2006 Reading List - Quarterly Update III

I haven't put that many New books in the library in the last quarter. I've mostly been revisiting old friends and loves. Many Thanks to Devon over at Ink In My Coffee for the interlibrary loan of a sackful of books that I really enjoyed.

I started tracking my reading habits this year as a curiosity; just how many books do I read a year? I am pleased that I've passed (the unstated goal) of at least 52 books a year. Taking a moment to point out that on my current show I have next to no time to read at work. Meaning I technically am doing LESS reading than I did 2 years ago. Although you wouldn't know if from the state of my bookshelves and apartment. After a midsummers purge, I'm officially back to stacking them on the floor again. Additional Bookshelves are definitely going to be in order for the new apartment. What a blessing that I'll have room there for a couple new shelves!

I also find it notable to mention that Anne Rice dominates the top shelf of the bookshelf, and yet she doesn't appear on the 2006 reading list yet. I can't remember a year in the last 8 years where I didn't *Reread The Witching Hour series, although that usually occurs in late fall/early winter. November/December being my favorite time of year to revisit the Mayfairs...

So with no further ado, I give you, the 3rd Quartely Update of the 2006 Reading List:

1. Nefer the Silent – Christian Jacq *Reread
2. The Wise Woman - Christian Jacq *Reread
3. Paneb the Ardent - Christian Jacq *Reread
4. The Place of Truth - Christian Jacq *Reread
5. Knight of the Word – Terry Brooks
6. Angel Fire East – Terry Brooks
7. American Gods – Neil Gailman
8. To Light a Candle – Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory
9. The Egyptian – Mika Waltari
10. Maskerade – Terry Pratchett
11. Pyramids – Terry Pratchett
12. Hogsfather – Terry Pratchett
13. Shadow of a Dark Queen – Raymond Feist
14. Rise of a Merchant Prince – Raymond Feist
15. Rage of a Demon King – Raymond Feist
16. Shards of a Broken Crown – Raymond Feist
17. Krondor: The Betrayal – Raymond Feist
18. Krondor: The Assassins – Raymond Feist
19. Krondor: Tear of the Gods – Raymond Feist
20. Talon of the Silver Hawk – Raymond Feist
21. King of Foxes – Raymond Feist
22. Exiles Return – Raymond Feist
23. River God – Wilber Smith *Reread
24. Warlock – Wilber Smith *Reread
25. Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment – James Patterson
26. The Witch of Blackbird Pond – Elizabeth George Speare
27. Cheaper by the Dozen – Frank B. Gilbreth & Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
28. Maximum Ride: Schools Out – Forever – James Patterson
29. Book of the Dead – Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
30. London Bridges – James Patterson
31. Bridge of Dreams - Chaz Brenchley
32. Flight of the the Nighthawks – Raymond Feist
33. Light Before Day – Christopher Rice
34. The Outstretched Shadow - Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory *Reread
35. To Light a Candle – Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory *Reread
36. Joust – Mercedes Lackey *Reread
37. Alta – Mercedes Lackey *Reread
38. When Darkness Falls - Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory
39. Sanctuary – Mercedes Lackey *Reread
40. The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown
41. Holder of Lightning (The Cloudmages 1) – S. L. Farrell
42. The Fairy Godmother – Mercedes Lackey
43. Mage of Clouds (The Cloudmages 2) – S. L. Farrell
44. Children of the Night – Mercedes Lackey
45. Heir of Stone (The Cloudmages 3) – S. L. Farrell
46. Mapping the World of Harry Potter – Mercedes Lackey Editor
47. Magics Pawn – Mercedes Lackey *Reread
48. Armageddon’s Children – Terry Brooks
49. Magic’s Promise – Mercedes Lackey *Reread
50. Book of Shadows – James Reese *Reread (unfinished)
51. The Amber Wizard – David Forbes
52. Winds of Fate – Mercedes Lackey *Reread
53. Winds of Change – Mercedes Lackey *Reread
54. Winds of Fury – Mercedes Lackey *Reread

What Type of Fae are you?

What Type of Fae are you?

"CLICK"

"CLICK"

You know it. It could be the proverbial lightbulb turning on; it could be the sudden Alignment of an idea, or the basic feeling of acceptance or the "Yes, this is it!" moment that snaps your brain. However you wish to describe it, it happened yesterday to me.

I'm moving. I've been thinking about it constantly since I looked at the place in Woodside. I've finally wrapped my mind around it. My brain accepts it. Yesterday, it 'Clicked' into place. If T. and I can work it out, I'll soon be leaving the midtown apartment.

WHEW!!!

I'm no longer wondering 'if' I'm going, my brain has already started processing 'how.' I can't describe it in any other way other than a shift in direction of thinking. Which I can only chalk up to the fact that I'm done thinking about it, and I'm ready to begin the actual process. No more wondering. It's time to start, well, Moving, on the issue. ;-)

I sent the email this morning stating I had decided and that it's time to start seriously talking about dates and times.

All I've wanted to do since I clicked "Send" is run out and buy bubble wrap and boxes. (I'm fighting that urge, as I know I have a few yards of wrap around here somewhere).

Oh and a Happy Friday to you.

Just a little self-absorbed here (Yes, more than usual). Nothing but flowcharts and lists bouncing between my right and left brain.

The kittens are not at all satisfied with my token pat on the head; I have had to forcefully remove them both from my desk, repeatedly, this morning. Even explaining that Daddy was 'Working' on securing their next playground hasn't appeased them. Although a Second Breakfast did buy me about 10 minutes of peace and uninterrupted work time.

It's time to head out and get some errands accomplished before the Weekend Marathon of shows begins. Official kick-off is at 6:30 this evening.

Enjoy Your Weekends, where ever you are.

Love and Light!

Apartment Hunting

I believe that the apartment hunt is over; at least I'm calling it done. Now I haven't actually decided that I'm moving yet, but I'm done looking.

I had a look at my friend T.'s place last night and it's most definitely livable and affordable. The Kittens will have a LOT of room to scamper about, and the commute won't kill me.

This could be exactly what I am looking for, I'm just going to let it roll around in my head for a couple of days.

It was a very enjoyable evening there last night; I'm comfortable in the space. Now if I can merely overcome myself and accept a daily commute and wrap my mind around working 6 days a week in the city and not living on the island...

T. and I had a very great conversation last night, and I believe we are more than compatible as roommates, so I don't foresee any issues there. It is all looking good (which scares me) but again, that's my own personal and mental drama.

So there you have it. A bright spot on the horizon.

Love and Light!

Checking In

Or Checking out, which ever you prefer...

It's been a long time since the last post. Things have been a little too rough around here for me to actually sit and type nicely about any of it. Plus I was completely bedridden for 5 days with one of the nastiest cases of the flu I've ever had.

I'm pleased to inform you that I'm now feeling better and life is getting back to it's typical insanity.

I'm completely over my broadway show. Today I've been revamping the old resume and getting it ready for distribution. It's time to leave the monkeys and move on to the next project (whatever that may be). I've become very hateful towards certain people at work (some of whom deserve it and can forever Rot in Hell for simply being assholes). A very clear Indication that it's time for me to move on.

I'm heading to Queens this evening to look at the latest apartment opportunity. I'm heading down to the wire on the apartment hunt. I have about 20 days left before I have to either reject or resign the current lease here.

Shouting out a very sincerely felt "Best Wishes" to C.S. and R.K.. Both of whom start their leave of absence from the show in order to work on the next Will Smith movie. I will definately miss you boys. Have fun and enjoy all the special effects!!!!

I had a lovely lunch with Scott today at one of our favorite eateries. I was primed for BBQ until he changed his mind, but I'm dealing fine with the change in plans. I had a great lunch (and have since decided to order BBQ and have it delivered for Dinner).

Completed a huge clean up project here at the apartment. Being sick for 5 days kinda wrecked the place; between the kittens and the dishes, the whole apartment was looking rather, well, filthy. The bathroom is now clean, dishes are done, and all the sicky laundry has been washed and put away. I've even managed to get most of the desk cleaned off.

Scott put the tastebuds in motion when he brought me a homemade Rice Crispy Treat last week. I ran a quick trip to the market and got what I needed and just finished making my own batch. A special treat to myself once I get the latest edition of the resume published and ready for other people to look at. Oh, and my market had the great Fruit popcicles that I like, so I bought two boxes of them (since they don't always carry them).

Mom has finally decided or 'found THE house' in Michigan. Rumor has it she's going to sign papers within the next couple of weeks. She's been looking at modulars for well over a year now, and I'm sure that my little brother is anxious to get her and my father out of the farm house. They will be dropping the modular down by the pond that Mom had built several years ago. I'm sure she's excited about decorating and landscaping now, instead of continuing looking for the house. Things are looking good on the homefront, as my little brother has survived and recovered from yet his latest open heart surgury. (it was scheduled folks, not a last minute thing).

That's all the news that is fit for print. Can you believe that it is almost October? This is actually my favorite time of year. I love 'sweatshirt' weather!!! I've been seriously missing my Omaha folks the last couple of weeks. If I was there now, we would be making our annual trip to the apple orchard. I will have to break down soon and get some apples and make a pie or two...

Love and Light.

Armageddon's Children

Welcome to Armageddon. With his latest offering Terry Brooks begins to spin the tale of the Great Wars that have been mentioned in both the Word and the Void and Shannara series.
You will find it all here folks as Mr Brooks finally gives us the blending of his best series. It's a dark world where the Void now holds the favorable position in the balance of power. The face of the post modern day world has been reduced to a mere handful of strongholds of humans, who are being ruthless hunted and destroyed by a reign of turmoil and demonic agencies.

Armageddon's Children is a prime example of what Brooks does best, skillfully spinning multiple plotlines together to form a tale of epic proportions. You will find the few remaining Knights of the Word, you will sit under the Ellcrys, you will find mention of the fabled elf-stones, and Brooks manages to weave it all together in to what may prove to be his finest work to date.

Armageddon's Children is a fine kick off to the next Trilogy offering. It's richly detailed, very dark, and the story unfolds in an even and steady pace. I found it to be surprisingly short however. This could just be my general irritation of having to WAIT to finish this story. I prefer to read 'sets' of books after they are complete and therefore not be chomping at the bit for the rest of the story. This is compounded by the fact that this book doesn't really tell an 'in and of itself' complete story. It's just an introduction and short move into the plot. There isn't just one cliffhanger ending either. There are really 3 or 4. None of our plotlines have even begun to cross paths yet.

I can't say it enough, it's one of the darkest Brooks books I've read. But the beautiful storytelling is still present, and it reads like hot chocolate on a cold fall afternoon.

Enjoy it!!!