School Update.......Errrrr

Ok so I'm a perfectionist at certain things...My house maybe not so much but in my defense it takes a lot of energy to clean up after 5 children and a not so helpful husband. But school, now that's a totally different subject.

It's funny..I think that everyone should have to work for 5 years before they enroll in college...It really makes you appreciate the gift of a secondary education. So at 34 years old I strive to do the best I possibly can in my classes.

....And right now, I'm struggling. Now I consider myself a bit of a computer wiz. I catch on really quickly to new programs and don't seem to have problems learning how to fix stuff that is wrong with it. In all my years having a computer mine has never gotten a virus that I couldn't fix. With that being said...I HATE microsoft Excel 2007!!! With every ounce of passion in my body I hate this program.

I just totally bombed my first test since starting back to school and I hate to think what it is going to do to my GPA. So if any of my wonderfull blogger friends would like to tutor me I'm up for the challange but unless you are an advanced user don't bother because the questions I have are not normal!!!

On a good note...My legal class is going wonderfully and I totally got an email from my instructor today wanting me to email him copies of my homework so he could use it as an answer key. That was pretty sweet I tell ya.

.........Oh and Jana..............GO BEARCATS!!! Totally going to wipe the floor with your gayturds!!
<3~~Stacy

Lovin' the holiday season!!

I'm usually totally hating Christmas about now...worrying about what I can get the kids..If we are going to be able to get them everything that they want. Which this years I'm not going to be able to and I know it but you know what I can't base my holidays around if they get everything that they want. They will get some of it if not most of it, but the boys are getting older and you know as they get older it gets more expensive. Can't do it! Oh well they will be happy with what they get or maybe I will just take that back too LOL!

We always put up our Christmas tree the weekend of Thanksgiving and this year wasn't any different then any other. Of course John and I had to go out and replace almost all of my bulbs because the cats thought it would be funny to knock my whole tree down the stairs last year and all of my glass bulbs kinda got shattered...That was a lot of glass and soooo not a lot of fun to clean up.

Black Friday was a blast...wish I would have remembered to take a few pictures while we were out but the hubby and I literally ate lunch at 8:00 in the morning...I had Charlie's chicken philly sub and John had Taco Bell...Got some great deals at Old Navy and some stuff at game stop...They will be happy ..I HOPE!

Getting back on top of things!

It's been quite sometime since I have blogged about books let alone anything that has been going on in my life. Books are books they are my constant and I'm still reading almost everyday. Right now I'm reading all of Nina Bangs books again. I love her so much! But let me start at the beginning of when my life got so hectic.

I decided on a whim to call our local community action agency and see if they had any available grant money for stay at home mom's to go back to school...Guess what....They did....So I went from staying home everyday with nothing to do until the kids got home to going to see to get my degree in Paralegal Studies three days a week. I have 2 instructors and my legal class only has 3 people in it so can we say one on one teaching!! Everything is going great..I'm getting A's in my computer classes and A's in my legal classes and I'm loving every minute of it. I have met some amazing women who have become wonderful friends and I really enjoy being in class with them and getting to eat lunch with them 3 times a week. My kids tell me they are proud of me all of the time and have even hung my A+ test scores on the fridge with theirs!

I have a spectacularly wonderful friend who makes sure she gets my kids to and from practices and school while I'm at my long school day on Wednesdays. Thankfully football and soccer are just about done but Tyler is wrestling this year so practice for that starts in November. She makes my life so much easier and I just don't know what I would do without her...Thank you Karin!

The kids have gotten their midterm grades and all I can say is 3 out 5 isn't bad right? Jacob is almost getting a perfect 100% in kindergarten. Gabby has all A's and one B+ in reading and Ashley is getting straight A's in her first year of middle school. They are doing a spectacular job and I'm so very proud of them. The boys on the other hand....We'll that is a different story all together. Tyler has totally lost his mind this year and he completely flunking school...Thank god we caught it at midterm and he has time to get his grades up. I was a horrible mother and pulled him out of football until all of his missing assignments were caught up. He didn't complain though. I'm pretty sure he knew better. I just can't fathom how this came from my honor roll student..I just don't understand and probably never will.Cody's wasn't to terribly bad..his problem was he hid them from us. So I'm hoping he has learned his lesson about that. He got wonderful comments from all of his teachers. He tries hard, pleasure to have in class, needs to ask for help more but tries. That tells me that he is giving his all so I can't really fault him for that.

Cold and Flu season is upon us and I already have sick people living in my house. Jake is home from school today because he has to go and have his kindergarten boosters. I thought he was all caught up but I guess I was wrong. He is putting on a brave face but I HATE taking them to get shots period. Gabby and Ashley are both home from school until Thursday. Gabby has strep and bronchitis and Ashley just has bronchitis. So they are on Amoxicillian and cough medicine. And pushing the Tylenol and ibuprofen to keep the fevers down. Karin is going to keep them tomorrow because they will have a full 24 hours of antibiotics that way I don't miss school.

So I am going to try and keep up with this a little better again. I love having a way to tell about the ends and outs of my life. So until next time!

Win Destiny Kills and The Accidental Vampire

Win Destiny Kills and The Accidental Vampire!

As promised I'm going to start doing some random contests and this is the very first one! One very special person will win brand new copies of Destiny Kills by Keri Arthur and The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands! Here's how you can win(it's very easy!): Each of these will get your name in the drawing once, so if you do all three your name will be in the drawing three times!

Win a ARC Copy of Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Contest Monday: Win a Copy of Catching Fire
As I start off a new Contest Monday, I first want to thank everyone who entered the contest to win Shiver. Not only did that post become an instant hit, but it was my first post to reach over 100 comments! I really wish I had more than one copy to give away. However, someone lucky will get picked, and that announcement will be tomorrow. So stay tuned! Now, what could we give away that might actually have a chance competing with Shiver? How about a brand new ARC of Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins?

About the Book (From Back Cover): "Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge."

How to Enter: To enter the contest, simply leave a comment on this post. Or, if you can't leave a comment, send an email to shadyglade (AT) mail (DOT) com with the subject line "Catching Fire Contest" and include your name, your email address, and the correct subject line.

How to earn Extra Entries:

1. Post about the contest on your blog or website. +1 for a sidebar post, +2 for a regular post. Post a link in your comment.
2. Become a follower of this Blog (post a comment to let me know).
3. Come up with and post your own Contest Monday (post a comment with the link).


Rules: The contest is open until Monday, June 29th, 2009. You have two weeks to enter this one! Open to US and Canada residents, even if you've won a contest in the past. The winner will be chosen by a random number generator. One free entry per person allowed. See above for instructions to earn extra contest entries. Rules about claiming prizes can be found here. Questions? Post a comment or email and ask.

Good luck to everyone! I'll announce the contest winner of this book on Tuesday, June 30th.

Of course, you can always buy your own copy of Catching Fire too. But you'll have to wait until Septemember 1st to read it:

*The amazing Contest Monday banner was designed by Liyana.


http://theshadyglade.blogspot.com/2009/06/contest-monday-win-copy-of-catching.html Here is the Link to The shady glad blog!!

Rick and Bobo by Nick and James Ventrillo

Rick and Bobo
by Nick and James Ventrillo
Published by: Vanir Books
ISBN: 978-0615288659
Reviewed by: Tyler Clement age 12 for reviewyourbook.com
Rating: 5/5

Rick and Ray are two brothers who get rich off from one of Ray's invention. Ray wants his genius brother to make him into a superhero. But remember you can't be a superhero without a super villain.

I read Rick and Bobo and really liked it. I think my brother and I can really relate to this book. I am very much like Rick. I am very smart and have a really short temper. My brother is a lot like Ray. He has trouble with school but it takes a lot to set him off. I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait to read the next 3 in the quadrilogy.

Dark Hunger by Rita Herron

Dark Hunger
by Rita Herron
978-0-446-19948-3
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Reviewed by: Stacy Clement for reviewyourbook.com
Rating: 4/5


Quintin Valtrez spends his entire life living in solitude, honing his abilities and fighting his demonic powers. Until he meets Reporter Annabelle Armstrong. It's then that his difficult life becomes even more difficult. His Demonic father sends his minions to make sure that Quinton turns to his dark side and comes to reign the underworld with him.

I really enjoyed this book. It had everything that I look for..Action packed, sexual frustration, folklore, and hot steamy sexy half demon MEN! The Author did a very good job of creating her character and making the reader fall for them..HARD! Quinton Valtrez, is hard, a born killer but Herron does an exceptional job bringing out the soft side in him. I can't wait to read the next book in this series...And I might have to pick up the first one as well!!

The reviewer give Dark Hunger by Rita Herron a 4 out of 5 stars!

Have you been Royally Screwed? How to Get What you deserve by Making People and Companies.... By Myron Z. Bernstein

Have Your Been Royally Screwed? How to Get What You Deserve by Making People and Companies Deliver on Their Promises, Products, Goods and Services…

Myron Z. Bernstein

Kambs Publishing

9780982206904

5

How to Get What You Deserve by Making People and Companies Deliver on Their Promises, Products, Goods and Services…

Myron Z. Bernstein is a consumer advocate. Despite the term Customer Service, few companies care about you. Their goal is to make money even if that means cheating you. Bernstein exposes the abuses and the schemes behind warranties, insurance, contractors, rebates, and a number of other consumer “services.”

The difference between most consumers and Myron is –HE FIGHTS BACK—and he WINS

“Have You Been Royally Screwed: How to Get What You Deserve by Making People and Companies Deliver on Their Promises, Products, Goods, and Service” written by Myron Z. Bernstein

Reviewed by Debra for www.ReviewYourBook.com

http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=1836-Have-Your-Been-Royally-Screwed

How to Train a Rock by Paul Steven Stone

How To Train A Rock

Paul Steven Stone

5 stars

9781442117211

For approximately twenty-five years, Paul Steven Stone wrote a syndicated column, “A Stone’s Throw.” In his own words, the column was quirky. How To Train A Rock is a compilation of those columns.

My favorite entry was 1-800-Stones-Throw, where he addresses the annoying trend toward automated answering services. I become so frustrated with the list of Press 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. What button do I push to talk to a real person?

“How To Train a Rock” written by Paul Steven Stone _

Reviewed by Debra for www.ReviewYourBook.com

http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=1832-How-To-Train-A-Rock

Dreams of Beauty by Aubrie Dionne

Dreams Of Beauty
Aubrie Dionne
Publisher: SynergEbooks http://www.synergebooks.com
ISBN: 0-7743-1097-0
Tweens
Almost every night Emme sees the man of her dreams.

Almost every night Emme sees the man of her dreams. She has no idea who he is. He seems so real. Davian is trapped in Emme’s dream. He was cursed by a Sorceress a hundred years ago, destined to live in a dream until a kiss breaks the curse.

Davian’s niece, has assumed control of the Hawthorn Estate. She had a plan to get rich quick. The whole village with be disrupted if she follows through with her plan . There was only one way to stop the evil woman from destroying the village, Davian. Emme set out to rescue Davian and the village.

Reviewed by Lynn for www.ReviewYourBook.com

Check out Dreams Of Beauty written by Aubrie Dionne

http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=1626-Dreams-Of-Beauty

Winter Queen-Seasons of Fantasy by Aubrie Dionne

Winter Queen - Seasons of Fantasy
Aubrie Dionne
Reviewed by Kira for www.ReviewYourBook.com(17 years old)

We all have our reasons for who we are and what we do in our lives, in the past the Winter Queen had been a princess in a powerful family with all the riches of the world. Everything in her world had changed when she fell in love with a commoner, who held her heart. But all good things come to an end, her love then broke her heart into pieces with a great betrayal, which would never be healed. Now the Princess is controlling the cold winds that come across the lands and those who are in her way feel the wrath of the heart that was once whole, but now broken. To heal the coldest, most fragile heart in life all it takes is the kindest in a person’s heart.

Reviewed by Kira for www.ReviewYourBook.com(17 years old)

Check out Winter Queen - Seasons of Fantasy written by Aubrie Dionne

http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=1712-Winter-Queen---Seasons-of-Fantasy

Bloody Good by Georgia Evans

Dealing with the confines of a World War is bad enough for lady doctor, Alice Doyle. Worrying about the Jerry's and if her sleepy little town will be rudely awaken and taking care of all of the aches and pains of the villagers she soon finds out that trouble is a little closer to home then she hopes. It seems that German spies have taken residence in her village outside of London but the Reich infiltrating aren't human, they are vampires! How can she save the people of Brytewood, she's just a doctor. But Alice soon realizes she is willing to take help from anyone she can get it from. Her new boyfriend,Peter, the Conscientious Objector, her grandmother, The Pixie, Mr. Pendragon and Gloria, the district nurse.

This book was very surprising for me. I am guilty of judging a book by it's cover, but that is the only problem I could find with this book. I really enjoyed the history of life in England during WWII and the way people had to live. And then to mix in the vampire's, the shifter's, the vixen's and the pixie's, it kept me on the edge of my seat.

I highly recommend this book and this author and would rate this book a 4/5 stars...Can't wait to read the next book in the series called Bloody Awful.

Books 1-3 Black Dagger Brotherhood by JR Ward

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.

The interaction between Wrath and Beth is nothing short of lovely! How a woman can change such a hard as iron, body and soul, vampire male.

The way that the author works the action packed fights between the lesser's (slayers) and the Brotherhood and the sensual scenes of Brotherhood life is awesome! Ms. Wards take on the vampire genre makes you want more and more everyday! This book is 4/5 stars!




Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetite. He's the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover-for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin.

Possessed by this dark side, Rhage fears the times when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him. When Mary Luce is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world, she must rely on Rhage's protection. Knowing that Mary feels the same intense animal attraction, Rhage must make her his alone...

Lover Eternal was just as absolute as the first book. I find myself saying with every book..."So far this is my favorite book in this series" and that didn't change with this book. I categorically love how totally and completely love the way these monstrous, violent, protective, Warriors fall in love so absolutely.

The other Brotherhood members play a pivotal part in this book and really sets up the next book (Zsadist's book) quite nicely. The author also continues the action packed story lines with the lesser's.. Just like always JR Ward delivers another page turner! This book is 4/5 stars!



Deeply scarred without and within, vampire warrior Zsadist believes that he is unworthy of either compassion or true love. One night a glimmer of hope crosses his path, embodied in the young civilian Bella; yet, true to form, he pushes her away. But when the enemy of their race kidnaps Bella, Zsadist can't rest until he finds her, and once he does, he faces his biggest threat to date as fate grants him one last chance at peace. Ward spins her take on Beauty and the Beast into a raw, gritty tour de force, creating an array of ugliness and beauty, pain and pleasure in a tale that sparks enough plot stunners to keep readers fascinated for years to come. Not for the faint of heart--strong sexuality and stronger language rule here--this genre-bending third novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, following Lover Eternal (2006), is a perfect fit for those who like fast-paced urban fantasy rich in both fury and poignancy. Nina Davis
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Again this book is my favorite so far! Zsadist is one bad ass character who finds himself to be unacceptable. Spending decades as a blood and sex slave this warrior doesn't believe that he is acceptable to be loved or even liked, until he meets his one and only, Bella. She is of aristocracy blood and way to good for him. But she falls so deeply and hopefully will find a way to get through to her one true love!

Again in this book the other brother play a critical role in the story line. The story line is very physical and emotional all at the same time. The lesser's a brought more to the forefront, learning more of one slayers tale.

JR Ward again writes a story of love, lust, betrayal, agony, friendship, bonds, vengeance, and loss. It's definitely one not to be missed! This book gets a 5/5 star rating from this reviewer!

The Zombie Chicken Blogger Award!!!

Just needed to say thanks to Lori at http://lorilaws.blogspot.com for thinking about me in giving out this award! I really really LOVE It!


The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all..."


Now I would like to present this award to.....

Evie at http://averageme-bookandmoviereviews.blogspot.com/
Retro at http://retroreduxsreviews.blogspot.com
All the ladies at http://livingbythelist.blogspot.com/
The bloggers at http://livingbythelist.blogspot.com/
and my cous Jana over at http://4ever4alwaysnomatterwhat.blogspot.com/

Thanks Lori for the great award!

R.I.P. Angel aka Crazy4mykids

A great woman passed away on February 24, 2009. I didn't know her IRL but she was part of my online family. You never really realize how attached you can get to someone that you never knew personally. But personal, she was, I knew her kids and her brand new grandbaby, just from conversation. How you can talk to someone so much you feel like you know everything about them. You are completely involved in their lives without being there at all.

Angel suffered with Lupus and suffer she really did. The lupus caused many other problems for her but we recentley were told by her that her lupus was in remission. She passed away in her sleep on the 23rd or very early the 24th. She will be greatly missed by her online family. Be it Coolerparents or BBC she has many people who loved and will miss her greatly. She lived her life by the spoon theroy and I thought that I would share it with you..My other family...My Shelfari family....And my real family...yes that means you Jana!



The Spoon Theory

By Christine Miserandino

My best friend and I were in the diner, talking. As usual, it was very late and we were eating French fries with gravy. Like normal girls our age, we spent a lot of time in the diner while in college, and most of the time we spent talking about boys, music or trivial things that seemed very important at the time. We never got serious about anything in particular and spent most of our time laughing.

As I went to take some of my medicine with a snack as I usually did, she watched me with an awkward kind of stare, instead of continuing the conversation. She then asked me out of the blue what it felt like to have Lupus and be sick. I was shocked not only because she asked the random question, but also because I assumed she knew all there was to know about Lupus. She came to doctors with me, she saw me walk with a cane, and throw up in the bathroom. She had seen me cry in pain, what else was there to know?

I started to ramble on about pills, and aches and pains, but she kept pursuing, and didn’t seem satisfied with my answers. I was a little surprised because I thought being my roommate in college and friend for years that she already knew the medical definition of Lupus. Then she looked at me with a face every sick person knows well, the face of pure curiosity about something no one healthy can truly understand. She asked what it felt like, not physically, but what it felt like to be me, to be sick.

As I tried to gain my composure, I glanced around the table for help or guidance, or at least stall for time to think. I was trying to find the right words. How do I answer a question I never was able to answer for myself? How do I explain every detail of every day being affected, and describe the emotions a sick person goes through with clarity? I could have given up, cracked a joke like I usually do, and changed the subject, but I remember thinking if I don’t try to explain this, how could I ever expect her to understand? If I can’t explain this to my best friend, how could I explain my world to anyone else? I had to at least try.

At that moment, the spoon theory was born. I quickly grabbed every spoon on the table; hell, I grabbed spoons off of the other tables. I looked at her in the eyes and said, “Here you go, you have Lupus.” She looked at me slightly confused, as anyone would when they are being handed a bouquet of spoons. The cold metal spoons clanked in my hands, as I grouped them together and shoved them into her hands.

I explained that the difference in being sick and being healthy is having to make choices or to consciously think about things when the rest of the world doesn’t have to. The healthy have the luxury of a life without choices, a gift most people take for granted.

Most people start the day with unlimited amount of possibilities, and energy to do whatever they desire, especially young people. For the most part, they do not need to worry about the effects of their actions. So for my explanation, I used spoons to convey this point. I wanted something for her to actually hold, for me to then take away, since most people who get sick feel a “loss” of a life they once knew. If I was in control of taking away the spoons, then she would know what it feels like to have someone or something else, in this case Lupus, being in control.

She grabbed the spoons with excitement. She didn’t understand what I was doing, but she is always up for a good time, so I guess she thought I was cracking a joke of some kind like I usually do when talking about touchy topics. Little did she know how serious I would become?

I asked her to count her spoons. She asked why, and I explained that when you are healthy you expect to have a never-ending supply of “spoons.” But when you have to now plan your day, you need to know exactly how many “spoons” you are starting with. It doesn’t guarantee that you might not lose some along the way, but at least it helps to know where you are starting. She counted out 12 spoons. She laughed and said she wanted more. I said no, and I knew right away that this little game would work, when she looked disappointed, and we hadn’t even started yet. I’ve wanted more “spoons” for years and haven’t found a way yet to get more, why should she? I also told her to always be conscious of how many she had, and not to drop them because she can never forget she has Lupus.

I asked her to list off the tasks of her day, including the most simple. As she rattled off daily chores, or just fun things to do, I explained how each one would cost her a spoon. When she jumped right into getting ready for work as her first task of the morning, I cut her off and took away a spoon. I practically jumped down her throat. I said “ No! You don’t just get up. You have to crack open your eyes, and then realize you are late. You didn’t sleep well the night before. You have to crawl out of bed, and then you have to make yourself something to eat before you can do anything else, because if you don’t, you can’t take your medicine, and if you don’t take your medicine you might as well give up all your spoons for today and tomorrow too.” I quickly took away a spoon and she realized she hadn’t even gotten dressed yet. Showering cost her a spoon, just for washing her hair and shaving her legs. Reaching high and low that early in the morning could actually cost more than one spoon, but I figured I would give her a break; I didn’t want to scare her right away. Getting dressed was worth another spoon.

I stopped her and broke down every task to show her how every little detail needs to be thought about. You cannot simply just throw clothes on when you are sick. I explained that I have to see what clothes I can physically put on, and if my hands hurt that day, buttons are out of the question. If I have bruises that day, I need to wear long sleeves, and if I have a fever I need a sweater to stay warm and so on. If my hair is falling out, I need to spend more time to look presentable, and then you need to factor in another five minutes for feeling badly that it took you two hours to do all this.

I think she was starting to understand when she theoretically didn’t even get to work, and she was left with six spoons. I then explained to her that she needed to choose the rest of her day wisely, since when your “spoons” are gone, they are gone. Sometimes you can borrow against tomorrow’s “spoons,” but just think how hard tomorrow will be with less “spoons.” I also needed to explain that a person who is sick always lives with the looming thought that tomorrow may be the day that a cold comes, or an infection, or any number of things that could be very dangerous. So you do not want to run low on “spoons,” because you never know when you truly will need them. I didn’t want to depress her, but I needed to be realistic, and unfortunately being prepared for the worst is part of a real day for me.

We went through the rest of the day, and she slowly learned that skipping lunch would cost her a spoon, as well as standing on a train, or even typing at her computer too long. She was forced to make choices and think about things differently. Hypothetically, she had to choose not to run errands, so that she could eat dinner that night.

When we got to the end of her pretend day, she said she was hungry. I summarized that she had to eat dinner but she only had one spoon left. If she cooked, she wouldn’t have enough energy to clean the pots. If she went out for dinner, she might be too tired to drive home safely. Then I also explained, that I didn’t even bother to add into this game, that she was so nauseous, that cooking was probably out of the question anyway. So she decided to make soup, it was easy. I then said it is only 7 pm, you have the rest of the night but maybe end up with one spoon, so you can do something fun, or clean your apartment, or do chores, but you can’t do it all.

I rarely see her emotional, so when I saw her upset I knew maybe I was getting through to her. I didn’t want my friend to be upset, but at the same time I was happy to think finally maybe someone understood me a little bit. She had tears in her eyes and asked quietly, “Christine, how do you do it? Do you really do this everyday?” I explained that some days were worse than others; some days I have more spoons than most. But I can never make it go away and I can’t forget about it, I always have to think about it. I handed her a spoon I had been holding in reserve. I said simply, “I have learned to live life with an extra spoon in my pocket, in reserve. You need to always be prepared.”

It’s hard, the hardest thing I ever had to learn is to slow down, and not do everything. I fight this to this day. I hate feeling left out, having to choose to stay home, or to not get things done that I want to. I wanted her to feel that frustration. I wanted her to understand, that everything everyone else does comes so easy, but for me it is one hundred little jobs in one. I need to think about the weather, my temperature that day, and the whole day’s plans before I can attack any one given thing. When other people can simply do things, I have to attack it and make a plan like I am strategizing a war. It is in that lifestyle, the difference between being sick and healthy. It is the beautiful ability to not think and just do. I miss that freedom. I miss never having to count “spoons.”

After we were emotional and talked about this for a little while longer, I sensed she was sad. Maybe she finally understood. Maybe she realized that she never could truly and honestly say she understands. But at least now she might not complain so much when I can’t go out for dinner some nights, or when I never seem to make it to her house and she always has to drive to mine. I gave her a hug when we walked out of the diner. I had the one spoon in my hand and I said “Don’t worry. I see this as a blessing. I have been forced to think about everything I do. Do you know how many spoons people waste everyday? I don’t have room for wasted time, or wasted “spoons” and I chose to spend this time with you.”

Ever since this night, I have used the spoon theory to explain my life to many people. In fact, my family and friends refer to spoons all the time. It has been a code word for what I can and cannot do. Once people understand the spoon theory they seem to understand me better, but I also think they live their life a little differently too. I think it isn’t just good for understanding lupus, but anyone dealing with any disability or illness. Hopefully, they don’t take so much for granted or their life in general. I give a piece of myself, in every sense of the word when I do anything. It has become an inside joke. I have become famous for saying to people jokingly that they should feel special when I spend time with them, because they have one of my “spoons.”

Reprinted with Permssion, © 2003 by Christine Miserandino

Vampire's Secret by Raven Hart

The second novel of the of the Raven Hart's Vampire series was just as well written and entertaining as the first. William and Jack call together a forum of Vampire's to protect the new world from the "Old World" Vamps.. The Sires..

William and Jack have curve balls thrown at them left and right and don't always take it in such stride that we are used to.

I highly recommend this series to everyone!!! It's spectacular!! 5/5 stars from me! I can't wait to get into Vampire's Kiss!

I can't even give the kind of review that I want because I'm afraid that I will give to much of the book away.

Water for Elephants--Sara Gruen

Water for Elephants is a historical novel by Sara Gruen. The novel centers on Jacob Jankowski and his experiences in a travelling circus called The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth.

Set during the Great Depression of the 1930s, Water for Elephants tells the story of a young man who leaves his life as a Cornell University veterinary student after losing both his parents in a car accident and jumps onto a train that happens to house the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. After a short confrontation with Blackie, a bouncer that stops stowaways, and Camel (a limp old worker) promising him a job and an audience with Uncle Al (The Ringmaster) Jacob decides to stay aboard the train. Since his parents have died in an automobile accident, and he has not a home to call his own, he decides to remain with the circus. Jacob is employed as the show’s veterinarian and he faces a number of challenges in dealing with the head trainer, August, while also learning how to function in the hierarchy of the circus and falling in love with August's wife, Marlena.

The story is told as a series of memories by Jacob Jankowski, either a ninety or ninety-three-year-old man who lives in a nursing home.

I actually hope that they make this book into a movie. I don't ask that of many books because it usually dosn't do them any justice. But with this one I think they could stick exactly to the book and keep it under 2 1/2 hours. It would be a pretty low budget but excellent film too if I say so myself.

I loved the book...Evie pleases again. The story of Jacob and Marlena and all of the rustabouts and performers were amazing. It felt like I would have been sitting cross legged on the floor listening to one of his amazing stories from back when he was in the circus. And all I can say is "Uncle Al" got exactly what he deserved!

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

This is the second installment of the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. I thought this book was totally action packed and I loved every minute of it. If I didn't have 5 kids and a household to take care of I probably would have read the book in one sitting.

Jace finds out that there is a little more to him then meets the eye and struggles with wanting to know his father and with knowing what a monster his father actually is.

Clary discovers that she has special talents when it comes to runes. She struggles with being what she really is and her "mundane" life. She learns she is much stronger then she has ever given herself credit for.

Jace and Clary still are struggling with the knowledge of being brother and sister. I guess it would totally suck to be in love with your sibling. In a way I hope that they find out that they aren't actually blood related so they can hook up!

Simon, Clary's bestfriend suffers a great deal in this book and has to go through a terrible transformation but dosn't lose the love of Clary or Luke and gains the respect of more then one downworlder and shadowhunter.

Alex and Isabelle learn what true family means and fight to keep it all together. You are reintroduced to Maryse, Robert and Max Lightwood in this book and Alec almost comes out to his parents thanks to one of Clary's runes.

Mangus becomes an intrical character in the story. Many people would have died without his special powers.

I highly recommend this series and absolutley loved this book. City of Ashes is a must read for any paranormal reader. 5/5 stars for me!!

My Jan 8/8 Ink Heart by Cornelia Funke

Meggie’s father, Mo, has an wonderful and sometimes terrible ability. When he reads aloud from books, he brings the characters to life--literally. Mo discovered his power when Maggie was just a baby. He read so lyrically from the the book Inkheart, that several of the book’s wicked characters ended up blinking and cursing on his cottage floor. Then Mo discovered something even worse--when he read Capricorn and his henchmen out of Inkheart, he accidentally read Meggie’s mother in.
Meggie, now a young lady, knows nothing of her father's bizarre and powerful talent, only that Mo still refuses to read to her. Capricorn, a being so evil he would "feed a bird to a cat on purpose, just to watch it being torn apart," has searched for Meggie's father for years, wanting to twist Mo's powerful talent to his own dark means. Finally, Capricorn realizes that the best way to lure Mo to his remote mountain hideaway is to use his beloved, oblivious daughter Meggie as bait!

Boy I don't know why any of you thought this book was slow moving. This is just proof that all of us have different likes and dislikes when it comes to books even though we all pretty much read the same genre of books. Anyway I freaking LOVED Ink Heart and can't wait to read Ink Spell but the library is going to have to order a new book cause whoever has it isn't bringing it back.

The whole concept of being able to read something or someone out of a book is totally awesome and in the same aspect totally terrifying. This book had the happily ever after that I love the majority of the time but I can't wait to see what will happen in the next 2 books.

My February Living by the List 2009 Challenge

1. Halfway to the Grave--Jeanine Frost
2. Changling--Yasmine Galenorn
3. City of Ashes --Cassandra Clare
4. Witch \_______The Wicked Series
5. Curse / Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
6. Hard Eight----Janet Evanovich
7. Bitten ---Kelley Armstrong
8. Water for Elephants-- Sara Gruen

Alternatives
1. Garden Spells ---Sarah Addison Allen
2. Vampire's Secret-- Raven Hart
3. Otherworldlies--Jennifer Anne Kegler

Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn---my 7/8

Meet the D'Artigo sisters: half-human, half-faerie, they're savvy-and sexy-operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But their mixed-blood heritage short-circuits their talents at all the wrong times. Delilah shapeshifts into a tabby cat whenever she's stressed. Menolly's a vampire who's still trying to get the hang of being undead. And Camille is a wicked-good witch, except her magic's as unpredictable as the weather, as her enemies are about to find out-the hard way.



I really enjoyed this book. There was nothing overly spectacular about it but it was good. I love Camille, Delila and Menolly (although I'm still not sure how to pronounce that I want to call her Melody but every time I see it I think Mentally LOL. I don't know.) I will give it a 3 1/2 stars.

Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich (Stacy's 6/8)

Like always Janet Evanovich dosn't disappoint..... The Plum series is like my dirty little secret...The wonderful books that I read to break the monotony. I LOVE PLUM!! Even more the loving Plum I LOVE Diesel!!! Diesel always seems to get Stephanie into more trouble then she needs to be in but if he wasn't there she would be stepping into a hornets next that she didn't know was on top of her head. I wish that Grandma would have played a bigger role in this one, but I guess we don't want to much of grandma all of the time.

What Kind of Reader am I?

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader   You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Literate Good Citizen
Book Snob
Fad Reader
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Sunshine by Robin McKinley

The story is set in an alternate universe, taking place after the “Voodoo Wars”, a conflict between humans and the “Others”. The Others mainly consist of vampires, werewolves, and demons, though the main conflict occurs between humans and vampires. As a result of this war, “bad spots”, or places where black magic thrives, have appeared more frequently. Rae "Sunshine" Seddon, the pastry-making heroine of the novel, has the misfortune of being caught off-guard in a “bad spot” and is abducted by a gang of vampires. She is confined to the ballroom of an abandoned mansion with Constantine, a vampire shackled there by vampires of a rival gang, led by Constantine’s enemy Bo. Bo’s intention is to allow Constantine to slowly die of hunger and exposure to sunlight. Rae is brought as bait for him, and the vampires cut her upper chest as temptation. However, Rae not only manages to defy the supposed power that any vampire has over a human, but also uses her all-but-forgotten magical powers of transmutation, taught to her by her grandmother, to effect an escape. Rae realizes that the magical lineage she has ignored allows her to draw power from the sunlight, ergo transferring her ability through touch to Constantine and allowing him to be under the light of day, so long as contact is maintained. Through this symbiotic relationship, the two of them make an escape. Despite her best efforts, all does not return to normalcy once Rae is back home. Her friends and family are shocked by her survival of an encounter with vampires, and over time she both starts to become more affected by the trauma and refuses to tell anyone the circumstances leading to her alliance with a vampire. As it becomes clear that the conflict with Bo and his gang is only beginning, Sunshine begins to embrace her magical ability, is coerced into working with the "Special Other Forces", wonders what kind of tentative partnership can exist between two individuals whose races are bitter enemies, and, finally, works with Constantine to overthrow Bo for good.

Sighhhhh....So, Evie warned me that this book was either a book that you couldn't put down or a book you didn't want to pick up. Well for me it was the latter. Don't get me wrong the story line was there...It was good...But the main character left a LOT to be desired!! I don't know how many times through this book that I just wanted to tell her to quit whining, quit micro analyzing and freaking DEAL with it!!! On the other hand she did have a lot thrown into her lap and really no one she could talk to about it.

Con was a little flat and dry if you ask me...She could have made him something spectacular even if he wasn't the sexy vamp that we love to read about in books.

I honestly wished for more out of a lot of characters. I wish I knew what Mel was, I wish I could figure out if the goddess is a good person or a bad person, or even if she is a person at all. I wish I could have figured out if the SOF was doing the right thing. The bad thing is...if there is going to be a sequel I will read it just to see if she goes into any details about any of the other characters in the book....I also think that it may have been a good idea for her to find out what happened to her father and her grandmother...I don't know...Ok Ok the book was just flat for me....Sorry ya'll, I know a lot of you really enjoyed it, but it just wasn't for me.

Free Book Monday on Evie's Blog

It's just about that day of the week again people....Evie is giving away another book...But this time its extra special...She's giving away Breaking Dawn ..the 4th and final book in the Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer....Here's the link to her blog http://averageme-bookandmoviereviews.blogspot.com/ Just leave her a comment!

Hey Hey Hey Free Monday book give away

Why don't all you my loyal readers....yes all 5 of you....stroll on over to my friend Evie's blog and enter to win a free Monday book give away...She seems to think that Monday has a complex and is hoping this will help with it's (he/she?) self esteem....You can find her at http://averageme-bookandmoviereviews.blogspot.com/ This Monday's book is Jeannine Frost's At Graves End.

Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford --my 2/8

Obviously I'm feeling better, two books in two days. Thanks for all the well wishes that I got through here and on Shelfari. I really appreciate it. Anyway back to the topic at hand.

Sometimes I just go to the library and look around. I will see a cover that catches my attention and think "Huh, this might be a good book, maybe I should read it." Most of the time I regret it and then once in awhile I will pick up a book that really gets to me. This is one of those books.

Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford ended up being a page turning tear jerker for me. It is about a 15 year old boy who tries to commit suicide but fails in his attempts. When he wakes up he find that his parents have committed him to an in-house psychiatric program (the nut house) for teens for 45 days. These pages are an account of what he went through, what happens at the hospital and what he discovers about himself. It is written just like a journal, day 1, day 2 and so on. Honestly I couldn't have thought of a better way to write a book like this.

If any of you have someone you know, or your own child for that matter, struggling with their sexuality this is a spectacular book to get them. 4 1/2 out of 5 stars from me!!

Stacy's 1/8 --Vampire Seduction by Raven Hart

So finally I have felt well enough to get into a book, and was I glad that I picked up this book to start off my Living by the List Challange! Vampire Seduction by Raven Hart gets a 5/5 stars from me.
This book was intense from start to finish. The two main characters William Cuyler Thorne, a very old, very rich, very affluential vampire and Civil War Veteran turned vampire, Jack McShane.

You see, William is Jack's father; his maker, and Jack has pledged his fealty to William. Meaning he is available to him at his beck and call. But then William's maker comes to Savannah and Jack finds out that William has been a little less then truthful with him about what it means to be a vampire. So Jack has to make a decision. Is he going to remain loyal to William or go with the other vampire.

This series is full of supernaturals, voodoo, weres, shapeshifters and other beings and is packed full of action, mystery and romance.

Now up next is Suicide Notes by Michael Ford Thomas. It is about a teenage boy who tried to commit suicide and ended up in a psychiatric facility for 45 days. This is account of his 45 days. It says its a fictional book but it is written like a true story. I'm about 81 pages into it right now and its a good book. Very YA but good.