Books of 2010

Last year I read 28 books! That outdoes 2009 by three books which really isn't all that great but at least I beat it. I am trying to increase my number of books read in a year exponentially. This year my goal is to read at least 35. I already have one book done so 1 down 34 more to go!

In case you missed the reviews, here is a list of the books I read this year in order. If you want to read the reviews, click on the "book review" tag at the bottom of this post and you should see all the reviews on this blog.

1. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
2. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
3. The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova
4. Fighting Ruben Wolfe by Markus Zusak
5. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (Gag!)
6. The Hungry Season by T. Greenwood (just got her new book! I am stoked for it!)
7. Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult
8. The Things that Keep Us Here by Carla Buckley
9. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
10. Irreplaceable by Stephen Lovely
11. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe (one of my favorites for the year)
12. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
13. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
14. The Tale of Halcyon Crane by Wendy Webb (could have done without it)
15. Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
16. Hothouse Flower by Margot Berwin (Great read!)
17. The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman
18. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain (Terrible.)
19. Anthem by Ayn Rand
20. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
21. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
22. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
23. Ape House by Sara Gruen
24. Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
25. Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning
26. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
27. Faefever by Karen Marie Moning
28. I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Since I could not count it as #29 and have a clear conscience, I have counted Karen Marie Moning's Dreamfever as the first book for 2011.

Here are some of the books I am hoping to read this year:

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly (started it today. So far, so good)
This Glittering World by T. Greenwood
Breathless by Dean Koontz
Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
To Wish or Not to Wish by Mindy Klasky
One Hundred Percent Lunar Boy by Stephen Tunney
What the Night Knows by Dean Koontz
The Hidden Oasis by Paul Sussman
The Last Secret of the Temple by Paul Sussman
The Lost Army of Cambyses by Paul Sussman
This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper
The Secret History of Elizabeth Tudor by Lucy Weston
Shadowmarch series by Tad Williams
Death series by Trent Jamieson
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by NK Jemison
The Iron Elves series by Chris Evans
The Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Undressing the Moon by T. Greenwood
Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning
I am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells
Mr. Monster by Dan Wells
Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Some Jodi Picoult book
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Right there is about 47 books. If I read at least 35 of those I will be happy. So...now to get crackin!

Also, final note for this post...

I am considering creating a different blog specifically for my book reviews. Any feedback on that would be great. Do you think I should? If so, what are some suggestions on titles for this book review blog? Thirsty Imagination would still be around but it would be specifically used for my randomness, photos of my daily goings-on, and updates about my novel I am writing (which, someday, I will have a website for).

And now I bid you adieu. I have another book review coming, but I better close this behemoth post before you and I both go insane.

Christmas Day!

Last night I stayed up til 1 AM wrapping and then arranging the presents. This morning, when I woke up at 7:30 AM I told myself "Who needs sleep? It's Christmas!" knowing that I might be able to have a nap later on in the day.

Silly me for getting up so early. I knew we would have to wait for Kate and Rico and crew to come. My mom told me they would be here by 8:00 AM and I said, half-jokingly, "Oh so they won't be here til 9:00 then." They arrived at 9:05 AM. Did I call it or what?

We then proceeded with the opening of presents. My favorite funny moment of it all was that my mom and I got each other the Glee Season 1 on DVD. She was laughing pretty hard when she opened my gift from her and I could not figure out why until I opened mine. It was awesome.

Poppa Got: Bachman Turner Overdrive CD, the new Eric Clapton album, a best hits of Neil Diamond, Dan in Real Life on DVD, an iPad from my mom, an official Flossie cattle vest from my aunt and uncle, a tie rack and a tie and other stuff I am sure.

Mom Got: The Books of Bayern by Shannon Hale, Glee Season 1 on DVD, a journal to keep track of the books she has read, a LDS Christmas Songbook, a Men of Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD, an official Flossie Cattle vest, While You Were Sleeping on DVD, a Poo-Poo Panda (not sure about that one...), some dish cloths, a food saver, a saw, and a gun. Guess I can't give her a hard time anymore cuz she may pull out the gun on me.

Kate Got: a couple recipe books, a LDS Christmas Songbook, a Men of Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD, a shelf for her bedroom, a framed wedding picture of her and Rico (of course), The Sound of Music on DVD and other stuff.

Gigi Got: a Rapunzel doll, a Tinkerbell doll, a Tinkerbell tent, a Tinkerbell light, princess shoes and a tiara, princess lip gloss, a Polly Pocket set, and a bunch of other toys.

Jacob Got: two sets of dress shirts and ties, a tie rack, Glee Season 1 on DVD, a new camera (Canon Elph SD1400 IS), Scorch Trials by James Dashner, a Glee songbook so I can learn songs on my guitar, a Columbia 10-Function tool, pajama bottoms, dress socks, and a part of the Mama Says Nativity that I have been collecting.

Rico Got: The A-Team on DVD, a lamp and other tools for work, and a pair of pants, and other stuff I am sure.

Morgan and Wyatt Got: A Mr. Potato Head, building blocks, a Disney Cars racing set, a farm play set, and other little boy stuff. They weren't really too involved in the whole Christmas thing. Next year it will make more sense to them.

All of these blessings and gifts are all because of the Savior Jesus Christ who was born in a manger 2000 years ago in a little town called Bethlehem. Because of Him we are able to overcome our sins and become more like Him and our Father in Heaven. I am grateful for this Christmas season. What better way to celebrate the birth of our Savior than to share gifts and bring families together. I hope each and everyone of you has a joyous holiday and remember that Christ is the reason for the season.

Befall Teaser 2

“All right. Whatever. If it happens, then great. If Grady is psychotic then I will know tomorrow for sure and Jesse and I can go on our date as if nothing happened.”
I yawned and my eyes watered a little. “This is silly.” The clock by my bed showed that it was 2 AM. Work was going to be really fun tomorrow with so little sleep.
I dropped my shoes and put the coin on my nightstand, and then crawled into bed, turning off the light. Just before I closed my eyes I saw an orange-ish glow on my nightstand. The coin.
It was glowing as if it were on fire. The light was getting brighter and brighter.
“What the---?” I turned my light back on and it actually drowned out the unnatural light coming from the golden coin.
“I must be dreaming,” I sighed even though I knew that was not true. I grabbed the coin, half expecting it to burn my hand, but it felt normal.
“All right. Fine,” I said. Yes, I was talking to the coin now. Don’t judge me. “I’ll make the dumb wish.”
I grabbed my shoes, just wanting to go back to bed and forget this night ever happened. It was a good thing I was alone because I was already embarrassed enough as it was.
Ever the drama queen, I raised the coin high above my head and called out into the empty air. “I wish Jesse Phillips would fall madly in love with me forever and ever.”
It might have been my imagination but it seemed like the coin vibrated after I said those words.
“This is creepy,” I muttered, stuffing the coin into one of the shoes.
I put the shoes back in the closet and climbed back in bed again. As soon as the light was out again and my head hit the pillow I was fast asleep.

Happy Birthday to Me! Pt. 2

Why I split this up into two posts, I haven't a clue. Just wanted to keep you in suspense.

The second half of my birthday went as follows:

• Wrote a blog about the first half of my birthday.
• Checked Facebook. Felt loved from all the birthday wishes on there.
• Read outside in the nice warm sunshine.
  
• Finished the book (a book review to come so stay tuned).
  
• Watched two episodes from the first season of Glee.
  
• Went to dinner with my parents, Gigi, Kate, Rico, and the twins at Texas Roadhouse. It was delicious!
• Ate some delicious coconut cream cake at Kate and Rico's house.
• Got Pinocchio on DVD, a set of Dominoes, and an armband for my iPod from the parents and a Barnes and Noble gift card from Kate and Rico (They know how to please me. Mike was a smart guy).
• Talked to one of my best friends, Jeremy Young, on the phone. He called to wish me a happy birthday. We reminisced a little about his conversion to the gospel. I really needed to hear the things he said so it was also an inspired phone call. Thanks, Jeremy!
• Got a date lined up for Friday.
  
• Checked my blog. Got more lovings and birthday wishes. Thanks, Tianna and Megan!
  
• Completed Part Two of the blog-post for my birthday happenings.
  

All in all it was a really great day full of relaxation, shopping, family, friends, and fun! Here is to another year of life and great things!

27th Year of Life Here I Am!

Happy Birthday to Me! Pt. 1

Today is my 27th birthday!!! Happy Birthday to me!

Thus far this is what I did today:

• Rolled out of bed at 9:30 AM when I fully intended to get up early and workout.
• Ate Frosted Flakes for breakfast. I knew it would be a good day because I got the end of the box which is my favorite part. Mmmm...sugary goodness.
• Went to Idaho Falls with my best friend, Mike.
• Got $25 gift card to iTunes from Mike.
  
• Browsed at Barnes & Noble. Mike talked me out of buying some books because he said I might get gift cards (which is likely because my family knows how to please me).
• Went to Macy's and splurged. I'm so excited for the clothes I bought though. Mainly a blazer-jacket that will be awesome.
  
• Went to American Eagle and splurged again.
• Mike told every worker we ran into at every store we went to (except Barnes & Noble...which is good because I'm there a lot and don't want to have to feel embarrassed to show my face there again) that it was my birthday. I played along and asked for a birthday discount. No go.
  
• Ate lunch at Red Robin. It was delicious! They gave me balloon ears and sang to me. It was embarrassing. Thanks, Mike.
  
• Mike's car window (previously taped by scotch tape because it would no longer stay up on its own accord) came loose again and he had to hold it up most of the way from Idaho Falls to Rigby. I got a kick out of it.
• We had the birthday song they sang to us at Red Robin stuck in our heads the whole way back from Idaho Falls.

And now I'm just enjoying peace and quiet while my parents are out riding their ponies and Gigi is at the babysitter. What a great day!

To Be Continued...

Where is 2010 Going?

Seriously. It's August?!?!

Where has the time gone? This question reminds me of that Snickers commercial where they ask where does your hunger go and they show a guy in...Iceland?...or somewhere that says "I just keep eating!" It cracks me up every time.

Speaking of commercials. I saw a funny Target one for back to school where there's a math teacher saying "Blah. Blah. Blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah. Quadratic equation. Blah-blah. Blah." LOVE IT! That is how I feel about math.

Speaking of back to school. Where has the time gone?!?! Oh, I said that already.

So what am I doing with my life right now? The same old junk. Yeah. I wish my life were more exciting. I still work at a job I only tolerate now. Although I love SOME of the people I work with and will miss them on the blessed day I no longer work there. I am currently job-hunting like mad. I've had a couple interviews with no luck.

I'm working on Befall and am madly in love with the story. It's seriously flowing so well. It's already getting rave reviews from friends and family (not that those are terribly reliable because, hey, they'd say it was wonderful even if it wasn't but this time I think they're truthful).

Also, on a more personal note, things are changing for me. I won't go into details but I've had some of the lowest of my lows in the last 2.5 years and it seems that that is finally changing. All it took was a little initiative on my part and now I feel the best I've felt in a long time.

And, also, after 1.5 years of being under the radar at my ward, I have finally received a calling. I am a greeter which I never thought I'd be excited about, but I really am. It all goes with the whole "change" thing. My perspective on life and a lot of things is changing for the better. (I realize I'm being vague but I'm doing that to protect the innocent. ha!)

Finally...

I am currently a tv show fanatic. Glee, The Glades, The Closer, Rizzoli and Isles, Leverage, Covert Affairs, White Collar....Yeah. Good thing for DVR!

But, seriously, what is with 2010 running on by like a freight train? Slow your roll, 2010, this is not a race.

San Diego 2010

I have returned from a trip to San Diego! It was pretty much amazing and I really don't want to be back in reality right now.

The itinerary went as follows:
Wednesday:
Drive 8+ hours to Las Vegas.
Check in to Marriott hotel.Dinner at La Cantina in the Tuscany Hotel.Walk forever and a day on the strip.
Back to hotel.Sleep it off.

Thursday:Drive 4 hours to San Diego.
Dinner at Popeye's.Find the beach. Scope out good spots.
Watch the sunset over the ocean.
Go back to hotel.
Hit the jacuzzi.
Bedtime.
Friday:Breakfast.
Stop at the Mormon Battalion Center in Old Town San Diego.
Hit the beach for 4 hours.Walk around the shops.
Eat fish tacos.Shop a little more.
Back to the hotel.
Dinner and more sight seeing.

Saturday:
Drive back to Las Vegas.
Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe.
Meet Big Deb. The bestest waitress ever.Go to Fremont Street of amazingness.
Dance with a random girl.
Have a good time.
Sunday:
The long drive back to Idaho.
Stop in St. George to see the Hadleys and the Youngs.
Stop in SLC to surprise Brittany Gerard for her birthday.
Try to stay awake on the late night drive from SLC to Rigby.

Now it's back to reality.

2010: A Year of Goals

New Year's Resolutions for 2010:

1. Finish second draft of the novel, do rewrites and revisions as needed, and have it ready to be sent to publishers. (I am currently working on setting an actual date for when I want to have this done.)

2. Travel like crazy! I currently have the option to go to either Hawaii or Europe (I will most likely choose Europe) and I am planning on going to several other places within the US.

3. Get a new job. I need to get out of retail and Deseret Book fast because this situation is not good for me right now.

4. Stay in shape, keep working out, lose at least 5 more lbs. I actually want to focus on getting a little more ripped now, possibly bulk up a little but have a nice toned shape.

5. Be unafraid to try new things.

6. Do more service. Random acts of kindness are the best.

7. Pay off my car loan! Yes! It should be all paid for by July but I want to get it paid for earlier than that.

8. Find someone to love, but not rely on that to give me happiness.

9. Do Jacob-Gigi dates like Brittany wanted me to do. I've been slacking on it. Britt always mentioned that I should take Gigi out once a month.

10. Organize my life!

That is all I can think of at this juncture. I will add more as time goes by I'm sure.

Hope this year is one of happiness, blessings, and growth for everyone. Love you all!