Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
Team Challenges Archive
>
Pewter Blue
I hope your mother gets better!! I have been trying to get some reading in, but my whole summer has suddenly taken a turn for the busy!
As you know I have been agonizing over my membership in this group since I have joined. Last night with a great deal of frustration and trying to figure out what all of the different groups are all about, I thought that I would drop out. But the truth is that I think I am over thinking all of what is supposed to be a pleasant experience. So as my students say, "I am going to go with the flow" and let my membership work for me, in a sense. Each person comes to a group to fulfill some need for them. My need is to discuss books, authors and get to know other readers. I also like to enter into some challenges. Therefore I'm going to do things a bit my way and if I make mistakes, please let me know. I don't plan to doing anything out of the ordinary or to entice anyone, will just post where I think I belong - Pewter Blue - and try to learn the ropes that way. I always say I do something at my age to enjoy myself and have fun and when the fun or enjoyment is over, I go my way and find something else to do. I have nothing to prove to anyone anymore and as a senior citizen these should be my days of fun with some hard work behind me. And after 20 years of both being in online book groups and leading them both here and f2f, I have been told I am an asset and I hope this will be the case here as well.
Sorry about your mother, Mary! I hope she's doing okay.I've been reading but also doing other things. I checked out a book I was really looking forward to reading, only to find out I didn't care for the characters all that much so I just skimmed through it. Ugh, I hate that. I didn't even want to invest my precious time into reading each and every word. Made me sad, because I have enjoyed this author's books in the past and I really enjoy reading her blog. Oh well!
Thanks for the instruction to the hyperlink. I will try it. I do know how to use the bold feature as well as underline and strikeout so I should be able to do this. Now I'm off to read. LOL
ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) wrote: "Sorry about your mother, Mary! I hope she's doing okay.I've been reading but also doing other things. I checked out a book I was really looking forward to reading, only to find out I didn't care ..."
I know what you mean when I look forward to a book or decide to do a buddy read and just can't get into it. I'm having the same problem with Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver. Remember the wonderful show Chorus Line and the song, "What I Did for Love?" The first line is Kiss today goodbye and point me to tomorrow so that's what I think at times like these. Just like there is a lid for every pot out there and a book for everyone, I don't spend time on trying anymore but doing.
Mod
It took me forever to figure out how to post links and pictures here. I had this like mental block and had people PMing me with step by step instructions. I finally got it but for awhile nothing I did worked. I still can't post pics from my work computer. But I think that has more to do with the computer being ancient and no longer able to update IE or Firefox. We're supposed to get new ones soon but with Mom being sick that might not happen. (I work for her).
Thanks. I do think if I had opened all of the folders at the beginning by clicking on the words or picture for this group and read the very first folders at the top which explain things, rather than rushing in to sign up, etc. and navigate on my own, I would have saved myself and all of you moderators and captains a lot of trouble. The earliest days of America Online, 20 years ago, found those who signed on to this service, which we paid then for each minute we were on, with no instructions. We had to find our way on our own until they posted a section called members helping members where you could ask questions and then get answers. I began by asking tons of questions till I was comfortable and then eventually answering others who needed help. But I am a teacher and think like one and love to help others too.So, in a nutshell, I thank the moderators, captains and members who were so kind and patient in helping me out. Now I'm off to post and then read. I must say that your groups have given me a renewed interest in challenges and exploring new authors and titles.
See you round the campus!
Speaking of my Mom. She has a tumor on her pancreas. It's benign but pre-cancerous so it needs to come out. They were hoping they could remove it with larascopy and that's what they tried yesterday. But they couldn't do it that way. Now in 2 wks she has to have part of her stomach removed and other stuff. (I don't get all of what they said). I'm glad I put off planning my trip to FL to see my Dad. I can't take any vacation time now if she's going to be out. Plus I don't think I'd have a good time knowing she's here possibly needing my help. Also, I don't want her to come back too early because I'm gone and she feels she has too. Even though she can work form home and her business partner would be here.
Nancy, I'm so happy that you have decided to just go with the flow and find ways to enjoy what the groups on Goodreads have to offer. It's really just a place to come chat with like-minded (and different-minded, even) bookworms and challenges are a fun bonus but don't let them make you second guess yourself. Just go slowly as you figure out how to navigate the groups and discussion threads and challenges. Baby steps! And never be afraid to ask questions about how things work! If you ask in Pewter Blue, someone will have an answer. The mods are reading every discussion thread so that they can pop in and help out whenever needed!I'm glad you decided to stick around and give this group and the Tower Teams challenge a chance!
Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "Speaking of my Mom. She has a tumor on her pancreas. It's benign but pre-cancerous so it needs to come out. They were hoping they could remove it with larascopy and that's what they tried yesterd..."Sounds like what you are thinking is the way to go. Mu nephew had this surgery and recovered fine. Actually he went to the doctor for what he thought were swollen glands and an MRI showed this tumor. Imagine if he hadn't felt his glands were enlarged, huh? And he insisted on the MRI since his wife had lymphoma in her 20s.
ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) wrote: "Nancy, I'm so happy that you have decided to just go with the flow and find ways to enjoy what the groups on Goodreads have to offer. It's really just a place to come chat with like-minded (and dif..."Thanks Teresa. Now if only I had adopted this attitude when I began here. LOL
She had acid-reflux that would not go away even with medication. They found the tumor when they put the camera thingy down her throat and left it there for a day to record her acid troubles. Turned out that the tumor was causing her stomach problems not acid-reflux. I feel bad that I'm not going to see my Dad again this year but I just can't go. This stomach surgery is supposed to lay her up for weeks.
Don't feel badly-your mother needs you. Your dad should be able to understand the circumstances.When my mom was terminally ill and lived with us for 2 years, she was my number one priority and my husband filled in with our daughter taking her and there when necessary and chaperoning when I would have normally.
Nancy, I'm glad to see you feel settled. Even if you don't participate in any of the extras, your daily reading alone is an asset to the team! :)Mary, I'm sorry to hear about your mom! My mom had to have half of her colon taken out after a car accident two years ago and it was definitely a long haul. I hope everything goes well, let me know if you want me to pick up any housekeeping things while she's recovering!
In other news, I was off all week and hardly got any reading done. :( I had the sudden urge to go back to an old video game which was strange because, as much as I love gaming, I've been quite burnt out on video gaming as of late. I also got a beta invitation for a new online multiplayer game and that sucked up a good six hours of my day yesterday. Oops! Oh, and I've been busy swooning over/
I did finish Gone Girl earlier this week and learned that I really need to stay away from hyped books. I'm always disappointed. Not that I didn't like it, but I didn't love it either.
I started Promise of Blood in audio and it seems interesting. It's the first in a series called The Powder Mage and I think it's going to be pretty unique, in terms of magic system if nothing else. The Powder Mages ingest gun powder to control bullets (stop them, steer them, etc), the gun powder also seems to have a steroidal effect giving them heightened senses, strength, etc. I'm also starting Ice Land, I'm only a few pages in and haven't gotten hooked yet, but I'm excited for it.
Will do Vicky. I had lots of reading time last week but got in a needlework mood. I did listen to a bit of audiobooks while I stitched though. I haven't been in the mood to just sit and read. It's been slow at work today and I got a nice chunk this done today and hope to finish it tonight.
So, I wanted to explain something personal because it will tell you why I may not be very active on this thread for awhile, a few weeks or so, or I may be sporadic in my activity, it's hard to say.Anyway...
Three years ago this Monday, July 15, my brother-in-law (husband's younger brother) was killed on his way to work. He was riding his bike, and he was hit by a woman who was texting while driving to work. She was too busy looking down at her phone, reading or sending a text (not sure which, but it was one of those) to even realize he was on the road, let alone realize that she had hit him. His death has devastated our family, especially my in-laws, of course. Every July, I cannot help but think about the accident and I am filled with a lot of grief and anger of what has been taken from our family in what I can only consider a very selfish, very senseless act. I will never understand why anyone thinks that reading or sending a text is more important than staying aware of their surroundings on the road (and yes, that goes for any sort of lack of attention while driving but this is the one that has hit my family personally). I could go on and on but I won't, I just wanted to explain that I may not be around much because every July I am reminded of the accident and I just kind of go into my shell. Each year it gets a little easier but still, I was reminded of the date today and it just really put me into a mood. Maybe I will come here to have some giggles with friends, but on the days that I just don't want to put on a happy face I will be staying offline, thinking and reading or just vegging out with my family. I just didn't want anyone to worry about me if I disappear for a few days in a row or if I'm not very talkative.
I wrote a lot more but it's pretty deep and personal. This was hard to write because I don't really know this group on that intimate a level so I was afraid of making people uncomfortable, but I wanted to share because it is something that is a part of me, a part of my life, especially this month of the year.
Please don't text and drive! It harms more than people realize and it just takes 1 second before it changes the lives of a lot of people.
Thanks for reading.
Oh, Teresa. My heart goes out to you and your extended family. You are so right, such a senseless act.
Teresa, hugs and prayers; so sorry for your loss and hurting :-(. (I miss chatting with you.)
I'm so sorry about that Teresa. If you ever need something from us, we will try to help from across the internet as much as we can. I totally understand that sometimes you just want some time to yourself, and I know we all won't mind whatsoever. I also promise you that as someone who will be starting to drive in January, I will never use my phone while driving.
Thank you all so much for your sympathy and hugs and thoughts!
Vicky wrote: "Nancy, I'm glad to see you feel settled. Even if you don't participate in any of the extras, your daily reading alone is an asset to the team! :)Mary, I'm sorry to hear about your mom! My mom had..."
Have they announced who the actor will be to play Jamie?
ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) wrote: "So, I wanted to explain something personal because it will tell you why I may not be very active on this thread for awhile, a few weeks or so, or I may be sporadic in my activity, it's hard to say...."Teresa - I wis I was an eloquent writer to tell you my thoughts. But know that in my experience being online, friends here are the best listeners.
Thanks, Vicky.When I first got a new computer with click and point, I was so unhappy because I didn't know what to do. I would click, do something and then didn't know how to do it again. So I did what I would do as a student and began writing everything I did. And essentially that's what I did to learn this group. I studied the how to folders, wrote everything down and began to put things in order. Now I am a much happier camper.
Ugh. Went my friend to a craft fair about 45m from here and got caught in a downpour. Weather said possible light showers. So then the sun came out and we dried off while looking at the booths only have it downpour again on the long hike back to the car. Then we went to my parent's house to pick raspberries & blueberries. After I shower and have some lunch I need to go to the hospital. Listening to an audiobook while I putter around the house.
Awwwww that's such a cute picture. So does anyone have good news? I think we all need a bit of a cheer up now!
Well I just came back from the hospital from seeing my Mom. I helped her walk up and down the aisle. She gets to go home tomorrow. She was allowed broth and jello. She still needs another surgery but at least she's recovering well from this one. Saw my little brother who lives 2 hrs away.
Glad to hear that your mom has finished with one surgery and is on her way home. Hopefully she will recuperate quickly.
After a frustrating day of Goodreads not working correctly - every time I went to the website, a page kept telling me that page didn't exist, to go to the main page, I am happy to say this is now working. I am so unsettled when something is wrong with my computer and so happy when it works correctly. It takes so little to make me happy. LOL
It happens sometimes. I know a lot of people are upset by Amazon buying goodreads. But if it means the "page doesn't exist", "goodreads is over capacity" and "bad gateway" stuff will stop then I'm AOK with it.
Glad your mother gets to come home for awhile, Mary: HDLS.
That's great Mary! I bet your Mom will recover quickly. It must have been nice to see your little brother too.
They're keeping her one more day to see how she handles solid food. But she looks much better.
Yay team, we passed 400 books. We are at 403. I just added one that probably won't show up on the mods Sunday Update. Thanks to Vicky for doing the Sunday update for me, again. I remembered early this morning but didn't want to do it too early and have people add books. Then I ended up out longer then expected. My step-father doesn't want my mother to be alone at the hospital. (I don't think she cares as she has bonded with her roommate). But anyway, my daughter and I got there and he wanted to go home and do some things and he was gone 2 hours. Not a big deal as we had a nice visit with Mom and her roommate. Then I took DD to the mall to get new bras as she is busting out of hers.
No problem! I'm just glad I checked in when I did! The power supply on my computer died this morning. I got a new one and installed it but I almost just broke my hard drive doing something incredibly stupid, so I think I'm going to go read and finish hooking everything back up in the morning. :s
Not sure if you guys noticed but I'm pretty sure that we're 7th according to the Sunday Update!! That's so awesome that we actually have a huge chance at this! We're climbing steadily now, so I'm gonna get back to reading! :)
Just finished Second Honeymoon by James Patterson this morning and am about to begin the new book by Elizabeth Adler, Please Don't Tell. Once a writer of historical fiction , she now blends different locations with light romantic suspense. Some of her books I love, others are OK but they are fast light reads for this time of year.
Woo 400 books, plus possibly 7th place! I wasn't around yesterday because we spent the day in a nearby small town, having a family day. Then, when I got home I spent the rest of the day doing laundry and vacuuming and reading! I finished Mystic River. I work an overnight tonight but i'll try to get some reading done in between even more laundry and cleaning!
Thinking I will need to raise my goal. I'm 9 away from 52. I just don't know what to raise it to because of potential reading funks. 60 books would mean reading 17 more books, which seems doable, especially if I stop slacking off with my books!Okay... yes, I'm going to raise my goal to 60 for the Tower Teams Reading Challenge! Do I need to let the mods know? I can't remember!
Yes we have moved up again and are now in 7th place. Pretty darn good for one of the last teams to be fully formed. Forest Green is directly ahead of us and we are 23 books behind them not taking bonus points into account. We have more bonus points then them but that doesn't mean they don't have bonus points pending with the 7% Challenge and Chunky books. Purple Mountains is only 3 books behind us so.., we could go down next week if they have a good week and we don't.
(this is going by the current trackers on the teams because books were added after the Mods update)
I think we just have to report it when we do the next update as far as upping your goal goes.OH and we are 102 books behind 1st place Moonstone not including bonus points.
We can pass them, no problem.
Mod
Teresa, consider us alerted. We'll change it on the TA when you do.
I'm wondering if I should reduce my goal to 175. I have not been able to catch up from those multiple doorstopper books I read earlier this year. If I don't catch up and gain a little ground by the end of July, I will reduce my goal.
Mod
Moderators of Nothing but Reading Challenges wrote: "ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) wrote: "Okay... yes, I'm going to raise my goal to 60 for the Tower Teams Reading Challenge! Do I need to let the mods know? I can't remember!"Teresa, consider us alerted..."
Okay, I'm officially changing it to 60. You said you would change it on the TA when I do. When I do what? Post my goal change somewhere official, and if so, where is that? I feel like there's a thread somewhere but my mind feels rather blank at the moment.. heh.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Graveyard Book (other topics)The Golem and the Jinni (other topics)
Be Still My Heart (other topics)
Winter Rose (other topics)
As They Slip Away (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Lexi Blake (other topics)Lexi Blake (other topics)
Patrick Ness (other topics)
Neil Gaiman (other topics)
Vikram Seth (other topics)
More...
Instead of my link text, do you want to make a certain link bold?
See the part of the html code where you would insert your link name, just insert the bold commands:Results: