Saturday, July 27, 2013

Writing Drought and Book Review of The Cuckoo's Calling

It has been a long time, almost 3 months, since either one of us posted on here.  We both needed some time off.  J was finishing school and I was planning my wedding!  Kyle and I got married a month ago and there was just too much going on to even consider keeping up on the blog.

Never fear faithful readers, we are back!

It was announced several weeks ago that J.K. Rowling had written a new book that was published back in April of this year.  She published the book under the pseudonym of Robert Galbraith.  I saw this come up in my news feed on Facebook through Mugglenet and Hypable.  As soon as I saw this I, of course, looked it up on my local library's catalog.  There was one copy that they owned and it was checked out.  I put myself on the hold list and then looked at my account to see how long I would have to wait.

I was next in line.  SCORE!
  
I didn't read her other book that was written for adults: The Casual Vacancy.  I don't swear often and I don't like to read many swear words in the books I choose.  I also don't like to read about sex. I heard The Casual Vacancy had some of this, so I avoided it. 

This past week, The Cuckoo's Calling, her book as Robert Galbraith, came in for me.  I had to read it within a week because there were now more than 50 people on hold and only one title.  I managed to do just that.

The Cuckoo's Calling's main character is Cormoran Strike, a private detective in London who is sought out by the brother of supermodel Lula Landry after she is discovered dead outside her residence.  It was determined by the police and investigators that she jumped, but her brother doesn't believe that happened.

Cormoran is a character who is just so.......likeable.  He was in the Army in Afghanistan but was forced to leave after an injury took part of his leg.  The book describes him several times at the end of the day with pain at his knee and his removal of the prosthesis before bed. I found myself often sympathizing with his pain or discomfort. He's a large man and can be gruff, short and to the point, but he is also sensitive and comes across as real.

His secretary, Robin Ellacott, is someone I wish we'd had some more time with.  She just got engaged and is working at a temp agency until she finds the perfect job.  She enjoys her work with Strike and helps him out during the investigation in a few ways only a woman could.  The reader hears about the fiance but never actually meets him.  She has some great scenes and I hope she is shown more in the future books. 

Yes, J.K. Rowling has said that the next book is already written and will be released in 2014.

The book was good, but it didn't engage me the way I was hoping it would.  There were several points where Cormoran says something along the lines of " 'Blank' said she told him what she knew, but she gave more information than she thought she did." At any rate, Cormoran was catching things in the interviews that I didn't.  This bothers me more than it probably should. If I had the time to reread the book, now that I know the ending, I'd probably catch more in the interviews.  I just don't like being out of the loop. 

There was more swearing than I prefer, but I was able to overlook that for the most part.  There was also reference to sex, but it wasn't as though you followed the character through those actions. 

What I liked most was how real the book seemed.  I felt like this could have happened in real life.  I'll read the next book, but I'll want to have read The Cuckoo's Calling at least one more time before then.

I give this 3.5 out of 5 stars..........for now.  :)

~M

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

One Crazy Week

The last week has been a roller coaster of emotions for me.

I've had a job for the past three years that I have loved.  I worked for a technical college in the area.  There are several campuses and I worked at one of the campuses that was an hour away from my home.  This campus is in a small town and so I was the only librarian on that campus.  I worked collaboratively with the librarians on the other campuses in the area, but I was able to order the books and movies I wanted for the collection, buy new computer workstations, answer reference questions, help administer tests, and do a variety of other tasks.  I enjoyed making the library how I wanted it.  I got along with all my co-workers- everyone was so friendly and willing to answer questions when I had them.  I also enjoyed the variety that came with the position.

I had my last day at this job last Thursday.  I didn't realize how much I would miss this job until Thursday night when I was sending my farewell email to everyone.  I started crying.  I enjoy driving and this was an hour away from home, but my car has over 250,000 miles on it.  This was becoming a concern for me.  But I enjoyed my work.  I had several patrons I always looked forward to seeing.  I was happy.  All this hit me while I was writing this goodbye email.  And it was my late night so no one was on campus anymore.  I had no one to go up to and say "I'll miss you."  I had said it several times throughout the week to a variety of people, but it just wouldn't have had the same feeling to it as it would have that evening.

The next day I was with Kyle at school and got some really bad news.  I don't want to get into what it was, but it entirely derailed my day.  As soon as he was done at school I dropped him off at his apartment and burrowed into my apartment with a pizza and watched some movies and got some things done I'd been putting off.

Saturday was my last day at my second job.  I've been a clerk at my local public library for almost 4 years.  I've been at the same branch, with mostly the same staff, during that time.  I enjoyed this work but I recently got my Master's degree in Library Science.  Putting books back on the shelves and checking people and items in and out without being in a manager's position or working in a small library was not something I wanted to be doing anymore.  I knew I needed to start moving up.  So this was my last day in this position.  My co-workers at this job are wonderful.  Fortunately, I don't have to miss them because I'll still see them when I go into work!

My new job started on Monday this week.  I'll be working at the same library where I was a clerk, so I know everyone already.  This has made the transition easy.  I'm now a 32 hour Children's Librarian.  The amount of information that has been given to me so far is a bit overwhelming, but it would be so much worse if I didn't know the catalog already.  The summer reading program is a month away and I help coordinate the volunteers so I was thrown into that right away already.  Everyone in the department is wonderful and will be great to work with.  It's just a lot of information all at once.

I'm looking for a second job to add some hours (and some extra money) but finding one that's ok with me being off every other weekend or so to visit Kyle will be tough.  Kyle will be moving 3 1/2 hours away to finish his Engineering degree and that'll take two years.  He's the one in school so I'll be visiting him more often than he'll visit me.  I start paying student loans off the week before the wedding.  I need to upgrade my car at some point, but it's been running wonderfully so far, thank you God.

All this, in one week.  Call me Super-Woman because I have been at highs and lows this week, up and down so often, that I'm just wiped.

This is me on my first day at my new professional job:



~M

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Iron Man 3

Oh Tony.  You are such a good-looking specimen of a man.  Even if I didn't enjoy the Iron Man movies, I'd watch them just to see you.

I have seen Iron Man a couple times with Kyle and have attempted to see Iron Man 2 a couple times.  However, for Iron Man 2, I fell asleep during every time I tried to watch it.  That is not to reflect on the movie itself, I'm sure it was wonderful, I was just unable to stay awake.  I was tired at night or in the afternoon and was just so comfy on the couch curled up next to Kyle that I promply fell asleep.  This is, unfortunately, a common occurence with me. 

I found Iron Man 3 to have much more humor in it than the previous ones.  This was refreshing and helped me stay awake since Kyle and I saw it at the 10:00 showing the night it came out.  It also helped it be more of a light-hearted movie, despite the other themes in the movie.

Premise from IMDB

"When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution."

There were a few things in the movie that made me suspend my belief that this was something that could really, truly, happen.  I won't specify anything because it could spoil a few scenes for you if you knew about it in advance.

Gwyneth Paltrow played Pepper Potts as wonderfully as ever.  She has some dynamic moments in this movie and keeps it realistic, unlike Natalie Portman in Thor. 

Some of the minor characters had great moments also.  Jon Favreau and Don Cheadle specifically.

We saw it in 2D fortunately.  I'm not fond of 3D myself, so I'm glad there was an option for 2D. 

Great movie.  I was impressed.  It's not often that you get several movies in a series and they continue to be good.

Consensus:  4 out of 5 stars.

~M

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

This Is What I Get For Watching The Movie Before Reading The Book



This movie is wonderful.  Yes, it's a bit silly.  Campy.  It doesn't take itself too seriously.  But it's fun.  Enjoyable.  And it has Chris O'Donnell.  He's a beautiful man.

I just finished reading the book this morning.

I'm sad.  I'm mad.  Frustrated. Irritated. 

RUINED!!!!

And what makes it even more frustrating, is that I'm not in love with the book!

Also, the movie was made in 1993.  It's 20 years old.  This ages me greatly.

Premise of the book:  D'Artagnan has come to Paris to join the Musketeers.  He meets three best friends, Porthos, Aramis, and Athos,  and these men form a bond with this young hooligan.  They are devoted to the King (Royalists) and are against the Cardinal and his servant Milady.  D'Artagnan falls in love, unexpectedly learns of a dark secret of one of his new friends, and needs to save Lord Buckingham in England.

This movie has kept the same characters, some of their life stories, and the remotest plot-line the same.

That. Is. All.

Excluding the movie, the book was ok on its own.  Alexandre Dumas, the author of the book, had an intricate plot.  Something I enjoy on occasion.  His dialogue was a little too involved at times.  I don't need to hear every little thing these characters could possibly say.  He did have good turns of phrase several times though.  And the way he wove the story made up for some of the dialogue.

I am just unable to get past this movie I so enjoy being based on this book.  It's an injustice to the book.

And so I will heed my cousin Sam's advice.  She loves this movie also and when I texted her about how upset I was she said, "Oh no!  Ok I won't read it!  But don't worry.  The movie is always what really happened.  Movies don't lie!"

Consensus: 2 out of 5 stars

~M

Monday, April 29, 2013

42- The Movie Review

I saw an amazing movie this past weekend.  Why was it amazing, you ask?  Well, it was based on a true story.  The acting was superb.  The context of the movie pulled at my heart strings.  It made me cry- although I'll admit that's not difficult to do. 

42 is based on two years of Jackie Robinson's life: from the time he signed on with the Montreal Royals through his first year on the Brooklyn Dodgers.  The movie effectively covers the life he had at home and the love he had for his wife and son, but focused on his trials, disappointments, and encounters both on and off the field.

Jackie Robinson was brilliantly played by Chadwick Boseman who has had minor roles on TV shows, according to IMDB, but hasn't had a lead break-out role until now.  He played Jackie wonderfully.  Showcasing the restraint of emotion that was needed in difficult scenes, to displaying the anger and hurt when necessary as well.

Branch Rickey, the team executive of the Brooklyn Dodgers, was played remarkably well by Harrison Ford.  Oh my dear Harrison.  You may be 70 years old, but you are still a stud.  Branch was more often than not seen smoking a cigar and growling to others what he required of them.  There were a few times when more depth with emotion was needed and he delivered. 

For those of you who like to be surprised by minor roled characters, I won't list anymore who is in the movie.  I enjoy watching a movie, seeing a face I recognize, and then attempting to try to place as to how I know them.  If you really want to know who else is in it, go look it up

I cannot recommend this movie enough.  It is rated PG-13, just for language, unless I'm mistaken.  But the language they used was necessary based on the tone of the movie and the setting.  I'm not opposed to sex in movies, but those scenes are unnecessary to the story more often than not. 

The acting was excellent.  The story was wonderful.  The characters are true and memorable.

There's nothing in this movie that makes it something that needs to be seen in theatres.  There aren't great special effects or action scenes.  You won't miss much if you wait until it's on DVD to watch it.

Consensus:  5 out of 5 stars. 

~M

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The Raven Boys by Maggie Steifvater

Finally!  I have found a new series to follow.  And best of all, the first book only came out this past November!  It's been a VERY long time since I read a series and it was almost finished or completed already.

The audiobook was well-done, so if you like that format or are looking for something in that format, I highly suggest this title.  The actor did a particularly great job with the voices of Blue's aunts and the boys she meets.

Premise from the official website
"Blue Sargent, the daughter of the town psychic in Henrietta, Virginia, has been told for as long as she can remember that if she ever kisses her true love, he will die. But she is too practical to believe in things like true love. Her policy is to stay away from the rich boys at the prestigious Aglionby Academy. The boys there — known as Raven Boys — can only mean trouble."
That description doesn't do the book justice, though.  There's so much more to it than that.  There's an ancient quest to find the burial place of Owain Glendower, a medieval Welch noble, who, legend has it, is not dead and has been sleeping for centuries.  He's been put to sleep and whoever wakes him up will be granted a wish.  There's a murder to be solved. 

There are many reasons why I enjoyed this book.  First, and foremost, it doesn't involve vampires!  I enjoyed the Twilight series before they were made into movies.  But vampire books aren't usually what I enjoy.  The two fantasy books I read recently that involved a lot of supernatural were not enjoyable for me.  For those reviews, see here and here.  The supernatural is very popular in young adult literature these days so I'm being particularly picky about what I read from there lately.  However, the amazing teen librarian, Gillian, at my library suggested I read this one.

Yes, I don't like the supernatural too much, but I have always enjoyed books that have ghosts or ghostly elements in them, whether it be true life or fiction.  I've also always been intrigued by psychics and this book has both of those elements. 

I love Blue.  She's a down to earth and real.  She calls it like she sees it- which is something I should really do more often.  She's a bit of a loner and doesn't have a lot of friends- something I can identify with.  Her family is a bit...special.  Mine is too, but not nearly in the same way.

Sometimes when reading an audiobook, and even with a print book on occasion, I get the characters confused. Sometimes it's that they're all from the same part of the country so the actor has a more difficult time distinguishing them with his or her voice.  Sometimes it's that the character hasn't been developed enough for them to stand on their own.  This was not a problem with The Raven Boys.  The characters were all fully developed. Even the minor ones that don't have as much page time stand out on their own.

If you like young adult books, or are willing to give them a try, enjoy mystery and a bit of drama and suspense, give The Raven Boys a try. 

Consensus:  5 out of 5 stars

~M

Monday, April 22, 2013

My New Favorite Thing.

I have never been someone who drinks coffee. The taste has always turned me off and I think everyone's addiction to it has made me turn up my nose as well. My passion has always been tea. With sugar or without, hot or cold, flavored or black, I find tea to be delicious. But I'll let you in on a secret, I'm starting to like coffee. Don't tell tea that I'm abandoning ship.

Granted, I still love tea. I think there is a great amount of comfort that can be derived from a cup of hot chai tea or a cup of peppermint tea. Tea is a comforting thing, and has brought me solace on many occasions.

Recently, I have been really busy, and coffee drinks have kept me going. My new coffee fascination could be the numerous Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Gloria Jean's, and other coffee places that are conveniently located on every corner. I mean I was going to have to like lattes cappuccinos, and frappuccinos eventually, right? I have not crossed completely to the dark side, however. I still need sugar or creamer (preferably a flavored creamer like Irish Creme or Mocha), but I will drink coffee and enjoy it whereas before that was unthinkable for me.

 (
Confession, right now I am drinking this...and I had one last night. Shameful., but delicious)

These fancy little coffee drinks just have a perfect amount of staying up power and are yummy. A girl can't ask for too much in life, and I am pretty content with my chilled coffee drinks. Plus, I am using my Munch Money, (fake money we are given from the school to spend at the cafe), so it's not like I'm really buying them, right? My new guilty pleasure is fake? At least that is what I keep on telling myself. We shall see how long I can remain delusional.

Abraham Lincoln concisely explains my predicament: "If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee."

I hope you all are having a lovely day and enjoying whatever your favorite beverage is, be that coffee or tea.

--J

Hannah Swensen Mystery Series by Joanne Fluke

I came across a series in the Mystery section of my local public library in high school.  There were only a couple books out at that point, if I recall correctly, and it has grown to over 15 books.  This is a series written by Joanne Fluke and the main character is Hannah Swensen.  She owns a cookie shop in Minnesota and often finds dead bodies for which she then attempts to solve the murder.

I liked this series initially.  The characters are normal everyday people.  The bad guys almost always get their due.  There are recipes in each book.  It's set in the Midwest.  I also appreciated that there wasn't sex in any of the books.  I don't like to read about that.  All lovely things.

The series continued to grow.

Hannah has two boyfriends by the end of book two.  She continues to have two boyfriends as of the last book I read.  I don't mind that usually in a series, but it gets wrapped up eventually.  Every time I finish one of the books I want to throw it screaming, "Just pick Norman already!"  And she doesn't.

How often does a dead body have to wind up in a small Minnesota town before the FBI comes in wondering what makes the town attract murderers?  Seriously. Every. Single. Book.  Initially they were townspeople only but now many times it is people visiting town that get murdered.  They have to have the highest per capita murder rate in the country by now.

I have made some of the recipes too.  They weren't great. I tried only cookies, from what I recall, although some of the bars or brownies sound delightfully delicious.  Perhaps it was just a bad batch the two or three times I tried, but usually I make good cookies.  I'm leaning toward it being the recipe's fault.

The books are entertaining.  A bit wholesome aside from the dead body issue, perhaps, but solid stuff.  Not gory.  The books are focused more on the investigation of the murder rather than the murder itself.  But I can't get past Hannah being unable to decide between these two men.  It frustrates me, probably more than it should.

At first reading, I give the series 4 out of 5 stars.
After reading into it more and being discouraged, it gets 2 out of 5 stars.

~M

Friday, April 19, 2013

The Great Gatsby: an audiobook adventure

Audiobooks can be a great way to read a book that may be difficult to read in print.  I wish I had known this in high school.  I struggled so much with Shakespeare and classic books like Jane Eyre.  They read to me like another language.  I could not understand what was going on, no matter how much I poored over the material.  About a year ago I read Pride and Prejudice (Amazing book.  Please read it and fall in love with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.) on audiobook.  It changed my life.  Since then I have read numerous classics this way and have thoroughly enjoyed each one.  I know that there are many I could not have read in print (Les Miserables, The Three Musketeers, and Emma to name a few) because of the language in the book.  The structure of the sentences and turn of phrase. I would just not have been able to do it.  But with someone else reading it to me, speaking in a French or British accent, I enjoy my time driving to work.

I saw the trailer for the new movie version of The Great Gatsby starring Leonardo DiCaprio and was stumped.  The Great Gatsby was one that I actually read in high school and enjoyed.  I couldn't tell you a dang thing about it until three weeks ago when I read it, but I remember being in high school, reading it, and thinking that this was a classic I could actually read in print.  I wanted to read the book again before I saw the movie (and my future brother-in-law, Kurt, said the trailer wasn't anything like the book he remembered reading).  So I read it.

It was enjoyable.  It wasn't great.  It wasn't bad.  But it also was not what I expected. 

Premise from Infosoup: Jay Gatsby had once loved beautiful, spoiled Daisy Buchanan, then lost her to a rich boy. Now, mysteriously wealthy, he is ready to risk everything to woo her back. Bathtub gin, flappers and house parties that last all week enliven Fitzgerald's classic tale, a startling portrait of Gatsby's search for meaning in his opulent world.

I enjoyed the slight East cost accent of the reader, which was fitting because this occurs on the East coast.  I also had not read the description of the book before I read it, so everything was a surprise.  The book centers more around Daisy's cousin, Nick Carraway (played by Tobey Maguire) who knows both Gatsby and Daisy, than Gatsby himself.  If you've seen the trailer for the movie, it comes across that way although it's made clear that Gatsby is a main character. 

I wasn't overwhelmed by the plot.  It was fine.  The pacing was a good speed.

But I loved the turn of phrase.  Mr. F. Scott Fitzgerald knows how to write a sentence and make it come alive. 

"Before I could reply that he was my neighbor dinner was announced; wedging his tense arm imperatively under mine, Tom Buchanan compelled me from the room as though he were moving a checker to another square."

"For a moment the last sunshine fell with romantic affection upon her glowing face; her voice compelled me forward breathlessly as I listened- then the glow faded, each light deserting her with lingering regret, like children leaving a pleasant street at dusk."

Those are just two examples, but sentences like this were scattered throughout the book.  It has been a long time since I read a book where the author literally painted the image upon my mind.

The Great Gatsby was a good book and I'm very glad I read it again before I saw the new movie installment.  It was a wonderful read on audiobook if that is a preferable option for you.

Consensus: 3 out of 5 stars.

~M

Monday, April 8, 2013

Student Teaching

This semester I have been student teaching. Some days it has kicked my butt with cranky students and late nights combined with early mornings. Most days, however, I am very pleased with being in the classroom. I love seeing my students learn and use new grammar structures that they wouldn't have been able to use without me. I love the enthusiasm that students can have. I love seeing the students open up and watch their personalities develop in my classroom. I love making kids laugh and acting like a fool in front of them to help them learn. I also love speaking Spanish everyday.

Today is April 8th and May 3rd will end my student teaching experience. I can't believe that I have less than a month left in this amazing 15 week experience. Although it will be nice not to get up at 5:00AM, I will miss my students dearly. I will also miss my cooperating teacher, señor. Señor has helped me and supported me so much. I know that next year will be less difficult because of all the wisdom and experience he has given me, and I don't know what I will do without him to chat with on a daily basis. I honestly can't think of next year without him being there to help me.

From the 11 weeks I have had so far, some of the best memories/my proudest moments include:

1. Having my struggling French student get an answer correct that no other student answered correctly.

2. Having my students work on the interactive map activity I created.

3. Seeing one of my first hour students excel when she previously struggled.

4. Watching my students present on dictators/heroes in Spanish.

5. All the creativity that my students have and seeing them apply that creativity to Spanish.

Although I think at times I can be negative or get frustrated with teaching, overall, this is where I belong. When I am in front of the classroom, I am happy, and finding something that you love to do is rare.

That is all for me today, kind of a shorter blog post and I apologize for the break from blogging: I will do my darnedest to be better.

-J

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Milwaukee Weekend Extravaganza

Several weeks ago, Kyle and I took a weekend and went to Milwaukee for his yearly convention: Midwest Gaming Classic.  This convention has, in all honesty, outgrown it's location.  It's been held each year at the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel.  I have never gone before, but the main hall was completely filled, most of the hallway surrounding that main area, and a number of hotel rooms and business rooms were filled with exhibitors as well.  Kyle always meets up with his Ben Heckendorn groupies and they do soldering and discuss video games.  There were a HUGE number of pinball machines available for everyone to use as well as all sorts of video game paraphernalia available.  After being there that weekend, I came to the conclusion that I was not missing anything by staying home.  It's just not what I enjoy.

But I did have a SUPER delicious breakfast one day.  We went out to The Original Pancake House.

(please excuse my thumb!)

The Original Pancake House is also shown in the picture.  It's in an actual house and you enter from a ramp in the back of the house.  I didn't even think of doing a blog post on this until it was too late, so I don't have too many other pictures, not even one of my delicious food.  Kyle says that their pancakes were superb.  I didn't even make it to the pancakes.  I got a small stack of pancakes as well as 2 scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, mushrooms, and onions.  It was Friday and during Lent on top of that (although we do attempt to do meatless Fridays year round) so I didn't get any sausage in mine, although I wanted to!

The eggs were SO good.  And it was so much food!  I got eggs, pancakes, toast, and I was only able to finish the toast and half the eggs.  I also loved their take home containers!

(These leftovers are all mine.  Kyle finished his meal.  I felt slightly foolish, but only slightly!)

If you are ever in the Brookfield area and are looking for good food, especially breakfast, this is the place to go.  I also found their sign where you come in as well as pay on the way out to be amusing.  I've very rarely been to a restaurant for more than an hour.  Who does that!?


We also made it to the movies that weekend.  We saw Warm Bodies.  It was as good as others have stated it was.  It didn't take itself too seriously and was much funnier than I anticipated.  Yes, it was a bit campy, but it had its moments.  Kyle and I both enjoyed it much more than we expected to.  Our favorite movie theater critic does a great job describing the movie:  http://wafflemovies.com/warmbodies.html.

Another new post coming soon.  I just finished reading The Great Gatsby in honor of the new version of the movie coming out soon.  I can't see the movie without reading the book!

~M

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Going Home

This week has been a bit stressful for me: I have had more meetings at night than usual, I have had many things I need to accomplish before spring break starts next week, and I have had more commitments at my school on top of student teaching. Something that has been a driving force (especially this morning) is that I am going home on Thursday night. I am not a person who casually goes home on the weekend for various reasons, so school breaks are generally the only time I go home. I have not been home since the end of winter break and I am pretty excited to go home in a little more 24 hours.

Also, I think holidays are wonderful things and Easter is a great holiday. Christmas is my favorite holiday, but Easter is number two, and since I am in a list making mood, here are some of my top reasons to leave Easter:

1. Time with the family
2. Anticipation of spring and the start of nice weather (although maybe not this year)
3. Reese's Peanut Butter Easter Eggs (try them at your own risk: they are addictive)
4. The beautiful yet heartbreaking readings at the Good Friday service

Although this spring break I have to apply for jobs, work on my senior comp (a test, oral presentations, and essay you have to pass in order to be a Spanish major), and plan for the rest of the year at my school, I can do that in my pajamas. I can do that without getting up at 5:20AM. I can do that and bake homemade goodies. I can do that and do laundry for free. I can do that and chat with my brother. I can do that while lounging in bed. The idea that I will be home makes the whole deal sweeter.

Some personal goals I have over break include (I told you I was in a list making mood today):

1. Go to Starbucks with my little brother (that is our bonding place)
2. Read at least 2 books
3. Bake some sort of Pinterest recipe.
4. Make a great bean dip for my family Easter party
5. Watch a movie with my family

After making that list, I am now even more excited to go home.

Well I am writing this during my planning period and I should probably grade some projects, so I'll finish here. What are some things you love about Easter/family time?

-J

I Ate McDonald's, and I Didn't Like It

For some of my friends, just thinking of me eating McDonald's gives them a stomach ache.  For others, it's no big deal because they eat there several times a month themselves.

I used to eat at McDonald's more often.  I drive 45 minutes to one of my jobs 4 days a week and when I had been lazy and hadn't packed a lunch, this was an easy stop to make and under $5.00.  Then Lent came.  I knew I needed to lose weight for the Biggest Loser competition at my gym and I needed to have a healthier lifestyle.  Because of that, I went all out this Lent.  No sugar (skittles, soda, candy, ice cream, etc.).  No meat.  No eating out.

I did cave a couple times on some of those, but for the most part, I did really well this Lent.  Yesterday was a cave in day.  I know, I know.  It's Holy Week.  Just 6 more days and I can let go for a couple days.  But I had been lazy and I was REALLY hungry after work.  I had a McDonalds gift card so I decided to swing by.  I got my usual: Cheeseburger with extra pickles, McChicken sandwich, small fry.  I really wanted a Shamrock Shake since I haven't had one yet this year, but I restrained myself. 

It didn't taste great. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't as good as I remembered either.

And I felt what it did to me.  I could feel it sitting in my stomach for the rest of the evening.  I was shelving in the Children's section at my other library job and I just felt sick for the rest of the night.  It's almost 24 hours later and I still don't feel like my normal self.

Is this what McDonalds has been doing to me and I never noticed?  It's not as though I ate at McDonalds that often before Lent.  Subway or Taco Bell were my choices if I did decide to eat out, but I would have a burger on occasion.

I do not want to feel that sick again.  I have never had food poisoning, and never want to, but that feeling I had all yesterday and still a bit today is something I know now that I can avoid. 

For those of you reading this who do eat out:  try giving it up for a while.  You'll save money, and if/when you do go back, perhaps you'll notice how different it makes you feel.

I won't be eating McDonald's burgers again.  My solemn vow to you, my readers, but most of all, to myself.

~M

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Cake Batter Rice Krispies

Hi all, J here. Sorry I have been away for a week, I will try to be more diligent like my big sis and post more often. Today has been a relaxing Sunday, which was needed since I have been very productive and worked more than usual this weekend. On this relaxing Sunday, I splurged and bought myself a pair of classic black pumps from DSW because I worked 10 hours yesterday. They are one of the most comfortable pair of heels I have ever worn and I currently in love with them. I have started planning my teaching outfit for tomorrow around those shoes. Today I also ate a Shamrock Shake (Happy Saint Patrick's Day!), watched part of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 on ABC family, and did some unit planning for my Spanish IV/V class.

This past week has been Spring Break for my classmates but since I am student teaching, my Spring Break is in two weeks. Because the dining hall has been closed, this past week I have been on my own for dinner so I got a small experience of my apartment life next year with buying my own groceries. Let me tell you that I am thoroughly excited for next year and making all the delicious food I want. I went to two different grocery stores and some goodies including pesto, cheese ravioli, fancy cheese, beans, avocados, and tomatoes among other delectable treats. It has been such a pleasure choosing what I want to eat every night, and I am very excited to buy avocados to my heart's desire next year.

Speaking of food, I was in a bit of a baking mood this morning and in celebration of Saint Patrick's Day, I decided to make Cake Batter Rice Krispies. They were very simple to make, but a little bit of a variation of the normal treat. For those too lazy to click on the link, here are the directions:

Ingredients:


3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 (10 oz.) bag of marshmallows (or 10 ounces of standard sized marshmallows)
2/3 heaping cup dry yellow or white cake mix
6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal
1/3 cup (1.75 oz bottle) sprinkles

Directions:


Lightly grease a 9x13-inch pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.

In a very large sauce pan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the marshmallow and melt while stirring constantly. Once the marshmallows are just about completely melted, remove from the heat and stir in the dry cake mix a few spoonfuls at a time to ensure it blends.

Mix in the Rice Krispies and combine until coated with the marshmallow. Shake in a few sprinkles at a time, and mix. Add a few more, mix again. Continue this process until the sprinkles are evenly distributed among the Rice Krispies and you use up about 3/4 of the sprinkles.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish and gently press into the pan so the top layer is flat and even. Distribute the remaining sprinkles evenly over the top.
These are not the Rice Krispies I made, but mine looked very similar.


The recipe was very easy to make and yielded tasty results.

I think I would do some tweaking and maybe add more cake batter next time, but I think the result was positive overall. I mean anything that has Cake Batter in the title will more than likely be delicious. All of my friends are loving me as well because they are profiting from my baking whims.

That is it from here. Enjoy this lovely tune from the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfFlC05-nxk
- J

Thursday, March 14, 2013

A Day Where Everything Falls Into Place

Yesterday, March 13, 2013, was a wonderful day.

Papa Francisco, Papa Francis, was elected as Pope.  I was able to listen to his first address to the audience live, in my car, driving back from work.  You may wonder why I called him Papa rather than Pope Francis.  That's just something my cousins and I do sometimes.  I don't do it to every Pope.  Just the ones I feel like I could connect with.  The ones I really admire.  Same thing with priests or others with titles as such.  My dad's side of the family was, and still is, very close to the priest at the church where I grew up.  Many of those people just call the priest by his first name.  I've always liked that.  Yes, some, like my Mom, use the title as a sign of respect.  But if I want to respect someone, become friends with that person, have a relationship with them on an individual level, I would never use a title like that.  They'd just be "Joe" or "Greg."  I can't bring myself to be that casual with the person sitting in Saint Peter's seat of the Church.  But I can humanize the title a little.

I'm thrilled we have a Pope from Argentina as well.  J is almost done student teaching and will be a Spanish teacher next year.  Our mom is a Spanish teacher too.  I have a love for Spanish speaking countries because of this.  And it's wonderful to have a nod to all the Catholics in Central and South America.  He has set a precedent as being the first Pope in many ways.  I'm just so thrilled.  He seems wonderful.

Most of you likely know that I'm engaged to Kyle.  He and I have been waiting on his acceptance letter to the colleges he applied for.  Yesterday he received the acceptance letter to one of them!  Finally, things are not quite in so much limbo anymore.  I can start scouting out apartments and potential jobs now.  I'm so happy to not be waiting anymore.

The last thing that made yesterday wonderful was once again related to my weight.  The gym Kyle and I attend partnered with a local radio station for two months.  They had a campaign and if you lost 10 pounds by the end, you were entered to win $1000.  I weighed in yesterday at the final event and had lost 13.8 pounds which brought me down to 162.8!  I had won a drawing earlier in the contest for a free pair of running shoes from a specialty shoe store if I did lose the weight so I have something to show for my diligence!  Next week my feet will be all decked out in a new pretty pair of running shoes.  I did not win the $1000, but I'm thrilled about the new shoes!

My day was complete at that point.  Everything that could have gone right, did.  Things are finally falling into place for us.  I can't wait to see what surprises await us next.  :)

~M

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Book Review: Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines

It's been about 3 months since I graduated with my Master's degree.  Since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed the extra time I have to watch tv shows on Netflix and read print books for fun- not school.  I'm not sure what is wrong with my choices lately, but this book was another dud.  Perhaps I'm just not cut out for the adult Fantasy section.

Premise: (from Infosoup) Gifted with the ability to draw objects out of books, Isaac Vainio, A Libriomancer, seeks assistance from a Harley-riding dryad after a number of vampire attacks are reported by other members of his secret, magic organization.

The front flap of the book that gave a description enticed me more than the above would have.  I was drawn in by by the title of the book.  Any character that has a love for books in a book I read, should be someone I root for, enjoy reading about, and would have a bond with. I knew the book may be a bit of a stretch for me.  I don't often read books from the Science Fiction/Fantasy section.  But perhaps I would enjoy this one.  He does work in a library after all, and how cool would it be if we could pull objects out of books?!

Unfortunately, this one was not the case.

I didn't have as terrible of a time finishing this book as I did Storm Front, but it was still a struggle.  And some of the same claims apply.  The author for this book did a better job describing background, the way those who possess magic are organized, and explaining why something was happening.  However, I wanted some of that earlier.  Not explained after the fact.  I get frustrated when I read and something is confusing.  I should be in the moment.  On the edge of my seat (literally sometimes) wanting to know what will happen next.  It just didn't happen and there were plenty of moments when I could have had that reaction and just was not involved.

This was the first book in a series so I was really hopeful for that reason too!

Hello.  My name is M.  And I'm a serial series addict.

The next time a Fantasy book looks interesting I'm going to get it in audio book format to see if that makes a difference.  Hopefully it will!

Consensus: 2 out of 5 stars

~M

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Snow Days and an Ode to Saturday Mornings

On Wednesday, I woke up to one of the best texts a gal can receive: snow day. I am starting to think that teachers enjoy snow days more than students do, but regardless snow days are beloved by all. This was my second snow day of the year, and since I will be graduating and leaving my student placement in May, I do not have to make up that day, so it was a no-strings-attached free day in the middle of the week. After I saw the text declaring the much needed snow day, I fell back into my bed and slept in. Although sitting on the couch and watching TV for the rest of the day sounded like fun, I ended up applying to the Madison school district, picking up my dry cleaning, tutoring a boy in Spanish, and grading papers. I got to spend the majority of the day in my pajamas, so it was a win. The snow day made the rest of my week pass quickly, and now it is Saturday morning. 
Lemon Poppy Seed Happiness

I think that Saturday mornings are my favorite day of the week. On Saturdays, I do not have to set my alarm for anything and when I wake up I watch a little bit of TV or read. This morning, I had a lemon poppy seed muffin (one of my favorites) and a glass of chocolate milk while reading The Day of the Triffids (You can find a summary of the book here - http://www.readinggroupguides.com /guides3/day_of_the_triffids1.asp). In regards to the rest of my morning, I am going to work out (It is almost warm enough for me to go for a run outside!) Later I will do some grading and apply for another job. 

Since this week is spring break at my school, my dorm is pretty empty. My spring break will be coming after Easter since I have to take my spring break with my school since I am student teaching. I look forward to being able to listen to my music in the mornings without fearing I will wake up my neighbors. I also get to be a big girl for a week and make my own meals since the dining hall will be closed. And like the list-addict I am, I made a list of groceries I need to buy and planned my meals for the week. I have also already made a list of what I need to do this weekend. I think I like making lists so much because when I am done I get to check the item off/cross it off and I just feel like I accomplished something.

In celebration of perfect Saturday mornings, here is my quote for this post: 
la vie est fait de petits bonheurs -life is made of little pleasures.

Celebrate your Saturday.

-J


Thursday, March 7, 2013

Book Review: Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Storm Front is the first book in a fantasy series by Jim Butcher.  It was recommended to me by my fiance, Kyle, and he was told to read it by a friend of his.  Kyle doesn't read as often as he let on in his online dating profile where we met.  ;)  But, this friend was persistent and Kyle finally read it over this past winter break.

He raved about this book.  It was funny.  It was clever.  It was interesting.

It. Was. Not.

I have a Master's degree in Library Science.  I have 10 years of experience working in libraries.  One of my main memories from growing up is visiting the library every Saturday.  One of my favorite things to do is to spend an afternoon reading a book.  This hasn't happened lately because of my current addiction to The West Wing, but I digress.

It is extremely unusual for me to not finish a book.  I can count on less than one hand the number of times it has happened.  I did happen to finish this one, but it was a mighty struggle.

I don't often read books from the Fantasy or Science Fiction area.  I'm honestly not sure why this is.  I have been a Potterhead ever since The Chamber of Secrets came out.  That is a fantasy series at its best.  This book was just unable to reach me.  I did not find any of it amusing or remotely funny.  Kyle enjoys his puns, but I didn't read any of those either.

Premise: Harry Dresden is a wizard.  He owns his own business and is even listed in the yellow pages.  Harry is also a consultant for the Chicago Police Department.  When they don't understand something and it looks the least bit strange or magical, Harry is called upon.  A double murder is committed that has Harry stumped, but the person who committed it knows Harry is on the case.   This person is out to ensure that this case is never solved- no matter what the price.

It sounded ok.  A little iffy, but I can work with that.  What I can't work with is magic being performed and not knowing why.  Why are certain words being said rather than others?  Why certain elements in the potion?  Explain what these different levels of magic are.  Give me an overview of the agencies that govern what magic is being used.  I need to understand all this to connect with the magic being performed.

Most of the time, these weren't explained.  Or if they were, I still had more questions.  With Harry Potter, you learn with Harry as he encounters all these new elements of the wizarding world.  This is not the case with the Dresden files.  Perhaps things are better explained as you read more into the series, but I'm not willing to take the time to do that.

I do agree with Kyle on one thing.  One of his favorite aspects of this series was that there is a limit to the amount of power a wizard has.  Once it's gone, he or she has to wait for it to come back, kind of like a charge, I suppose.  Elsewhere, often, it seems wizards or magical creatures have unlimited power.  It was nice to see a difference in that for a change.

Consensus:  1 out of 5 stars.


~M

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Being Content

Hi all; I'm J, M's sister. I wanted to write this post about happiness and being content with life. While I was at mass this evening, I felt a sudden peace and happiness. This is not to say that I am normally not pleased with my life, but I just felt peaceful. Upon further reflection, I think the happiness has derived from being productive today. I volunteered this morning, cleaned my room, helped plan a bridal shower for a friend, and ate brunch with some of my favorites. Not too bad for a Saturday afternoon. I am currently working the front desk, I have finished my grading, and I am uploading the Les Mis movie soundtrack onto my iTunes. I feel on top of the world, and I am blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people.

So much happiness and so many smiles in my life right now. 

Something that has contributed to my happiness right now is the amount of hummus in the dining hall. Today, the dining hall had a savory red pepper hummus that I had on a sandwich of whole grains, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It was delicious. (Cue drooling....Confession: I had that exact same sandwich for lunch and dinner. No shame.) Friday night I had pesto hummus. Two thumbs way up dining hall. If you have not had the joy of eating red pepper or pesto hummus, or just plain hummus for that matter, I would recommend it. (Here is a link to different kinds of hummus. I might consider eating beets in hummus form....maybe http://pamelasalzman.com/hummus-4-ways/).

That is all for me today, and I think that I am going to end almost all of my posts with a quote, because words and I share a passionate affair. I strongly believe that words have power.

Here is a quote from Margaret Thatcher that hung from my Freshman and Sophmore English teacher's podium that succinctly describes the source of my happy feelings. 

“Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it's when you've had everything to do, and you've done it.” - Margaret Thatcher

J


Friday, March 1, 2013

Wedding Weight Loss

Weight loss or gain is something it seems everyone is struggling with or has struggled with.  I was a size 3 in juniors sizes when I started high school.  I was up to a size 7 by the time I graduated.  That was almost 10 years ago.  I realize that part of that was a high metabolism, the fact that puberty hadn't finished with me yet, and that I was in cross country as a freshman and would have been as a sophomore if I hadn't broken my ankle at the end of summer.

My point, is that when I was a 3, or a 5, or even an 8, I thought I was fat.  I needed to lose weight.  Get rid of my belly, have more defined legs, tone the arms, etc.  I didn't have this problem when I was in what would have been middle school if it hadn't been a K-8.  Not sure when I started thinking this way, but it must have been in high school sometime.  I look back on this and wish I could have talked to my 13, 14, 16 year old self.  Let her know that she was beautiful, in shape, and not to worry about it.

This past year, I was at the heaviest I have ever been, topping out around 187.  This is not healthy for a 5'6" person.  I hate that I have to wear shorts of some variety underneath my dresses and skirts because my thighs hurt when they rub together.  I hate that I get winded after I run a block.  I hate that I have to buy new clothes because my cute old ones don't fit anymore.  I hate how easily I get a double chin.  I don't hate myself, in fact I'd say I have higher self esteem now than in high school, but I am not happy with where I am physically.

Because of all this, I joined Planet Fitness back in October.  Also, for Lent I gave up meat and sugar.  I am also not eating out.  No drinks except for milk and water.  No candy (I miss my skittles so much.....)  No sugar cereal (The Captain and Golden Grahams are patiently waiting for me.)  All of this has helped.  It's helped so much that I tried on a pair of jeans today.  These jeans I bought new last winter.  This past September they didn't fit anymore.  I tried these jeans on today and they fit.  In fact, they are even loose!  I'm getting married in June and my goal was to get down to a size 8 so I didn't have to alter the dress except for hemming.  One more size to go!  This is a great start to my weekend and  continuing what I have started.

I realize this is not a "typical" post to start a blog.  Especially a blog that won't be focused on weight loss or gain.  But I was very excited about my jeans today.  I wanted to write something meaningful, even if it's a bit serious.  :)

Kyle, my fiance, is in class so I have time to watch one more episode of The West Wing (my current addiction) on Netflix before he's out.  Happy weekend!!!!


~M