so it seems like I was really, really productive this week in the books – dunno, I’m just awesome that way…

“flipped” – I had a girl give me this one to read – and one thing I know, you must read the books given to you by girls:) so flipped was read – enjoyed – it was cute – it was very predictable – it will probably lead to tragic misunderstandings b/ween girls that have crushes on boys who think that those boys, even though they are currently jerks, will change some day and develop crushes on the girl – and that never happens – you could tell the book was written by a woman – but hey, cute book about chicks:)

“notes from a totally lame vampire” – just creative and funny enough to keep me interested – and to like it a lot – basically, the story of an awkward teenage guy – and who doesn’t like those stories? he does transform from lame to awesome in the story, spoiler alert, but I think everyone would’ve been like “so what?” if there hadn’t been a change

“bro code for parents” – legendary book – legendary author – everyone should have four copies of this book – but maybe at like 18 – or 25 if they’re fat:)

“david and goliath” by gladwell – story of underdogs and giants – and how even though we think impossible odds get conquered every day, typically, the story is less heroic – there are typically logical reasons why the david’s of this world succeed – and we can all learn from those situations – to not have the pride and overconfidence when we’re in “our element” and to look for ways to attack when we’re overlooked – great read – the book got bad national reviews – but people can raise their expectations too high sometimes

“in the zone” Olympic medalist – two times – shared strategies of how to succeed in life – which he believes starts with faith in Christ – the guy had an awesome story – a story of overcoming long odds and difficult personal matters – very encouraging before I ran today – a race I totally rocked, by the way (ask me about my medal for bonus:)

happy thanksgiving – yes sixth grade (sarah b), you have to blog thanksgiving and black Friday – and during the iron bowl – slackers…

maf

ah, first grade on sunday mornings…

“running with the pack” – guys, when the important girl in your life takes a philosophy class, it’s important to read a book on the same subject so that you can interject randomly things like “you know, Spinoza might have been right about object-perception analysis” – and such and it sounds like you care about what she cares about – although, in all likelihood, she ended up in the class b/c Intro to Architecture by Ted Moseby was already filled – which is still okay b/c if the book is about philosophy AND running, hey, you still come out on top – even if you don’t know anything about what you read – even if it was about running – you know it’s bad when you’re reading about your favorite subject and you don’t even understand the book:)

“joy in mudville” – great picture book and companion to casey at the bat – joy is the relief pitcher called on to close out the ninth the next day for the Mudville nine – she does the job while proving that girls can play sports – although, the irony is that she doesn’t throw the ball at all in the matter of a baseball

“let me play” – I guess this week was my week for feminism – this book is in our room – the story of title ix and its importance in women’s athletics – women’s rights – really helped me remember lots of what I’d forgotten – and hopefully, lots of you will get to read this one b/c I have like 10 copies

“glory days” – let’s in the blog with a book about Alabama football – recaps important bama games through the years – I spotted errors – which always makes me feel smart – obviously, last night’s game wasn’t in the book (ugh… 🙂

so see everyone tomorrow – except for anna – our honorary nanowrimo CMS-er

maf

it’s getting that time of year – I wake up to my alarm – and Christmas music is playing – on the positive, it gets me up quickly to shut the thing off:)

“Raising a Princess” – By John Croyle – loved this book – even though I don’t have a princess of my own to raise:) just a great book about the values parents should be teaching their children – for girls, that they’re beautiful, they’re loved, that they are free to become whatever their heart desires in the services of a greater good – Croyle talked a lot about modeling behavior – that you can’t teach patience if you’re not patient – definitely reminded me of my walk before my students

I also read more in a book on traveling to boston – and a book on identifying sea shells from the florida gulf coast – both very useful reads in light of my adventures:)

happy novel writing, first posting, and other sundry activities you pursue

maf

the answer to the subject header is yes, of course… 🙂

“boston marathon” – started this week by finishing last week’s book – I made a copy of the map of the course to keep and use as I read a book about the city of boston – so, like last week, a productive book

“William Shakespeare’s star wars” – we read part of this in class – if you like one or the other you should enjoy the combo – good use of creativity

“2 Minute Drill to Manhood” by John Croyle – really enjoyed this book – Croyle’s daughter was at Alabama at the same time I was – and Brodie was after – but I have all the respect and admiration for the father – who has helped to raise 1,800 boys and girls unwanted – this book addressed teaching young boys what they need to become men – something we don’t do a great job of currently – so great, encouraging read – made me question how I lead my young guys (I take no responsibility for billy:)

“The Hinge” by Bell – very easy to read book about the mental discipline it takes to be at the top in sports – that to successfully compete, you have to take advantage of the good and the bad and treat the next play, the next mile – as if it’s your first – no history, nothing to hold you back – I thought I would use the lessons of this book in my 10k race this weekend – but when i’m racing, i’m not thinking about much other than hoping the next milemarker comes soon:)

happy novel writing this week – i’m off to watch more of the NYC marathon

maf