travel

11/28 Somewhere you'd like to live or visit.

I like having little adventures. I like to travel. I'd like to travel to Europe again, especially to Ireland and Italy.

just finished reading...

The third installment of Divergent Trilogy.
From the publisher:

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. .

This third and final book in the trilogy alternates narrative point of view between Tris and Tobias, also known as Four. My complaint is that I didn't care for Tobias much once I got to know his thoughts and internal struggles. In the previous books, Four was a strong character--the strong, silent type, yet once I got into his mind I was disappointed.

The plot, however, is fast-paced, action packed and doesn't shy away from violence, as the previous books. There is a lot of controversy surrounding a major plot point, that I won't spoil here, but I don't get the fuss. There were some elements of the dystopian element that I wanted to know more about. And you have got to suspend belief that Tris is a sixteen-year-old girl. As I was reading, I would catch myself questioning how realistic the plot points were, and then I would suspend belief again and get back into the story. I mean, (and this doesn't spoil anything--it's a common thread through the whole series) how does Tris really turn into a savvy politico overnight?

Anyhow, this is just me sounding off in a petty manner. I enjoyed this series. And I really can't wait to see what the movies are like!

thursday bug

Sometimes it helps to share with others what bugs your mind.

They may have a solution, a kind word, or a smile of encouragement.

This week my thursday bug is:

Frigid temperatures that screw up Thanksgiving.

thankful

planes, trains & automobiles

So glad I was able to watch this holiday classic:

what do you love about thanksgiving?

You Love the Family

Your family may not be perfect, but you love spending time with them. The holidays are important to you. You are sentimental, and your emotions are very deep. You like remembering old times and making new memories. You look forward to Thanksgiving every year because it's one of the few times the whole family is together. You love catching up with everyone and simply just being together. There's no substitute for family.

What Do You Love About Thanksgiving?

Blogthings: 100's of Fun, Free Quizzes and 3 Stupid Ones

quotes

11/27 A quote you try to live by.

Your greatest power is the power to be.
To be more loving. To be more courageous.
To be more joyous. To be more friendly.
To be more sensitive. To be more aware.
To be more forgiving. To be more tolerant.
To be more humble. To be more patient.
To be more helpful.
To be a greater human being.
~ Wilfred A. Peterson

w.w.w. wednesday

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading? I'm listening to The Sense Of An Ending by Julian Barnes. I started Allegiant by Veronica Roth.

• What did you recently finish reading? Nothing in the past week.

• What do you think you’ll read next? uh... I'm not sure!

ten things tuesday

Borrowing the idea from Paula: Ten things I take for granted.

1) Reliable internet service.

2) Electronics that work the way I want them to.

3) A safe and comfortable home.

4) Health. I need to make a few lifestyle changes to maintain my health. This might be the end of the daily chocolate.

5) Health care options and insurance. My primary care and my favorite pharmacist.

6) Family and friends.

7) My community. Such a small town that is wonderful 90% of the time. Except in bad weather.

8) Entertainment. Books, books, music, TV, books, movies, books, theater, and other forms of entertainment.

9) Transportation. My reliable car. That I need to remember to register.

10) Employment. I love my current employment--as a matter of fact, this is shaping up to be one of my best years. Even with all the challenges.

likes and dislikes

11/26 Things you like and dislike about yourself.

I like that I have a wide variety of interests and am open to learning new things. I dislike that I'm vain about my clothing. I like that I laugh a lot. I dislike falling into slumps, when I am battling my demons. I like that when I am with someone, I give my whole attention. I dislike my lack of self-discipline. I like my appreciation of the arts, in all forms. I dislike my avoidance of performing--I would love to sing more. I like my attention to detail. I dislike my hoarding tendencies. I like being able to write great letters of recommendation. I dislike my lazy side. I like conquering my fears.

challenges...

I think I'm going to continue with FatMumSlim's Photo-a-day challenge (I've been posting on Instagram) for December. And I will probably take part in Holidailies 2013.

girl on fire

When it ended I gasped for more. I loved it.

worrying

11/25 Something you're currently worrying about.

musing mondays

Click here to play along.

This week’s musing asks…

• Do you know of any local authors in your area, and –if so– have you met any of them?

One of my dad's best friends is a writer--a poet, playwright, essayist, and novelist. One collection of her stories was published. I've known her my whole life and have many memories of our times together. She is in her mid-90s now and has stopped driving, although she still lives by herself. She has always been a remarkable role model to me.

say what?

11/24 Five words/phrases that make you laugh.

1) You're right.

2) You're my favorite teacher/class.

3) Fart.

4) Bless his/her soul.

5) Teachers get paid too much/Teachers are glorified baby sitters.

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: The Thanksgiving Meme

1. What do you have for breakfast on Thanksgiving? an English muffin or something light

2. Do you go to a Thanksgiving parade or watch one on TV? the Macy's parade is tradition!

3. Do you serve appetizers, lunch, or snacks during the day? not really

4. What are the traditional favorites? turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole

5. What new recipes will you try this year? nothing new that I know of

6. What part of the meal do you never compromise? mashed potatoes

7. Who gets to carve the turkey? usually me

8. Family style around the table or buffet style and everyone sits wherever there’s room? around the table

9. How many will be at your table this year? 4

10. Once you're at the table, do you say grace or a toast or does everyone go around and say what they're thankful for? it depends

11. Cranberry sauce… yay or nay? yay!

12. What time do you eat Thanksgiving Dinner? usually around 1 o'clock

13. Three best pies for Thanksgiving dessert? pumpkin, pumpkin cheesecake, and I'm drawing a blank

14. Do you have dessert right after the main meal or later on? later on

15. Favorite leftover? all of them

postsecret

PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. I like to post one that speaks to me each week.

my girl

11/23 Something that you miss.

I still miss my dog, Mopsie, she was my best friend for about 14 years.

saturday 9

Sugar Shack

1) In this song, our hero orders espresso. What's your standard coffee order? every day: a medium iced coffee with cream and liquid sugar

2) Originally the phrase "sugar shack" meant a small cabin where sap from maple trees was boiled into syrup. So for breakfast today, would you rather pour syrup on pancakes, french toast or waffles? I prefer my pancakes at supper

3) The name of the group that recorded this song is The Fireballs. "Fireballs" is also the brand name of a red hot jawbreaker. Do you like cinnamon? I like cinnamon but it doesn't like me--although I love a fireball!

4) In 1963, when this song was a hit, newscaster Walter Cronkite was one of the most trusted and influential men in the country. Do you have a favorite TV newsperson? Meredith Vieira

5) The Rambler was named 1963 Car of the Year by Motor Trend, and their most popular model was a 9-passenger station wagon. What's the car of your dreams? a jag

6) The Zip Code was first introduced in 1963. How many different Zip Codes have you had throughout your life? uhm... three

7) What was the first thing you thought about when you woke up this morning? how many times I could hit snooze

8) Are you a good pool player? I am enthusiastic but not good

9) Do you actually make a wish when you blow out your birthday candles? of course!

degree...

11/22 Your academics.

I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies and a minor in English/Language Arts. And I continually take classes to maintain my certification. My specialty is American Studies.