Weekly Wrap-Up (September 25, 2016)... Another Round of ROW80 Ends

A new round of ROW80 has begun.

Progress on my goals is at the end of this post.

Blog Posts

I did not blog this week.

What I read
I am still reading The Shadow of the Wind.   I am really enjoying it.

Interesting Stuff I Found on the Internet
I have not been on the internet much.

ROW80 Goals
Round 3 of ROW80 has ended.  This round ran from July 4th to September 22nd.  I started a little late, so my number of weeks and days is a little different.  I did not accomplish any of my goals this round.  Here is my progress:

1.  Read 9 books (4/9)
I am currently reading The Shadow of the Wind.  Other books I have read this round are:
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
Armada by Ernest Cline
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

2.  Continue with my blogging schedule (8/10 weeks)

You can check out my weekly posts through the links at the beginning of this post.

3.  Edit 5 chapters of ZF (0/5)

I would really like to complete this goal this round but I have not begun yet.

4.  Write daily (24/66 days)

Monday:  :(
Tuesday:  :(
Wednesday:  :(
Thursday: :(
Friday:  :(
Saturday: :(
Sunday:  :(

5.  Continue my Creative Every Day challenge

I started a Tardis baby blanket this week.

6.  Swim at least twice a week. (4/10 weeks)

Even though the pool has reopened, I still did not go swimming this week.

How did your week go?
Do you have a blog post or interesting link you'd like to share with me?

Weekly Wrap-Up (September 18, 2016)

A new round of ROW80 has begun.

Progress on my goals is at the end of this post.

Blog Posts

Monday Musings... Family Stories

August Book Reviews

What I'm Reading Wednesday #25

Personal Stuff
I feel like I am starting to adjust to my work schedule, although I have been going to bed a lot earlier than usual.  I feel like I am making progress on a lot of projects.  I am still not writing every day, but I still try.  That's what's important.

What I read
I am still reading The Shadow of the Wind.   I am really enjoying it.

Interesting Stuff I Found on the Internet
I have not been on the internet much.

ROW80 Goals
Round 3 of ROW80 has begun.  This round runs from July 4th to September 22nd.  I started a little late, so my number of weeks and days is a little different.  Here is my progress so far:

1.  Read 9 books (4/9)
I am currently reading The Shadow of the Wind.  Other books I have read this round are:
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
Armada by Ernest Cline
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

2.  Continue with my blogging schedule (8/10 weeks)

You can check out my weekly posts through the links at the beginning of this post.

3.  Edit 5 chapters of ZF (0/5)

I would really like to complete this goal this round but I have not begun yet.

4.  Write daily (24/66 days)

Monday:  Morning Pages and NaBloPoMo prompt
Tuesday:  Morning Pages and NaBloPoMo prompt
Wednesday:  :(
Thursday: :(
Friday:  :(
Saturday: :(
Sunday:  Letter to a new penpal

5.  Continue my Creative Every Day challenge

I finished a star baby blanket this week.

6.  Swim at least twice a week. (4/10 weeks)

Even though the pool has reopened, I still did not go swimming this week.

How did your week go?
Do you have a blog post or interesting link you'd like to share with me?

What I'm Reading Wednesday #25 (September 14, 2016)

As usual, Wednesday ROW 80 check-ins will reflect on my reading goals.  I am still reading The Shadow of the Wind  by Carlos Ruiz Zafón.  Nothing has changed since my last update.

My goal for this round of ROW80 is 9 books.

Anyway, here is my progress so far... 
2016 Goal: 32 books
Books Read = 25/32
Books from TBR list: 5
Series completed: 1
ROW80 Round 3 Goal:  4/9
2016 Pinterest Board

January
1.  Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
2.  Foreign Gods, Inc by Okey Ndibe
3.  Dear Mister Essay Writer Guy by Dinty W. Moore
4.  Thunder and Lightning by Natalie Goldberg

February
1.  The Double Life of Fidel Castro
2.  Peeps by Scott Westerfeld (Started a new series)
3.  Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult (TBR)
4.  The Last Days by Scott Westerfeld (Completed a series!) 

March
1.  The Magician by Michael Scott (Book 2 of a series)
2.  The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr
3.  Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

April
1.  The Art of X-Ray Reading
1.  Doodle Art Handbook by Lana Karr
2.  Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

May
1.  Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (TBR)

June
1.  The Interior Circuit by Francisco Goldman
2.  The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison
3.  Frida's Bed by Slavenka Drakulic

July

1.  The Beach House by James Patterson and Peter De Jonge

2.  The Haters by Jesse Andrews

3.  Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis (TBR)

4.  Room by Emma Donoghue (TBR)
5.  The Sorceress by Michael Scott (Book 3 of a series)

August
1.  Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness (Book 2 of a series)
2.  Armada by Ernest Cline
3.  Wild by Cheryl Strayed (TBR)
4.  The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

What are you reading this week?  How are your reading goals going?

Weekly Wrap-Up (September 12, 2016)

A new round of ROW80 has begun.

Progress on my goals is at the end of this post.

Blog Posts

Monday Musings:  Women Who....

Top Ten Guilty Pleasure TV Shows

Currently...

Randomly On a Thursday: Do People Steal Couches?

Personal Stuff
I am surrounded by injured people recently.  My cat injured her tail and won't stop chewing on it and reopening the wound, so she has a cone collar on.  She hates it. 

Not everyone is having a happy #caturday #caturdaycuties #catsofinstagram

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on Sep 3, 2016 at 1:25pm PDT

My husband started out with a sprained ankle and has now been diagnosed with Plantar Faciitis, so he has new shoes and stretches and splints and things.  I feel like the healthiest one in the house :)

What I read
I have been reading The Shadow of the Wind.  I tried reading it in Spanish a while ago but I couldn't make it through.  Now I know why.  The author uses very complex vocabulary that would have been difficult to wade through in a different language.  I am enjoying it more now that I am reading the book in English. 

Interesting Stuff I Found on the Internet
I have not been on the internet much.

ROW80 Goals
Round 3 of ROW80 has begun.  This round runs from July 4th to September 22nd.  I started a little late, so my number of weeks and days is a little different.  Here is my progress so far:

1.  Read 9 books (4/9)
I am currently reading The Shadow of the Wind.  Other books I have read this round are:
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
Armada by Ernest Cline
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

2.  Continue with my blogging schedule (7/10 weeks)

You can check out my weekly posts through the links at the beginning of this post.

3.  Edit 5 chapters of ZF (0/5)

I would really like to complete this goal this round but I have not begun yet.

4.  Write daily (22/66 days)

Monday:  :(
Tuesday:  Morning Pages and NaBloPoMo prompt
Wednesday:  :(
Thursday: :(
Friday:  :(
Saturday: :(
Sunday:  Morning Pages and NaBloPoMo prompt

5.  Continue my Creative Every Day challenge

I've been working on writing a baby blanket this week.

6.  Swim at least twice a week. (4/10 weeks)

The pool is closed for maintenance.

How did your week go?
Do you have a blog post or interesting link you'd like to share with me?

Weekly Wrap-Up (September 4, 2016)

A new round of ROW80 has begun.

Progress on my goals is at the end of this post.

Blog Posts

Teaser Tuesday

What I'm Reading Wednesday #24

Personal Stuff
The school year has officially begun, and I am back at work.  This week was the most exhausting experience I have ever had.  I am teaching 6 and a half different classes this year and I am feeling a little overwhelmed right now.  I know it will get easier as the year goes on—it always does—but right now, I'm feeling a little brain-dead.

What I read
I did not read anything this week except for education blogs.

Interesting Stuff I Found on the Internet
I have not been on the internet much.

ROW80 Goals
Round 3 of ROW80 has begun.  This round runs from July 4th to September 22nd.  I started a little late, so my number of weeks and days is a little different.  Here is my progress so far:

1.  Read 9 books (4/9)
I am currently reading The Shadow of the Wind.  Other books I have read this round are:
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
Armada by Ernest Cline
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

2.  Continue with my blogging schedule (6/10 weeks)

You can check out my weekly posts through the links at the beginning of this post.

3.  Edit 5 chapters of ZF (0/5)

I would really like to complete this goal this round but I have not begun yet.

4.  Write daily (20/66 days)

Monday:  :(
Tuesday:  :(
Wednesday:  :(
Thursday: :(
Friday:  Morning Pages
Saturday: :(
Sunday:  :(

5.  Continue my Creative Every Day challenge

I've been working on writing a knitting pattern this week.

6.  Swim at least twice a week. (4/10 weeks)

The pool is closed for maintenance.

How did your week go?
Do you have a blog post or interesting link you'd like to share with me?

What I'm Reading Wednesday #24 (August 31, 2016)

As usual, Wednesday ROW 80 check-ins will reflect on my reading goals.  I am currently reading The Shadow of the Wind  by Carlos Ruiz Zafón.

My goal for this round of ROW80 is 9 books.

Anyway, here is my progress so far... 
2016 Goal: 32 books
Books Read = 25/32
Books from TBR list: 5
Series completed: 1
ROW80 Round 3 Goal:  4/9
2016 Pinterest Board

January
1.  Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
2.  Foreign Gods, Inc by Okey Ndibe
3.  Dear Mister Essay Writer Guy by Dinty W. Moore
4.  Thunder and Lightning by Natalie Goldberg

February
1.  The Double Life of Fidel Castro
2.  Peeps by Scott Westerfeld (Started a new series)
3.  Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult (TBR)
4.  The Last Days by Scott Westerfeld (Completed a series!) 

March
1.  The Magician by Michael Scott (Book 2 of a series)
2.  The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr
3.  Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

April
1.  The Art of X-Ray Reading
1.  Doodle Art Handbook by Lana Karr
2.  Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

May
1.  Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (TBR)

June
1.  The Interior Circuit by Francisco Goldman
2.  The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison
3.  Frida's Bed by Slavenka Drakulic

July

1.  The Beach House by James Patterson and Peter De Jonge

2.  The Haters by Jesse Andrews

3.  Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis (TBR)

4.  Room by Emma Donoghue (TBR)
5.  The Sorceress by Michael Scott (Book 3 of a series)

August
1.  Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness (Book 2 of a series)
2.  Armada by Ernest Cline
3.  Wild by Cheryl Strayed (TBR)
4.  The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

What are you reading this week?  How are your reading goals going?

Weekly Wrap-Up (August 21, 2016)

A new round of ROW80 has begun.

Progress on my goals is at the end of this post.

Blog Posts

Teaser Tuesday

What I'm Reading #23

The Myth of Happily Ever After

Personal Stuff
I am getting ready for the beginning of the school year and going back to work.  I will be sad to say goodbye to summer, but it will be good to be back. 

What I read

I started The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.  It took me a few chapters to get used to the writing style but I am enjoying it.

Interesting Stuff I Found on the Internet
I have been researching flash fiction this week.  I think it might be an interesting way for me to improve my writing.  I found a free flash fiction class and plan to sign up.

ROW80 Goals
Round 3 of ROW80 has begun.  This round runs from July 4th to September 22nd.  I started a little late, so my number of weeks and days is a little different.  Here is my progress so far:

1.  Read 9 books (3/9)
I am currently reading The Book Thief.  Other books I have read this round are:
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
Armada by Ernest Cline
Wild by Cheryl Strayed

2.  Continue with my blogging schedule (5/10 weeks)

I am planning a few small changes to my blogging schedule, but so far I have been doing great with this goal.  You can check out my weekly posts through the links at the beginning of this post.

3.  Edit 5 chapters of ZF (0/5)

I would really like to complete this goal this round but I have not begun yet.

4.  Write daily (19/66 days)

Monday: Morning Pages; NaBloPoMo prompt
Tuesday:  Morning Pages; NaBloPoMo prompt
Wednesday: Morning Pages; NaBloPoMo prompt
Thursday: Morning Pages; NaBloPoMo prompt
Friday:  :(
Saturday: :(
Sunday:  Blogging

5.  Continue my Creative Every Day challenge

It has been really hot this week, a heatwave, and I have not been super creative.  I did make two ATCs and then forgot to take pictures :)

6.  Swim at least twice a week. (4/10 weeks)

I swam Monday and Wednesday.

How did your week go?
Do you have a blog post or interesting link you'd like to share with me?

What I'm Reading Wednesday #23 (August 17, 2016)

As usual, Wednesday ROW 80 check-ins will reflect on my reading goals.  I am currently reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

My goal for this round of ROW80 is 9 books.

Anyway, here is my progress so far... 
2016 Goal: 32 books
Books Read = 24/32
Books from TBR list: 5
Series completed: 1
ROW80 Round 3 Goal:  3/9
2016 Pinterest Board

January
1.  Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
2.  Foreign Gods, Inc by Okey Ndibe
3.  Dear Mister Essay Writer Guy by Dinty W. Moore
4.  Thunder and Lightning by Natalie Goldberg

February
1.  The Double Life of Fidel Castro
2.  Peeps by Scott Westerfeld (Started a new series)
3.  Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult (TBR)
4.  The Last Days by Scott Westerfeld (Completed a series!) 

March
1.  The Magician by Michael Scott (Book 2 of a series)
2.  The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr
3.  Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

April
1.  The Art of X-Ray Reading
1.  Doodle Art Handbook by Lana Karr
2.  Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

May
1.  Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (TBR)

June
1.  The Interior Circuit by Francisco Goldman
2.  The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison
3.  Frida's Bed by Slavenka Drakulic

July

1.  The Beach House by James Patterson and Peter De Jonge

2.  The Haters by Jesse Andrews

3.  Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis (TBR)

4.  Room by Emma Donoghue (TBR)
5.  The Sorceress by Michael Scott (Book 3 of a series)

August
1.  Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness (Book 2 of a series)
2.  Armada by Ernest Cline
3.  Wild by Cheryl Strayed (TBR)

What are you reading this week?  How are your reading goals going?

Weekly Wrap-Up (August 14, 2016)

A new round of ROW80 has begun.

Progress on my goals is at the end of this post.

Blog Posts

Teaser Tuesday

Currently...

Personal Stuff
I got a new obsession this week: a Fitbit Alta.  It will hopefully lead to more healthy habits.  I love that I can track my calorie intake through the app, and it even tracks my sleep.  I am a goal-setter, and this little bracelet has me setting goals and working hard to meet them.  It's awesome.

What I read

I am starting The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.  I've heard a lot of good things about this book and I am excited to read it.

Starting a new book #365frandz #project365 #erinsbookchallenge5 #erinsbookchallenge #amreading

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on Aug 14, 2016 at 8:35pm PDT

Interesting Stuff I Found on the Internet
This week I have become obsessed with Absolute Write, a writing forum that was recommended to me by someone on another writing forum.  There is so much information, I feel a little overwhelmed, but I am hoping to get help moving forward with my writing and editing goals.

ROW80 Goals
Round 3 of ROW80 has begun.  This round runs from July 4th to September 22nd.  I started a little late, so my number of weeks and days is a little different.  Here is my progress so far:

1.  Read 9 books (3/9)
I am currently reading The Book Thief.  Other books I have read this round are:
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
Armada by Ernest Cline
Wild by Cheryl Strayed

2.  Continue with my blogging schedule (4/10 weeks)

I am planning a few small changes to my blogging schedule, but so far I have been doing great with this goal.  You can check out my weekly posts through the links at the beginning of this post.

3.  Edit 5 chapters of ZF (0/5)

I would really like to complete this goal this round but I have not begun yet.

4.  Write daily (14/66 days)

Monday:  :(
Tuesday:  NaBloPoMo prompt
Wednesday: :(
Thursday: NaBloPoMo prompt
Friday:  :(
Saturday: NaBloPoMo prompt
Sunday:  NaBloPoMo prompt, Blogging

5.  Continue my Creative Every Day challenge

Pictures get posted on my Instagram if you want to follow my creative progress.  It's been too hot to crochet, so I started a coloring page this week.

My current coloring sheet wip #365frandz #project365 #coloredpencils #coloring #doverpublications #ced2016

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on Aug 14, 2016 at 12:15am PDT

6.  Swim at least twice a week. (3/10 weeks)

This week I did not swim.

How did your week go?
Do you have a blog post or interesting link you'd like to share with me?

What I'm Reading Wednesday #22 (August 3, 2016)

As usual, Wednesday ROW 80 check-ins will reflect on my reading goals.  I am currently reading Armada by Ernest Cline. 

My goal for this round of ROW80 is 9 books.

Anyway, here is my progress so far... 
2016 Goal: 32 books
Books Read = 22/32
Books from TBR list: 4
Series completed: 1
ROW80 Round 3 Goal:  1/9
2016 Pinterest Board

January
1.  Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
2.  Foreign Gods, Inc by Okey Ndibe
3.  Dear Mister Essay Writer Guy by Dinty W. Moore
4.  Thunder and Lightning by Natalie Goldberg

February
1.  The Double Life of Fidel Castro
2.  Peeps by Scott Westerfeld (Started a new series)
3.  Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult (TBR)
4.  The Last Days by Scott Westerfeld (Completed a series!) 

March
1.  The Magician by Michael Scott (Book 2 of a series)
2.  The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr
3.  Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

April
1.  The Art of X-Ray Reading
1.  Doodle Art Handbook by Lana Karr
2.  Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

May
1.  Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (TBR)

June
1.  The Interior Circuit by Francisco Goldman
2.  The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison
3.  Frida's Bed by Slavenka Drakulic

July

1.  The Beach House by James Patterson and Peter De Jonge

2.  The Haters by Jesse Andrews

3.  Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis (TBR)

4.  Room by Emma Donoghue (TBR)
5.  The Sorceress by Michael Scott (Book 3 of a series)

August
1.  Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness (Book 2 of a series)

What are you reading this week?  How are your reading goals going?

Weekly Wrap-up (July 31, 2016)

A new round of ROW80 has begun.

Progress on my goals is at the end of this post.

Blog Posts

June Book Reviews

What I'm Reading Wednesday #21

Personal Stuff
It's been a good week.  I started a search for new penpals and sent out two emails today.  Hopefully I will hear back soon.  I love sending and receiving letters!

What I read

I am still reading Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness.  

Interesting Stuff I Found on the Internet
This week I discovered Penpals Now.  I want more penpals and I am hoping this website will help me find some.

ROW80 Goals
Round 3 of ROW80 has begun.  This round runs from July 4th to September 22nd.  I started a little late, so my number of weeks and days is a little different.  Here is my progress so far:

1.  Read 9 books (0/9)
I am currently reading Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness.  It will be the first book I complete this round.

2.  Continue with my blogging schedule (2/10 weeks)

This week I kept up with my blogging schedule.  You can check out my weekly posts through the links at the beginning of this post.

3.  Edit 5 chapters of ZF (0/5)

I would really like to complete this goal this round but I have not begun yet.

4.  Write daily (7/66 days)

Monday:  :(
Tuesday:  Worked on a blog post
Wednesday: Worked on a blog post
Thursday: :(
Friday:  :(
Saturday: :(
Sunday:  :(

5.  Continue my Creative Every Day challenge

Pictures get posted on my Instagram if you want to follow my creative progress.  I am still working on the baby blanket but did not make much progress this week.

6.  Swim at least twice a week. (2/10 weeks)

This week I swam Monday and Friday.

How did your week go?
Do you have a blog post or interesting link you'd like to share with me?