Start to Finish

Finish what you start.

If you start something, finish it.

What you begin, you must complete.

All beginnings have an end.

"Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on 

of an uncompleted task." ~ William James

I am inspired today by these words of wisdom and yet, 

I have a List of Incompletes that clutters and haunts my mind

from the time I open my eyes until I lay down at night.

This blog is one of those incompletes. 

I should post something 

stalks through my brain several times a day, 

stomping around other ideas,

thoughts

and things to do 

slithering through my head.

I started this blog, 

but I don't post regularly. 

I started organizing my filing cabinet;

it's halfway done.

I began a workout regime;

I haven't worked out in seven days.

I began writing a short story

(several short stories);

words jump off a cliff 

with no end in sight.

I'm seeing a pattern here. 

What if we all finished what we started? 

Establish the blog, organize the papers, make exercise a habit, 

write the darn story.  

Who knows what new beginnings will be waiting on your doorstep 

when you finish what you start? 

New beginnings

with new endings 

that could change

your whole life.

What are you beginning

but not finishing?

Start to finish 

some of the incompletes in your life 

and see what comes your way.

As for me,

I am about to finish this blog post.

Whatever else I finish this week,

I will post here.  

Please feel free to do the same. 

  

 

    

Reading Stack (No Sitting Books!)

My daughter left her reading book at school.

I don't recommend leaving the book you need to read at school. I told her so in many different dialects. Mostly upset, aggravated ones.

I then dragged my butt away from the New Jersey Devils v. New York Rangers hockey game screaming on my TV, and skipped us both to the library.

We were only going to check out the book she needed so she could get her homework done, I swear.

Who am I kidding. I came home with a stack of books.

So this is what I'll be reading for the next three weeks. And I really hope to read, rather than watch books sit, which is what I did last time I brought a stack home from the library.

Watching books sit doesn't get books read. To watch books sit, you use renewal after renewal until there are no more renewals left, and the sitting books have to go back to the library...unfinished.  Unfinished books!  The thought makes me cringe.

So here's my stack:

Beautiful books waiting to be cracked open

Feed by M.T. Anderson

Initially, I read a few blog reviews which sparked my interest. At the library, I found Feed standing upright on top of a bookshelf, instantly recognized the cover, and grabbed it hoping for some creepy distopian flavor. We shall see!

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kid

I haven't been Ms. Avid Reader this year. In fact, I've started so many books I haven't finished it's quite embarrassing. I'm so behind on all the popular reads in the past several years, not to mention the box office-hyped movies that come from these books. I've heard enough about this one to predict it will make me cry. I scanned the book flap to gather what could possibly come from a bunch of bees. When I read that it's “about mothers and daughters and the women in our lives who become our true mothers,” I knew The Secret Life of Bees wanted to come home with me.

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

The Immortal Fire, Book #3 of Ursu's Cronus Chronicles, sat on the shelf next to this one. I still need to read The Immortal Fire to complete the series, but Breadcrumbs is Ursu's latest. Since I'm not ready to experience the end of a fun series, I picked up Breadcrumbs instead. I'll check out The Immortal Fire next time.

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

A no brainer for me. I've read every other Dan Brown book and he does not disappoint. Plus, I'm already invested up to Chapter 77 in the paperback version. Since I am in constant fear of ruining the pristine spine of a loaned book, I figured I'd return it to the owner and finish the book on the library's dime. I'll probably finish this one first before reading the others.

Writer's Market 2012

I check out the most current copy of Writer's Market whenever I get the chance, to peruse writing opportunities and gather fresh writing ideas. Not only does Writer's Market provide me with tons of great information, it inspires me.  My pen needs inspiration for the page, as well as my brain for the keyboard. Ultimately, I need to write.

And read.

I need to read.

No more sitting books allowed.

Writing Challenge: 250 words per day

In the interest of coaxing myself to write at least six days per week, I have joined a challenge.

*Because lately, {gasp!} I've become the "writer who does not write." 

I almost cringe at announcing this on here, because whenever I disclose my grand intentions, it seems my subconscious believes that's all I need to do. I start out all gung-ho, with ninja-sharp determination, only to fizzle out after all is said and done. I tell the world of my intentions and my intentions start to become just that: words with no action.

Perhaps it is my nature. I have varied interests, and they all compete for my attention. It's a minute-by-minute struggle to stay focused. Recently though, I came to the conclusion I must follow my heart, go where my intuition nudges, allow it to lead me where it wants. To see what happens next should be all the fun.

Lately, my heart screams whispers to write. It whispers to use more of what I have; it suggests I sit steadily working at the dusty instruments lying around my house. It wants to immerse itself in music, try new recipes without hesitation, create without questions, doubts, or indecision. My heart swoons when I'm one with a song, when floured hands create something beautiful and delicious, when words flow and push through the chaos all around me. I suppose I'm interested in putting Barbara Sher's revelation to the test when she said, “What you are really supposed to be doing is whatever makes your heart sing.”

Since I don't do enough of what makes my heart sing, I'm ready to begin this journey. This time however, I will begin with baby steps rather than taking on huge endeavors and then falling flat when fear shows its fangs.

250 words a day is doable.  I began last night and was surprised when I exceeded this word count with one thing remaining: a hunger to keep writing.

Join me, won't you?  

No Goals for 2012!

My goals and resolutions for 2012 are...


Image Credit:  Michal Marcol

*

*

*

*

*

*

I'm not telling!



In the past, I've shared my goals openly, in detail and with grand intention.

I'm not going to do that anymore.

Why? I came to the startling conclusion over the past year that sharing my goals does NOT help me reach them.

Rather, I've found it does the opposite.



I've learned that sharing my goals actually hinders me. It makes me question myself when I feel myself falling short.

It hands off my secret energy. When I give that away, there's not much left to give so I freeze up; I'm paralyzed. Ultimately, it gives me something to feel guilty about if I don't reach my goal. 

I don't like guilt, so I'm doing away with it this year!

I came across a rather interesting statement the other day made by C. Hope Clark, author and editor of FundsforWriters.com. Rather than paraphrase what she said, I will let her eloquence speak for itself.



“...I believe that broadcasting your goals takes some of the starch out of them, leaving them less exciting. Many writers announce their goals, thinking they'll be held more accountable by making promises in writing and out loud. Keep your goals to yourself, as if you are planning a surprise. Face it . . . if you told everyone around you what your presents were going to be, the feeling of awe when they are finally revealed feels rather dampened.”  ~ C. Hope Clark [http://hopeclark.blogspot.com/]

I couldn't agree more.

So, here's to working on my presents for the year without anyone knowing what they are. I'm excited and energized for all that implies.

It means I'm only accountable to myself, which is how it should be, really. It means I have free range to try, do, make mistakes, and try some more.

If I get there is not the important thing.



Am I doing?

Am I continuously doing, day in and day out?  And then doing some more?



Am I working towards what I value?   What excites me?  What sparks my spirit?

If so, that's all the validation and accountability I need.



Besides, it will be much funner to share the journey, the beautiful screw-ups, the awesome lessons learned along the way.



Cheers to all the stuff we're doing and places we're going in the year ahead!



Chocolate I Have Known

I love chocolate.
It's something I crave from time to time.
Okay, I give. I crave it daily.
Unfortunately for me, losing weight, keeping fit and eating chocolate daily don't jive (and I'm not a fan of dark chocolate), so I found a couple great snacks that satisfy my chocolate urge and don't pack on the pounds. One of these snacks also covers my ice cream craving, so I nipped two birds in the beak with this one!

Jell-O Mousse Temptations
As I was packing my daughter's lunch one morning, I had an urge to pop open her chocolate pudding and inhale the contents. So, instead of doing the unspeakable, I set out on a search for some chocolate pudding that both tastes good and is low in sugar. I found that Jello-O pudding has many low sugar products, but it was the Temptations line that enticed me with it's mousse-like pudding, 60 calories per cup and zero grams of sugar.

It tastes so light and chocolately I knew from the second I tasted it that this was my go-to chocolate friend. My favorite is Chocolate Indulgence, but there's also Caramel Creme, Dark Chocolate Decadence and a new mint flavor called Chocolate Mint Sensation.

Once I stocked up on Chocolate Indulgence I tried to keep it off my kids' radar because I knew once they tasted it they would love it, want it, and eat my stash.

My chocolate pudding! MINE!!

I was right.
Now my daughter wants me to replace her pudding with my pudding. She is as in love as I am. I also read that you can freeze it, and I just may try that too and see how it tastes.

No Sugar Added Fudgsicles

I learned about these when I first researched the South Beach Diet. They have less calories (40 per bar), and of course sugar (2-1/2 grams), than their regular Fudgsicle counterpart. None of the other ricotta infused, sugar-free recipes that South Beach Diet suggests sounded like anything edible as far as I was concerned. I needed chocolate and I needed ice cream. At the same time. I was a little hesitant of them at first, (how good could no sugar Fudgsicles really taste?) but bought them anyway. SOLD. They are just perfect for my after dinner, chocolate & ice cream mind scream that tempts me to my freezer at night.

I am so jazzed I now have two desserts that satisfy my chocolate needs without making me feel like I have to run for fifty hours after consuming.
And yes they are needs.
No need to water it down or anything.

*I am in no way affiliated with either of these brands and receive no compensation for mentioning them. I'm so thrilled to find them and just want to pass along the find!

February 2011 Goal Update

I'm a little late on my goal update for the month of February. So, let's get right to it:

1. Lose 52 pounds
At one time, I was down 4 more pounds for a total of 16 pounds lost, but it fluctuates up and down and has never made it all the way back down. Basically, I'm weighing the same as I was in January (give or take 1 to 2 pounds).

I took measurements of my body at the beginning of February, but when I went to take them again they were so off from the original (in both directions) that I know something is wrong. I need to learn how to take proper measurements and start over.

I have slipped somewhat on my healthy eating plan, but I always jump right back on track with my next meal. I'm not hitting an average of 3 times per week exercise, so my consistency needs work. On a postive note, I have been walking a lot more, taking stairs whenever possible and keeping busy on my feet as much as possible versus sitting on my tush all day.

March outlook:  Become consistent with exercise, at least 3 times per week. Walk daily. I will lose 4-8 more pounds. Take measurements again the proper way and re-evaluate after one month.

2. Enter my writing into at least 12 contests (1 per month)
This month, I sent my poetry to 2 seperate contests. The point is not to sit around hoping for a reply or a win, it is to get myself into the habit of writing and releasing. My initial goal here is to boost my writing confidence by continually sending my stuff out into the world.

March outlook: Incorporate daily writing practice, even if only 15 minutes a day. Entry into at least one new market.

3. Become more fluent on the guitar
Boo! I've hardly played this month! I can't figure out why. When I end up sitting down with my guitar, I love it. Not sure why discipline to practice everyday is so hard to come by....

March outlook: DAILY practice!!!

4. Read at least 24 books

I enjoyed Number the Stars by Lois Lowry so much in January that I decided to seek out another by the same author. The Giver by Lois Lowry did not disappoint. Once again, this is another book I'm embarrassed to admit I had never read, but now that I have, I believe it sets the benchmark for all distopian novels. Was it easy to imagine happening in our time? Yes. Was it suspenseful and full of wonder? Yes yes. Was it full of interesting, intellectual characters? Yes yes yes. Loved it.

I also checked out Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. Of course, it was the title that captured my interest. Unfortunately, the title was the only thing. Basically the book told me the reason I am fat is because I eat meat. I kept reading hoping to glean some facts I could use in my day to day life. It told me to eat fake cheese and butter. No thank you. Then it began to detail, blow by disgusting blow, how poorly animals are treated. I almost threw up. I'm sure that was the scare tactic the authors intended to turn readers into full-fledged vegetarians, but it merely managed to intensify my need to research the claims further. I liked the authors' "no-nonsense" approach, yet their way of getting a point across to the reader was borderline insulting. In conclusion, I didn't walk away with anything remotely useful from this book.

I've begun to read The Best Life Diet by Bob Greene but haven't finished yet. This is a book I should probably purchase because it's a reasonable guide to follow for healthy eating. It also introduces an exercise plan that utilizes levels as a way to work towards your ultimate goals. This is a book I want in my home library.

I'm also a quarter the way through The Vampire Armand which is Book #6 in The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice. I will provide a review when I'm done reading.
During February I also read my fair share of e-newletters, magazines, newspapers and blogs.

March outlook: Finish The Vampire Armand by Anne Rice. Finish The Best Life Diet and let it motivate me to exercise! Make another trip to the library and read at least 2 more books.

5. Make $1000 per month for extra income
I didn't earn a cent this month. However, I think I have a better handle on how Ebay works. I also got Paypal up and running and am ready to post my first item in March.

March outlook: List something on Ebay. If it sells, list again. Work on marketing my writing.

6. Get out of credit card debt
With all the work I've been putting into my apartment, and the poor economy effecting my husband's business, my credit card debt situation is still the same.

March Outlook: Organize paperwork and call consumer crediting counsel to get some assistance.

7. Spend under $150 per week on groceries for my family of four.
Much improvement this month. One week I spent more than $150, but the rest of the time I was able to keep it well under that amount. Our average spending for groceries in February totalled $139/week. This  includes toiletries and other non-food items. I've had to learn to go without and make do more than once. We also ate out twice this month for a total of $43. These two times were a treat. Limiting our trips out to eat takes immense discipline but we appreciate, and look forward to, our trips out that much more.

March outlook: Work on menu planning so cooking dinner is not such a chore. Shopping is more pleasant when I know ahead of time what I need, and it helps me better utilize coupons and save more money.

8. Get my foot in the door someway, somehow working in a library and/or bookstore
No luck here. I look daily, but I haven't found any openings.

March outlook: Keep searching!

9. Get all my pictures organized and labeled, both print and digital
I have managed to get some organizing done on my computer. It's a step in the right direction. The first half of February I was still knee deep in apartment renovations, namely reorganizing and cleaning after getting new paint and carpet. My print pictures are all in one place at least. This month I displayed some framed pictures that were in storage. I want to swap out others and get my print pictures better organized.

March outlook: Continue getting pictures on computer labeled and organized. Swap out some framed pictures to start fresh.

10. Post to my blog AT LEAST once per week, preferably more.
This did not happen in Februrary. My last blog post was so disheartening that I wanted to give it the space it deserved.
March outlook: Get posting!

11. Get my husband on an airplane, and finally visit Chicago 

Didn't happen this month. But now I have my daughter working on daddy too. I just know he doesn't want to disappoint us! Even if we don't get him on a plane, I see a road trip by car or train in our future.

March outlook: Gotta make that money...one of our biggest obstacles to travel right now.

Goodbye White Stripes

Today is a sad day for music. 

One of my favorite bands, The White Stripes, have officially announced their break up. 



You will be missed.  Thanks for all the music you've given us over the years. 

January 2011 Goal Update

It's the last day of January and I need to revisit my goals to see how I'm doing:

1. Lose 52 pounds
This month, I'm down 12 pounds! The scale definitely fluctuates; sometimes I'm down only 8 pounds, sometimes 10. But today when I weighed myself, I was down 12. So we'll stick with that.

It seems like a lot, but I made major changes to my eating habits this month. I paid attention to portion size, and the types of foods I allowed myself. I have cut out most sugar, and upped my intake of veggies, proteins and healthy carbs.

No white pasta, rice, breads; it's all whole wheat for this girl.
No ice cream (my biggest weakness), cookies, cake (except for one bite of my birthday girl's cake), or cereal (a tough one for me, especially at night).

Most importantly, I've totally cut out condiments and mock healthy foods that are loaded with sugar such as ketchup, bottled spaghetti sauce, flavored yogurt, instant oatmeals...all kinds of things that seem to be okay to eat, but really aren't if you're trying to lose weight.

I still have about 40 pounds to lose.
February Outlook: I am adding exercise to the equation. I will lose 4-8 more pounds.

2. Enter my writing into at least 12 contests (1 per month)
I sent a couple ideas to two different greeting card markets. I also entered my poetry into a couple different contests. I have been trying to write on a daily basis, using prompts to help me get going when I need a starting point.
February outlook: Daily writing practice! Entry into at least one new market.

3. Become more fluent on the guitar
I have been working on scales and revisiting some old stuff to wash the rust off my chops.
February outlook: DAILY practice!!!

4. Read at least 24 books
This month I only read 1 book, unless Newberry honors count as 2? Maybe? Yeah? No? Okay.

The book was Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. I'm almost embarrassed to admit I had never read this one...it's been on my to-read list for a long time!

It's a children's historical/speculative fiction book about a 10 year-old Danish girl who lives during WW2 when Nazis begin to eradicate Jewish families living in the area. Annemarie Johansen and her family aren't Jewish, but her best friend's family are, so Annemarie summons up the courage she needs during a scary time to help save her best friend's life.

I can see why this book won a Newberry Medal. It's a page turner with all the suspense you would expect from a story written during one of the most insane times in history. I read it straight through from beginning to end, so I'm ashamed to say I read no other books the remaining 30 days of the month.

Most of my reading this month has been magazines, e-newsletters, and blogs. Oh, how I love reading a good blog!
February outlook: Read AT LEAST 3 books to make up for my lack of book reading in January! I have no idea which ones yet!

5. Make $1000 per month for extra income
I didn't earn a cent this month.
February Outlook: I have a bunch of stuff set up to sell on EBay and I am also going to work on marketing my writing.

6. Get out of credit card debt
This one is tough. Nothing happened this month. Unfortunately, I need to get our credit card situation organized so we can tackle it somehow.
February Outlook: Call consumer crediting counsel to get some assistance.

7. Spend under $150 per week on groceries for my family of four.
I spent an average of $184/week on groceries!

At first, I was appalled at this figure because I know that I shopped smart, utilized coupons and really watched what I put in my cart. But then I realized, the figure is inflated because I have seriously altered the types of foods I buy. Organic and natural foods cost more. Also, we've really cut back on eating out which used to help stretch our groceries at home. We're eating out of the home every meal, every day.
February outlook: Get a handle on buying organic and plan out menus so I buy just what I need and nothing more.

8. Get my foot in the door someway, somehow working in a library and/or bookstore.
No luck here. I applied for both type jobs in December and heard nothing in January. {sigh}
February outlook: Keep searching!

9. Get all my pictures organized and labeled, both print and digital.
This project got sidelined this month because we (we, meaning my husband) decided to rearrange our whole apartment and do an intense, deep cleaning which also includes repainting, rearranging and redoing just about everything. I've been busy trying to hold onto as much of my junk stuff as I can at the same time my lovely husband is carrying it out to the trash. Not to mention, I now notice a dozen new projects I need to get started on.
February outlook: Project Pictures begins (I hope).

10. Post to my blog AT LEAST once per week, preferably more.
YAY! Exactly one blog per week this month! With my house in chaos, and tons of hockey to watch, I'm impressed I've blogged this much.
February outlook: I have so many ideas and I just keep stashing them in my idea folder! With that said, I hope to blog more next month.

11. Get my husband on an airplane, and finally visit Chicago.
Despite the fact that he still won't agree to a plane trip, I did get him to mention that, if we win the lottery, he will set foot on a plane to take me to Detroit where we can watch the Red Wings on home turf.

While we didn't win the lottery, are still in massive credit card debt and have no extra money for traveling, I hold a little more hope that I will eventually get him on a plane.

And we will definitely make a detour to Chicago. He'll want to get up close and personal with the Blackhawk boys. I'm sure of it!
February outlook: Work on winning the lottery!
Mention in everyday conversation about safe plane take offs and landings, instead of the usual media mention of plane crashes and disasters.
Butter him up with pictures of the Windy City, blog posts from Meesa chronicling her and Justin's escapades around "sweet home Chicago", and their close proximity to The Blackhawks and the ice they skate on.

How to Keep Fresh Berries Fresh

About a week ago, I bought some blueberries that were on sale at Sprouts for $1 per 6 oz. container. (* A 6 oz container will provide a little over a cup of berries.)

I have no idea what I am going to use them for, or WHEN more importantly, and since blueberries (and other berries) don't last long in the fridge I freeze them for later use.

Here's how:

• Rinse berries thoroughly
• Line little critters up on a baking sheet or small dish (depending on what you have).
• Stick in freezer for about 1 - 1-1/2 hours
• After berries are frozen, take them off plate or pan and put them into a freezer ziploc.
• Label bag and stash in freezer for future recipes. I like to use them in smoothies, pancakes, muffins and pies.

Rollaway Blueberries

Unfortunately, my little 6 oz. container is missing a few blueberries. The grocery bagger placed my delicate blueberries with my eggs and I put the bag in the front compartment of the grocery cart. As I exited the store and went down the ramp to the parking lot, my blueberries decided they didn't want to come home with me and slid out of the bag and through the leg opening of the cart.

Blueberries everywhere!

I probably should've went inside to get some more, because I'm sure they would've given them to me with no problem, but I didn't want to take the time and effort, and luckily, they didn't all escape the container.

 

Instead, I held traffic to pick up my little container and save what was left of my precious blueberries! I'm sure the driver had a few nice words for me...

 

Recipe?
I think I'm going to try these blueberries, along with some of my frozen raspberries and/or blackberries, in a muffin of some sort. Once I try the recipe I will let you know how it turns out!

Number Eleven and 11 Goals in 2011

In celebration of 1-11-11 I bought 11 lottery tickets. At 11:11. I hope my choice of date, time, and number of lottery tickets purchased means I am in alignment with whatever forces will cause me to win the lottery. I'm keeping my 11 fingers crossed....

 

Anyhow, since it's the beginning of a new year and I haven't formally done so, I wanted to share my goals for the year.

 

But first, I want to look further at the significance of number 11.
Apparently, my life number is 11. I guess this means I am pretty awesome, because 11 is considered a "Master Number"

ex.

I was born June 3, 1973
June = 6
6+3(day) =9
1+9+7+3 = 20, and 2+0 = 2
So, 9+2 =11! Ta DA!!!

 

Since 11 is a Master Number, it cannot be reduced. You aren't supposed to take 11 and make it 1+1=2. It stays at 11. (So does my guitar amp, but that's another story.) Eleven is also said to symbolize both good and bad traits, both honesty AND sin. Go figure. There is a yin and yang to everything...EVEN numbers!

 

Seriously though, did you realize...

• that 11 is a prime number?
• that the number of players on the field in many sports such as soccer, American football, cricket and field hockey is 11?
• that the number 11 stays the same when written upside down?
• that the 11th step of a 12 Step Program is praying for something beyond ourselves to provide us energy, control, comfort?
• World War 1 ended on November 11th? and the Armistice to officially end the war was signed at 6 am, and went into force 5 hours later?
• the first landing of the moon was made by Apollo 11?
• 11 is found all throughout the bible: Joseph had 11 brothers, David had 11 Mighty Men, and there are 11 canticles in the Bible.
• that there's SO much more about the number 11 you could do a research project on this number alone?

For more indepth observations of number 11, including incredible historical and biblical occurences, click here.  And here's another fascinating article about eleven's significance.

 

I wish I could say there are 11 mentionings in this blog post of the number, but I'm afraid there's much more.

 

My 11 Goals for 2011

 

1. Lose 52 pounds (I'm being cautiously reasonable here, that's 1 pound per week and completely doable!) ~ I might lose more, I might gain some weeks. I'm ready for the flexibility of the scale. Ultimately, I just want to be able to clothes shop without crumpling up into fetal position bawling in the dressing room.
2. Enter my writing into at least 12 contests (1 per month).
3. Become more fluent on the guitar
4. Read at least 24 books ~ Last year, I only read about a book a month. I want to increase that this year. Hopefully by a lot!
5. Make $1000 per month for extra income
6. Get out of credit card debt
7. Spend under $150 per week on groceries for my family of four. This should be relatively easy considering $150 per week is a lot of money, although we struggle with that now.
8. Get my foot in the door someway, somehow working in a library and/or bookstore. It would be heaven to have a job where I am surrounded by books.
9. Get all my pictures organized and labeled, both print and digital.
10. Post to my blog AT LEAST once per week, preferably more.
11. Get my husband on an airplane, and finally visit Chicago.

 

I hold the least hope for #11.

 

What are your goals for the year?

All Purpose Cleaner Put to the Test

Today I discovered a recipe for an all-purpose cleaner I've had tucked away on my computer for who knows how long.

 

It's recommended for general cleaning in the kitchen and bathroom: for countertops, toilets, mirrors, etc.

 

Because I'd rather save money by making my own cleaners, I decided to give it a try and put it to the test.

Here's the recipe:

 

All-Purpose Cleaner
2 cups water
1/4 cup vinegar (distilled white)
1/2 teaspoon dishwashing liquid (like Dawn)

 

Mix well and pour into a spray bottle (like an old Windex bottle).

 

I made one batch and used it in the kitchen on the stove, over the stovetop, on the kitchen cabinets, appliances and counters.  I also tackled the top of my fridge which, for some reason, is a favorite hangout for dust bunnies.

 

In the bathroom, I used it on the mirrors, counters, toilet, cupboards and baseboards.

 

First thing I noticed? No chemical smell. In fact, it really doesn't have a scent at all.  Maybe just a hint of a mild, clean scent. A good thing if you're trying to, well ....clean!

Trish's Take:

• This stuff works great.
• It gives a great shine to all surfaces.
• It cleaned up all the baseboards in my bathroom, so I know it would be effective on floors too.
• The most surprising thing was how well it worked on my bathroom mirrors. It left no streaks or smudges.
• It didn't work well as a degreaser for over my stovetop. I also don't think it's the best cleaner for tubs and showers because it's not strong enough to handle resistant soapscum or hard water stains.

I'm glad I decided to go through my old computer files to come across this easy-to-make cleaner.  I will definitely be keeping it on hand for general cleaning needs.  Can't wait to find what else is hiding in the dark corners of my hard drive.

End of Read-A-Thon Update: Better Late than Never

I haven’t blogged since the Read-A-Thon and with good reason.  The Read-A-Thon is the most blogging I’ve ever done in one day!  I need time to recover.  

The day after the Read-A-Thon feels sort of like a book/blogging hangover (for me anyways).  I just need some time.  Perhaps when I am a more seasoned veteran to blogging, 24 hours of reading/blogging won’t have such a profound effect on my brain.
I am in awe of  the many book bloggers who jump right back in to their TBR pile the morning after the Read-A-Thon.  You are truly amazing.

Although the Read-A-Thon is long over, I never filled out my End of Event questionnaire, so here it is:

End of Event Meme
1. Which hour was most daunting for you?
Hour 22, when I couldn’t keep my eyes open if you paid me.  I lasted longer than last year by an hour and a half, going to bed just 1-½ hours before the end of the Read-A-Thon.
2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
In general, shorter reads to give a sense of accomplishment
Specifically:  anything by Shel Silverstein, J.K. Rowling and from what I hear, (I need to get on the bandwagon and read the Hunger Games series) Suzanne Collins.
3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
I just wish I could do all the mini challenges, but it’s impossible if I want to keep reading.  I only struggled with a couple challenges because I was not technologically savvy, (ex. the Wordle).  I had no idea how to get a screen shot of it on my blog, so I had to spend a bit of extra time figuring that out.  Maybe some instructions for us newbies?  I will get the hang of blogging.  Hopefully, by the time the next read-a-thon rolls around, I will be an old pro.
4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
Everyone participating takes time to visit other blogs as much as possible.  It’s amazing given all the blogs involved.  I wish I could visit every single, solitary blog participating during the actual even but it just can’t happen if I want to get any reading done.  The thought alone of everyone reading together (all over the world) is a really cool thing.  And I always have the list of blogs to browse after the read-a-thon, and I’m thankful for that.
5. How many books did you read?
Two (2).  I always have such high expectations for myself.  But then, all my picks were rather long.  Next time I am going to include a few shorter reads.
6. What were the names of the books you read?
Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin
The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder by Rebecca Wells
7. Which book did you enjoy most?
Alice I Have Been
8. Which did you enjoy least?
The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder; only because I liked Alice I Have Been a smidge more, and this was the only other book I read.
9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?
Love the rhyming cheers.  No advice; the more the merrier.  It really helps.
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 definitely participate again.  I will be a reader next time as well.  I have too much fun not to.

Read-A-Thon Update: Onward Through Hour 21

I'm still awake!  Barely, but still awake!

I was reading on the couch a bit ago and woke up disoriented with my book open draped on my stomach.  I had fallen asleep!  I looked at the clock.  Only 20 minutes had gone by and I had officially taken a catnap!  I picked up my book and read some more.

So that is exactly how I'm making it through the read-a-thon in these final hours: catnaps.  I've had 2 already and amazingly have woken up within a half hour each time.  The second time I was face down, on a big pillow in my living room floor, a book open in front of me.  I don't know why I woke up and didn't sleep through the rest of the night, as tired as I am, but it is only proof that my mind wills to finish this thing!!

It's now 2:20 A.M. PT and I am really hearing my bed calling my name.  I am SO close to finishing The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder which I have been reading for most of this day.  (*Ever get nearer to the end of a book and scream inside, Let's finish this thing already!!  I have.)

Total Pages Read so far:  460
Mini Challenges entered: 7
Challenges won: none

I feel like I could be doing sooooo much better than I am.  Although I did take a nice break for dinner and some time to watch a most important hockey game, I feel that I should have long ago finished the one book I've been reading all day and moved on to something else.  I feel that I should've read more pages so far.  Hmmmm...something to think about as 3:00 A.M (the 22nd hour) approaches.

Read-A-Thon Mini Challenge: Wordle

Wordle Mini Challenge Hosted by 

Reading Through Life

Thank you for the fun challenge and nice break from reading!

Because my blog is rather new, I decided to do a wordle based on the whole blog to see what it boils down to.  Here is what it came up with:  

I love how reading is one of the largest in the bunch!

Read-A-Thon Mini Challenge: Title Word Scramble

Mini Challenge : Title Word Scramble
Hosted by Sheery at Sheery's Place (thank you for hosting this fun challenge!)

My unscrambled titles follow.  I went a step further and bolded the books I have read in this list:

1. Firefly Lane
2. East of Eden
3. Water for Elephants
4. To Kill a Mockingbird
5. The Great Gatsby
6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
7. The Art of Racing in the Rain
8. The Time Traveler's Wife
9. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
10. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
11. A Wrinkle in Time
12. The Polar Express
13. Love Walked In
14. Where the Wild Things Are
15. The Shining
16. Goodnight Moon
17. Interview With a Vampire
18. The Secret Life of Bees
19. The Search
20. The Help

Read-A-Thon Update: Halfway!

Halfway done?!  Where has the time gone!

Mid-Event Survey:

1. What are you reading right now? The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder by Rebecca Wells.  I am loving it as I knew I would.

2. How many books have you read so far?  I have dipped into three different books, only finishing one - Alice I Have Been.  I'm almost halfway through the one I'm reading now.

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?

I am most looking forward to finishing The Crowning Glory and starting back into The Canterbury Tales.

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? not particularly!  My girls join in when they feel like reading and are generally keeping themselves busy.  They even baked a batch of brownies!  My husband is down with a hurt back so it would've been a mellow day anyways.  

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?  Only interruptions so far have been from my kids but I welcome them!  

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?  How extremely FAST the time goes by!  And how hard it is to do mini challenges when you are trying to read.  I want to do them all, but just can't.

7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? no suggestions.  I think it's great the way it is!

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?  As a reader, I might throw some shorter reads in there amongst the longer ones so it feels like I accomplished more!  

9. Are you getting tired yet?  yes I am...but not horribly.  This is the time of day when I usually brew up a pot of coffee anyways, as 3:00-4:00 PM is my sleepy time for some reason.  So I'm used to feeling sleepy around this time...and a pot of coffee is not far away!   

10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered?  Cheerleaders, you have no idea how your cheers help us readers!  Really.  Love coming to my blog to find you cheering me on...it helps.  It really does.  Readers, something that is helping me is checking in every hour to see where I'm at.  I don't post every hour, but I check follow up comments, etc. and look at a few other blogs for a break.  It really breaks up the monotony  and keeps me connected to other participants.

Read-A-Thon Update: Onward Through Hour 11

I can't believe the Read-A-Thon is nearing it's halfway point.

I really wish I was keeping track of exactly how much time of spent reading, because I know it hasn't been 11 hours!  I've had many breaks!

So far:

• only 134 pages read...still reading The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder ~ and what a read!  I've cried...a lot!  It's made me really think of my relationship with my girls!  
• I've attempted no more mini challenges.  I want to, I just don't feel I have the time if I want to get any reading done.  Although, 134 pgs doesn't seem like a lot!  
• I've been noshing and probably not all too healthily: cookies, brownies, sugary cereals.  I did have a turkey and ham sandwich though. 
• And as promised here is my granddaughter joining in for the Read-A Thon:

See how intently she reads?!

Here she is, totally immersed!  :D
A reader after my own heart.

Read-A-Thon Update: Onward Through Hour 7

It's now 11:00 and I'm entering into Hour 7.

My girls have both joined me in the Read-a-Thon, but right now are now playing a board game to take a break.  I am delighted they chose to play a board game versus turn on the TV or a video game.  

• Randi is reading Eragon by Christopher Paolini, and has now decided she would like a baby dragon.
• Sydney is reading Rotten School:The Big Blueberry Barf-Off by R.L. Stine.  I have a feeling this book may be a little easy for her reading level, but at least she's reading!
• Jennifer has informed me that my 4-month old granddaughter Leighton has also joined me the Read-A-Thon.  She sent me a picture to my phone, and once I figure out how to get it on here I will post!  Too cute, my little reader!  

My updates:

I finished Alice I Have Been.  I really enjoyed this book and will have to write a review on it later.  It brought me to tears and further ignited my obsessive interest in all things Charles L. Dodgson (aka. Lewis Carroll).  What an interesting, interesting man.   And this book wasn't even focused oh him, but he fills in the cracks and whispers to be figured out.  

Currently Reading:

The Canterbury Tales as retold by Peter Ackroyd, and

The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder, interchangeably.

Most likely I will probably grab other books to read in their midsts as well!

So far: 

135 pages read cumulatively.  I haven't been keeping track of time...all I know is, I would be reading a lot more if I wasn't stopping to do mini challenges and blog.  But it's so fun to do so! 

I've participated in 4 mini challenges and really wish I had time to do every single one.  So far, my favorite challenge was the Six Word Celebration, hosted by Estella at Estella's Revenge.  If I had more time I know I could come up with something better, but here are my 6 words to celebrate the read-a-thon:

~ Turn pages toward better understanding.  Read! ~

Back to reading!

Cheers!

ReadAThon Hour 2 Mini Challenge

Mini Challenge hosted by Elizabeth over at Miss Wisabus

TOP 3 Children's Stories

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak ~ I love it so much I can't see the movie, as I am afraid it will ruin the original.


Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech ~ I read this in college and LOVED it.  I wonder how I would've reacted differently if I would've read it as as a child.  I just related to the story on so many different levels and it brought tears, which is always an indication to me of a good book!

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh by Robert C. O'Brien ~ I don't remember what I loved most about this story because I read it as a child.  I definitely need to revisit it as an adult!  I just know it has stuck with me all these years and I always have the urge to pick it up and read it again.

ReadAThon Hour 1

Woke up a little late.  It's 5:48 right now and I haven't yet started reading.  Brewed up some coffee, going to answer the Hour 1 questions here, and then I will get reading.

Challenge 1: Hour 1 Questions

Where are you reading from today?  home sweet home, and probably mostly on my couch, on my bed and at my desk.

3 facts about me …
I'm a stay-at-home mom
I am a young grandma
I love to read, write, play guitar and listen to music

How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours? 
Six, one of which I have already read three-quarters of the way through

Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)?  
not to stress how much/or how little I am reading!  I want to enjoy the day. I would like to get through at least 3 of my books though.


If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, any advice for people doing this for the first time?
I am by no means a veteran as this is only my 2nd read-a-thon.  The only suggestion I have is to keep track of your reading somehow.  It can be so much easier if you have some sort of  a spreadsheet or template to use.  I picked one up at Fyrefly's Book Blog.  Should make things a whole lot easier!

On to reading!  Good luck to everyone participating.