It's a new year.
As such, I want to mention one goal out of several I have. This will be the year that I write my novel (from Destroyer Series). I'm tired of simply writing "scenes" and "snippets" and keeping everything in three notebooks and two folders. It's time I organize my creative thoughts from the past 5 years and turn it into something tangible. I'm kind of frustrated it has taken so long for me to get to this point of no return--in that I'm ready to go down this path head first, dang the consequences! I'm doing this.
I'm hoping to write at least a little bit every day. I think that's the trick. Even if I'm only working on developing something or learning more about my characters, as long as I am touching the world I have created, it will help.
So here is to a year of writing, new ideas, and epic stories! Bring it on 2014!!
Showing posts with label New Year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Year. Show all posts
Monday, January 20, 2014
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Book Haul!
Today we had a massive book sale at work (yay for working at a bookstore!) and I purchased the following books for only $1 each!!! Talk about a killer deal!
As you can tell, I purchased a lot of classics. I don't read classics very often, and so I haven't collected them. But who can turn down a steal of a deal?
Starting at the top:
"Heartfire" by Orson Scott Card
I mainly purchased it because it sounded interesting and it's Orson Scott Card! I'll be honest, I didn't realize that it was book 5 in a series until I got home... oh well! It will still be interesting, I am sure!
"The Count of Monte Cristo" byAlexandre Dumas
I absolutely love the movie and I have heard the book is better. I look forward to reading this one!
"First Meetings In Ender's Universe" by Orson Scott Card
Purchased this one because it belongs with Ender's Game. (Even though I still need to read that book--it's on my reading list for this year!).
"The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch
I have watched his lecture videos and I thoroughly enjoyed them! Talk about inspiring! I have been meaning to buy the book for quite some time now... I guess waiting for things you want really does pay off in the end, doesn't it? ^-^
"The Secret: The Power" by Rhonda Byrne
This is an addition to the acclaimed The Secret, which I have not read. However, I do plan to purchase The Secret and I look forward to reading both of these books. (The Secret was no included on this $1 sale. Trust me, I asked!)
"Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton
Finally!! A mythology book that I can get my head around! I have been wanting a good ancient Greek mythology book for some time now (years in fact) that tells the stories of heroes like Hercules and many other classics! Way excited about this find!
"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain
What a great classic! How can you not include this one in your collection?
"The Prince and the Pauper" by Mark Twain
Another must-have classic.
"Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-smith
I've heard good things about this book, despite not being a huge zombie fan.
"The Call of the Wild" by Jack London
Yay for wolves!! Excited to read this classic!
"White Fang" by Jack London
I remember vaguely having to read this book for an English class back in junior high, but I don't recall hardly anything about it. Another classic I will enjoy reading!
"The Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens
I have never read this book, nor do I know much about the story (hence the reason I purchased it now). But you can never go wrong with Dickens!
"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Another classic I have never read, but I enjoy Sherlock! So this should be interesting!
"The Odyssey" by Homer
Started reading this and found it piqued my interests. Again, another very well known classic I have never had the chance to read.
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare
Yet another classic. I've heard this is one of Shakespeare's works that is quite humorous.
"Complete Sonnets" by William Shakespeare
Beautiful. Poems are wonderful things... (And did I mention, I have Alan Rickman reading sonnets??? I will definitely be listening to him while reading along now!!)
"Four Great Tragedies" by William Shakespeare
This includes: Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, and Romeo and Juliet. What collection is complete without these timeless classics?
"Lovelock" by Orson Scott Card and Kathryn H. Kidd
This book simply looked interesting. Kind of reminded me of Rise of the Planet of the Apes for some reason... But I am sure they are quite different. ^-^
Obviously there are other classics I did not buy, mainly because we sold out of them (I was a little late getting first dibs). But I am content with what I bought, and to tell you the truth, I probably wouldn't have purchased some of these if they hadn't been so cheap! But ONE DOLLAR?! Of course I can spend that...
You can view the complete list (from above) here.
Or you can also view my complete library (which I continue to update).
 |
| Book Haul 2/22/2012 |
As you can tell, I purchased a lot of classics. I don't read classics very often, and so I haven't collected them. But who can turn down a steal of a deal?
Starting at the top:
"Heartfire" by Orson Scott Card
I mainly purchased it because it sounded interesting and it's Orson Scott Card! I'll be honest, I didn't realize that it was book 5 in a series until I got home... oh well! It will still be interesting, I am sure!
"The Count of Monte Cristo" byAlexandre Dumas
I absolutely love the movie and I have heard the book is better. I look forward to reading this one!
"First Meetings In Ender's Universe" by Orson Scott Card
Purchased this one because it belongs with Ender's Game. (Even though I still need to read that book--it's on my reading list for this year!).
"The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch
I have watched his lecture videos and I thoroughly enjoyed them! Talk about inspiring! I have been meaning to buy the book for quite some time now... I guess waiting for things you want really does pay off in the end, doesn't it? ^-^
"The Secret: The Power" by Rhonda Byrne
This is an addition to the acclaimed The Secret, which I have not read. However, I do plan to purchase The Secret and I look forward to reading both of these books. (The Secret was no included on this $1 sale. Trust me, I asked!)
"Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton
Finally!! A mythology book that I can get my head around! I have been wanting a good ancient Greek mythology book for some time now (years in fact) that tells the stories of heroes like Hercules and many other classics! Way excited about this find!
"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain
What a great classic! How can you not include this one in your collection?
"The Prince and the Pauper" by Mark Twain
Another must-have classic.
"Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-smith
I've heard good things about this book, despite not being a huge zombie fan.
"The Call of the Wild" by Jack London
Yay for wolves!! Excited to read this classic!
"White Fang" by Jack London
I remember vaguely having to read this book for an English class back in junior high, but I don't recall hardly anything about it. Another classic I will enjoy reading!
"The Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens
I have never read this book, nor do I know much about the story (hence the reason I purchased it now). But you can never go wrong with Dickens!
"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Another classic I have never read, but I enjoy Sherlock! So this should be interesting!
"The Odyssey" by Homer
Started reading this and found it piqued my interests. Again, another very well known classic I have never had the chance to read.
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare
Yet another classic. I've heard this is one of Shakespeare's works that is quite humorous.
"Complete Sonnets" by William Shakespeare
Beautiful. Poems are wonderful things... (And did I mention, I have Alan Rickman reading sonnets??? I will definitely be listening to him while reading along now!!)
"Four Great Tragedies" by William Shakespeare
This includes: Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, and Romeo and Juliet. What collection is complete without these timeless classics?
"Lovelock" by Orson Scott Card and Kathryn H. Kidd
This book simply looked interesting. Kind of reminded me of Rise of the Planet of the Apes for some reason... But I am sure they are quite different. ^-^
Obviously there are other classics I did not buy, mainly because we sold out of them (I was a little late getting first dibs). But I am content with what I bought, and to tell you the truth, I probably wouldn't have purchased some of these if they hadn't been so cheap! But ONE DOLLAR?! Of course I can spend that...
You can view the complete list (from above) here.
Or you can also view my complete library (which I continue to update).
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
New Reading Goal
As you may be aware, my list of "to-read" books for this year is ever growing and probably will continue to grow as the year goes on...
Therefore, I made the following decision today:
Instead of listing the books I am going to read this year, I will simply set a page/book goal instead, that way, it allows my creative brain to have the freedom of choice (which I very much enjoy--I hate restrictions, especially when I know there are other alternatives).
So, here is my newly revised goal for 2012:
As soon as I finish Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (which will be in this next week, I only have 200 pages to go), here are my current standings:
Total pages read: 3,142
Total books read: 6
**Also note, the above goal does not apply to academic reading for school. So this goal is on top of whatever I need to read for school.
As quickly as I'm pouring through the Harry Potter books, I may slow down a bit as school continues to get more hectic. However, I do plan to do a ton of reading this summer! (Which is where I think I'll get the majority of my goal read).
This new goal will present a challenge for me (I originally intended to just shoot for 10,000 pages, but changed my mind). I want to push myself, see if I can do it! I have faith that I can!
The reason I mentioned "pages" as opposed to books is because some books can be the length of two. Take Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for example: It's 870 pages... that's the length of two to three "standard" books. But I also enjoy the challenge of having to read so many books, therefore I also included the "or 25 books" option.
My original plan is once I accomplish one of them, I will try to push for the second. If I can get both goals met... well, I'm not quite sure how I will award myself... perhaps a new bookcase? ^-^
Also, there will be a change coming to my Books 2 Read page pretty soon, partly due to this new goal.
Therefore, I made the following decision today:
Instead of listing the books I am going to read this year, I will simply set a page/book goal instead, that way, it allows my creative brain to have the freedom of choice (which I very much enjoy--I hate restrictions, especially when I know there are other alternatives).
So, here is my newly revised goal for 2012:
Read 20,000 pages
OR
Read 25 books
As soon as I finish Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (which will be in this next week, I only have 200 pages to go), here are my current standings:
Total pages read: 3,142
Total books read: 6
**Also note, the above goal does not apply to academic reading for school. So this goal is on top of whatever I need to read for school.
As quickly as I'm pouring through the Harry Potter books, I may slow down a bit as school continues to get more hectic. However, I do plan to do a ton of reading this summer! (Which is where I think I'll get the majority of my goal read).
This new goal will present a challenge for me (I originally intended to just shoot for 10,000 pages, but changed my mind). I want to push myself, see if I can do it! I have faith that I can!
The reason I mentioned "pages" as opposed to books is because some books can be the length of two. Take Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for example: It's 870 pages... that's the length of two to three "standard" books. But I also enjoy the challenge of having to read so many books, therefore I also included the "or 25 books" option.
My original plan is once I accomplish one of them, I will try to push for the second. If I can get both goals met... well, I'm not quite sure how I will award myself... perhaps a new bookcase? ^-^
Also, there will be a change coming to my Books 2 Read page pretty soon, partly due to this new goal.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Here We Go 2012! Ready Or Not!
My New Year Resolutions for 2012:
Physical
Mental
Spiritual
The biggest goals I want to focus on this year deal with my physical and social health. I need to eat better (learn to cook more!), and do more physical activity than I currently am. I need to find a physical routine I can maintain (not only the activity, but also the time of day that will work best for me). This is something I have struggled with for many years. I think it's time I break the negative cycle and do something! As for the social: This year, I have been so greatly blessed with AMAZING friends! Many relationships have formed in 2011, and I am so blessed to have these marvelous people influencing my life! They are truly inspirations to me, more so than I think they realize. I hope this year I can continue to strengthen these newly formed bonds, and perhaps even make some new ones! (Heck, perhaps I might even find a boyfriend! ^.~)
I feel 2012 will be a good year! 2011 has been rough (from being really sick, to everything that happened with Mom, to dropping out of school temporarily, to making new friends, and to getting a new calling in the Ward!). It's been an incredible year--even with all the ups and downs, it has truly been a blessing... for every day we are here on this Earth is a blessing from above. This is one of the major lessons I learned this last year.
I also learned how truly loving our Heavenly Father is of His children. Even though many suffer pains in this life, there is often a lesson to be learned. That lesson may not be for the one who is suffering, but rather for those on the outside. Not only does our Heavenly Father often use others to teach us lessons and help us progress and grow, but He also sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who came and suffered for us so that we can one day return to Heavenly Father and live with Him again. Through Christ's Atonement, we can repent of our sins and receive the peace of the Holy Spirit once again in our life. Not only is the Atonement for repenting, but it also helps buffer (or shield) us from the pains of this life.
There is so much darkness and negativity in the world, but there is also much that is bright, beautiful and absolutely stunning. If we but look to the light of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, we will see the brilliant things this world has to offer, and their brightness will diminish the darkness we will see. The darkness is still there and it will return into our lives if we let it (if we turn out the light). I plan to keep the light turned on so I can see the beautiful surroundings that make up my wonderful life.
For it truly is a wonderful life.
And 2012 is going to be a wonderful year!
Physical
- Start an exercise routine that works for me and stick with it!
- Learn to incorporate "healthy food" into my everyday diet.
- Get plenty of rest! (Meaning: No all nighters!)
Mental
- Study hard in school, even when I might desire to do other things.
- Keep reading books--even if it's only on Sundays because of homework during the week. It's important to keep reading!
- Read the books on my yearly book list!
- Write Book #1 of my book series: The Destroyer Series.
Spiritual
- Strive to draw closer to my Savior through my actions and deeds each and everyday.
- Take opportunities to serve others whenever they present themselves.
- Continue reading everyday in the scriptures.
- Start thoroughly studying the New Testament.
- Study the Sunday School lesson a week in advance (I'm all for being prepared, and this is a habit I wanted to establish earlier this year... Sadly it has yet to develop, so I am making it a resolution for 2012!)
- Attempt to maintain a decently balanced social life, especially during school. (Perhaps doing at least one thing with someone each week? Even if it's just a phone call due to busyness...)
- Continue to strengthen current relationships and strive to create new ones!
- Try to be more outgoing and trusting of others.
The biggest goals I want to focus on this year deal with my physical and social health. I need to eat better (learn to cook more!), and do more physical activity than I currently am. I need to find a physical routine I can maintain (not only the activity, but also the time of day that will work best for me). This is something I have struggled with for many years. I think it's time I break the negative cycle and do something! As for the social: This year, I have been so greatly blessed with AMAZING friends! Many relationships have formed in 2011, and I am so blessed to have these marvelous people influencing my life! They are truly inspirations to me, more so than I think they realize. I hope this year I can continue to strengthen these newly formed bonds, and perhaps even make some new ones! (Heck, perhaps I might even find a boyfriend! ^.~)
I feel 2012 will be a good year! 2011 has been rough (from being really sick, to everything that happened with Mom, to dropping out of school temporarily, to making new friends, and to getting a new calling in the Ward!). It's been an incredible year--even with all the ups and downs, it has truly been a blessing... for every day we are here on this Earth is a blessing from above. This is one of the major lessons I learned this last year.
I also learned how truly loving our Heavenly Father is of His children. Even though many suffer pains in this life, there is often a lesson to be learned. That lesson may not be for the one who is suffering, but rather for those on the outside. Not only does our Heavenly Father often use others to teach us lessons and help us progress and grow, but He also sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who came and suffered for us so that we can one day return to Heavenly Father and live with Him again. Through Christ's Atonement, we can repent of our sins and receive the peace of the Holy Spirit once again in our life. Not only is the Atonement for repenting, but it also helps buffer (or shield) us from the pains of this life.
There is so much darkness and negativity in the world, but there is also much that is bright, beautiful and absolutely stunning. If we but look to the light of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, we will see the brilliant things this world has to offer, and their brightness will diminish the darkness we will see. The darkness is still there and it will return into our lives if we let it (if we turn out the light). I plan to keep the light turned on so I can see the beautiful surroundings that make up my wonderful life.
For it truly is a wonderful life.
And 2012 is going to be a wonderful year!
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