Saturday, October 17, 2015

Dewey Introductory Meme and updates

It is that time again. The twenty for hour readathon has officially started. If you would like to join in the fun sign up Here. There are challenges and prizes and lots of positive attitude. Check out the readathon with the link above. It's not to late. 

My Opening Meme

  1. I am reading from Eastern Oregon. There are less trees in this part of the state.
  2. I not looking forward to reading anything in particular. I plan to grab a short book from my stack on the shelf or a free one off my kindle.
  3. It is almost 6 am here. We start at 5. I'm getting a late start. I am not hungry yet. I do plan on making ceviche though.
  4. I'm a mom and I do this readathon for me. I like reading all 24 hours with cheering thrown in. I asked my family to read with me for an hour this morning. We will see how that goes. I love reading, sewing, and watching TV and movies. I just went back to school and I have homework do tonight. I will have to take time to do that.
  5. This is my 6th time participating. I love it. I plan to continue doing it as long as they keep it going. I will be sleeping more this time around and doing homework.
My New Goals

  1. Read a total of 15 hours
  2. 700 pages
  3. Visit 30 blogs and maybe check out twitter
I think I am coming down with something. I have slept a lot today. I hope everyone is having a good time

Hour 12
Pages Read: 221
Books Finished: The Magicians Nephew by C.S. Lewis

Mid Event Survey
  1. I am getting ready to start reading The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  2. I have finished 1. The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
  3. I think I may work on all the Narnia books by C.S. Lewis
  4. I stopped and helped with Chemistry homework. I am resigned to be interrupted most of the readathon. Maybe the interruptions will stop when bedtime arrives.
  5. I was surprised this time around at the number of challenges involving Twitter and Instagram.
I had many unexpected interruptions. I helped with chemistry homework, I did my own homework, I fixed hair for homecoming, and I was just plain wore out from the week. I didn't get to read as much as I would have liked but, I did enjoy the time I did.

Closing Survey
  1. The most daunting hours were 1-4 and 20-24. I was tired and I
    slept.
  2. I did enjoy reading the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. They are short books and easy reads.
  3. I don't have a suggestion for improving next year. Although signups seemed kind of late this year.
  4. The cheerleaders were amazing this year
  5. I finished 1 book and started another.
  6. The Magician's Nephew and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  7. I enjoyed both books
  8. I will participate again. I just plan on being better prepared and kicking everyone out of the house.
I hope everyone had fun and see you again next year.

Friday, October 9, 2015

Preparing For A 24 Hour Read-A-Thon

 When a readathon is approaching I like to make an initial  post. In the post I mention what I'm doing, what I'm signing up for and how I prepare. I'll give the details of the readathon and where it can be found. The more who sign up the merrier.  I also like to post my goals. After this initial post is done then I will sign up. If you can't tell this is my first post. I thought it should be instructional. That way it will help me put straight in my mind what I need to do.

Anyway I am going to be signing up for my all time favorite read-a-thon. This is the first one I ever did and it is my opinion the best; Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon.  This readathon is held over a 24 hour period. You can read as much or as little as you want in that period. Every hour there is challenges and prize giveaways. There are cheerleaders that will cheer you along throughout the day. If you would like to participate you can sign up HERE.  This readathon will be held October 17. People around the world participate in this readathon. If you would like to find your start time click HERE.

I like planning what I will be reading. I usually pick books that I haven't started. They can be rereads but, I like to start the books fresh. A lot of the participants keep track of the number of pages read during the readathon. I am one of them and if I start a book fresh it is easier to keep track. Listening to books is acceptable and I will do that if I get tired or want to do something besides sit and read.

Here are a few of the books I have added to my reading pile.

This pile will most likely grow
I like having a huge assortment to choose from; books I've read, ones I haven't read, long, short, series, stand-alones and an assortment of genres. I never know what I will feel like reading when the readathon starts. I chose to choose books this time that I own.

I also like to have food ready. I usually choose to have finger food on hand. I don't drink pop usually so mountain dew has the kick I need stay awake. It has also become a personal tradition to make ceviche the night before to have the day of the readathon. I plan on posting the picture later.

After all my participation I like to get a full nights sleep. I have to wake up early. My start time is 5 am.

My Goals

  1. Stay awake the full 24 hours. I have accomplished this 4 out of 5 times. I was sick the last time.
  2. Read 1000 pages. My first time I broke a thousand pages and haven't done it since. I would like to try again.
  3. Visit 50 blogs. I don't know if I will be cheering but, I do plan on visiting other sites.
I really hope you can find the time to join in the fun. I hope to see you there.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Dewey's Over

Well my favorite Read-A-Thon has come to an end. I'm a little sad. I don't feel like I got to participate as much as I would have liked. I came down with a cold and it made me tired. I ended up going to sleep and missing the last 4 hours. I usually stay up the whole time. I hate missing anything.

End of Event Meme:

  1. Which hour was most daunting for you?The last 4 I just couldn't stay awake and ended up going to bed.
  2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year? Maybe try a Manga if you haven't tried one. They are fun and easy to read
  3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? I think this year went really well. I think better than the last few.
  4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon? I don't know. It just went well.
  5. How many books did you read? 1 and part of another
  6. What were the names of the books you read? Running Man by Richard Bachman aka Stephen King and Envy by Gregg Olsen
  7. Which book did you enjoy most? The Running Man
  8. Which did you enjoy least? Envy
  9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders? I was a Cheerleader and I think it went really well.
  10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? I will be participating again in October and Cheering as well.

I hope everyone had fun and I hope to see you again in October

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Dewey's Opening Meme and Updates

deweyleafIt's almost time for Dewey to start. I'm a little tired. It's a little before 5am here. I can't seem to put coherent sentences together. 

Opening Meme:
1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today? I am reading from Eastern Oregon, USA. 
 2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? I don't know. I will most likely start with Hunted by Kevin Hearne. I'm about ten pages into it and thought I would finish it.
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to? I have come down with a cold. Nothing sounds good this morning.
4) Tell us a little something about yourself! I'm married and have four children. I have to work 3 hours today. It is the only time I will not be participating. I will be taking along a audio book. I might be able to listen to it a little on my short commute.
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to? I might see what's happening on twitter. I have never participated in that way.

Hour 2
6466554Reading: The Runnning Man by Richard Bachman aka Stephen King
Pages Read: 46
Food: Oats and More Cereal
Thoughts: I wasn't planning on reading this book but, I couldn't turn the light on in my bedroom. My husband was still sleeping. So I chose a book I had on my kindle. Liking it so far. It's better than I was expected.  
Challenges

Hour 4
Reading: The Running Man by Richard Bachman
Pages Read: 54
Total Pages:100
Food: None
Thoughts: I have to be at work in 15 minutes. I need to start getting ready.  
Hour 10 
Reading: The Running Man
Pages Read: 57
Total Pages Read: 157
Food: Funyuns, gummy bugs, 1 chicken strip, and a granola bar.
Thoughts: I had to work so I haven't read as much as I would have liked. I would like to finish this book by hour 12.
Hour 12
 Mid-Event Survey:
1. What are you reading right now? The Running Man by Richard Buchman
2. How many books have you read so far? Almost done with 1. I had to work
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? I think I will read Envy by Gregg Olson
4. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those? Yes, I had to work. I wasn't happy but, I forgot to take the day off.
5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? Nothing has surprised me yet. However, we are only half way through


Hour 14
 Finished-Running Man by Richard Bachman
Total Pages Read-241
Food-A Mountain Dew and a TV Dinner. They both tasted awful. My cold has changed my taste buds.
Thoughts- I can't wait to start my next book.

Hour 17
Reading: Envy By Gregg Olsen
Pages Read: 92
Total Pages: 333
Food: Chocolate bar with almonds
Thoughts: I don't know if I like this book yet.

Hour 20
Reading Envy
Total Pages Read-107

My cold is making me quit. It is a little after midnight here and I just can't keep my eyes open even long enough type out the few words I want to say. If my grammar is atrocious I'm sorry. This is my 5th Dewey and this will be the first time I didn't stay up the whole time. I cheered but, not as much as I would have liked.

Have fun and enjoy all you have to read.
Goodnight

Monday, April 13, 2015

Dewey's 24 Hour READ-A-THON 2015

deweyThis read-a-thon is the one that has jumped started my whole challenge obsession. I love it. I get to set aside 24 hours for myself. I use the time to read, blog, read blogs, participate in mini challenges and cheer others on. 

As soon as I know the date I mark my calender. I don't let to many things interrupt me. I ignore everything and everyone. My husband and kids know to just let me be. They usually do an activity outside of the house. However, I might have something I can't get out of that will take 8 hours of my time. I plan on taking a audio book with me to listen during the travel time and during any break.


If you would like to join in the fun or learn more Click Here
My Goals
  1. 500 Pages (If I have the obligation)
  2. 1000 Pages (Without obligation)
  3. Cheer on all assigned blogs 3 times and 10 unassigned once
  4. Participate in 5 Challenges
I love having a lot of books on hand. Here is a few I have on my night stand that I would like to read. However, I will probably choose the smaller of the bunch.

My Books
8694522  10644930  6853  68527  22557272  16071748   22522808  13667361  935308  161361  62216  673252  10551290  Click here to view eBook details for The Running Man by Stephen King  Click here to view eBook details for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey  Click here to view eBook details for Away by Teri Hall

Audio Books
24768

Thursday, February 26, 2015

TBR Jar-Thursday #2

http://nycbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Mason-Jar-Small.png
This challenge is hosted by NYC BookWorm. I decided to make it a weekly event on my blog.  I thought I would add the books I am working on for my TBR Pile Challenge into my jar.

Last weeks pick


12700306 Title:Tricked (The Iron Druid Chronicles #4)
Author: Kevin Hearne
Published: January 2012
Pages: 341
Genre:Fantasy, Paranormal
My Rating 3 out of 5 Stars


Overview

Druid Atticus O’Sullivan hasn’t stayed alive for more than two millennia without a fair bit of Celtic cunning. So when vengeful thunder gods come Norse by Southwest looking for payback, Atticus, with a little help from the Navajo trickster god Coyote, lets them think that they’ve chopped up his body in the Arizona desert.
But the mischievous Coyote is not above a little sleight of paw, and Atticus soon finds that he’s been duped into battling bloodthirsty desert shapeshifters called skinwalkers. Just when the Druid thinks he’s got a handle on all the duplicity, betrayal comes from an unlikely source. If Atticus survives this time, he vows he won’t be fooled again. Famous last words.



My Thoughts

I love all the supporting characters. I can't get enough of Coyote and Oberon. I just don't care to much about Atticus. He's the main character but, I feel like his character is flawed. There is something wrong with him. He's old but, reminds me of an annoying teenage boy.

This story was good. Coyote's tricks are wonderful and I enjoyed him getting the better of Atticus. I didn't always see them coming. I loved the first two books. Books three and four are not quit as good but, I still enjoyed them.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

TBR Jar-Thursday

http://nycbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Mason-Jar-Small.png
This challenge is hosted by NYC BookWorm. In this challenge you write out your TBR list or type it, then put them in a jar. When you are ready to read your next book, pull from the jar. I thought I would add the books I am working on for my TBR Pile Challenge into my jar. 

My Jar
I figure while I'm at it I might as well make it a weekly event. On every Thursday I will  have one of my children pull a book. I will read and review it for the following week.

12700306 

This week my son reached into the jar and pulled out 
                    Tricked by Kevin Hearne



Friday, February 13, 2015

Fit Friday


Sign up for February 2015 I joined this group last Friday in the hopes that it would motivate me. I have been watching what I'm eating but, I only exercised once this last week. I am down 2 pounds. I don't know how but, I'll take it. If you would like to join the group Click Here.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Winning at Reading

I'm signing up for a month long reading challenge.This challenge is for the month of February. I just happened to find it yesterday while browsing some book blogs. I'm excited about this one. All month the goal for the challenge is to read books given as presents or won. 

As I've mentioned before I have a lot of books given as gifts and I am working on getting them read. My kids are a little upset I haven't read them all yet. Seeing as they have given me quite a few in the last few years. If you would like to sign up you have until February 15.


My Goals
  1. Read and review 4 books I won recently
  2. Read 5 books given as gifts
Books Won I Will Be Reading
Gifts I Will Be Reading

Monday, February 2, 2015

March Take Control of Your TBR Pile


I can't wait for this event. I have a huge TBR pile and I plan on dedicating this whole month to taking a chunk out of it. Actually this whole year I am making an extra effort to read my TBR books especially those books that I received as gifts. My family don't understand why I don't always read them right away. If you would like to join in this event click here or to the left on the picture.



My goals
  1. Finish 3 books on my TBR pile/week
  2. 1000 pages a week
  3. 12 books or 4000 pages


Friday, January 23, 2015

Seasons of Reading...Winter 's Respite

I joined another Read-a-Thon. I know big surprise. I only blog anymore when I'm getting ready or doing one.

I found this RAT on Novel Challenge. It is a wonderful website dedicated to nothing but Challenges and Read-a-Thons. I have a feeling this year is going to be one Read-a-thon after another.

This one is pretty simple, read what you can from January 26 until February 1st. If you would like to join in click the picture above.

My Goals
I have been reading a lot lately and I have some pretty big goals for this Read-a-Thon. I want to read one book each day for a total of seven.
Day 1-I've been a little busy and didn't accomplish as much as I wanted.
  1. 34 Pages The Darkest Side of Saturn by Tony
  2. 30 Minutes Eragon by Christopher Paolini
  3. 90 Pages School's Out-Forever by James Patterson
Day 2-Still busy
  1.  188 Pages School's Out Forever by James Patterson
Day 3
    33676
  1.  132 Pages Of School's Out Forever by James Patterson. I'm Finished.
Day 4
  1. 15 Pages of Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson
Day 5
  1. 390 Pages of Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson. I'm Finished
 Day 6
  1. 70 Pages of The Final Warning by James Patterson
Day7
  1. Absolutely no reading done.
My Wrap Up

 I had high hopes for this Read-a-Thon. I started out super excited and ready to accomplish a lot. My goal was 7 books. I was sure I would meet it. The books I chose were easy reads and I only worked two days this week.

However, life got in the way. I had basketball games to attend. Homework and housework to help with and do. I took my daughters to hair appointments and shopping. I also threw a birthday party.

The last day however was the worst. I forgot to bring a book to the football party we were attending. I accidentally grabbed one I had finished and I ended up watching the football game. I did enjoy it.  After the game all the kids went outside to play. My daughter bumped heads with her cousin and broke her nose. I spent the rest of my read-a-thon in the emergency room with out a book.

Total Pages Read-919
Books Finished-2

I didn't reach my goal but, I think I did alright with everything going on. How did you do? I hope you had fun and I will see you at the next Read-a-Thon.