#68 - Part Three - 235 Books in 2012

The past year didn't hold as much time as I had hope to work on my DayZero goals; however, I did still carve out time to read regularly.  In fact, sometimes knowing that I could go home and immerse myself in another world was what got me through my workdays.  Here are some of the titles that stand out for me in some way when I look back over my 2012 reading list.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger - This book interested me less in a personal reading light than in a professional one.  It's a great boy book - perfect for that hard-to-recommend-for upper-elementary age boy that's starting to lose interest in reading in favor of other activities (or, regrettably, because they think reading is no longer cool).  Mix Star Wars, the eternal hope of kids to be seen as cool not odd, and some origami ... it will bring you to this funny start of a series.

Theft of Swords (first of a trilogy) by Michael J. Sullivan - I read a great deal of science fiction and fantasy, but this trilogy was one this year that I just couldn't put down.  It was great to tag along as two thieves get caught up in the turmoil of kingdoms rising and falling.  A very classic epic fantasy that proves the point that small press books can be among the very best out there ... they just get less publicity.

A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor - What objects would you choose to illustrate all of history?  Even limiting himself to the collection of the British Museum, the author faced a daunting task in just choosing which 100 objects to write about.  However, somehow these 100 things all get tied together to show the story of humanity as it encompasses thousands of years.

The Kitchen Counter Cooking School by Kathleen Flinn - I did read some very good books full of recipes in the past year.  This book caught my attention less because of the recipes and more because of the concept.  A chef who is willing to teach her practical skills to others - not fancy cooking, but what you can (and should) do every day.  I believe that everyone over the age of 25 should know how to cook at least one company meal and half a dozen other meals that they are willing to eat on a regular basis.  This title shows a chef that takes a similar belief and makes it into reality.

Quiet! the Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain - This was the book that was most talked about in my library this summer.  Introverts (I include myself in this category) LOVE it because it points out our strengths.  Extroverts find that it makes so many things clearer about how their introverted friends, spouses, children, etc react to things that they say and do.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer - I like fairy tales, young adult literature, science fiction, and strong female characters.  This title (the first of a projected series) brings all of these elements together into a futuristic world that reminded me of young Anakin's workshop on Tattoine. 

Below Stairs by Margaret Powell - If you have been caught in the recent Downton Abbey craze, this book is for you.  A memoir of an actual kitchen maid around the turn of the last century that describes the grueling physical work that went on behind the scenes in large manor houses along with the quirks of some of her employers ... ironed shoelaces, anyone?

 Skating around the Law by Joelle Charbonneau - My new popcorn reading series.  This book reads very similar to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, but I found it more enjoyable due to the smaller town setting and the quirky descriptions of running a failing rollerskating rink.

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel - I didn't read this book when it first was published because I was so tired of reading about the Tudors.  But when the sequel (Bring Up the Bodies) came out this year, I decided to read them both.  It is obvious that much research went into these titles.  Yet, they still managed to bring Cromwell - and his fictional hopes and fears - to life.  I found the portrayal of his relationship to Cardinal Woolsey and how it kept haunting him later especially interesting.

Darth Vader and Son by Jeffrey Brown - If you are a Star Wars fan, give yourself ten minutes some day to read this book and get a giggle or two.

Steamdrunks by Chris-Rachael Oseland - It works as a Victorian drink recipe book for Dickens recreators.  It works as a humor book.  And it definitely works if you are looking to mix up some drinks for fellow steampunk lovers.

Trafficked by Kim Purcell - Do you think that human trafficking doesn't happen in the U.S.?  Do you think it doesn't happen in suburban neighborhoods?  Do you think that it only involves the sex trade?  Think again.  A sobering read.

Things Your Dog Doesn't Want You to Know by Hy Conrad and Jeff Johnson - I know many of these dogs; you probably do too.  Here they answer your questions and let you know how a dog's mind works.  Axlerod is my favorite "author".

Cold Days by Jim Butcher - I was worried about this series.  I didn't want to abandon Harry Dresden, but the last couple of books were moving in a direction that I didn't particularly care for.  I'm happy to say that this one restored my faith in the series and made me long to read the next chapter.

Captain Vorpatril's Alliance by Lois McMaster Bujold - I waited literally years for this book.  Patrons at the library have been known to tease me about it.  I know, I know ... Miles is the guy that makes the series possible, but Ivan is the one I wanted to read about.  Thank you, Lois, it didn't disappoint and I loved hearing more about Simon as well.

#79 - Catching up on the Silver Screen

A few years ago, my then-boyfriend was always surprised to find that I had not seen one particular movie or another.  So, I asked him to make me a list of titles that he thought I should see; a list that I also added to.  Some of what was listed were truly classic films - like Casablanca (which I still haven't watched) and It's a Wonderful Life (which I did) - but most were just popular films that I missed for whatever reason.  I should add that my family did not go to movies when I was young; there wasn't a theater in my hometown, and my parents didn't really have the cash for such things anyhow.  I did see many movies with friends when I was a teen, but then had a long period in college, grad school, and my first job where money and time were just too tight for me to spend much of either at the theater.

I've also always had a hard time just sitting and watching a screen.  Reading a book can keep me motionless for hours, but it's a rare movie that engages me to the point that I don't start thinking of other things I can do around the house as it progresses.  So, progress on this list has been fairly slow.  However, I did watch the tenth movie off this list last night.  So perhaps someday ... I'll see Casablanca after all :)

#58 - Operation Baking Gals

This time of year, I tend to go a little overboard with baking cookies.  It's become something of a start of the holiday season ritual for me.  I make a list of the types of cookies I plan to make that year, go shopping for such things as a case of butter (36 pounds for those of you who have never had reason to buy butter in quantity), and spend the better part of a week and a half in my kitchen baking.

Most of what I make goes onto trays that I give to friends and co-workers.  Since I work for a local government, this leads to such interesting things occurring as an "official" email going out saying the cookies have arrived at the city offices and the fact that I am one of a very select group of people who actually receives a Christmas card from my local public works department (how many of you can say that?!).  I set aside a few of the more interesting types to go along with me to my family's celebration.  And there are some plates that I take in to work to just hand out to people who look like their day is overwhelming them and perhaps some cookies would help.

However, there is another batch of cookies that I save to mail off to troops serving overseas.  I belong to an organization called Operation Baking Gals - yes, it is gender-inclusive despite the name - that tries to bring a little taste of home baking to the military serving overseas.  While I only participate in the winter months, there are rounds of baking going on all year.  It is more personalized than many of the other programs I've seen where you write to "any serviceperson".  There are individual teams that bake for particular soldiers or units.  Each baker can choose to join as many or few teams as they like.  You get a brief description of the person you are baking for (as well as likes and dislikes) and send the boxes directly to that person (part of joining the organization is a promise that you will not share names or addresses with anyone).  If you like to bake, it's a fulfilling organization to be a part of  .... give the website a look (the link is above) for a more complete description of how the process works.

Contents of a typical Baking Gals box that I sent out - I always try to include a book and this particular soldier wanted nuts, so there was also a can of cashews included - the rest are homemade cookies and candies.

#100 - Tired is no excuse!

I am lucky enough that, even though I live in a very small town which is quite a drive from any large cultural centers, there are many arts opportunities available.  We have a fairly active community theater program, the high school does the normal plays and music events, there are two arts organizations that arrange performances and showings, etc.  However, I tend to be lazy and not want to go to see a performance after I've spent 8 plus hours at work.  So, this goal was to remind myself that I CAN see things that I'm interested in right here in town ... I just need to get out of my house and go.

The first performance was a fall community theater production of The Church Basement Ladies.  My friend Sarah was playing the role of Karin Engleson, so I had extra incentive to go see this one.  I had read the book that it was based on several years ago and grew up in an extremely active Lutheran family, so I got all of the in-jokes in the script.  It was a fun show - made more special by seeing it performed by people I know.

The second event was a dance performance by the local ballet program.  Dance is not my favorite performing art, but this particular group has lessons in the building where I work. It was very interesting to see the choreography that went along with the music that I had been hearing for weeks.  In many cases, the actual dances were very different than what I had envisioned.

The next performance was the local high school's fall musical.  They chose Honk! - which is the story of the ugly duckling.  I realized as I was watching that the seniors involved had been preschoolers when I moved to town ... that made me feel a little old. :)  One of my favorite bits of stage dressing included remote-controlled fish balloons for the underwater scenes!

Another community theater performance I saw was The Drowsy Chaperone.  This musical is one that especially speaks to regular attender of musicals - many in jokes in the frame story.  Again, it was fun to watch the people I know on the stage - including several who haven't been on stage for a few years.  I think that my friend Peter was probably the most perfect choice of casting for the narrator of the frame story possible as he is the mainstay of the theater community here.

The last performance was one that came to town rather than a local production.  I have the good fortune to see the Rose Ensemble last Monday.  This group from the Twin Cities is simply stunning - the last time that I heard vocal pieces that perfectly performed was at the Sydney Opera House on my visit to Australia.  I also enjoyed the guest artist who was traveling with them performing on period instruments.  I had never seen a shawm before though I immediately recognized the sound from several CDs of early music that I own; it was wonderful to put a visual with the instrument's voice.

I am telling myself that I need to do "after-work" performances more often and even have plans for next week to do just that ...

#98 - Surprises by post

It's a wonderful sort of feeling to open your mailbox and find something personal there - a letter or package rather than bills or catalogs.  Even better is when that something comes out of the blue.  My family is particularly great about sending little surprises like this - and I try to reciprocate.

However, as fun as it is to trade care packages with my family, it's also nice to occasionally reach out to friends who don't expect anything.  A box of cookies, a movie, a book have all made their way to various people who weren't expecting anything for any reason.  I hope that each small box made someone's day brighter!