Netgalley

Professional Reader

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Oscar's Night- one of my favorite nights of the year!

Mason, Kate and I are on the couch watching the countdown clock for the start of the Oscar's.  Mason just realized how cool it is "live TV".  "Mom we are watching TV from California in Iowa- that is really far".  My kids love movies, especially Mason.  He was totally excited when I told him that he could watch the Oscar's with me tonight.  He continues to count down with the help of the timer in the upper right corner of the TV screen- love it!

I don't know when I started watching the Oscar's.  I remember watching Oscar's at my first childhood home- good old Circle Dr. East.  I have my mother to thank for my love of movies and old movies especially.  My mom's love for musicals continued on with me as I feel has continued on in Mason.  He loves Singing in the Rain and every time he asks to watch it makes me smile (you know the kind of smile that is born in your heart).  I have slacked off in my movie watching of current films and haven't seen a single one of the nominations for best movie for this year's Oscar- oh wait- I saw Toy Story 3 if that counts and if it is nominated in that category.  However, I have faithfully looked at the Turner Classic Movie list of the 31 days of Oscar night movies and seen some of my favorites this year: 12 Angry Men (true/honest art on screen), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (now that is a politician I would love to meet nowadays), Wizard of Oz (speaks for itself).  There are many more, but I won't get to chatty!  So on one of my favorite nights of the year I hope some of you are kicking back and getting ready for the Oscar's.  If movies aren't your thing and/or you haven't seen any of my old time favorites- pick one out of my list (again ongoing production) and I hope it gives you the entertainment/enjoyment they have. 

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Why I'm doing this...

Two things have prompted me to start this process. 

1. Training for a Marathon:  I get very inspired by reading different running books and articles about people training for a sporting event be it: 1/2 marathon, marathon or triathlon.  However, I get frustrated that many of the articles/books aren't realistic for everyday people.  I have recently signed up for my 4th Chicago Marathon.  I've decided to switch up my training schedule this year by following Hal Higdon's 3 day a week running plan.  I have followed his beginner Marathon training schedule in the past and this involved running 4 days a week.  Yes the three day a week will be less running, but the mileage will be almost the same.  There will be a long run on the weekend, a run mid week which will be half the distance of the long weekend run, and then a tempo run (have to run fast :)).  The other kicker with this schedule is that instead of 18 weeks training program it is 24 weeks in length and there are 3 long (20 mile runs) instead of in the past 2 long (20 mile runs).  I plan to write honestly about my training program.  My schedule will start at the end of April- date will be announced in future post.  I hope to write about not only the physical, but mental challenges a mother of two who works part time faces in training for a marathon along with everyday life. 

2. I recently finished an excellent book which as I've told my book club was "life changing".  Now don't let the title throw you or make you think I'm OMING all the time... Poser: My life in twenty-three yoga poses by Claire Dederer.  It was a very well written book and spoke to me about finding yourself in the middle of your life.  By the end of the book I was actually writing, with a blue pen mind you, in my newly bought hard-cover book.  This to me was a sign that her words were really getting to me.  So much that I was maiming my newly bought book.  The feeling I had after reading this book made me think of how I can share my love or potential dislike for what I've read in way that would be helpful or appreciated among my friends and family.  As many of you know I do love reading and also love reading to my kids.  Enclosed in this blog is also a list of some of my favorites.  Mind you work in progress, because I do have many years to cover.  I also will post, somehow- still work out the whole technical side of this blog template, all the books my book club has read over the almost 8 years of existence with a little thumbs up or thumbs down. 

So there you have it my reason for starting this thing.  I will also, since private, have family life stuff  that will be for your entertainment and hopefully bring a smile to your face.

Friday, February 25, 2011

First Time

I've decided to try my hand at blogging.  I hope my blog gives you insight into what a mom of two does when trying to train for a marathon.  Or if you are looking to connect with someone who loves to read- enjoy my reading posts.  Lastly, if you are just wanting to get a laugh or feel a smile come to your face check out my kidos and family without whom I wouldn't be me.