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"Publish or Parish"

After two months without new content and only four post in the months before things don't look to good for the Blow of Stew(art). Without excuses, I just haven't wanted to write. The few occasions I've had interesting thoughts I've been far from a computer or the internet and by the time I was the thought has lost or seemed "too old".

The thing I realized this week was that I missed blogging. Nothings changed I just missed the thinking and sharing that can happen on a blog that doesn't on Facebook. So, grab the writing defibrillator...we're going to try and save the blog!


What's new?

Since my 32nd birthday (and the last post before thing) this is what's been going on:

• A dear friend moved away it was sad and buying her couch and zero gravity chair does not make up for the lost.
• I've discovered a new "board" game, The Resistance. It's designed for 5-10 players and has been a hit at youth group. Might be the first game I review if I resume the "rate the fun" posts.
• I've been preparing for the youth group's 4th annual Frenchy formal and the church's summer Backyard clubs. I'm excited for both these events, especially the themes. The youth group event is Willy Wonka and the Backyard Clubs will be Group's medieval VBS Kingdom Rock.
• I saw Star Trek: Into Darkness and loved it so I watched it again and then watch Wrath of Khan.
• I've been listening to a lot of audiobooks and a bit of reading. The books that I'm thinking about right now are ADD Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life and If You Will Ask
• My family is visiting in 11 sleeps!!!
• And last a celebration......

....my baby sister turned 13 today!

Happy Birthday Lee-Ann!!!

 

Disney Trip 2007 (Lee_Ann's 6)

(Dad was it 2007? Let me know if I need to correct the date)

Christmas 2012

(Lee-Ann's 12) 

The Simple Woman Daybook 129 -Birthday Edition

FOR TODAY: April 26, 2013
You can find the more daybooks at Simple Woman's Daybook.

Outside my window....darkness.

I am thinking...about the day, reflective thoughts on the past year, frustrations over my poor communication, how it's good to be alive, that I'm loved, and that after a full and wonderful birthday it's time for bed.


I am thankful for...my wonderful friend Justine.

I am wearing...jeans, a pink tee, and my greenish corduroy jacket.

I am creating...a short story to submit to my writing groups annual anthology, maybe if I announce my intentions here there will be a high chance that I will complete the story and actually submit it this year..

I am going...to have a great 32nd journey around the sun.

I am wondering...what is my purpose. I found a list of birthday questions to consider. "What is your purpose?" was the last one and the only one I struggled to answer.

I am reading...Bridge -The Bidding, Mark (Bible), and audiobook is called Incarceron.

I am hoping...to keep the current momentum.

I am looking forward to...seeing my family in nine weeks.

I am hearing...water running and the hum of my computer.

Around the house...so much cat hair. I think I'm going to need to vacuum everyday or shave the cat.

One of my favorite things...challenges. I have a new list of 33 challenges. 33 things or adventures I want to do before I turn 33. I'm undecided if I want to share the whole list or just post accomplishments. I'll think about it tonight.

A few plans for the rest of the week:..a volunteer training event, special Birthday dinner with cake. Inn From the Cold, writing, finish (start) income taxes, Life Group, youth group, and GEMS. 

Two pictures to share:...this is from Thursday's youth group early birthday celebration.

 This is the sunrise on my birthday

The Simple Woman Daybook 128

FOR TODAY: March 3, 2013
You can find the more daybooks at Simple Woman's Daybook.

Outside my window....darkness.

I am thinking...good thoughts and reviewing my life goals.


I am thankful for...physiotherapy.

I am wearing...jeans and a brown tee.

I am creating...a birthday card.

I am going...to watch Doctor Who.

I am wondering...what are my life goals.

I am reading...Carnivores of Light and Darkness and The Price of Stones.

I am hoping...to keep the current momentum.

I am looking forward to...tomorrow.

I am hearing...the washing machine.

Around the house...maybe Easter decorations.

One of my favorite things...hope.

A few plans for the rest of the week:..a two trips to the physiotherapist, craft day tomorrow, Life Group, youth group, GEMS sleepover and preparations for March Break. 

A picture to share:...

The Simple Woman Daybook 127

FOR TODAY: February 3, 2013
You can find the more daybooks at Simple Woman's Daybook.

Outside my window....the start of a snow storm.

I am thinking...it's been awhile since I blogged, my ankle hurts (which is expected, I did sprain it earlier this week) and today is going to be nice and relaxing.


I am thankful for...children's ministry volunteers.

I am wearing...all black (shoes, socks, pants and sweater). Earlier today I was in my cow print vest and a headband with cow ears and horns =cow costume.

I am creating...Valentine cards for next Sunday.

I am going...home to rest.

I am wondering...about leadership and methods of Bible Study.

I am reading...The Shadow Sorceress and The Price of Stones.

I am hoping...to figure out how to stay off my foot.

I am looking forward to...a nap.

I am hearing...TV.

Around the house...regular chores.

One of my favorite things...Lucky Charms.

A few plans for the rest of the week:..a trip to the physiotherapist, card making tomorrow, Life Group, youth group, tea with another kids pastor, GEMS and hopefully board games. 

A picture to share:...

The Simple Woman Daybook 126

FOR TODAY: January 6, 2013
You can find the more daybooks at Simple Woman's Daybook.

Outside my window....a gorgeous sunrise.

I am thinking...Z-man games sounds like a good company. I've lost some cards from one of their games and board game geek forum recommendation is to email and they help replace. Hope it is true.


I am thankful for...new days

I am wearing...black pants and a black blouse...with a cow print vest and a headband with cow ears and horns -I'm a cow girl.

I am creating...Happy New Year's cards to make up for not sending Christmas cards

I am going...to have a great day.

I am wondering...about Oswald Chambers passage I read this morning. If I come to a conclusion I will blog about it.

I am reading....The Hobbit and Walking the Camino.

I am hoping...to have my dripping tap fixed tomorrow.

I am looking forward to...watching the Return of the King with friends tonight.

I am hearing...music practice.

Around the house...Christmas will be coming down this week.

One of my favorite things...early morning tea.

A few plans for the rest of the week:...painting with Donna this afternoon, finishing my LORT marathon tonight with friends, got invited to a craft group tomorrow, Life Group, youth group, tea with Pastor Jon, and GEMS.

A picture to share:...

We found a gold nugget

Movie Stats: 2012

It's time for the 2012 edition of "Liz's Movie Watching Habits." It's like last yesterday's useless stats about my reading habits only this time its about movie watching habits. Here are the results:

Movies Watched:
2012 -53 movies
2011 -60 movies
2010 -72 movies
2009 -90 movies
2008 -104 movies

Animated Movies:
2012 -7 movies
2011 -10 movies
2010 -10 movies
2009 -15 movies
2008 -16 movies

Movies Watched With Youth Group:
2012 -2 movies
2011 -1 movie
2010 -15 movies
2009 -11 movies

Highest Viewing Month
2012 -May: 9 movies
2011 -July: 12 movies
2010 -December: 14 movies
2009 -December: 19 movies

Lowest Viewing Month
2012 -January & October: 1 movie
2011 -February: 0 movies
2010 -November: 2 movies
2009 -November: 2 movies

Movie Goal from 2011:
I wanted to average about 5 movies a month for a total of 60 movies over the year.
I did better than I expected averaging just 4.5 movies a month.

2013 Movie Goal:
I don't really have a goal for the 2013. I am happy with the amount of movies I watched. Most of which I watched with friends. Between church life, writing group, and friends I am not home alone often -meaning I am not renting movies to fill the apartment with sound. If the averages says around where it's at I'll be happy. Even if I my movies watch increases but I am watching with friends I'll be happy. We'll see if it happens.

Book Stats: 2012

Welcome to 2012 edition of "Liz's Reading Habits." This is the fifth year that I have kept track of my reading habits. There are moments when I am wondering if it is worth keeping track of but it still interests me and for now that is enough. Here are the results:

Total Books Read:
2012 -82 books (including audio books, 64 without)
2011 -60 books (including audio books, 40 without)
2010 -72 books (including audio books, 48 without)
2009 -72 books (including audio books, 63 without)
2008 -66 books

Non-Fiction Books Read:
2012 -13 books
2011 -9 books
2010 -14 books
2009 -15 books
2008 -13 books

Fiction Books Read:
2012 -64 books
2011 -51 books
2010 -58 books
2009 -57 books
2008 -53 books

2012 Stats:
Audio Books Listened To -18 books
Highest Reading Month -January with 12 books
Lowest Reading Month -October with 1 book

2011 Reading Goals Evaluations:
I wanted to read to 84 Books

I read 82 books which is the most I've read in a year since I started tracking

I wanted to read 6 classical novels

I read 0 classical novel.

I wanted to read 12 non-fiction books

I read 13 non-fiction books.

I wanted to read 12 books from my own collection (TBR pile).

I read 12 TBR books.

I also participated in a crazy amount of reading challenges which will take a whole post to review the success and failure.


2013 Reading Goals:
Read/Listen to 84 Books

Read 12 TBR Non-Fiction Books
Read 12 TBR Fiction Books
Read 12 Books recommended by friends or reviews
Read 12 New Authors or series