Money check-up Jan 31

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on regular bills like cable and my bi-weekly loan. I haven't spent much money lately. Always nice to say.

2. Today I feel positive towards money. I went geek and made a spreadsheet showing the various options for our money. Doing this revealed in clear black and white that we need to stay in an apartment, and not a townhouse. That we can afford another baby in terms of maternity/paternity leave. And that if my husband is really serious about wanting to stay home with Mikey during the day, we will do good, as long as he is working part-time. This was definitely a good exercise, and very helpful for both my husband and me. Now we have more info to make some decisions.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was visit with my mom while babysitting my niece and nephew. Mikey and I spent the day at my sister's with my mom (who was down for the weekend) while she was at work. It saved her babysitting money, and the kids had a blast. And I got to visit my mom, who I don't see very often. Wins all around.

4. I will consider this week a success if I do my exercising every day. At least every weekday. I still haven't gotten back into my exercise DVD, but I plan to start tonight.

5. Right now I am reading nothing? I finished a book last night (review to come soon), and haven't started anything else yet. But lunch is soon, and I do have a book in my bag to start.
Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Visit My Pretty Pennies for the linky tool.

59 Days and Counting

Only 59 days until we are out of this apartment.  And a countdown is definitely needed. We had a horrible weekend. Why? Because we have no heat!

No heat with -17 degrees Celsius (about 1 degree Fahrenheit) this morning. And pretty much the same all weekend makes for a very chilly house. Looking back, I think we've been without heat since Thursday, because that's when Mikey's room started to seem cold. But I never thought to check the heaters until we were freezing Saturday morning. And they were all stone cold.

So we called the supers, who investigated and found the boiler was off. So the whole building had no heat. And apparently we were the only ones who noticed. Several hours later, everyone else had heat, but we still didn't. We tried to call again, but there was no answer.

So we bundled up in warm pjs and heavy blankets. First thing Sunday morning, I called again, and the super was not happy that we were still freezing. He brought us over some space heaters because he knew the company would not send anyone out to look on the weekend.

Space heaters are good, but only if you can run them. Our apartment is basically on two circuits. One for the living room/dining room/kitchen, and one for the bedrooms/bathroom. And you can only plug one heater in without blowing the circuit. Fabulous. Needless to say, my husband and I had to bundle up in multiple blankets last night because the heater was in my son's room.

Hopefully we get heat today, and things can go back to normal crap, without the added bonus of freezing crappiness. 59 days in deed...

Hugs and Kisses

Mikey is a huge cuddler. He loves to get and give hugs and kisses. Just this morning, he decided that we needed to have a cuddle session. Unfortunately, it was while I was eating my breakfast, so I only got to eat half my breakfast because the rest got too cold for me to stomach.

Mikey loves wrapping his little arms around your neck and slobbering all over your face. He is getting really good at giving kisses with his mouth closed, but he still drools quite a bit, so he is often gooey anyways. He also tends to smush his face against yours. Often in an awkward position, at an awkward angle. But it's cute.

Our little cuddle session this morning really made me realize how much I love having a cuddly kid, and how much I will miss it once he is too old to think such activities are cool. So I will be sure to get my fill now.

Kid book review: Lost and Found

Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers is the first book my son has ever picked out himself from the library. It is a cute story about a boy who finds a lost penguin, and tries to return him to the South Pole.

My son has only let me read him the whole story once. He usually interrupts me to flip through the pictures faster than I can read. He loves the little penguin, and occasionally stops flipping to pet him.

The story is very heartwarming. The little boy is trying to do something good for the penguin, and in the end, learns a lesson about friendship.

Rating: 5/5
Source: Local Library

Angry mom

While reading some of my regular blogs this morning, I saw a post on the Making of MOM about angry moms, and how this is a taboo topic. It really struck a nerve with me today, because I totally lost of cool and became that angry mom last night.

Mikey has been sleeping horribly lately. Waking up lots, refusing to go back to sleep. Throwing tantrums because I won't let him go to the living room to play and watch tv. Last night was another night like this, same as every night this week.

He went to bed a little after 8, just like normal. He woke up screaming at 10. I went, calmed him down and put him back to bed. He woke up again just before 11, as I was going to bed. I should have gone to bed after the first wake up, but I still had laundry to fold, and I wanted a few minutes to relax. So an 11 o'clock wake-up was not appreciated. He was much harder to put down, and threw a tantrum first.

When he does this at night, I put him in his bed, sit on the edge, and wait. While not looking at him. He will calm himself down, and will either go to sleep, or nicely ask for snuggles, which he will get. He was asleep finally just before midnight. So off to bed I stumbled. Only to get up 15 min later, when he was screaming again. The tantrum this time was still going on at 1 am. At which point I lost it, and became the "angry mom".

So I finally got back to bed at about 1:15, and promptly past out from exhaustion. Only to be awoken at 5 am by a little boy standing at my bedside calling Mom, Mom, Mom. A drink, snuggles, and half an hour later, he was back asleep, and so was I. Only to be awoken at 6 for good.

I try not to lose my cool very often. But there is something about middle of the night tantrums that get to me every time. I'm not sure how to manage them better. Any tips?

Kid book review: Where is Maisy's Panda?

Where is Maisy's Panda? by Lucy Cousins is the latest Maisy book my son and I have read. Past reviews will show this series is a huge with my son, and this volume is no exception.

In this volume, you are looking for Maisy's stuff animal Panda. You are taken on a voyage through the house to look in all kinds of hiding places. Unfortunately, there are all kinds of other animals hiding out. And Panda is in the last place you'd think to look... or is she?

Like the others in this series, the book is a great size to fit in my son's lap. And the flaps are small and shaped to fit the object you are looking in. My only complaint (my son's really) is that only one door on the cupboard opens. My son gets very frustrated trying to open the other side, where there is no flap.

Rating: 5/5
Source: Local Library

Book review: Fail Harder

Fail Harder is an upcoming book from the people who bring you failblog.org. So what qualifies as a FAIL? How about a nursery outfitted with a gun rack hanging over the baby's crib? Perhaps the equation, "E=MC3" written on a classroom's write/erase board. What about a trifecta of beauty parlor, chain saw repair, and nightclub housed inside an all-in-one-stop shop?

I have followed the Fail blog for a while as my source of easy, and quick laughs. The book is a collection of photographs that would definitely appear in their feed. The pictures are amusing, and make you wonder whuck?

There were a few pictures that I didn't find amusing, but since humor is very subjective, I know many people would love them.

Rating: 4/5
Source: Review copy from Net Galley

Growing vocab

Mikey's vocabulary has been growing by leaps and bounds lately. For the longest time, he would only say mama and dada and uh-oh. Then doggie was added. And then nothing for a long time. Lately he has begun to say other words.

Elephant - his favourite animal. Very garbled, but once or twice it was crystal clear. Much to everyone's amazement
Grandma and Nana - to the delight of said ladies
No - what every parent wants to hear
Yes - much better
Day-go - It is really Diego, as in Go Diego Go. His favourite show for a few weeks. He's progressed to Blue's Clues (loves to dance along, and does the hand motions too) and Curious George.
Ba-bee - His cousin Abby. Who he loves. And completely smoothered with hugs and kisses the last time we visited. To the point that she was pushing him away.

There are lots of garbled animal names. He loves 2 iPad apps (Sound Touch and Baby Words) that are filled with animal names and sounds.Although I think his all time favourite picture and sound right now is the ketchup bottle squirting. When he picks it, he says "eeewwwww" with a huge grin. And then picks it repeatedly.

I know he says more, but of course I can't think of any words right now.

Kid book review: My First Library Sesame Street

My First Library Sesame Street collection is a set of 12 small board books in a handy carrying case. Each book features a Sesame Street character in a simple story.

The case was just as big a hit as the books were. It is a hardy construction with a clear plastic window in the front, and a magnetic closure. The whole edge is magnetic, so when it closes, it stays closed until it is intentionally opened.

The books are small, only 3-inches square. Just right for toddler hands to hold and read on their own.

Apparently, this is just one title in the My First Library set series. I will be sure to keep an eye out for other titles to add to my son's collection. Even if he outgrows the simple stories shortly, the case alone will be a huge hit.

Rating: 5/5
Source: Christmas gift for my son from family

Book review: thxthxthx

thxthxthx by Leah Dieterich is a delightful book that is a collection of photographs of thank you cards the author has wrote. They are short (often only a sentence or two), and quite often humourous. They are addressed to the small and big objects in life, like Sneezes, her Partner's Understanding, and everything in between.

The collection is very sweet, and left me feeling happy and wanting to be more grateful for the everyday things we take for granted.

The pictures are clear and simple. Each is a snapshot of a cream thank-you card, sometimes with a partial envelop in the background, often with just a plain coloured backdrop. It helps the message of each thank-you card to stand out.

The book is scheduled for release in Jun 2011. It would definitely be a great edition to any coffee-table.

Rating: 5/5
Source: Review copy from Net galley

Book review: Dining with the Dollar Diva

Dining with the Dollar Diva by Elizabeth Fisher is a book filled with recipes that can be made with items purchased for a dollar or less.

The book is very personal, not just a cut and dry recipe book. There are stories with almost every recipe. It makes for interesting reading to go with your cooking.

I am not sure how she is able to find all the items she uses for $1 though. Maybe the dollar stores around me just aren't as stocked, I know mine don't have freezer sections. I'm sure the recipes would still be just as delicious if I spent more than $1 though.

This is definitely a neat cookbook, and really emphasizes the fact that good cooking does not require a lot of money.

Rating: 4/5
Source: Review copy from Net Galley

My son is growing up

I don't often talk about my son in my blog. It's not due to privacy concerns; between my husband and myself, there are probably hundreds of pictures of him on Facebook. It's not that he isn't a great source of material, because he definitely is, and I love to read other people's blogs about their kids. I think it's because my blog is one of the few things I do for ME, so I try to keep my job and home out of it. But some things deserve to be shared...

My son's name is Michael, like his dad and grandfather. We call him Mikey. He is a mischievous little boy who will be two in May. He is super smart, stubborn, and knows how to get his own way. He refuses to chew foods, which is a constant source of frustration and doctor check-ups.

Mikey's favourite food is milk. He was a milk baby, and would still be that way if he had a choice. He has recently showed us that we can no longer trick him into thinking there is no more milk. When he wants a drink, he will pretend to untwist the lid to his sippy cup, hand it to either daddy or myself, and make grunting noises. We are then expected to fill it. Which we often do. This past weekend, when my husband took the milk jug out of the fridge, it was empty except for a few drops (wonder who put it away like that) and he told Mikey that, while pouring the few drops in the cup. "All gone, guess there's no milk for a drink. Want a snack instead?"

And my super bright kid reached in the fridge, grabbed a bag of milk off the shelf and handed it to his daddy. He was not to be fooled. It was hilarious, and so priceless. So obviously he got his milk.

As it becomes more and more obvious that Mikey is all boy, and no more baby, I'm sure I will have more tales to share. It's also a great way for me to record them to remember later. I have a horrible memory, and don't want to lose all the small steps that he is mastering all the time.

Book review: Delirium

Delirium by Lauren Oliver. This YA novel is set in an alternative present in Portland, Maine. In this world love has been declared a disease, and a cure is provided to everyone once they turn 18. The government evaluates everyone and sets out the course of their life: what they'll do, where they'll live, even who they'll marry, and how many children they'll have. The book centres on Lena who is just months from her procedure, and is counting down the days. Until she meets Alex and does the unthinkable and falls in love.

I found the book very intriguing and capturing. It reads very easily; I wasn't bogged down in the back story about the way the world and government works. It was all conveyed very seamlessly with the story.

Lena is very likable and relatible. I was surprised at how easily the author was able to capture Lena's thoughts and feelings. Would you know how to describe the feeling of falling in love for the first time? It was very believable and real.

The end is a little predictable, but still heart wrenching. Definitely an amazing read.

Rating: 5/5
Source: Review copy from Net Galley

Book review: Nerve Damage

Nerve Damage by Peter Abrahams was the latest audiobook I listened to in my car during my commute. It is about a scupltor, Roy Valois, who learns he is dying of an inoperable, incurable cancer. On a whim, he looks up and reads the obituary that will be printed about him in the New York Times. He finds that it inaccurately states where his dead wife worked, and he makes it his mission to investigate and correct this mistake. But is it a mistake? Or are there secrets his wife never told him?

I would classify this book as a conspiracy thriller. The premise really intrigued me, but I had a hard time enjoying it. I simply disliked, almost hated the main character. He just wasn't likable. He was in complete denial about his condition, and while this may be a common stage, he just took it too far.

And his attitude and treatment of others? He just rubbed me the wrong way, and I couldn't get past it.

Overall, the story was exciting, with some good twists and turns. But the ending was too fairy tale happy to fit the rest of the story.

Since I listened to this on audiobook, I had the addition of the narrator to contribute. And I wasn't impressed. The reading was very choppy. Each sentence stood alone. It was very difficult to follow in the beginning, but I did figure out thow to follow, but it didn't make for the most enjoyable listen.

Rating: 2/5
Source: Library

Fell off the exercise wheel

So I haven't exercised since Wednesday. But I have a good excuse. I was sick. Not "oh I feel tired, *cough* *cough*" sick, I mean the constant nose and eye running, unable to breath, it hurts everywhere fabric is touching me, freezing cold, I can barely kep my eyes open, *cough, hack, hack* for several minutes until my eyes pop out from lack of oxygen sick. Which my son shared right along with me. Very pleasant weekend in our house.

But I am feeling much better today. Actually live and breathing normally, and I can taste things again. And my son is doing better too.

Not often that you get a super-cold that only lasts a few days. Not sure if I like that better than the usual 2 week affair. But I guess I better climb back in the exercise wheel and start over tonight.

Book review: Waiting for Joe

Waiting for Joe by Sandra Birdsell. This is an emotional book by a Canadian author. The characters feel so real. The book is a picture into a time in Joe and Laurie's life, shortly after their lives start to fall apart. They are on the run in a stolen motorhome, after losing everything when Joe's business fails and they lose everything.

The book alternates between Joe, Laurie and Joe's dad Alfred. Not only do you get to see their present, you also glimpse most of their lives up to that point.

The book is a solid read, 5 star, up until the end. I felt the ending left too many questions unanswered. If there was even a one page summary of where everyone is at the end of the story, it would be much more complete.

Rating: 4/5
Source: Library

30 Day Shred - Day 1

I did my first workout using the 30 Day Shred DVD last night. And oh my! If I can make it through 30 days, I am positive I will see and feel a difference. That workout kicked my butt!

Since I am toally inactive, I started with Level 1. There are 3 levels you progress through. Each workout is about 20 min long. There is a warm-up, 3 circuits of hard work, and a cool down. Each circuit consists of 3 min of strength training, 2 min of cardio, and 1 min of ab work.

The only gear you need is free weights (I used soup cans because I don't own weights) and a mat, if you have a hard floor. And you just follow along. Sounds simple, but not easy to do. There are no breaks, rest, or chances to stop. You are working the entire time.

I did have to take 3 mini-breaks when I felt like I was going to die, or my legs were going to collapse. Not long, just a 5 sec chance to catch my breath.

Afterwards, I had a huge glass of water, and then went to have a shower because I was soaked. I almost couldn't wash my hair, it was so hard to lift my arms. That surprised me, because I thought I had some strength in my arms from hauling my son around.

From the utter exhaustion I felt afterwards, I think I will change my original plan and work out at night, and not in the morning. The thought of working out, and then trying to drag my butt to work makes me want to nap. On the plus side, I slept great last night, and even though my son was up for an hour and a half from 3-4:30, I still feel great and rested this morning.

We'll see how I feel when I do workout #2 tonight. Ready to groan already.

Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Jan 19

I am really flying through books lately. I have a whole new selection this week, except for the audiobook. Here is what I am in right now:

Nerve Damage by Peter Abrahams. This is the same audiobook as last week. I am really disliking the main character. But the story is still interesting. I am about 3/4 of the way through, and I'd like to know how it ends.

Waiting for Joe by Sandra Birdsell. I'm not sure where I first saw this title, but I have been waiting for it from the library for a while. It is written by a Canadian author, and so far the story is really good. Joe has lost everything, and now he and his wife Laurie on the run in a stolen motorhome, trying to get to Fort McMurray where Joe hopes to find work. Then Joe finds out that Laurie has spent their last few dollars on junk, and he justs leaves and starts walking.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver. I have seen this one making the rounds on book blogs, and thought I'd check it out. I requested a copy on Netgalley.com, and was quickly approved, so here I go. In this novel, love is considered a disease, and scientists have a cure that is administered when you turn 18. The book centers around Lena, who has less than 100 days to go before she is cured. Can she make it without "becoming diseased" by falling in love?

What are you reading?

Money check-up Jan 18

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on fitness stuff. I bought 2 fitness DVDs, and a new pair of shoes. Now I just need to start working out.

2. Today I feel lonely towards money. My bank account has $5 in it, and I don't get paid until Thursday. And we will probably need milk before then. Oh money, where are you?

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was join Netgalley. They are a portal for publishers to offer advance reading copies of books. You join, request, and read. They hope you provide a review afterwards, but it's not required. One of the books I am currently reading is from there.

4. I will consider this week a success if I work out at least 3 times. I have so far been thwarted in my attempts. Yesterday morning I slept until 7 because my son had a rough weekend with a fever that finally broke during the night Sunday night. So I was totally exhausted. Last night he was napping when I got home, and then didn't go to bed easily. As in it was 10 pm before he was asleep, instead of 8 or 8:30. So I collapsed in bed asleep right after him. And this morning I was awakened with a migraine. So no workout. Hopefully I will have time tonight, and then start a schedule tomorrow morning.

5. My signature outfit is jeans, a t-shirt, and a sweater. Comfy and warm, because I am almost always cold.

Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Visit My Pretty Pennies for the linky tool.

Book Review: Ceremony in Death

Ceremony in Death is the 5th book in the In Death series. This volume is centered around the theme of witches, Wiccan and Satanism. It starts with Eve investigating the death of a fellow cop, and escalates to investigating several murders.

The book really develops Peabody's character. She has quite the knowledge of Wicca based on her personal background, and starts to show herself as a real asset to Eve.

A bit more of Roarke's background and personality quirks are also revealed, centering around his Celtic background. He is shown to be more human than fantasy in his book. Not just the incredibly hot rich guy, his feelings, thoughts and insecurities are shown more thoroughly than in any previous book in the series.

While the theme is much darker, it still reads easily, quickly, and enjoyably, just as I'd expect.

Rating: 4.5/5
Source: own

Weight Loss plan

I am finally getting around to creating and posting my weight loss plan for the year.

My goal has two levels to it:
Happy - lose 15-20 lb
Ecstatic - lose 25 lb

My happy level would take me to 130-135 lb, which is a healthy weight for my size. My ecstatic level would take me to pre-baby weight (125 lb). I have spent most of my adult life so far in the 125-130 lb range, and I'd love to get back to that.

I have started to take steps towards that. I already eat fairly well. I do better in the summer when there is a wider selection of fruits and veggies for less expensive prices, but I try. I have always loved my fruits and veggies, but my husband is a meat and potato guy, and when he makes supper (most nights) he seems to forget the veggies. Eating wise, I plan to eat out less often (or at least choose the healthier menu options) and eat more fruits and veggies.

I am buying a jug of juice to keep at work so I drink more liquids. I have always disliked the taste of water unless it is freezing cold, so I find it hard to drink as much as I should. Having juice at work should help with that.

I bought a pair of Dr Scholl's Fitness Walker shoes. They're like Skecher Shape-ups, only much less expensive. They are probably the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I bought them earlier this week, and my feet have never been happier.

Today I bought two fitness DVDs: Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, and 10 Minute Solution Hot Body Boot Camp. I really want to try the 30 Day Shred based on reviews and personal stories I have read. And since all the fitness DVDs were on for 2/$20 at HMV, I figured I might as well get another one too. And I'm sure I can find 10 min for a workout. My plan is to start the Shred tomorrow, and hopefully do it every morning. I'll get you informed on my progress.

Book review: Earth

Earth (the book): A Visitor's Guide to the Human Race by Jon Stewart.

If you are familiar with Jon Stewart's tv show, this book is exactly what you'd expect from him. If you haven't seen his show, the book is humorous, with a lot of sarcasm and  satirical fun-poking.

The format is a mock textbook filled with pictures with witty captions. It is easy to pick up and read for a few minutes whenever you have time. It is a light-hearted overview of life on Earth, as written for aliens who arrive after all human life has vanished.

This is an enjoyable read, if you have that type of humor.


Rating: 4/5
Source: Library

Migraines and stress

I went to the doctor's this morning to discuss my headaches. I have been having migraine level headaches every day for two weeks. Sometimes they happen while I am sleeping, sometimes during the day. I couldn't think of any one thing that has been different, so I wasn't sure of an exact trigger. So off I went.

My doc says they sound like cardiovascular headaches, which are typical for migraines. It means they are caused by blood vessel constricting in my head. Painful and annoying. After discussing my life for the past month or so, he is certain they are caused by stress. I'd agree, especially after he made a list of everything I mentioned. Here's the list:

- car accident on Dec 29 - 2 days before headaches started
- the company I work for has been purchased, and is effective March. This was announced the week before Christmas.
- Christmas
- bathroom leaking water in large, smelly, messy quantities. This started (again) Christmas Eve. And is still continuing. Apparently someone is supposed to come today. We'll see if they show. They were scheduled for last Thursday and didn't come.
- my husband is still working as a temp. He has his hours in, and is just waiting to hear if/when he will be made permanent.
- my son has been on and off sick for the past month. He is just getting over a cold, so he is still not eating well. And not sleeping through the night. Although he did sleep 12-6 last night. The first time in a long time.
- I am struggling with my schooling. I can't seem to get into it, probably because I have no time. I looked at dropping the course I'm doing right now, but I missed the deadline. And I don't want a zero or failed attempt because then I have to pay to retake it.
- my husband really wants to try for another baby. I would like to have another one, and have them relatively close together, but I have been waffling a bit.

Sound like a long list? It is. I think the doc may have hit the nail with the stress bit. His recommendations?

- take Tylenol every 4 hours to try to help prevent it.
- take Advil if I feel a headache starting. I have so far only been doing this. And it is working, with time and preferably some sleep.
- try to reduce some stress. Yea right.
- try to get as much sleep as possible. Already trying, thanks.

My son has a check-up next Friday, so he'll check me at the same time. If I have less headaches between now and then, we'll continue with this. Otherwise, he will look at migraine-aimed medicine.

I still plan to go have my eyes checked in the next little while, both to rule this out as a cause, and to address the contact issue I have been having. Although, my contacts have been comfortable and working great without problems for the past two weeks. Go figure. Hopefully my headaches diminish and I'm feeling better soon.

Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Jan 12

I've started two new books, and one audiobook this past week. And it figures that as soon as I started a book I already own, the library called to tell me I had lots to pick up. Good thing I have so much free time to read... (note sarcasm)

Ceremony in Death by JD Robb. This is number 5 in the series, and my first of the year. Loving it like usual. Reading it during my lunch hours.

Earth (the book): A Visitor's Guide to the Human Race by Jon Stewart. So far it is just like his show, funny and sarcastic.I'm reading this during my few minutes of relaxing time just before bed.

Nerve Damage by Peter Abrahams. This is my new audiobook in the car. It was a little slow to start, and I have some issues with the reader, but it's getting interesting now.


So what are you reading right now?

Book Review: Heat Wave

Heat Wave by Richard Castle is the latest audiobook I listened to during my daily commute. It is a police drama that follows NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat as she investigates the murder of a real estate tycoon.

This is not just a straight police drama though. Detective Heat is accompanied by Jameson Rook, a magazine jourmalist who is doing research. It is not a big surprise that there is chemistry between the two of them, or that Heat is trying to avoid it.

The plot progresses quickly, and does provide some surprise twists. I enjoyed the journey, although I think the last few paragraphs are a little weak and seem a bit out of character for Heat. It's like the author was running out of room, and needed to wrap things up.

Overall, a great police drama. Enough so that I think I'll keep an eye out for the next in the series.

Since it was an audiobook, there was the added element of having someone read it to me. I found the narrator to be a bit over dramatic in the beginning. Once I got past the first CD or two, he seemed to even out a bit. Also, the choice of a male narrator seemed odd, since the book is told from a female perspective. But it was still a pleasant listening opportunity.

Book review: Room

I just finished Room by Emma Donoghue. I found it very disturbing in the beginning, but once I got into it, I thought it was amazing. The premise of the book is the story of a boy and his mom who are being held captive in a one room shed, as told by the boy. He was born in the room, and the story begins as he turns five.

The author does an amazing job telling the story from a child's perspective. It is very real. And since Jack doesn't know there is anything wrong with his life, it is both joyful, and sad, because the reader knows the truth.

This book really drew me in, and I finished it super quick because I couldn't put it down.

This is definitely a must-read book.

Money check-up Jan 10

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on my massage. It always seems pricey, but it's definitely worth it. Even if it didn't stop my migraines.


2. Today I feel undecided towards money. I am trying to decide whether I should use my emergency fund to pay off my credit card. I have enough to do it, and the balance is from the last car repair I paid. But I like having money in my emergency fund. I don't want to spend it. So I can't decide.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was visit my mom last weekend. It wasn't technically free since I had to buy gas, but I did get a gift card to help pay for it, and since my aunt came part way, she chipped in for some of the cost. And I came home with way more than I went up with. My son got several new outfits, and I got a new blazer for work, and three new pairs of work pants.

4. I will consider this week a success if I come up with a workout plan. I am thinking about trying the 30 Day Shred video. It is from the trainer from Biggest Loser. The workout is 20 min, and you do it every day. I think I could fit it in first thing in the morning, provided I actually get my eyes open, instead of dozing on the couch with my son. I saw it on sale at HMV for $15 or so.

5. I expect snow. I used to live near Ottawa, and there is a LOT of snow up there in the winter. Now that I am south of Toronto, there is very little in comparison. But I still expect to see it every winter. This year, it didn't snow until last week really. Which is a little odd, and makes everything seem colder, and the winter longer.

Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Visit this week's post at My Pretty Pennies for the linky tool.

Booking It in 2011 - Jan post

As mentioned on my 2011 goals page, I am participating in the Booking It in 2011 challenge hosted by Life as Mom. For the January post, we are sharing our reading plans for the year. I am planning to read some of the books selected, and some of my own. Here is my list:

February -  Room by Emma Donoghue

March – The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
April – Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois
May - my own choice
June - my own choice

July - my own choice
August – The Help by Kathryn Stockett
September – Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living by Tsh Oxenreider
October – Not Your Mother’s Casseroles by Faith Durand
November - my own choice
December - my own choice


I haven't decided what my own choices will be yet.

More bathroom adventures

The bathroom adventures continue here in my fabulous apartment. For all my new followers, here's a summary so far: we had a leak in our bathroom ceiling in the summer. It was stopped in Sept and the hole was fixed in Nov. Yup, 3 months to get it fixed.

On the 23rd of Dec, the ceiling above the toilet started leaking again. Water was also running down the side wall, and dripping from the door frame. A plumber was brought in and he cut a hole above the toilet and fixed that leak the next day.

Fast forward to day, and the wall and ceiling above the sink are water logged and running constantly. Our medicine cabinet with mirror front started to fall off the wall Wed night. So we removed it before it could fall and shatter everywhere. The wall had cracked and was giving way behind it. The water is running from the ceiling, down behind the light fixture (!) and out the bottom of it. Sounds safe, eh?!

The carpet outside the bathroom is soaked. A 3 foot square, and the inside of our linen closet, which shares a wall with the bathromom. Can't see where the water is coming from, it must be through the wall and out the bottom. I had to create a temporary "carpet" out of garbage bags so we can get to the bathroom and my son's room without getting soaking wet feet.

And the smell. Oh how I hate a sewer smell. Which is what our apartment smells like on that whole back end. When will it be fixed? They were supposed to come on Thurs. Haven't seen anyone yet. Let's see how long this episode takes.

At least we have less than 3 months to go here. Come on March 31!

Friday Night Leftovers - Jan 7

I haven't had the brain power to write any real blog posts lately (see point one below for reason) so I think I have lots of stuff to pull from to create a leftover edition.

1. I have had a migraine every day for the past week. On Wednesday I went and had a massage, thinking maybe the massive knot in my shoulder was the cause. Since I got 2 migraines in the last 24 hours, I'm thinking the knot was caused by the pain, not the other way around. So I have no idea what is causing them. But they are more painful than any I've had before.

2. I found out that my car won't be repaired until next Tuesday or Wednesday. So I swung by and got some stuff out of it that I would need before then. Like my audiobook and my parking pass. I am definitely growing to love driving an automatic. It will be a sad shock to go back to my car next week.

3. Apparently I don't have a lot to say, since I can't think of anything else. Oh well.

If you want to join the fun and share things, click the button above to go to the linky list.

Friday blog hops

It's Friday! Time for some blog hops to find new people to read and love.

Book review: Rapture in Death

Rapture in Death is the fourth book in the series. The plot for this book centres around Eve's investigation into a series of unrelated suicides that are completely out of character for the victims. She is certain that something, or someone, is causing them, and is determined to figure it out.

This is the most outlandish plot so far. The technology used in this book is much further advanced than in any of the previous books, and is way ahead of where we are now. The story opens at an offworld resort, and heavily features VR simulations.

The story is overall darker than the previous ones, and it seems to take a little bit more to read, but it is still a great story, and great addition to the series.

Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Jan 5

I have a few books on the go at the moment:

Room by Emma Donoghue. I just started this one yesterday at lunch. So far, I am finding it to be sad and depressing. The very idea of it (a mom and her son are being held prisoner in a single room. The boy, who turns 5 at the beginning of the story, has never been outside. He doesn't even really know there is an outside.) is appalling and depressing. There have been a few smile moments, but this is definitely a dark book so far.

PostSecret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives by Frank Warren. This is the only PostSecret book I haven't read yet. They are definitely awesome. I love reading the secrets, and seeing the little pieces of artwork that some people have made as their postcard.

My car audiobook is still Heat Wave by Richard Castle. But I left it in my car, which is still at the body shop. I should get it back by the end of the week though (woohoo - I think. I'm enjoying driving an automatic now.) I have to get this one finished because it is due back to the library next week, and I can't renew since someone placed a hold on it.

So, what are you reading?

Book review: Immortal in Death

Immortal In Death is the third book in the In Death series. This book really focuses on Eve and her friendship with Mavis. The book starts off with a model being murdered, and Mavis being the number one suspect.

It is interesting to see Eve and Roarke's relationship deepen, with Eve having to shop for a wedding dress. I'm not a huge shopping fan, but I don't dread it like Eve does.

I really liked the idea and theme of family running through this book. Eve doesn't think she has family, but her thoughts and actions really highlight how a person can create their own family with friends. Not to give anything away, but the collection of ladies at her bachelorette party are her family, and it is quite a group. All strong, independent women, and very realistic with each having their own personality and flaws.

Happy New Year

Just a quick post to say Happy New Year. I just got back from my trip, and it's always great to visit, but just as great to get home. Hope everyone had a great New Year's.