The Harry Potter Project: Epic FAIL

I didn't do it.

Not even close!

I got distracted by a graduate class, summer fun, and other good books that I didn't read all the Harry Potter books before the last movie release on Friday. 

Oh, well!  That's the way the cookie crumbles.  I still really want to re-read them, but just not now. 

I have my ticket for the midnight opening!  SO excited!

School's Out for the Summer!

(Sorry if those lyrics are now stuck in your head!)

Clip art from http://www.free-extras.com/tags/1/summer.htm

Our last inservice was Monday, so I am on day 3 of summer break!  Can I get a WHOO-HOO?

I have big plans for this summer!  While I do have plans to be lazy, I want to be diligent with my time and get a lot accomplished too.  I have a feeling the next ten weeks are going to FLY by!

Because I'm a list maker, here's a list of things I would like to accomplish this summer...

• Complete the Harry Potter project
• I'm taking a graduate class in June...I'm sure that will keep me quite occupied!
• Develop a library curriculum for next year...a broad plan of what I'd like to cover and also ~6 weeks of lesson plans.   If you fail to plan you plan to fail! 
• Visit family in Florida!  
• Some house improvement projects.  Specific plans are yet TBD, but I'd really like to redo the living room:  paint, install a book case and such.
• Read, read, read!   Preferably in my hammock!
• There are some good movies coming out this summer I'm excited about seeing.  
• Spend time with family and friends. 

So there it is.  It's a busy summer, but I'm hoping for some fun times.  

Save Your Marriage in Five Minutes a Day by Bonnie Jacobson, PhD

This book is a self-help book stock full of strategies to save one's marriage.  Dr. Jacobson provides insight, examples and advice on how to pinpoint areas of weakness and slowly take action to make amends and work on one of the most precious relationships in our society...our marriage.

Throughout the book, one thing is made very clear...you cannot change your spouse, only yourself.  However, by communicating concerns and choosing to slowly address the problems...even at five minutes a day...positive change can be achieved.

What I Thought:
I would like to preface this by stating that my marriage is great!  Hubby and I are very happy and approaching our fifth wedding anniversary.  I know, I know...we're still practically newlyweds! 

I chose to review this book from the Thomas Nelson book review program because I figured it is never bad to read information and work on strengthening our marriage!  I've seen several friends divorce over the past few years, and it made me sad.  So, I considered this read as "proactive" and then figured it could be good to review every so many years just to keep that spark alive.

This book may not be the best for my intentions.   It really was more intended for couples who were looking to save their marriage, or at least their sanity.  Nothing hubby does drives me bonkers as to the point that I got the feeling of the examples in the book.  (I cannot speak for him though!)

However, it did provide several "aha" moments which got me thinking about things we could work on, so I was happy overall with the read.  I hope that we never get to the point where we need to use some of the strategies, but I have the resource in my pocket if needed. 

Now, I thought the book was well-written and laid out in a great way.  Each chapter included information about a potential trouble area in relationships and a story outlining an example of the problem and an effective way to communicate the issue with your spouse, along with five minute strategies on how to tackle the issue.  Extra credit snippets are also included to further work on the relationship!

(I do have to say that some of the example stories made me giggle...they seemed to resolve themselves a little too cleanly and properly.  Almost too perfect...too bad all conversations can't be that neat!)

If you are experiencing problems in your marriage and want to read a book about how to start working to fix them...even just a little at a time this is a wonderful book to read. 

Recommended. 

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon:  Save Your Marriage in Five Minutes a Day by Bonnie Jacobson, PhD.

Reviewed from a copy provided by the Thomas Nelson Publisher Book Review Bloggers program.

The Harry Potter Project

Last night, I finally got around to watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One on DVD.  Don't worry...I did see it on the big screen, but haven't gotten around to watching the DVD I purchased a couple of weeks ago.

I decided that I really needed to re-read the series before the movie finale comes out on July 15.   And perhaps have a HECK of a movie-a-thon! 

So here goes nothing.  I'm setting aside my long "to-read" list for Harry Potter.  I won't be disappointed...it's been much too long and I'm excited to return to Hogwarts!
 

  I just REALLY hope I can finish in time! 

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Genny is a 17 year old girl, living a normal life.  Sure, she has an eccentric aunt...one who came and went as she pleased and lived life freely without worrying about obligations.  However, she always had room for Genny.

One day Aunt Peg disappeared...with no word.  Until one day her family received a phone call telling them she died.  Not too long after, Genny received a package of envelopes directing her to travel to Europe following several rules including no electronics, bring only what you can fit in a backpack, no money and no guidebooks.  She is instructed to open each envelope only after she has finished the task directed in the letter she holds.   She is taking a step of faith, and leaping out of her comfort zone.

Through her travels, Genny meets a variety of interesting people and travels all over Europe while discovering a lot about her deceased aunt.   Oh, and there some adventures along the way! 

What I Thought: 
This book has been on my "to-read" list for quite a while, and I'm so glad I finally got around to it!  I loved Genny's story and found myself wishing I was more adventurous and could just take off backpacking around Europe.  Of course, Genny wasn't the personality to that either...she had to be pushed to do so. 

This book did reignite my desire to go to Greece.  Hubs and I have always wanted to visit there, we need to start saving now!

Johnson crafted a wonderful story full of adventure, some romance, and even a little mystery!  I anxiously wanted to know what each letter would say and where Genny would end up next. 

This was the first book I read using the Kindle app.  I'm not quite ready to jump from purely paper books to e-books, but when this book was released as a free download by Kindle, I jumped at the opportunity to download and read it.  It was very nice to always have a book on my iPhone and I read at just about every free chance I got.  I'm not completely sold on reading on my phone though...it's convenient and cool but I did miss holding the actual book in my hand.  Not gonna lie!

(I might feel different with an actual Kindle, Nook or iPad though.  I'm just not quite ready to jump just yet.  Well, I do want an iPad.  I'm ready to get one of those...my wallet just isn't though!) 

Great book, highly recommended!

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson.

Reviewed from a personal copy.

The sequel, The Last Little Blue Envelope comes out today!  (April 26, 2011.)  I'm excited to see what happens to Genny!