trying out a lot of things, but really not sticking with anything. Not much writing of any kind happened, I was too "busy" figuring things out, trying to find a different ground to stand on and where I could launch my future awesome life. Then student loans started up. And I found myself temping and wanting to avoid the soul-crushing job I was being offered daily where I worked. Doubt started to creep in (not necessarily a bad thing), and I started to spiral-panic and did the "reasonable, adult" thing and took the job. Shortly after that, my Grandmother got sick and passed away, and suddenly it's 13 years later and I don't think I've journalled or written much outside of a letter since then.

So - all of this to safely announce that I am challenging myself to write something every day. It doesn't have to be much, a grocery list, part of a story that came to me, a letter, whatever. Just writing something is the goal. I'd like to get my old, neglected blog up and running again, breathe some life into it. And not freak out over potential internet trolls or someone possibly vehemently disagreeing with my opinion on anything. All of the Maybes of Life are what terrifies me into a petrified state. I spoke about this with my therapist this week and said that I need someone to give me permission to enjoy my life and do whatever I'd like. Truthfully, I was hoping she'd do just that, but she's smarter than me. Smiling, she said "I know" and just looked at me. So you're not going to give me permission, I hopefully asked? "Nope." Dangit. Okay, then, I'll work on it. So I'm outing myself to you all, my dearest LT friends.

(Also, I realize this is a First World Problem sort of thing, and it may be navel-gazing, or whatever, but I don't care.)

Haha - I love your therapist! :)
And, I wish you all the best and hope that you will write with heart.

>171 LauraBrook: - It was a solid 4 star read for me and a very impressive one given that it was a debut novel for the author!

>171 LauraBrook: - are you giving up the writing/drawing because of lack of time? That is unfortunate. If you do find the time to get your blog up and running again, please post the link here so we can visit it.

First world problems will remain first world problems, but I am a firm believer that we all reserve the right to enjoy our lives, however we see fit. ;-)

Laura, can you just not allow comments on your blog? Or if you do, don't allow them to show up until you've vetted them. The trolls, if they are going to attack a personal blog, want instant gratification, and never seeing anything they write appear in the comments is a deterrent.

And YaY for getting back to writing. Here's my usual situation:

>171 LauraBrook:
Yes! Sounds like an awesome goal.

Also, this – "And not freak out over potential internet trolls or someone possibly vehemently disagreeing with my opinion on anything" — is something I have to keep working on regularly in order to keep myself happily posting blogs.

>171 LauraBrook: Ahem! What is it that you have been doing here? Seems to me you've been writing. That's one reason I started posting on LT, was to give myself a reason to write. I started a blog but no one visited it so it petered out. At least here I get some feedback from very nice, supportive folks.

I'm alive! Despite my apparent non-existence, I am still around. Real life has simply gotten too distracting of late (or rather, I let it distract me from having fun here), and I've been too dang tired to get off of the couch when I get home from work. Things are mostly the same in my life, with the addition of my dear aunt in the ICU for almost a week, as she's unable to get enough oxygen into her lungs and system.

The second anniversary of my Dad's passing was a week ago, and it was an okay day. It's been officially one year since my Alaskan Uncle started all of his crap - he's still alive, and even though State Troopers and visiting nurses have been to his house and fought with him to go back into hospital, he's refusing, so I think almost everyone now knows to just leave him be and drink himself to death. It's what he wants. He is so far beyond saving it's not funny. We all pray that he passes in his sleep and that it's soon so he's out of pain and done being tortured as are the rest of us who love him. Mom's birthday was on Monday (72!) and she just wanted to be left alone at home to read and watch movies. You can tell I don't fall far from the tree! And despite Christmas being over a month away, I've been feeling real panic about getting things done on time. Work is okay, but I'm still not earning enough, so my temporary plan is to sell stuff on eBay to help. It's at least something that will help get stuff out of my house, hopefully earn a little extra money for me, and most importantly, be a job that isn't so physically exhausting to me and that doesn't require me spending my day off doing 8 loads of laundry.

So! I've read a bunch of books, some good, some not, some great. I've been wasting time on Instagram, and a few other apps, and I've suddenly decided to teach myself how to cross stitch by making Christmas presents for people. Not to mention the crochet projects that need doing too. Ack! Oh well.

Just wanted to drop a couple of lines here and say hello. I've missed you all, and thought of you guys nearly every day. May this be a harbinger of more visits for 2015!

Great to hear from you, Laura. Ack - Christmas! I guess it's coming whether we are ready or not. I guess I better start making some lists and doing some planning.

Hi Judy! It is coming whether we're ready or not. *gulp* I've made lists three times and then lost them. Not so helpful. I thought I was doing a good job on getting presents early, but seeing as I can't locate any of them (aside from 2), I may be more screwed than I thought. Oh well, I've got a little more time off this week than I normally would, so that should help.

I just found a coupon for 25% off your total at Michael's Crafts, and I'm super tempted to take a shower (it's a PJ day for me) and head over there tonight. I think I may cave and go do it, and drop off my clean work laundry while I'm out. I'll make a list before I leave, here's hoping I can keep track of it for an hour! ;)

Very glad to see you back! I can relate wholeheartedly to the Christmas shopping anxiety. Just not feeling the Christmas-present vibe this year. (I am, however, excited to be making Christmas crackers for the office party.)

I hope the rest of 2015 takes it easy for you. We are always here for you!

(And if you're on Goodreads and want to hang out there too, I am also rabbitprincess on that site.)

>177 LauraBrook:
Great to see you here! That Real Life-thing can be such a hassle, can't it?! Looks like this year, I've managed to convince most people that we should all bake our Christmas presents this year. :) Yes, a little more sweat than shopping, but so much easier (and yummier!) than trying to figure out what everyone wants. The children I have around me are all old enough to want money instead of presents, so I'm kinda off the hook there too. :) And a happy belated birthday to your mom too - hope she's doing OK, considering your dad having beeng gone for such a relatively short time (is it two years already?!).

Glad to hear I'm not the only with Real Life challenges. :-)

Hello everyone, and a belated Merry Christmas!



This is the first year in my entire life that I spent both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at home! It's all I wanted, really, and I was (and am) so happy that I got to spend some time enjoying this time instead of rushing around and checking stops off of a list, trying to make sure everyone else was happy instead of myself. It's a small thing, but an important one. And it's something that I'm trying to make more of a priority in my life, putting myself first and realizing that the things I want or hope for are just as valid an anyone else's. At heart I am a People Pleaser, to the point that the mere thought of someone potentially disliking me or something I'd done or thought or said was enough to make me visibly cringe. V. bad! Life is life, and not everyone is going to like everyone else. No one is perfect, and that very much includes me. Adopting this new "screw it" mentality has been nothing short of a revelation, honestly. I still buy thoughtful presents for my friends and clients, talk to my Mom several times a day, hold doors for strangers, let other cars merge in traffic, blah blah blah. But there's an internal shift, and I find myself saying "I matter", instead of my knee-jerk reaction (or whatever you call it) of the belief that I don't exist or count. It only took 37 years, the last two of which have been the worst, most exhausting and eye-opening of my life, to get here. And I'm thankful for all of it!

Okay, enough navel-gazing. What did everyone get for Christmas? I got a few gift cards for book stores (yessss!), a few books from friends (of whom I'll see more this coming week), and 8 books from my Mom! Plus a DVD and printer ink. ;) Are you all participating in the 75ers next year? Any other groups? I'm trying to figure out what my 16 categories could be, and work in bookclub books, and any other non-LT reading challenges too. And I know I say it every year, but lordy, I NEED to read my own books! Over 1,300 physical TBR books is a bit too much for the current state of things in my house. *gulp* I know it's a lot, and I do absolutely love it, but I'd like to see at least part of a flat surface again without having to shift dozens of books first.

Anyone have any plans for the coming week before the New Year?

What did everyone get for Christmas? We did the no-gift route this year. Instead, we treated ourselves to a weekend getaway in Seattle two weeks ago and we have re-furnished part of the home so I guess you could say those were our gifts this year. ;-)

As for next week, we plan to do a major gut of closets, trunks, drawers and any other 'hideyhole' that has accumulated treasures/junk we don't use. Plan is to enter 2016 "clean and lean".

I got a few books, some clothes and a lot of baking implements! Looking forward to trying them out, especially the piping equipment. And of course the stocking contained a lot of food. :)

I'll be back with the Category Challengers and the ROOT group and really looking forward to the challenge books I've picked out.

Good luck with getting through your TBRs!

Happy Holidays Laura!
Good for you, making your needs a priority.
I'll just be doing the category challenge next year -- if I ever have enough time to set up a thread. I follow some threads in the 75 group but it's too intense over there for me.
I got 6 books for Solstice/Christmas -- biggest holiday book haul in many years.

>184 lkernagh: Lori, that sounds like an awesome gift to each other - a memorable trip and home renovations! I'd take those any day. And I so admire your plan for 2016! It's a goal of mine to actually do the daily/weekly challenges at both Home Storage Solutions 101 and Household Management 101. I've done a few of them, but haven't made them a priority. Oh well, it's an on-going process, isn't it!

>185 rabbitprincess: Hi rp! Sounds like an excellent Christmas! And food is always a welcome gift, isn't it? Oh yes, I'll be in the ROOT group again for sure too - I'd like to up my goal number from 60, but don't want to make it too difficult, either. I'll take all of the luck I can get, working through my TBRs! It's fun, but a little stressful at the same time.

>186 VioletBramble: HI VB!!!!!!! I know, the 75ers are a wonderfully chatty group, and it's nearly impossible to keep up with a fraction of what happens. I'll look forward to your Category thread. I'll have to head over to your thread too, and see what books you got!

>187 LauraBrook: - re:184 - I found a cozy mystery at one of the book sales called Killed by the Clutter (ok the touchstone isn't working and it's already wrapped so that must not be exactly the title) that I'm giving my best friend for Christmas. We've been talking about de-cluttering/downsizing lately. But storage and renovations are in my future this year too.

>183 LauraBrook: Yay for those kinds of personal revelations. I have a similar mindset, and have to remind myself to not be hyper-conscious of the feelings of others, especially when that awareness does nothing but stress me out.

And for us, it was the first Christmas in awhile where we weren't traveling. It has been very nice so far.

I'm looking forward to following your reading next year, too, Laura. You'll have a thread on the 2016 Category Challenge, won't you?

Glad you got to have a peaceful Christmas and got to take care of yourself as well - it's essential for well being, I think!

>188 dudes22: Betty, that sounds like a good book, both for the mystery and decluttering. I'm amazed by the amount of stuff in my house that's not mine, yet I have a VERY hard time doing anything about it. Let's say it now - 2016 will be the year of decluttering and organization! Not very chantable, I admit, but maybe it'll work like magic? *crossing fingers*

>189 RidgewayGirl: Man, you are spot on, I'm hyper-aware of other peoples feelings too! It makes is tough to navigate life a lot of the time. One small thing I've started doing is when I first become aware of how anxious/guilty I feel about anything I stop and look around at other reactions people are having, or if I'm alone, I ask myself if this thing involves other people. And if so, is it their responsibility too? Usually it is, and that will cut it down a little bit. Otherwise it's constant self-talk that "it's not my problem" for hours. Ugh, and now I really sound crazy, but oh well! It mostly works. Glad you had a stay-at-home Christmas too. I 98% will have a Category Challenge thread too, I'm just stumped on what to do about it. You'll have one again, yes? I love following your reading (and life!) adventures.

>190 -Eva-: Thanks, Eva! It is TOTALLY essential for well being, but I'm good at very good at putting myself off. (If that makes sense, that is!) Hope you're having a good start to the week!