Yearning: Living Between How It Is and How It Ought to Be by Craig Barnes
This book took me a long time to complete, partly because I didn’t make much progress until I put the highlighter down. In a way, it’s The Allure of Hope 202 – a lot of the same themes are addressed, but more deeply and less optimistically. However, the hopefulness increases as the book goes on. These are good, solid thoughts to revisit in the future.
Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Amy’s dad recently died in a car accident – and she thinks it’s her fault. Her mom asks Roger, an old family friend, to drive Amy cross country on a pre-arranged route to her family’s new home in Connecticut. When the kids decide to take a detour, a very different journey begins. It’s a touching, endearing, and funny story with likable characters, and I wouldn’t mind a Roger of my own. :)
The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith
In this 12th installment of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, Mma Ramotswe sees the ghost of her old white van, investigates a cattle-related mystery, and helps one of the mechanic apprentices with a big problem. Meanwhile, Mma Makutsi prepares for her long-awaited wedding. I love this series!
Books for December: 3
2011 TOTAL: 71
I was hoping to hit at least 75 books for the year, but considering my schedule and the heaviness of many of my selections, I probably did well to make it this far. I bought a Kindle the day after Christmas (more on that later), so we’ll see if that boosts my numbers for 2012! Either way, it’s all about the love of reading, not numbers. :)
Add a Comment + Posted in: book reviews, reading
I do the same year-end survey every year. I’d be really interested to read some of yours!
1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Bought a Mac; auditioned for a national game show, and danced alone in front of several hundred people; ran, both individually and in two 5Ks (though not the whole thing); visited the Pacific Northwest; got paid for my writing!!!; had professional portraits taken; hired a lawn service (totally worth it); joined Twitter; celebrated Thanksgiving with someone else’s family; tried a Shellac manicure; took a staycation; pulled off more than one surprise party; sponsored a Compassion child.
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
My main resolution was to keep a thankfulness journal and write down a few specific things I was thankful for each day. I missed days, but always caught up later. I’m glad to have the list to look back on. I also wanted “to continue doing new things and taking chances.” MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
I think my 2012 resolution will be to make space in my life. I took this entire week off from work and am still stressed out. It’s made me very aware of how insanely overscheduled my life is, and it needs to stop, for many reasons. The hard part will be not letting people guilt or shame me into re-committing to things or being busier again.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My best friend from college, Emily, had Jameson. My cousin Brooke had Jake. Another friend (who lives in Knoxville) had twin girls. And the real baby bonanza is still to come!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no.
5. What countries did you visit?
As usual, I didn’t leave the country. But I did visit FOUR new states: Indiana, Oregon, Washington, and Utah. (Utah was just a layover, but I say it counts!)
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked this year?
A better job situation… and a man in my life. Even just one nice date would be great.
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
September 3 – the day my sister announced she was pregnant!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Becoming a “real,” “professional” writer, even though I still don’t feel like one!
9. What was your biggest failure?
I can’t think of anything specific. I’m a general work in progress.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
The usual series of ear and sinus infections. Nothing serious.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Can I list three? My new-to-me oven, my bike, and my Macbook Pro.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My immediate family and close friends. That’s a cop-out, but I’m blessed with so many wonderful people.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Eh, they know who they are. Or would if they cared enough to think about it.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Other than bills… travel and my bathroom remodel. And probably clothes. :|
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Having my bathroom remodeled! Going to the Keys with my parents. Going to Oregon. My good audition for Wheel of Fortune. Also, 2011 was definitely a year of restored relationships! I reconnected with two long-lost best friends and one of my favorite cousins.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Here you go!
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
About the same, to all.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Honestly? Relaxing and having unstructured time. I’m thankful I got to travel and experience things and really suck the marrow out of life this year, but it’s not working for me as a permanent lifestyle.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying. Although I am getting better.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With my parents, siblings, and grandma here at home! I love not traveling for Christmas.
21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
I fell in love with my church. Seriously. I’ve never felt such fulfillment and a sense of purpose and belonging. I had pretty much given up on ever having this kind of experience. I’m so thankful.
22. What concerts did you attend this year?
Taylor Swift and Needtobreathe (plus several surprise guests) in Nashville! Sara Bareilles at Minglewood Hall. Hanson at the Delta Fair. Also, Bebo Norman at the Levitt Shell and Matthew Smith at my church. And I was honored to be at Myla’s first performance at the Bluebird Café in Nashville!
I also got to meet Robin Jones Gunn (in Oregon) and Angela Thomas (here in town) and hear them speak. They both signed my books, too! Meeting authors I admire is always a huge deal for me.
23. What was your favorite TV program?
So You Think You Can Dance is appointment viewing when it’s in season. Other than that, the only shows I keep up with consistently are Glee, New Girl, Whitney and Saturday Night Live.
24. Do you dislike anyone now whom you didn’t dislike this time last year?
Not that I can think of.
25. What was the best book you read?
Fiction: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins; Goliath by Scott Westerfeld; The Help by Kathryn Stockett; The Luxe series by Anna Godbersen; 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Non-fiction: Grace for the Good Girl by Emily Freeman; Bossypants by Tina Fey; Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg; Flying Solo by Denise Hildreth Jones
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Needtobreathe. My brother first played their music for me in May, and now I have all three of their albums.
27. What did you want and get?
See #11. These were my answers to “What did you want and not get?” last year. I also bought long-awaited faux wood window blinds and a Kindle just this week. I’m so spoiled.
28. What did you want and not get?
See #6. Oh and a Dyson Animal vacuum.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Deathly Hallows Part 2. Perfectly done.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 32. I went to work, but had lunch with Alanna and Myla at Newk’s. Then I had dinner at my parents’ house and we went to see The Help.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I’m pretty satisfied with this year, but it would have been great to make it onto Wheel of Fortune! I still have no idea what I did “wrong.” Oh well.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
I’m officially tired of this question! My personal fashion concept stays pretty much the same. “Smart casual” with a dose of quirkiness. Also scarves.
33. What kept you sane?
Probably my daily phone talks with my sister as we both drive home from work. If I didn’t have her to tell about my day, I would be a lot lonelier.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor are so sweet and classy. :) On the other end of the spectrum, I’m weirdly fascinated by Nicki Minaj. She’s out there like Lady Gaga, but in a more endearing, approachable way.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
The lack of an exceptional Republican Presidential candidate. Is it really too late to start over? :P
36. Who did you miss?
The usual people who don’t live here, plus my brother, who moved to Indiana in June. It’s been a sad adjustment not to see him as much.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
I joined a small group at church entirely made up of people I barely knew or had never met. They’ve all turned out to be awesome. I love it when that happens!
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
I kind of learned this last year, but it’s been reinforced: Don’t speculate or make decisions based on how you might feel about something in the future. You never know how God will change your heart over time.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I turn the music up, I got my records on
From underneath the rubble sing a rebel song
Don’t want to see another generation drop
I’d rather be a comma than a full stop
Maybe I’m in the black, maybe I’m on my knees
Maybe I’m in the gap between the two trapezes
But my heart is beating and my pulses start
Cathedrals in my heart.
– Coldplay, Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall
4 Comments + Posted in: reflections
After much deliberation…
1. Radioactive – Kings of Leon
To me, this song is what going fast on a boat would sound like if it was translated to music! Add the references to family and “the water where you came from,” and it basically plays over a photo montage of my childhood in my head.
2. Strip Me – Natasha Bedingfield
3. Rolling In The Deep – Adele
This was the most covered song of 2011 for a reason. Despite the overexposure, I’m still not tired of it. I loved the video too.
4. Take Me Or Leave Me – Glee Cast
I’ve performed this in the car (and the shower) countless times.
5. Die Alone – Ingrid Michaelson
Yeah. I can relate.
6. Animal – Neon Trees
7. Why Do You Let Me Stay Here – She & Him
I dedicate this to the single men of Memphis.
8. Bright Lights Bigger City – Cee-Lo Green
This song must have subliminal messages, because it makes me feel carefree and like a million bucks. I heard it in many dressing rooms this year, so I doubt I’m the only one who responds to it. If anyone ever needed me to model, they could play this (and hand me these shoes) and I could OWN IT all the way down the runway.
9. Super Bass – Nicki Minaj
I cannot explain my love for this song. It just makes me happy.
10. Ready to Start – Arcade Fire
11. Machine Gun – Sara Bareilles
Sara wrote this about one of her critics, and I often listened to it with my own everyday critics in mind.
12. Good Life – OneRepublic
On one of my many drives to Nashville, this song came on the radio and really defined my jet-setting summer.
13. Why Don’t We Just Dance – Josh Turner
Josh Turner is dreamy. We do a dance to this at line dancing that’s my current favorite dance. It’s really swingy.
14. Pumped Up Kicks – Foster The People
People seem to either love or hate this song. Well, I love it. I read that Mark Foster purposely wrote it to combine gangsta rap-esque lyrics with a mellow melody. Weird juxtapositions are irresistible to me.
15. Captive – Sarah Harmer
My most-played from the brilliant album Oh Little Fire. It was hard to pick just one!
16. Momma’s Boy – Elizabeth & The Catapult
E & the C (as they’re known on Twitter) opened for Sara Bareilles on her Kaleidoscope Heart tour. I liked them right away.
17. Baggage Claim – Miranda Lambert
Like many Miranda tunes, this makes me smile uncontrollably and thank God for, uh, lost luggage. It’s already on my mental karaoke short list.
18. Hurts Like Heaven – Coldplay
Again, almost impossible to choose just one from Mylo Xyloto, but I keep coming back to this. Use your heart as a weapon!
19. Valley of Tomorrow – Needtobreathe
I first heard of Needtobreathe in May. A few months later, I owned all of their albums. They’re amazing. 2011 has been a year of soul-searching and re-direction for me, and I like the final song of my soundtrack to summarize the old year AND set a tone for the new one. This pretty much does it.
If you have Spotify, you can listen to this playlist there!
7 Comments + Posted in: music
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| Cookie bags from Hobby Lobby |
It’s my annual Christmas Cookie Frenzy! Every year I bake tons of cookies to hand out to my co-workers (and anyone else who needs a little happy). I overbake on purpose – I figure as long as I’m doing the work, I might as well go big and have some left over for myself too. I always bake molasses cookies from a tried and true Martha Stewart recipe. Then I add one or two other kinds of cookies. This year I made Pillsbury slice-and-bake “sugar peppermint” cookies, plus Jumbo Chocolate Crinkles. FYI, the crinkles are indeed jumbo, but they mostly rise up rather than out. So if you make them, don’t worry about them colliding on the cookie sheet. That was a big relief at about 11:00 last night. :)
5 Comments + Posted in: baking, christmas