Monday, May 27, 2013

Summer Reading - Post 1

Okay... I will admit that I am a bookaholic. Actually, as my kids learned this year, the correct term is either bibliophiliac, or bibliomaniac, depending on how YOU are disposed toward the items in question.

One of my favorite reading/teaching places is the Nerdy Book Club, where lots of my fellows come together to blog about how books can be life-changing. Donnalyn sent out the Book a Day challenge. I didn't get my picture of my 2+ crates of books that I brought home in on time, but never mind. I have embraced the challenge, and offered a prize to any of my students who completes it as well. (There are requirements here...I shouldn't be suckered!) Another place I L.O.V.E. is Goodreads - where was this when I was a child? It helps me keep track, and is as close as I will get to being a social medi-ite in the immediate future.

So...to begin the beguine...
# 1 Beyonders, Book 2: Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull. I started this book before the end of school, but because of all the end of year crazy, was unable to read the last 200 pages until school was out. 528 pages (paperback edition), and lots of fun. Fantasy - can't wait to read the final installment later this summer!

#2 The Runaway King by Jennifer Nielsen. LOVED the first book, The False Prince, and so I requested it from the public library (love the request feature...and email notification) 331 pages, fantasy...but I am enjoying the twist of a female author writing a male character in this series - not something I can always get into!

#3 Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. Can't. Say. Enough. about anything she writes! I love her voice, the characters, the detail of the description...don't know what else to say. Of course, it's fantasy...and there is a movie coming out from one of her other series in August. I OWN EVERYTHING SHE'S WRITTEN. Much like Philippa Gregory and Diana Gabaldon...I devour every word! 568 pages...just over 6 hours.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Summer Plans 2013

School ended for Andy on May 3... and he started back at Zion National Park on May 13! School ended for me on Thursday, and by Friday noon - VOILA! Summer hair...


I have to read 2 library books by Tuesday morning, so I will make this brief... I am taking up the Nerdy Book Club summer "Book a Day" challenge. I also have an account on GoodReads where I track my reading...it's awesome if you're a reader! Go on, and let's be Book Buddies!

Speaking of summer entertainment: Ironman 3 - ok. Star Trek Into Darkness - TOTALLY rocked. Great Gatsby - just as depressing as last time, but it does have Leo, and Toby still reminds me of Dad. Next up? Fast & Furious 6...


I am starting bootcamp through Phazes again on June 3. I need it...gotta get going in the "right" direction again.  And riding my bike... and eating more veggies...

Technology endorsement classes (officially, not just for fun like the last 15 years) begin on June 3 as well. I'm registered for 3 in June, 1 in July. Then we'll do 9 credits through the school year, and next summer I'll need to do another 4-5 credits. After that, secondary certification? Who knows. I am proud that my student teacher from this year (go Jenny!) will be teaching at our school next year! She totally earned it!

I did move classrooms...2 walls of windows and 3 bookshelves!

Oh, and Thursday night, just as I was about to refill my water glass and take a relaxing bath, we had a visitor - check out my friend the kingsnake! UGH!! In. My. House. and Andy was gone. Yup - totally NOT relaxing. I managed to remove it to the front yard, but still shiver when I think of it...