Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

I find my mind reaching back into parts of this book several times a day. I just can't seem to shake it.

Audrey read it and loved it. Joseph read it and loved it. Audrey was going to return it to the library and  I said, "let me keep it. I'll return it when I'm done." I read it and loved it. I bought it.

It is a story that takes place in occupied France and in England during WWII. When I finished the book, I had to bring myself back to the present, and it wasn't easy. I didn't want to let go. I wanted to turn  back to page one and start all over again right then and there. Unfortunately I had a meeting to attend, or I would have. Meanwhile I haven't started a new book for a few days. Still mulling over this one.

It is a young adult book. I found it in the teen section when I went to buy it. It's clean except for some swear words that seem entirely appropriate in context.

It's my turn to choose our book for reading group next month. I was going to do a different book, but now I am going to review this one. I can't wait to read it again.

Fingal O'Reilly: Irish Doctor by Patrick Taylor

I've been busy lately, and reading has taken a back seat to some other activities. I was excited to have this book to read, as I have really enjoyed every book in this series.

It didn't disappoint. It is a little less story-driven than the other books. The stories mainly drive the medical information you learn about the 1930's and 1960's. That sounds dull, but it isn't. The stories are still fun and I found it fascinating to learn how the field of medicine has progressed just in the time of my parents' lives. And how it changed drastically from the 1930's to the 1960's. Compare back then to now, and it is really a marvel.

I flew through the book. I'm impatient for the next one to come out.

Simple Genius by David Baldacci

I'm loving this King and Maxwell series. I've already got the next book in the series checked out and waiting on my nightstand.

2014 Goals and Resolutions

It's a new year, and I'm setting some new goals, and renewing some old ones. It really helps me to be accountable to myself and that's why I write about it on my blog. Even if I don't accomplish everything I set out to do, I accomplish some of it along with some other things I didn't plan on doing - a bonus! Plus I have a record of it, and can actually look back and remember what I got done, and that I did indeed get something done.

This year is my golden birthday - I was born in 1957, and I turn 57 this month. This is the year I plan to take care of myself, and get my life in order (if such a thing is possible). So without further ado, here are my goals for the year:

1. First Things First:
Say my prayers and read my scriptures daily.
Regular exercise.
Eat more healthy foods.
These are lifelong goals. Each year I get a little bit better, and a little more consistent at these things.

2. Personal History: in the past this has consisted mainly of trying to get my photos scanned and labeled. That will continue this year, as I have barely begun to make a dent in the process. But I also want to be better about keeping a personal journal too. All these things together help to record my life. I'm not very good at it, but it is an area I'd like to develop and improve in.

3. Temples: Utah has 13 LDS Temples. I want to go to every one of them this year. Some are local, some will require a little travel.

4. Home projects: this is the area I always have such high hopes for, but always seems to take a back seat to everything else. That's okay - every bit I chip away at is a help. As I looked over what I had on my list for 2013, and what I got done, I was amazed at all I did. So even if my list is very optimistic, I'm happy with coming up short because I still get some of the things done I want to get done. This year I have two areas here I want to do. A monthly cleaning project that will hopefully have my house organized and clean by the end of the year (very optimistic here). And a few ongoing projects that I will assign to my self for a month at a time, and rotate them through the year. Don't worry, it makes sense to me, and I'm the one who matters in this case. I'm going to set them down in writing here, and reserve the right to change and modify them at any time. It will be interesting to see what actually happens by next December.
Cleaning
January: Kitchen
February: Master Bedroom
March: Master Bath
April: Family Room
May: (yard) Living Room
June: (yard) Library/Music Room
July: (yard) Downstairs Bathrooms
August: (yard) Upstairs Bathrooms
September: (yard) Guest  Rooms
October: Office (mine)
November: Laundry Room
December: Temple Service
Projects
Reorganize Dad's files
Update emergency info
Year Supply info
Motorcycle - organize gear
Take pictures for insurance

So there it is for 2014. Each month I will return and report my progress, and set out goals for the following month. For January: Clean my kitchen top to bottom, and reorganize my dad's files.

Here's to a great year! Happy New Year!