Tuesday, June 30, 2009

I Read It! June Edition

So, today being a rare fifth Tuesday in a month, 5 Minutes for Books encourages readers to share about a book they read and enjoyed after reading the review on the blog. They call this carnival I Read It! And it just so happens I finished one such book yesterday.

A Little Bit Wicked is the autobriography of Kristin Chenoweth. If you don't know her, she is best known for playing the part of Glinda in Wicked on Broadway, but she's done other Broadway shows, movies, and TV, including my canceled too soon Pushing Daisies.

This book is definitely written for her fans, and I count myself among them. As a result, I found the it quite fun reading. It's written in a very conversational style, which made it a fun read. I was definitely hooked and had a hard time putting the book down.

If you are a Broadway fan or a fan of Ms. Chenoweth, I highly recommend the book.

Summer League Game 5

Kinda hard to believe we are on game 5 of summer league already, isn't it?

I got to the field a little late and paniced at first with how many red people there were. Turns out that the other game happening last night was men's league team red, so they didn't have quite as many subs as I thought. In fact, we had more than they did.

Turns out that the Red team has my buddy JV on it. I don't think we've ever played on the same team, even at pick up. But every time our teams face off, we guard each other. The nice thing is, we're a good match. (Sorry to insult you like that JV.) And he takes me seriously. It means I can stick with him most of the time on defense, but I have to be smart in my offense if I want to get open.

And I managed to get open several times in the first half. Dropped it once, but all the others were successful catch and throws. So maybe playing pick up on Saturday helped instead of hurt.

My favorite play of the game was the one where I threw it to score. We'd gotten a fast break, and I was one of four team members near the end zone with only two defenders. Ed threw it to me, trying to lead me into the end zone, but it wasn't quite far enough (despite the fact that I tried to jump it in). Ed started running into the end zone as soon as he realized we hadn't scored yet. It was a great cut, and if I had been a tad faster, I probably could have thrown it to him to score. However, one of the defenders took off after him, making it an iffy throw. However, that left David wide open, so I threw it to him for the score.

The first half was also when I got knocked down. We'd just pulled it, and I was trying to get down to JV who had the disc. Another of his team mates was between us. I tried to go around just as he did a quick switch, running to the person behind him. Got a bit of a grass burn (if that kind of thing is possible), but no real damage. The only bad part of that was that I lost my temper for a second and had to apologize later. Hey, those kind of accidents happen, and it was obvious that's what it was. (I just throught for a second he was mad at me when he was just upset to be tumbling to the ground, too.)

The second half of the game didn't hold much in the way of highlights for me. I was in several points, but never did get open again. I think my brain had shut down because I was making poor cuts. I did a fairly decent job on defense, so that made me happy.

The score was a blow out. We were up 8-2 at half and cruized to a 15-6 victory. Those kind of games are run at times because it means we aren't putting as much pressure on ourselves. But having been on the other side of the equation, I do feel kinda bad about it.

Monday, June 29, 2009

A Normal Weekend?

This was almost a normal weekend for me. Emphasis on the almost.

Friday night was Bible study. We had a small group and did praise and prayer time. Man, I really need to spend more time with my guitar. I am rustier than I thought. But it still went pretty well.

Saturday was a nice, relaxing day. About the only thing I did in the morning was buzz my head. Seriously, nothing too exciting.

In the afternoon, I headed down to play ultimate. Had to get last week's game out of my head. And I did a good job of that. I was happy with some of my grabs and throws. Hopefully, that gives me enough confidence to play well tonight but no over confidence to blow it.

But it was hot. 100 Degree weather hot. I took two things of water. Finished one before I got to the car and drank about half of the other on the way home.

That night, my roommate invited a mutual friend over. We had pizza, played Mario Kart, and hit the pool and hot tub for a while. Great times.

Sunday was church and another time in the church library. Have I mentioned that? I'm helping out in the library during the summer for their kid's reading program. Basically, they just need extra bodies because of the extra crunch of people checking books out and wanting credit for the books read. So far, it's been fun.

That afternoon, I wound up talking to my family.

Then, I was back at church that night for SummerFest again. Good message. My Bible study helped set up and tear down. I bailed a little early and Josh and Joe came over to my place for a couple of Babylon 5 episodes. So all in all a great weekend.

Can I do it again right now? Please?

Friday, June 26, 2009

Camping

Here we are a week later and I'm finally talking about my overnight camping trip from last weekend.

The career group at my church went camping last weekend. Everyone was invited. And it turned out to just be my friend Joe and I.

We left about 4:30 on Friday and headed north up the Grapevine - our destination Mt. Pinos. The entire time, I'd been talking about wanting to see stars. When we left, it was hot here in town. It cooled off as we climbed (not a surprise), but it also got quite cloudy. I was beginning to think we wouldn't see any stars. Fortunately, the clouds moved on before the sun set.

The campground is very primative. We're talking outhouses and no running water. But it was also very quiet.

When we got there, we set up, then went for a walk around the campground. Neither of us had been there before, so we were exploring a little for future Career group camp outs. After that, we started a fire and roasted hot dogs for dinner. Dessert was smores (of course).

Honestly, we didn't do too much exciting. But it was a good chance to talk and build our friendship.

When the stars came out, we spent quite a while looking at them. I joked I would get a crink in my neck from looking up so much, but it didn't happen.

The next morning, we explored a walking path before we left. I so wish I had had my camera with me, because the view from the path and the fox across the valley was beautiful. We also decided that next time that top of that path would be a star observatory because it was away from other campers (and their light).

We got home early afternoon on Saturday to discover that it was very overcast again here in town. In fact, it was misting on my car driving home. It was colder but clear on the mountain. Go figure.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Stunned

I was going to post about my camping trip this weekend today, but I just can't now.

This morning came the news that Farrah Fawcett died. Yes, it was sad news, but not unexpected because of her on going fight with cancer. I must admit I'm only really familiar with her work on Charlie's Angels. Okay, so maybe not the best she did, but I enjoyed the show and her work on the first season.

But now comes news that Michael Jackson has died as well. I am at a complete loss as to what to say.

Maybe I should start by pointing out I have never been a fan. In fact, I don't know if I have heard any of his songs all the way through. I could name a couple songs, but that's about it.

But I grew up in the 80's. I may not know his songs (or know I know them), but my childhood was full of references to him. I followed his career with at least a passing interest as a result.

And I was always jealous of the Disney attractions he built at his house. On the other hand, I think Captain EO is the only attraction that was at Disneyland when I was going that I never actually saw.

Obviously the last few years haven't been good to him. Honestly, I've felt sorry for him, whether or not the charges were true. Either A) he needed serious help or B) people were trying to take advantage of him.

It's a funny feeling I always get when a celebrity dies. Whether I knew them or not, followed their career or not, I feel saddened. Michael Jackson especially bothers me because he has always been a huge presence in my life.

I know their families will be much more affected by all this than I am. And my thoughts and prayers go out to them.

But for me, now, this is still a sad day.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

What's on My Nightstand - June 2009

We've hit the fourth Tuesday of the month, meaning it is time for 5 Minutes for Books' monthly What's on Your Nightstand carnival.

In my case, I am just about half way through Sue Ann Jaffarian's The Curse of the Holy Pail. This is the second book about plus size paralegal Odelia Grey. This time around, Odelia gets involved in murder when a client at her law firm dies and the crown jewel of his lunch box collection is stolen.

As I say, I'm only half way through. It is getting quite interesting and I had a hard time putting it down at lunch time and coming back to work. I'm hoping to find some time tonight to get another couple chapters under my belt.

Up next? A book I hope to have read in time to talk about for next week's I Read It! carnival. I'm sure I'll at least be part way through it.

Summer League Game 4

Last night was my teams 4th game. It was our turn to play down at the park in Venice. Actually, I'm kinda glad to get it out of the way this early in the season since it's a bad park. Part of one end zone always winds up in a baseball infield. There are really only lights on one half of the field. The neighborhood isn't the best, but that doesn't bother me as much. Must be the oblivious to my surroundings thing.

This week we were playing Purple People Eaters.

We started out by getting three points in a row. Then we traded points to get the score to 4-2. We were on defense and had just gotten a turn over when...

The lights went out.

Now keep in mind it was about 8:50 and the lights were supposed to stay on until after 10. So our captain went to talk to them. They forgot we were supposed to be there, so they turned the lights on and agreed to leave them on until 10:30.

And we waited. It was 15 minutes before the lights came back on.

Once they did, we continued the point. Honestly, I don't remember how the score volley at this point; I just remember that the half ended with them up 8-7.

After a short half time, we went back on the field and pulled ahead, scoring several in a row. And we never gave up the lead again. It was 13-10 at one point. I went in, so we lost that point and it was 13-11.

They had just kicked off again, when the lights went out a second time. It was only 10:15. Since it took 15 minutes last time, we figured there was no point in arguing about it this time and just called the game. Yep, we won again.

I was mostly happy with my performance last night, too. We only had six guys show up, which meant I got plenty of play time. Honestly, I was disappointed when the lights went out. I was ready for more.

One of the guys on the other team is about my speed, so I was able to shut him down for the most part when I was guarding him on defense.

Yet I got open several times for completed plays.

Then there was the last time I was in. The guy guarding me was poaching behind me a little, and our handlers were breaking the mark quite easily. I got open a couple times on the break mark side and got the disc. The last time, I thought I saw an open player and threw it to her. As soon as I let go, I knew I shouldn't have done it. Sure enough, the other team actually got the disc. I am not a give and go thrower. I have never been. I need a couple seconds to truly asses the field and a good open thrower. When will I learn not to rush things?

I really wanted to go in for one more point. Even if I didn't touch the disc, I wouldn't have been left with that as my final moment in the game. Yep, I have a feeling I will be obsessing over that until I get to play again. Definitely going to have to go down and play on Saturday. Hoping to make it before then, however.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Summer League Game 3

So, my last game was Wednesday and tonight I have another game. Books just took over last week, but they are gone for the time being.

Let's talk game three, shall we?

Frankly, the highlight of the game for me personally came the first point I played. I got a D! The thrower threw the disc right by the guy I was guarding, so it was easy for me to swat it down. Since I hardly ever get a good defense play, I was thrilled. That is, until we turned it over a minute later and my guy got away from me to score. :(

On offense, they threw it to me a couple of times, but it either was intercepted or it went behind me. So it wasn't the best game for me personally.

However, it was an awesome game.

We started out three points behind, and never caught up in the first half. The score at that point was 5-8. I must admit, I had written the game off at that point.

The first point of the second half was long and hard fought with it going back and forth and back and forth multiple times before we finally scored.

From there, I must admit I lost track of the score. I figured we were still behind, when suddenly both sides were saying it was tied 11-11. Never one to argue when both teams agree on the score, I started paying more attention.

We scored the next two points, meaing we just needed two more to win.

Naturally, we let them score the next two points, making it 13-13, game to 15 or win by two.

I guess that the scare we needed. We scored the next two in a row to win 15-13.

Overall record so far, 2-1.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Spring Reading Thing 2009 Wrap Up

Despite the cool temps (it's in the 60's again today), the calendar says that tomorrow is the first day of Summer. Which means it is time to do a wrap up of my 2009 Spring Reading Thing.

I started with 27 books and added one a couple weeks later (despite my desire to add several more I forgot.) Of those 28 books, I read 20 of them.

The books I got through are (links take you to my reviews at Epinions.com):

Kilt Dead by Kaitlyn Dunnett
The Ironwood Tree by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes by Marlane Kennedy
The Wrath of Mulgarath by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
Revenge of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz
Too Rich and Too Dead by Cynthia Baxter
In a Gilded Cage by Rhys Bowen
Murder in the Marais by Cara Black
Shark Island by Joan Druett
Killer Cruise by Laura Levine
Burn Notice: The End Game by Tod Goldberg
Murder in Grub Street by Bruce Alexander
3rd Degree by James Patterson
Resort to Murder by Carolyn Hart
A Talent for Murder by R. T. Jordan
Mosaic: Pieces of My Life so Far by Amy Grant
A Night at the Operation by Jeffrey Cohen
Mr. Monk and the Dirty Cop by Lee Goldberg
Slay it with Flowers by Kate Collins
Mayhem in Miniature by Margaret Grace

Books on my list I didn't read:

Tenth Stone by Brock and Bodie Thoene
Sucker Punched by Sammi Carter
Docketful of Posey by Diana Killian
Exposure by Brandilyn Collins
A Date You Can't Refuse by Harley Jane Kozak
Double Minds by Terri Blackstock
Bookmarked for Death by Lorna Barrett
Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle

Thoughts:

Quite a few of these books were the latest in series I already enjoy, so I'm not sure I have any new ground to cover. The one or two new authors I did try probably won't be showing up in my to be read piles again.

I got through all three of the hold over books from previous challenges.

The 8 books left over and all books I am anxious to get to. I'm sure some will get read over the summer. And if not, expect to see them again in my fall reading challenge list.

Frankly, I still can't get over reading 20 books this spring. If my shoulder heals and I go back to working out on my lunch hour, I'm going to be highly disappointed with how much my reading productivity level drops.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Mini Review: Mayhem in Miniature

My final mini review for Spring 2009. Can you believe we've made it?

We're finishing things off with Mayhem in Miniature by Margaret Grace.

This is the second book in the series and finds retired English teacher and crafter Gerry Porter investigating the going ons at a retirement home in her home town. She teaches a crafting class there one day a week, and one of her favorite students goes missing, only to show up covered in the blood of a murder victim. While she claims to be innocent, the police aren't buying that. So Gerry starts poking around for other clues.

I like this book more than the first in the series. For starters, Gerry's friend Linda is much easier to shallow. And, I've got to admit, I still love Gerry's granddaughter and nephew.

However, I the pacing of the plot was uneven. It started slowly and the ending didn't allow Gerry time to piece together all the clues she had. She could have solved the thing, but the killer just showed up to try to silence her. Mind you, the solution was logical, but it was still weaker than I normally like.