November 2016 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

November’s TBR Pile (6/10):

1. MVPA Book Club Selection: The Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling
2. Series Pick: A Poisoned Season by Tasha Alexander
3. Nonfiction Pick: Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink √
4. Carry-over: Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
5. Jar Pick: Wild by Cheryl Strayed √
6. Book Club Selection (December): Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris
7. Added: The Last Honest Seamstress by Gina Robinson √
8. Added: Cinder by Marissa Meyer √
9. Added: Revival Vol. 1 √
10. Added: Revival Vol. 2 √

Picture Book Roundup:

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2063 pages Pages Remaining: 737,394 pages

Current Read - The Lady and Her Monsters by Roseanne Montillo

Books I Gave Up On 

Challenges Completed  

Books bought/received 

2016 Total Spent: $21.25

Comments – November's reading sucked majorly... Hoping to actually finish some books in December.

December’s TBR Pile:

1. MVPA Book Club Selection: The Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling
2. MVPA Book Club Selection (February): Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris
3. Series Pick: Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
4. Nonfiction Pick: ???
5. Carry-over: The Lady and Her Monsters by Roseanne Montillo
6. Jar Pick: A Poisoned Season by Tasha Alexander
7. Jar Pick: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Revival Vol. 1-2

Title: Revival Volume 1: You're Among Friends,  Volume 2: Live Like You Mean It

Author: Tim Seeley and Mike Norton

Publisher: Image 2012; 2013

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128; 128

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

For one day in rural central Wisconsin, the dead came back to life. Now it's up to Officer Dana Cypress to deal with the media scrutiny, religious zealots, and government quarantine that has come with them. In a town where the living have to learn to deal with those who are supposed to be dead, Officer Cypress must solve a brutal murder, and everyone, alive or undead, is a suspect.

For one day in rural central Wisconsin, the dead came back to life. Now, the living and the recently-returned struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy, amidst political and religious conflicts.

Another random pick from the library shelves. And this one was fantastic. A murder mystery, a small town with secrets, a interesting cast of characters, and a big supernatural twist. I was hooked from page one and sped through Volumes 1 and 2 over the course of the afternoon and evening. I was riveted. I'm intrigued by the larger questions about life and death, morality, and the meaning of life. More than just a comic book, but aren't they all. Definitely need to continue reading this series.

Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink

Title: Five Days at Memorial

Author: Sheri Fink

Publisher: Crown Publishers 2013

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 558

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books - W47

In the tradition of the best investigative journalism, physician and reporter Sheri Fink reconstructs 5 days at Memorial Medical Center and draws the reader into the lives of those who struggled mightily to survive and maintain life amid chaos. After Katrina struck and the floodwaters rose, the power failed, and the heat climbed, exhausted caregivers chose to designate certain patients last for rescue. Months later, several of those caregivers faced criminal allegations that they deliberately injected numerous patients with drugs to hasten their deaths.

Five Days at Memorial, the culmination of six years of reporting, unspools the mystery of what happened in those days, bringing the reader into a hospital fighting for its life and into a conversation about the most terrifying form of health care rationing.

Been meaning to pick this one up for months and I finally got around to it. What an amazingly thought-provoking book. Definitely a 5 star read. Fink's research into reconstructing what actually happened at Memorial during and after Hurricane Katrina is detailed and thorough. We journey with the employees and patients through the harrowing experience of a breakdown in communication and survival. It took me two weeks to get through, not because he's a bad book, but because there is so much information to process. Very fascinating. I warn potential readers that the topic is very heavy. This is not a good beach read.

Quentin: 2 Months/8-9 Weeks

Guess who's already 2 months already? That's right, this stinky guy!

Likes: Arthur, snuggles, his play mat, lights, being outside, baths

Dislikes: Diaper changes, not being held, daddy's coughs and sneezes

Sleeping: Oh man! Q's still not a great sleeper. He's done a few 5 hour stretches at night, but not consistently. Some nights, he's still up every 2 1/2 - 3 hours. We haven't figured out a pattern to his crazy...

Eating: Up to 6 ounce bottles although he seems to like to snack during the day instead of eating it all at once

Playing: We've been doing more play mat and tummy time. He tolerates tummy time for about 5 minutes before dissolving into crying. The play mat is interesting for a little while. Arthur keeps trying to give him the stuffed Tigger and rubber ducks. A doesn't quite understand why the baby won't take the toys. We're working on it... But Q is much more interested in the world around him.

Doctor Visit Stats: Two month visit this morning!

• Length: 24 3/4"
• Weight: 13lbs 7 oz

Milestones: Two weeks ago, Q started talking and smiling! So excited to start to see more personality and growth. He loves talking to momma and Arthur. Lots of cooing in the morning during breakfast. He also grew out of most of his 0-3 and 3 month clothing. We're into 3-6 or 6 month onsies and 3-6 pants. The dog sleeper below is officially too small. He doesn't fill it out, but it's definitely too short. Q's too tall!

Schedule: Starting to see more of a pattern during the day. He's up and happy from about 6 or 6:30 until 9 or so. Then he naps until lunch time or so. The afternoon is a bit different each day, but he usually takes a big nap before dinner and wakes right when I sit down to eat. Baby radar!!! We've been taking him upstairs to sleep in his crib sometime around 9 or 10pm.

Out and About: In the past two weeks, we've not been many places. The entire family came down with a nasty cold that lasted for over a week. In fact, J and Arthur are still suffering from a bit of a cough. Q and I seem to have gotten better pretty quickly. Beyond that, we've run a few errands, but mostly stuck close to home. We did venture to the mall to meet a friend for lunch last Monday. Arthur had fun playing in the indoor playground and Q enjoyed looking at all the things.

Life Right Now #35

As I look outside my window: Gray day... makes me want a cup of tea and curl up with a good book.

Right now I am: Snuggling with the littlest bug. Savoring all the baby snuggles.

On my bedside table: Revival; Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

On my tv this week: Lots more Gilmore Girls; (I'm about halfway through season 4 right now); Drunk History; Full Frontal; The Mechanic 2 (stupid action); Kubo and the Two Swords (so good!)

Listening to: One Bad Mother. Somehow I got three episodes behind.

On the menu for this week: Completely forgot to make a meal plan for this coming week. Thanksgiving really threw me off. Guess what I'm doing today.

On my to do list: Get Q's birth certificate; Make a passport appointment; start packing; update calendars; finish at least one book; and lots of other things...

Happening this week:

• Monday - Q's 2 month doctor appointment; grocery run
• Tuesday - Home day
• Wednesday - Niles Canyon Railroad Light Train
• Thursday - Christmas Stamp-a-Stack Class
• Friday - Home day
• Saturday - Birthday Party for Friends
• Sunday - Secret Snowflake

What I am creating: I need to finish the favors for the Cookie Exchange in two weeks. I'm also prepping the holiday albums for Christmas presents. And I need to finish my December cards. At least the ones that I can do before getting my Occasions Catalog preorder.

My simple pleasures: Apple ciders; martinis; twice baked sweet potatoes; rainy day snuggles; quiet time to read

Looking around the house: There are a few odds and ends dishes to finish washing by hand. And I really need to sweep the kitchen again.

From the camera: Outtake from the other day...

Happy Turkey Day!

We're having some friends over for a nice dinner. Hope everyone else enjoys the day with family and friends. To celebrate, hello from my littlest turkey.

While he might look like he enjoyed the photo shoot in the above photo, in reality he hated that hat!

A Bucket of Videos

He is so adorable! 

I can't wait for the second season! Should be intense!

Music Tuesday - iPod Shuffle

Fall Out Boy "The Phoenix" 

Damien Rice "I Remember"

The Killers "Believe Me Natalie"

Quentin Update

Sickness took the entire household down this week... Never got around to doing my Quentin update. It will be back next Monday just in time for his 2 month birthday.

Life Right Now #34

Thinking and pondering: All the projects and tasks before Christmas. Diving into the busy season.

On my bedside table: Paris For One by Jojo Moyes; Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

On my tv this week: Random show were watched this week. Being sick creates some weird watching habits. On my own, I've watched a few episodes of Penny Dreadful (only the series finale left!) and many many episodes of Gilmore Girls (finally on season 4).

Listening to: Nothing in particular. Loving the quiet moments throughout the day.

On the menu for this week: Last week's meal plan was dramatically changed due to a forgotten Munchery delivery and sickness. Most of the meals we were supposed to have last week are on the list for this week.

• Monday - BBQ Chicken, Apple, Cheddar, Bacon Quesadillas
• Tuesday - Balsamic Pork Roast
• Wednesday - Pasta with Sardines
• Thursday - Thanksgiving
• Friday - Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sandwiches
• Saturday - Leftovers
• Sunday - ??? No idea

On my to do list:

• Thanksgiving! We're hosting a small group here. Lots of cooking and general house prep needing to get done.
• Finish at least one of the three books I'm currently reading.
• Start my Christmas packing list
• Start addressing my Christmas cards
• Drop off library books
• Buy stamps
• Grocery run

Happening this week:

• Monday - Errand and grocery day
• Tuesday - Possibly Mel's Play Place
• Wednesday - Thanksgiving prep
• Thursday - Thanksgiving!!!
• Friday - Thanksgiving recovery
• Saturday - Crop day and Christmas Stamp-a-Stack Class
• Sunday -  Christmas Stamp-a-Stack Class

What I am creating: Using my Christmas DSP scraps to finish making this year's Christmas cards. Been working on the same 8 cards for at least three days now. My time not holding a baby is severely limited recently.

My simple pleasures: Chocolate (any kind really) and the library

Looking around the house: Kinda trashed. Being sick does that to myself.

From the camera: Arthur giving Quentin a nose boop.

52 Weeks of Arthur: W37-45

One of my 101 in 1001 Days goals is to take weekly photos of Arthur. I want to create a photo book for this year. Instead of posting them each week, I’m going to post in 9 week intervals. See W1-9 here, W10-18 here, W19-27 here, W28-36 here. Without further ado, here are weeks 37 to 45:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• Last night I had two more no shows to my craft class. Really sick of people who aren't considerate of other's time and effort. I think I have to remove at least one of the ladies from the group...
• Really getting tired of having one car. Extra tired of that one car being tiny and having only two doors. Getting the boys in and out is a pain in the ass.
• The little one has his first cold. And I think he passed it off to J and I.
• Been doing my daily MommaStrong workout for two weeks now. Definitely feeling it (in a good way). Hoping to keep my momentum.
• I would like a few hours by myself but feel like that isn't going to happen any time soon...
• Excited about organizing and sending my handmade Christmas cards soon.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Title: Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Author: Cheryl Strayed

Publisher: Vintage Books 2013

Genre: Memoir

Pages: 342

Rating:  3/5 stars  Movie: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Oprah's Book Club; Book to Movie; 52 Books - W46

At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—and she would do it alone. Told with suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.

I wasn't initially jumping to read this book. I have memories of hating Eat, Pray, Love and thought this was going to be in the same vein. Thankfully it wasn't as bad as I was expecting, but I don't think I'm the right person to love this book. I finished the book and had a neutral reaction. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. I just wasn't that into Cheryl's journey or even her. I just kept thinking "okay fine, you lost your mom and lost your way. But where were the great insights during your journey?" So not bad, but not good.

Movie: 

I liked the movie a little more than I liked the book. I felt that the Cheryl in the movie was a bit more relatable. But the big plus of the movie is the visuals of the settings. Such gorgeous cinematography. Just for that, I had to add a start from my rating for the book.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Title:  Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)

Author: Marissa Meyer

Publisher: Felwel andFriends 2012

Genre: YA Scifi

Pages: 448

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Based on a Fairytale; Fairytale Retelling; Perpetual (365 YA #49, YA Retelling #25)

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.

Another middle of the night read. Somehow I forget that I had added this book to my Kindle at some point. Glad I rediscovered it a few nights back. I loved this retelling of Cinderella set in a distant future. I immediately fell in love with Cinder. Such a great character! And the side characters, including the androids, were a treat. But my favorite character was definitely Queen Levana. Very intriguing villain. I can't wait to read more from this world and follow Cinder's journey. Such a great start to a series.

The Lunar Chronicles

• #0.5 Glitches
• #0.6 The Little Android
• #1 Cinder
• #1.5 The Queen's Army
• #2 Scarlet
• #2.5 Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky
• #3 Cress
• #3.5 Fairest
• #3.6 Stars Above
• #4 Winter

Music Tuesday -- Sia "Cheap Thrills"

Love to listen to this while driving... 

Quentin: 7 Weeks

Likes: Being in the baby carrier, "talking" to mommy, being outside

Dislikes: Gas, being cold, diaper changes

Sleeping: Still very spotty. He hasn't slept more than 3 hours at any time. I think he's getting easier to go back down to sleep after feedings in the middle of the night. But that could just be me being optimistic.

Eating: Mister pIggy piggy has been eating a ton this week. Q's probably on the verge of a growth spurt. Otherwise I have no idea where he's putting all the food.

Playing: He's starting to look at more things and being interested in the world around him. Arthur can't wait until Q actually plays with him. A few more months...

Milestones: Q's started "talking" to people. I love the coos and gurgles he's making this week. And he's on the verge of rolling over with intent. Maybe next week.

Schedule: Still no real schedule. However, he's been awake more often during the day with a "morning nap" about 8am.

Out and About: This week's plan went up in flames. Q had horrible sleep Sunday to Monday and I developed a horrible migraine that lasted throughout the day. So no Oakland Zoo for us on Monday. We spent most of the week at home. Friday we ventured out to the Chabot Space and Science Center. We have a membership and it's only about 20 minutes from home. Perfect for a visit with friends. Saturday Q accompanied me at the Holiday Bazaar. I was helping out a mom friend selling our homemade greeting cards. Sunday both boys went with me to host Coffee and Cards at Panera and to a visit at Target.

Life Right Now #33

Right now I am:  Prepping to head on over to Panera for coffee and cards.

On my bedside table: Still the same choices -- Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris; Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink

On my tv this week: Lots of Dirk Gently and Gilmore Girls.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - BBQ Chicken, Cheddar, Bacon, Apple Paninis
• Tuesday - Pasta with Sardines
• Wednesday - Balsamic Pork Roast
• Thursday - Leftovers
• Friday - Sausage, Potato, Spinach Soup
• Saturday - Leftovers
• Sunday - Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sandwiches

On my to do list:

• Call post office for passport appointment -- I imagine I'll have to schedule one for January or February
• Finish filling out passport application forms for Q and A
• Call Apria so they can pick up the breast pump
• Plan to go get Q's birth certificate (maybe on Thursday?)
• Plan out Thanksgiving dinner
• Make Christmas lists
• Research headphones (for A and the twins)

Happening this week:

• Monday - Grocery (Sprouts and Target) and library visit
• Tuesday - Home day
• Wednesday - Christmas Card Buffet Class
• Thursday - Possibly the park or indoor play place
• Friday - Home day
• Saturday - Crop Day
• Sunday - Possibly OBM Meetup in San Francisco

What I am creating: Prepping card kits for my upcoming events (crop day, shoebox swap, Christmas stamp-a-stack class); Working on October's Project Life pages (hoping to be done by Thursday)

My simple pleasures: Chocolate cake with lemon frosting. Oh so yummy!

Looking around the house: There are stuffed animals everywhere... Arthur really needs to pick them up.

From the camera: Checking out the pond...

November 2016 Clothing Summary

Summer 2015 I participated in a capsule wardrobe challenge. I learned a lot from three months of wearing ~40 pieces. One of the biggest things that I learned was that I hate most of my wardrobe. I have so many ill-fitting and/or not my style pieces cluttering my closet. After completing the summer capsule wardrobe, I decided to take the fall off from that particular challenge and work on building a wardrobe I love. To that end, I started buying clothes agin. But not just any old clothes. No more purchases from the clearance rack “just because it’s cheap.” No more keeping things that don’t quite fit. No more buying things that i love on the mannequin but look silly on me. No more buying clothes that I realistically won’t wear. Instead, I’m trying to be very selective in my buying. So, dear readers, I am going to share with you what I bought during the past month. I will post links if the item is still available and prices i paid. I don’t have a specific budget, but definitely don’t want to spend more than $100 a month. (Realistically I’m aiming for around $40 a month). You will also get to see pieces I bought that I ended up returning. By December, I want to be able to say that I bought some great pieces that I wear often. I also want to plan for a possible winter capsule wardrobe… I decided to add a running total for 2016 at the bottom. I know some months I won’t buy anything and other months I’ll splurge. I would like to monitor my total spent…

Target — Burgundy high low tee $11.48.  While shopping for some baby items, I decided to check out the clearance rack. I bought two shirts, but took one back that was huge. I did keep this nice lightweight long tee. Perfect for layering in the cooler months and wearing with leggings around the house.

November Total: $11.48

Total for 2016: $317.02

The Last Honest Seamstress by Gina Robinson

Title: The Last Honest Seamstress

Author: Gina Robinson

Publisher: Amazon Digital 2012

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 459

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books - W45

SHE NEEDS A HUSBAND… After too many business setbacks and unwanted marriage proposals, beautiful and ambitious Fayth Sheridan, a seamstress who actually sews for a living, desperately needs to find a husband of convenience. Now if she can only convince handsome sea captain Con O'Neill, the one man in Seattle who’s shown no interest in her, that he's the one…

HE NEEDS TO WIN HER LOVE… When Seattle burns to the ground, taking Fayth's shop with it, Con vows to do anything to protect her. Even marrying her before she falls in love with him. When he's forced to make a deal with Seattle's notorious madam, he risks losing everything, including any chance at love with the last honest seamstress in Seattle.

Another middle of the night read for me. This one was a bit of a disappointment. It was super slow and the characters weren't terribly compelling. Plus they did the thing I absolute hate: a super convenient, super rushed ending that wraps up all the loose ends. So, not a terrible book, but something I'm glad I got for free instead of paying for.