Quentin: 13 Weeks/3 Months

Another week in Fort Wayne visiting family... and Quentin turned 3 months old today

Merry Christmas to You!

I'll be back after the New Year.

High Rise by J.G. Ballard

Last book of 2016!

Title: High Rise

Author: J.G. Ballard

Publisher: 1975

Genre: Science Fiction?

Pages: 208

Rating: 4/5 stars Movie: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Book to Movie

When a class war erupts inside a luxurious apartment block, modern elevators become violent battlegrounds and cocktail parties degenerate into marauding attacks on “enemy” floors. In this visionary tale, human society slips into violent reverse as once-peaceful residents, driven by primal urges, re-create a world ruled by the laws of the jungle.

Wow! I am still reeling from this slim volume. Ballard packs a seriously intensive punch in this story. At first everything thing in the high rise seems about right. But quickly things break down and then things get crazy. I was not expecting the intensity or pace of this one. Reminded me of a more adult version of Lord of the Flies. Ballard raises some very interesting questions about the nature of humanity and constructs of society. I would not recommend this book to everyone, but I very much enjoyed the journey.

Movie:

The movie definitely changed some aspects of the books, but kept the spirit of the story. I think the changes made sense when it came to adapting a very strange book to the screen. The movie created a bit more plot to move along the storyline and character development. You get a little less introspection and narration, but make up for it with more screen time for some of the other characters. My favorite parts of the movie were the set dressing and overall look and the editing. The super imposing structure of the high rise is carried through to the interior sets. Very eye catching! I especially loved Laing's apartment juxtaposed with Wilder and Helen's apartment. Finally, the editing was fantastic. The movie starts with traditional-length scenes and slowly devolves into almost a montage-like pace. As the society in the high rise devolves we get more and more sharp cuts and fragments of scenes. Definitely an interesting movie! I can't believe that it only got two stars on Netflix.

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Title: Bossypants

Author: Tina Fey

Publisher:Little, Brown and Company 2011

Genre: Memoir

Pages: 277

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Written by a comedian; 52 Books - W52; Perpetual (Feminism #33)

Before Liz Lemon, before "Weekend Update," before "Sarah Palin," Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: a recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV.
She has seen both these dreams come true.
At last, Tina Fey's story can be told. From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately halfhearted pursuit of physical beauty to her life as a mother eating things off the floor; from her one-sided college romance to her nearly fatal honeymoon -- from the beginning of this paragraph to this final sentence.
Tina Fey reveals all, and proves what we've all suspected: you're no one until someone calls you bossy.

A very enjoyable read for this Christmas holiday. I've been wanting to pick this one up for awhile and finally got it from the library. The first half the book focusing on her younger life was interesting,but I feel like the book really picked up once she started sharing stories and lessons from her professional life. The insights into the improv world, writing, and producing shined. I think I preferred Amy Poehler's book, but that may be because her humor is more like mine. I still loved Fey's lessons. I ended up reading this in three days. High praise as my reading time currently is limited.

The Lady and Her Monsters by Roseanne Montillo

Title: The Lady and Her Monsters

Author: Roseanne Montillo

Publisher: William Morrow 2013

Genre: History; Literature

Pages: 336

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books - W51

The Lady and Her Monsters by Roseanne Motillo brings to life the fascinating times, startling science, and real-life horrors behind Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece, Frankenstein.
Montillo recounts how—at the intersection of the Romantic Age and the Industrial Revolution—Shelley’s Victor Frankenstein was inspired by actual scientists of the period: curious and daring iconoclasts who were obsessed with the inner workings of the human body and how it might be reanimated after death.
With true-life tales of grave robbers, ghoulish experiments, and the ultimate in macabre research—human reanimation—The Lady and Her Monsters is a brilliant exploration of the creation of Frankenstein, Mary Shelley’s horror classic.

A fascinating look at the creation of the classic Frankenstein. Montillo goes beyond the basic story of Mary Shelley crafting the tale during a dark and stormy night house party. Instead, we get an in depth look at the influences from history and contemporaries. We get a peek inside Shelley's life with Percy Shelley, her sister Jane, and a variety of interesting characters. I was taken with the depth of research from Montillo in bringing the time period and circumstances to light. My only complaint is that at times the book read slowly. I would have liked a bit more brevity in a few parts, but overall I was sucked into Mary Shelley's world!

13 by Nathan Lachenmeyer

Title: 13: The Story of the World's Most Notorious Superstition

Author: Nathan Lachenmeyer

Publisher: Plume 2004

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 212

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books - W50

While I usually love books that dive into folklore and culture, this one fell so flat for me. I think ultimately my issue was that the topic didn't really seem that well-researched. The book read more like a high schooler's paper about the superstition than something I would spend money on in a store. Thankfully I picked this up at a used sale for $1. So I guess no big loss.

Quentin: 12 Weeks

We're in Fort Wayne visiting family for the Christmas holiday. Quentin (and Arthur) did great traveling on two different airplanes and through O'Hare. I was very happy with how the day went. Beyond traveling, we've visited a few family members and the library. The bitter cold has restricted spending a lot of time outside, but we've still had some fun so far.

Q and his baby meets Arthur and his baby

Life Right Now #38

As I look outside my window: The sun is out and making the snow and ice sparkle.

Right now I am: Feeding the baby before making the toddler some breakfast.

On my bedside table: Bossypants by Tina Fey; random contemporary romance

On my tv this week: Mom and I were watching Difficult People the other day. I've been watching S11 of The Voice (missed it when it aired), This Is Us, and The Paradise.

Listening to: A crazy toddler makes the Hallmark snowmen dance and sing on repeat.

On the menu for this week: No idea as mom is making the meal plan.

On my to do list: I need to finish my Christmas shopping and the swap cards. Plus probably a million other little things.

Happening this week:

Monday - nothing so far
Tuesday - Probably last minute Christmas shopping
Wednesday - Dinner with a friend
Thursday - nothing so far
Friday - Early Christmas dinner with part of family
Saturday - Christmas Eve craziness
Sunday - Christmas Day craziness

What I am creating: Swap cards, plans for 2017

My simple pleasures: Baby snuggles; snow; cozy sweaters

Looking around the house: Not my house and Arthur still has toys everywhere

From the camera: Arthur and Quentin both have babies now.

Last Videos of 2016

Lots of internet awesomeness for your Thursday...

It is weirder than you remember, but I love it

Oh yes!

An early appearance

Love these!

And this is why I have his bobblehead...

Actually want to see this now.

I was dying laughing at this one.

This gem is just amazing cheese.

Music Tuesday - Three Days Grace "You Don't Get Me High Anymore"

Love their cover of the Phantogram song!

Quentin: 11 Weeks

Likes: Long talks with momma; hanging with big brother; snuggles; walks outside

Dislikes: Not being fed right this instant!

Sleeping: More 5-6 hour stretches as night. The past few he's gone down around 10pm and slept until 3:30 or 4am. This momma is super excited to get a bit of actual sleep.

Eating: Less of a snacker this week. He's actually been drinking an entire 6 ounce bottle in one sitting.

Playing: More tummy time. More chewing on blankets. More watching and talking to people.

Milestones: No big changes this week.

Schedule: Other than the increased night sleep, things have stayed pretty much the same.

Out and About: A few activities this week. Monday we headed to the zoo for our last visit of 2016. It was super chilly and threatening to rain (it didn't) so we basically had the zoo to ourselves. All the animals were super active and we got to see some that we don't usually see like the lions. Very nice visit with a couple of friends. Wednesday we hit up the indoor play place so Arthur could get all the wiggles out. Arthur got to run, Q slept mostly, and I got a bit of reading done. Thursday was the big cookie exchange party with our parent group. I hosted with another mom. It was utter chaos (~20 kids in one room can do that), but we had fun and took home some great cookies. Very yummy! A friend and her son (Arthur's friend) came to craft on Saturday. It rained all day, so great day for crafting. After they left we snuggled up and stayed in.

Life Right Now #37

As I look outside my window: Slightly gray and overcast after raining all day yesterday

Right now I am: Waiting for the doctor to call me back. May need to pop in to the office tomorrow. Ugh!

Thinking and pondering: How am I going to get everything I need to get done today feeling like crap?

On my bedside table: ??? I haven't finished a book in over a week. I need to focus on finishing before thinking about what's next.

On my tv this week: J and I started watching Those Who Can't. Reminds us of It's Always Sunny. Lots of juvenile humor, but it definitely has it's moments. I've made it to Season 6 of Gilmore Girls. I may be able to watch the new miniseries in January. So excited, but determined to finish rewatching before the new.

Listening to: The Hamilton Mix Tape. Oh so good! I think my favorite is Andra Day's version of "Burn."

On the menu for this week: The boys and I are traveling to Indiana on Tuesday. I'm making Spicy Thai Noodles for Monday night before traveling. I have no idea what my mom has planned for dinner for the rest of the week.

On my to do list: Pack!!!! I also need to drop off a package at the post office and buy stamps for the rest of my Christmas cards.

Happening this week:

Monday - Charity drive drop-off in South Bay; last minute errands
Tuesday - Travel day
Wednesday - ???
Thursday - ???
Friday -Twins are getting picked up from their dad's house
Saturday - Reindeer and Santa at the Conservatory; Christmas for my dad's side of the family
Sunday - ???

What I am creating: I finished up a few projects yesterday so I can pack for Indiana. I have three new catalog swaps I'm participating in. To help cut down on my packing bulk, I stamped and cut everything for the swaps. I just need to assemble while in Indiana and send out.

My simple pleasures: Sleep. Oh man, I miss sleep. Q has randomly slept 5-6 hours during the night a few times. It was glorious, but now I remember what I'm missing when he doesn't.

Looking around the house: Disaster zone! I'm not sure how much is going to get cleaned up before we leave. Depends on how the rest of today goes.

From the camera: From our cookie exchange on Thursday.

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

I have so much to do before Tuesday...
My awesome Occasions Catalog and Sale-a-Bration preorder has been sitting for two days on the table. I want to play! But I need to find some time somehow.
Having a small does not work with traveling to the airport with kids and luggage. Not sure how to fit everything in.
I need clothes that fit. My constant issue.
Consistent exercise is hard but feels so good
Looking forward to all the fun in 2017

The Lunar Chronicles Stories - Part 1

Title: Glitches (The Lunar Chronicles #0.5); The Little Android (The Lunar Chornicles #0.6); The Queen's Army (The Lunar Chronicles #1.5)

Author: Marissa Meyer

Publisher: Felwel andFriends 2012

Genre: YA Scifi

Pages: 31; 35; 47

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Romance set in the future; Fairytale Retelling; 52 Books - W49

The enchantment continues. . . . The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories - and secrets - that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies? With six stories - two of which have never before been published - and an exclusive never-before-seen excerpt from Marissa Meyer's novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

After reading Cinder, I decided to pick up Stars Above so I could read the short stories that take place before the first book or right after. "Glitches" was a fun little introduction to Cinder and her life before the events of the first book. We get to find out how she arrived in New Beijing and met her new family. It also drops some great hints are to who she really is. "The Queen's Army" gave us a glimpse into the creation of Levana's Lunar army. Very interested to see more of the Lunar side. And finally, "The Little Android" was a great retelling of The Little Mermaid. Now I can move on to reading Scarlet.

The Lunar Chronicles

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

Music Tuesday - Imagine Dragons "Levitate"

And the trailer for the movie.

Quentin: 10 Weeks

Likes: Snuggles; chewing on his blankets; any attention from Arthur; being outside

Dislikes: Gas; loud noises

Sleeping: Last night, Quentin slept 6 hours straight for the first time. It was glorious! Here's hoping we get more longer stretches at night from now on.

Eating: Q's turned into a snacker during the day. He eats 1-2 ounces and then hangs out for awhile. About 30 minutes later, he'll drink another 1-2 ounces. A bit annoying, but I'd rather he do this during the day than at night.

Playing: I've been putting Q onto his playmat more often. He loves staring at the hanging animals. He's even grabbed them a few times. Now if I could get him to enjoy tummy time...

Milestones: Smiling, talking, grabbing objects...

Schedule: Not really any schedule during the day except for us trying to put him in his crib by 10pm.

Out and About: Wednesday we traveled over to Niles for the Train of Lights. Q loved all the lights. Thursday was went on an epic road trip up to Martinez to pick up his birth certificate. While out, we made sure to take care of the rest of our errands including stops at Michael's and Target. Plus, we popped into Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Arthur played and Q watched the kids for awhile before falling asleep. We ended the week with our big Secret Snowflake party. Q slept through almost the entire thing.

Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris

Title: Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls

Author: David Sedaris

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2013

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 275

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Recommended by a family member; 52 Books - W48

A guy walks into a bar car and...
From here the story could take many turns. When this guy is David Sedaris, the possibilities are endless, but the result is always the same: he will both delight you with twists of humor and intelligence and leave you deeply moved.
Sedaris remembers his father's dinnertime attire (shirtsleeves and underpants), his first colonoscopy (remarkably pleasant), and the time he considered buying the skeleton of a murdered Pygmy.

Hmmm... So I really enjoyed Sedaris's other books, but this one fell a bit flat for me. The essays felt a bit tired of overdone. I couldn't really connect with his stories. I was very distracted while reading this one. I couldn't seem to focus.

Life Right Now #36

As I look outside my window: I see some birds walking along the the top of our fence. They really like our yard. We must have some good bugs back there.

Right now I am: Prepping to go to the Secret Snowflake. Arthur's super excited!

On my bedside table: Voyager by Diana Gabaldon (need to get back to this one); A Poisoned Season by Tasha Alexander

On my tv this week: J and I started Legends of Tomorrow. We also enjoyed Lin-Manuel Miranda's Drunk History episode. So much joy!

Listening to: The Hamilton Mixtapes. So much joy!

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Ham and Cheese Grilled Sandwich
Tuesday - Kielbasa Skillet; Rolls
Wednesday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken; Parmesan Potatoes; Brussel Sprouts
Thursday - Tater Tot Casserole
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Taco Soup
Sunday - Loaded Baked Potatoes

On my to do list:

Prep shoebox swap
Start packing
Bake cookies for exchange
Send first round of Christmas cards
Gather library books for return
Send secret santa gift
Formulate swap card ideas
Work on Project Life spreads

Happening this week:

Monday - Oakland Zoo Visit!
Tuesday - Home day; MVPA Board Meeting
Wednesday - Home day; Shoebox Swap
Thursday - Cookie Exchange
Friday - Home day
Saturday - Shoebox swap and crop day; Oakland Zoo Lights
Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: I'm in the middle of 30 Days of Lists, 12 Days of Coloring, and The Happy Planner Instagram Challenge. Very exciting, but I need to stay on top of my challenges.

My simple pleasures: Coffee, coffee, and more coffee

Looking around the house: There is crap everywhere. I need to do a systematic sweep through the house before leaving for Indiana.

From the camera: My brain dump...

Monthly Life Goals December 2016

Let’s check in on November’s goals and my progress.

Daily walk or Momma Strong — I'm calling this a success. I didn't do it everyday, but I did it more than half.
Read 1500 pages —Success! I even reached 2063 pages read.
Take daily photos/memory recording — Success!
Prep and send cards for November —Success!

December's Goals:

Participate in The Hook on Momma Strong -- I signed up the other day. The program starts on December 5th. I'm determined to participate fully.
Read 1500 pages -- Another low bar for my reading goal.
Prep and send cards for December
Finish 30 Days of Lists -- Excited to do this again
December Bucket List -- I used some fun mambi stickers and a page in my Happy Planner to create a winter bucket list.