QoTD 6/30/12

Question of the Day:

Beer, wine, or coffee?


I am definitely a coffee person.  I don't need it to function but it definitely makes me happier.  

The Story Trap by Masha du Toit

Here is my first review for Literary+!


The Story Trap by Masha du Toit
Self Published, March 2012
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Contemporary Fantasy
Format: Kindle

Story Description:

Rebecca never expected to meet a witch, least of all in a second-hand bookshop in Mowbray. Surely she had nothing to fear from an old lady holding a box of children's books? But on the train home Rebecca collapses and is rushed to hospital, deep in a coma. Rebecca's sisters, Pippa and Anmarie, are confronted by a frightening mystery: her body might be in the hospital bed, but where was Rebecca?

My Thoughts:

I devoured this story in a single sitting and it was a great way to spend a few hours.  The story starts right in on the action without any unnecessary exposition.  I loved the parallel plot lines of Rebecca's adventures and the efforts of her sisters to reconnect her mind and body.  The progression of Rebecca's fantasy world was captivating and interesting and the reveal to her sisters was well executed.  The character of the Witch was well developed and I really appreciated having an antagonist with an actual motivation beyond greed.

There was one part of the story that I struggled with some because in some senses it felt like a wasted opportunity.  One of the sisters gets injured in a way that was probably meant to raise the stakes but falls flat.  I was prepared for more tension and an emotional response but was disappointed by a brush off and keep going resolution.  It didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story but it made me wonder what the point of the injury was.

Another factor that added to the experience of The Story Trap was the addition of small illustrations that were peppered throughout the story.  It was fun to see small graphics that helped build a sense of the world being shared.  This story has a lot of fun things going for it: magic, sisterhood, illustrations and a engaging fairy tale feel.  I enjoyed reading The Story Trap and definitely recommend that you add it to your reading list.

Relevant Links:
The Story Trap on Amazon

Masha du Toit on Google Plus

Masha du Toit's Blog 

More about Literary+

QoTD 6/29/12

This might look familiar to those who follow me on various social networks but I'm trying a cross-platform experiment.


Question of the Day:

When it comes to dogs, do you prefer purebreds or mixed breeds?

Personally, I really adore mixed breeds. These guys are both mixed breeds, one is a pit bull/akita mix and the other is a doberman/lab mix and both are great dogs.

Weekly Weigh In June 27

I'm a little late with this check in this week but honestly; I was hoping for a better check in weight.  I've learned through experience that Monday usually a high day but when I get back to the more active weekday schedule I usually see a good sized drop.  Unfortunately, this week seems to be a step backward and next week's weigh in will probably reflect the same issue.

A large part of the problem seems to be that my pregnant sister's (who is visiting this week) current meat free diet is not very compatible with my mostly bread, pasta and potato free lifestyle.  That is paired with the fact that I'm still learning how to feed my body and its higher calorie demands on workout days.

Thoughts on my workouts:

Couch to 5K is really going well.  I've done Week 3 Days 1 and 2 now.  I struggled a bit with day 1 but day 2 seemed to easier maybe because I already knew that I could do the 3 minute runs.  I'll still running pretty slowly but I am running.  Cycling is going equally well and I've been slowly increasing the number of sets that I do with the free weights afterwards.

I'm thinking about adding a run on Saturdays, either repeating the Day 3 workout for Couch to 5K or even just free running.  It seems that I'm losing a lot of weight loss progress by resting all weekend so I may give it a try.


Statistics:

Current Weight: 227.4 pounds
Last Week: 224.8 pounds

Weight Loss/Gain: 2.6 pounds gained

Starting Weight: 225.2 pounds
Highest Point: 227.4 pounds
Lowest Point: 224.8 pounds

Portland Lindy Hop Events June 27-July 4

Lindy Events for the Week of June 27-July 4

Wednesday June 27

7:30-10:30 pm Swing Night at Vie de Boheme

Vie de Boheme Wine Bar (1530 SE 7th Ave, Portland)
Live Music by Retta Christie
http://www.facebook.com/events/242383829205473/

Thursday June 28

7:30-11:00pm Live Music by Bridgetown Sextet at Thursday Swing
PPAA (618 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lessons
8:30 Live Music by Bridgetown Sextet

Olympia Jazz Festival
http://www.olyjazz.com/

Friday June 29


Olympia Jazz Festival
http://www.olyjazz.com/


Saturday June 30

6-8pm Trashcan Joe at the Secret Society
Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell, Portland)

9-12 Libertine Belles and Jenny Finn Orchestra at the Secret Society
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell, Portland)


Olympia Jazz Festival
http://www.olyjazz.com/


Sunday July 1

7-11:00pm Sunday Swing 
Scottish Rite (1507 SW Morrison, Portland)
7:00 Intermediate Swing Drop-in Lesson
7:30 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lesson
8:00-11:00pm DJ'd Music
http://www.stumptowndance.com/


Olympia Jazz Festival
http://www.olyjazz.com/


Monday July 2


6:30-8:30pm Learn to Swing Dance with Josh and Emily
Wimbledon Square (2837 SE Colt Drive, Portland)

6:30-7:30 Beginning Lindy Hop

7:30-8:30 Beyond Beginning Partner Charleston

http://www.facebook.com/events/257273261046069/


7:30-9:30pm Guided Swing Practica
Lower Melody Ballroom (615 SE Alder, Portland)
http://www.stumptowndance.com/


8-11pm Lily Wilde Orchestra at Duff's Garage
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Duff's Garage (1635 SE 7th Ave, Portland)


9-11pm Kung Pao Chickens
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Laurelthirst Public House (2958 NE Glisan, Portland)

Tuesday July 3

7:30-12:30 Tuesday Blues
Lenora's Room (615 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Intermediate Blues Lesson
8:30 Beginning Blues Lesson
9-12:30 Dj'd Music

Wednesday July 4

Upcoming Events!

July 15 Workshop of Dips, Tricks & Slides + the classic "Stops 1" Routine! (Scottish Rite, Portland, OR)

August 3 August Lindy Workshop/Dance with Justin & Olivia! (Tango Berretin, Portland, OR)
August 10-12 Seattle Lindy Exchange (Seattle, WA)

Camp NaNoWriMo June 2012 Day 21

Well, I'm doing an excellent job of tanking Camp NaNoWriMo. My life has been chock full of distractions.  The big ones being work, dancing, picking up some volunteer hours, starting a new exercise routine and Full Seasons of Supernatural.

Current Status: 6,306 / 50,000

I have to write about 5K a day until the end of the month to reach 50K.  I've had 5K days before but I've never attempted to maintain a streak of 5K a day before.  I'm going to give it a go and see how many words I can come up with.  Hopefully the words flow fast and freely.

Literary+

I've joined a fun new writer's project over on Google+.  Here's a little bit about what's going on and what you can expect to see changing here.

Literary+ is a writer based project brought together and lead by Shen Hart. It brings together passionate, quality self-published writers to help each other promote their work, bringing more readers to every member. It was sparked by the simple fact that there are many top quality self-published authors being over-looked because they do not have the time and resources to effieciently and effectively market and promote themselves. With ambition and passion, Literary+ will take it's members to the heights they deserve through a tight-knit community of like-minded writers.

You can find the lovely new Google+ page for Literary+ here.


What that means for this blog: obviously, I don't have anything ready for publishing yet (I promise you'll be the first to know) but I'm looking forward to hosting some guest posts and featuring some new book reviews. There are some awesome ladies and gentlemen connected with Literary+ and I'm looking forward to working with them.

Portland Lindy Hop Events June 20-27

Lindy Events for the Week of June 20-27

Wednesday June 20

7:30-10:30 pm Swing Night at Vie de Boheme

Vie de Boheme Wine Bar (1530 SE 7th Ave, Portland)
Live Music by Pete Peterson Septet
http://www.facebook.com/events/242383829205473/

Thursday June 21

7:30-11:00pm Thursday Swing
PPAA (618 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lessons
8:30 DJ'd Music by Josh and Richard

Friday June 22

Saturday June 23

9-12 Shanghai Woolies at Duff's Garage
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Duff's Garage (1635 SE 7th Ave, Portland)

7:30-10:00pm Swing Outside Saturday
Peninsula Park (700 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland)

Sunday June 24

7-11:00pm Sunday Swing 
Scottish Rite (1507 SW Morrison, Portland)
7:00 Intermediate Swing Drop-in Lesson
7:30 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lesson
8:00-11:00pm DJ'd Music
http://www.stumptowndance.com/

Monday June 25


6:30-8:30pm Learn to Swing Dance with Josh and Emily
Wimbledon Square (2837 SE Colt Drive, Portland)

6:30-7:30 Beginning Shag

7:30-8:30 Beyond Beginning Balboa

http://www.facebook.com/events/319247108155951/


7:30-9:30pm Guided Swing Practica
Lower Melody Ballroom (615 SE Alder, Portland)
http://www.stumptowndance.com/

9-11pm Kung Pao Chickens
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Laurelthirst Public House (2958 NE Glisan, Portland)

Tuesday June 26

7:30-12:30 Tuesday Blues
Lenora's Room (615 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Intermediate Blues Lesson
8:30 Beginning Blues Lesson
9-12:30 Dj'd Music

Wednesday June 27

7:30-10:30 Swing Night at Vie de Boheme
Vie de Boheme Wine Bar (1530 SE 7th Ave, Portland)
Live Music by Retta Christie

Upcoming Events!

June 28-July 1 Olympia Jazz Festival (Olympia, WA)
August 10-12 Seattle Lindy Exchange (Seattle, WA)

Weekly Weigh In June 19

This week went pretty well as long as you don't count the entirely too many desserts of the weekend.  Father's Day was celebrated all weekend with brownies, strawberry shortcake and ice cream.  It was tasty  but not very diet friendly.  However, it didn't stop me from dropping a little weight.  I expect to see more dramatic results as I maintain my exercise routine and continue to increase my activity intervals.  Also, fewer sweets will help with that.

Thoughts on my new exercise routine:

Couch to 5K is working really well for me.  I decided to sync my cycling and running by repeating Week 2 on the cycle.  It was fun watching the distance increase over the week and I hope to see the same type of results with my running.

I've learned that I need to be better about stretching before and after workouts since I've had some trouble with my calves tightening up which is very painful when you are trying to run.  I have lots of experience with stretching so it won't be hard, but I do need to practice working it into my routine.

Statistics:

Current Weight: 224.8 pounds
Last Week: 225.2 pounds

Weight Loss/Gain: 0.4 pounds lost

Starting Weight: 225.2 pounds
Highest Point:  225.2 pounds
Lowest Point:  224.8  pounds

Portland Lindy Hop Events June 13-20

Lindy Events for the Week of June 13-20

Wednesday June 13

7:30-10:30 pm Swing Night at Vie de Boheme

Vie de Boheme Wine Bar (1530 SE 7th Ave, Portland)
Live Music by 12th Ave Hot Club

Thursday June 14

7:30-11:00pm Thursday Swing
PPAA (618 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lessons
8:30 DJ'd Music by Stephanie and Ronda

Friday June 15

6-8pm Anna Paul and the Bearded Lady at Mississippi Pizza
Mississippi Pizza (3552 N Mississippi Ave, Portland)

7-10:00pm The Millennium Dance Band
The Ballroom Dance Company (8900 SW Commercial Street, Tigard)
https://www.facebook.com/events/379880342059284/

7:30-10:30 Shim Sham and Swing Dance Social
Viscount Studios (724 E Burnside St, Portland)
http://www.facebook.com/events/419723708067641/

Saturday June 16

1:00-3:00pm Lindy Lab with Colin and Melissa
Viscount Studios (724 E Burnside St, Portland)
http://www.facebook.com/events/318403484909458/


Sunday June 17

7-11:00pm Sunday Swing 
Scottish Rite (1507 SW Morrison, Portland)
7:00 Intermediate Swing Drop-in Lesson
7:30 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lesson
8:00-11:00pm DJ'd Music
http://www.stumptowndance.com/

Monday June 18


6:30-8:30pm Learn to Swing Dance with Josh and Emily
Wimbledon Square (2837 SE Colt Drive, Portland)

6:30-7:30 Beginning Shag

7:30-8:30 Beyond Beginning Balboa

http://www.facebook.com/events/319247108155951/


7:30-9:30pm Guided Swing Practica
Lower Melody Ballroom (615 SE Alder, Portland)
http://www.stumptowndance.com/

9-11pm Kung Pao Chickens
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Laurelthirst Public House (2958 NE Glisan, Portland)

Tuesday June 19

7:30-12:30 Tuesday Blues
Lenora's Room (615 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Intermediate Blues Lesson
8:30 Beginning Blues Lesson
9-12:30 Dj'd Music

Wednesday June 20

7:30-10:30 Swing Night at Vie de Boheme

Vie de Boheme Wine Bar (1530 SE 7th Ave, Portland)
Live Music by Pete Peterson Septet
http://www.facebook.com/events/242383829205473/

Upcoming Events!

June 28-July 1 Olympia Jazz Festival (Olympia, WA)
August 10-12 Seattle Lindy Exchange (Seattle, WA)

Weekly Weigh In June 12

So for those of you who have been following for a while the next statement is going to look familiar: I got off track on my dieting and I am starting fresh again.  I'm taking a slightly different track than I have in the past.  I'm choosing to focus more on exercise than on my diet.  I still intend to eat healthy and control my portion sizes but it hasn't done me much good to obsess over what I eat.  I've made the decision to become more active and focus on building stamina and endurance  I expect that the weight loss will come as a natural consequence as long as I limit my sugar intake.

Thoughts on my new exercise routine:

After some distractions, I'm taking steps forward in my fitness goals. I decided to give running another try and am trying out the Couch to 5K plan.

So far, I have successfully completed Week 1, Days 1 and 2. And I even made it back up the hill to my house!

I've also been using the C25K intervals for my cycling (I've already done Week 2 Day 2). Maybe this summer I will actually try biking to work...

To prove that I'm a bit nerdy: I cycle while rewatching Doctor Who 2005 season 1 and I ran while listening to the audiobook of Cherie Priest's Clementine.  In case it isn't clear, my cycling is done in the safety of my basement on a stationary bike.

Statistics:

Current Weight: 225.2 pounds
Last Week: N/A

Weight Loss/Gain: N/A

Starting Weight: 225.2 pounds
Highest Point:  225.2 pounds
Lowest Point:  225.2  pounds

Recipe: Chicken/Turkey Enchiladas

This is a family favorite recipe.  We usually make it with leftover turkey pieces.

Chicken (or Turkey) Enchiladas

Ingredients:
1 large tomato, diced (or 14oz can diced tomato)
1 medium onion, chopped
8oz chopped green chilies (can be found canned, mix and match mild and hot to desired spiciness)
2 TBSP melted margarine
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
8 Corn Tortillas
Chicken or Turkey, cut up pieces
1 lb cheddar cheese

Directions:
Saute onion, tomato, and chilies in margarine until tender.  Add chicken and set aside.  Combine soups and broth.  Blend well and simmer for 10-15 minutes.  Soften the tortillas in the sauce for a few seconds.  Place chicken mix into tortillas and roll up tightly.  Place in greased 9 by 13 pan and pour remaining sauce over.  Top with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Portland Lindy Hop Events June 6-13

Lindy Events for the Week of June 6-13

Wednesday June 6

7:30-10:30 pm Swing Night at Vie de Boheme

Vie de Boheme Wine Bar (1530 SE 7th Ave, Portland)

Thursday June 7

7:30-11:00pm Thursday Swing
PPAA (618 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lessons
8:30 DJ'd Music by Rod and Larry

Friday June 8

6:00-8:00pm Pete Krebs and the Portland Playboys
Secret Society (116 NE Russell, Portland)

7-11:00pm Vancouvers' The Swing Thing
Whipple Creek Church (8802 NW 9th Avenue,Vancouver, WA)
http://www.facebook.com/events/338705939532889/

9pm-12am Midnight Serenaders at the Blue Monk
Drinking Age Only, 21+
The Blue Monk (3341 SE Belmont, Portland)


Saturday June 9


6:00-8:00pm Boy and Bean
Secret Society (116 NE Russell, Portland)


7:30-10:00pm Swing Outside Saturday
Peninsula Park (700 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland)




Sunday June 10

3-6pm Lindy, Charleston, Improvisations, and Musicality Workshop
Scottish Rite (1507 SW Morrison, Portland)
http://www.facebook.com/events/286664001416430/

7-11:00pm Sunday Swing 
Scottish Rite (1507 SW Morrison, Portland)
7:00 Intermediate Swing Drop-in Lesson
7:30 Beginning Swing Drop-in Lesson
8:00-11:00pm DJ'd Music
http://www.stumptowndance.com/

Monday June 11


7:30-9:30pm Guided Swing Practica
Lower Melody Ballroom (615 SE Alder, Portland)
http://www.stumptowndance.com/

9-11pm Kung Pao Chickens
Drinking Age Only, 21+
Laurelthirst Public House (2958 NE Glisan, Portland)

Tuesday June 12

7:30-12:30 Tuesday Blues
Lenora's Room (615 SE Alder, Portland)
7:30 Intermediate Blues Lesson
8:30 Beginning Blues Lesson
9-12:30 Dj'd Music

Wednesday June 13

7:30-10:30 Swing Night at Vie de Boheme

Vie de Boheme Wine Bar (1530 SE 7th Ave, Portland)

Upcoming Events!

June 28-July 1 Olympia Jazz Festival (Olympia, WA)
August 10-12 Seattle Lindy Exchange (Seattle, WA)

Camp NaNoWriMo June 2012 Day 2

General Stats:

Words Written Today: 510

Total Words Written: 2185

Cups of Coffee This Month: 2

Plans Changed to Accommodate More Writing: 1

Random Ideas Generated: 0

Random Thoughts:
- Too tired to get much writing done today.  Oh well, tomorrow is another day.
- The ideas for this story are finally starting to flow again. 
- This go around is a bit too much pants-ing for me.


Small Snippet of Novel:

Julianne wrapped her scarf tightly around her neck to ward off the bitter cold of the day. The weak sunlight was doing very little to warm things up and Julianne was grateful for each and every layer that she had on. She realized that she was simply delaying going outside and sighed. She gently tugged her goggles down over her eyes to guard against the wind driven snow and slipped out the door of the workshop.
Favorite NaNo-isms of the Day:


frever
worlfd

Progress Bar:

2185 / 50000 (4.37%)

Camp NaNoWriMo June 2012 Day 1

I have, in true last minute fashion, decided to participate in Camp NaNoWriMo.  Luckily I have the bare bones of an idea ready to write.  Go Seasonal Steampunk Serial!  Since I need to get writing it anyway if I want to edit and post it this December...well, wish me luck!

General Stats:

Words Written Today: 1675

Total Words Written: 1675

Cups of Coffee This Month: 1

Plans Changed to Accommodate More Writing: 1

Random Ideas Generated: 0

Random Thoughts:
- Today's experience was filled with distractions galore but it feels good to be writing again
- I came to the realization that I don't write as well or consistently without the word count/deadline challenge of NaNoWriMo so I may be doing this often.  Hopefully the month or two off at a time will be enough to actually edit things.
- I actually have words to add to #WIP500 again. (I suck at writing daily.  I want to get better at it.)


Small Snippet of Novel:

It seemed like such a small object to given so much power for change. Her eyes traced the engraved patterns on the box trying to make sense of the endless lines. Eventually Julianne looked up to see Noreen staring at her expectantly. Noreen was familiar with Julianne’s tendency to get lost in her own thoughts but the impatience in her indulgent smile made it clear that she thought Julianne wasn’t present enough in this particular moment.

Favorite NaNo-isms of the Day:


inif
Enerat
paraluzed
alwasys

Progress Bar:

1675 / 50000 (3.35%)