Dog on It (A Chet & Bernie Mystery) by Spencer Quinn

Dog on It by Spencer Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a truly fun read! I wasn't sure how a book written from a dog's POV would read, but it was great! The book charmingly and subtly illustrates the reasons dogs are such beloved companions: they have a uncanny zest for everyday life, a zany curiosity about everything and love thier people unconditionally. There were several lines that left me cracking up and had to be read aloud to Jason. The day after I finished reading it, I'd already loaned it out to my Mom. A book this enjoyable should definitely be shared! I will definitely read more of this series.

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I also loved the fact that the P.I.'s name was 'Bernie Little' and the name of his practice was the 'Little Detective Agency'. Ha! There is also a talking bird mentioned a handful of times named Cap'n Crunch, and that is just humorous.

Dead Is the New Black by Marlene Perez

Dead Is the New Black by Marlene Perez
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
For YA standards, this book was quite floofy. The setting and characters were flat with the exception of Samantha, and even she wasn't very exciting. The "evil doer" is just who you suspect from the get-go and the town's secret governing authority is kind of dropped in without much reaction from the main characters. Overall, the book could have been interesting with more development and detail.

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Sunroom Makeover

Our sunroom has served many purposes since we moved in last November. It's been the only room that could accomodate Jason's beloved (and massive) chair, "Rusty". It's been the room where we set up our first Christmas tree together. It was used as a sitting/reading room for a bit and then finally, an office. I LOVE this room, it is my favorite place to be in our entire apartment! The windows let in so much natural light and give the room a very open and inviting feel. We decided to punch it up with a cheerful coral paint color and add some much needed pizzaz. I really love the way it turned out and now I spend even more time relaxing with a book in this little room!

Below is a pictoral journey through the many 'hats' this room has worn in just a few short months! Click on images to enlarge.

papaya dippers

I’m having a great week! I gave blood today at the blood drive here; it’s my first time since 7/07! I got deferred for a year after having my ear pierced and then when I was eligible again, I was just scared. I mean no one likes needles, but I just had several experiences of nearly passing out and got skittish about the whole process. Anyway, I decided to donate today and it went perfectly! I am wearing my red cross sticker proudly! I feel really good!

Tomorrow is the last Thrashers game of the season and we’re having some of our hockey BFF's over for a cook out and I’m pumped! I’ll be whipping up my best cookies, they involve butterscotch chips and are really freaking tasty! J-Swayze will be manning the grill like the jukebox hero that he is! Then we’re all going to head down to Philips Arena for the final game of the 09-10 season! I love the final game b/c they do the jersey exchange thing. They do a season ticket holder lottery and those that win get to go out on the ice post-game. The players doff their game-worn jerseys and give them to the lucky season ticket holders! It's just a really cool thing to see! Afterward, we’re going to see David's band Roman Photos play!

Cheersies! Woohoo! TGIF!

TC rockers

My first celebrity reply on Twitter! Tabs has smiled at me. Good times!

xan flan

What are you listening to? No clue HOW, but I have Oye Como Va stuck in my head.
Why was six afraid of seven? 7 ate 9
What was the first thing you thought when you woke up today? Boy, it was totally irresponsible to stay up until 2 a.m. catching up on ANTM.
Have you ever disliked someone, but ended up being friends with them? Several times! Namely Emily Schroeder! ;-) I kid, I kid.
Do you believe that what comes around goes around? It's funny b/c I always *hope* this happens to people who are mean, rude and hurtful to others with little or no regard for their feelings, but I just don't see it "coming around again", to quote Carly Simon. It seems like a lot of these turduckens go through their whole life being a-holes with no negatory reciprocal consquense.
What is your favorite fruit? I don't think there's a fruit in existance that I dislike. Lately I've been craving grilled pineapple. That is a treatsie!
Do you trust easily? Yes, but if I'm once shanked, I'm twice shy.
Do you like drama? Only on TV/in movies!
Where is one place you want to visit? France and any/all tropical islands such as Yap in Micronesia. Great manta ray diving!!
Are you a vegetarian? No, but I did it for 36 days in 2006 just to see if I could last a month! I succeeded, but I really started missing a sundry cornecopia of meats, especially bacon!
What's the next holiday coming up? Confederate Memorial Day - yeehaw
Are you looking forward to it? Only because it nets us a 3-day weekend!
Who are you jealous of? Everyone on Jerseylicious for their amazing tans, nails and make up! It's exquisite!
What is your favorite time period in history to learn about? WWI, WWII, 50's-60's America, the French Revolution, and the Aztecs (14-16th centuries). I remember loving learning about the Aztecs in elementary school!
What colors do you associate with all of the four seasons?: Winter - White/Gray, Spring - Anything bright n' bold, Summer - Green, Fall - Orange
In your honest opinion, what is the scariest sea creature you know?: I fear octopi, but enjoy cuttlefish.
Who would you cast to play you in a movie?: Rachel McAdams - love her!
If you could go back in time & live in any decade, which would it be & why?: I think it would have been humorous to be a teenager in the 80's, instead of a kid. Also, the 1950's b/c I find that decade very interesting.
What super power do you think would be the most handy in times of trouble?: The power to convert xanthan gum to frivolous cash!
What natural disaster scares you the most?: Um...ALL.