I'm back! I had a great time in Texas as you might have imagined and the visit seemed entirely too short, but it always does. A week just doesn't cut it. But we made the best of our time and did lots of fun stuff. What little weight I had managed to lose, I'm sure I put back on as we seemed to eat out a lot, but that's one of our favorite things to do :p We saw Sweeney Todd...twice!...and bought the soundtrack! Go see it now! I have to agree with Neil Gaiman in saying that it may just be my favorite Tim Burton film now. It was just amazing. And who knew Johnny Depp could sing so well? My favorite part of the movie was the super preppy girl sitting behind us announcing after the closing scene "I'm never watching that again!" :p Aside from that the trip consisted of just spending time together, going out and doing things we enjoy doing together...just being together. It was perfect.
There's lots of decisions to be made in the future. The job scene is bleak in New Orleans...very bleak, and Megan has lots of friends now and a good job in Texas. I have a few leads for jobs in Austin which is a beautiful city and an hour away from Megan as opposed to 7 hours away...so we'll see where all this leads. Things just need to change from the way they are.
So our New Year was spent together again as we've always made that work since Katrina. And I wanted to thank all of you for the wonderful New Year wishes that you sent back to me. Sorry I didn't respond back to everyone like I normally do :/ I fell behind on comments from being away and then it just got overwhelming. But I read each and every one of them and it made me smile to think of how many great people I've met in just a year.
And yes...it's been a year!! January 3rd was actually my 1 year Blogiversary :) It's been a great year of blogging and I've made some great friends, read some great books, and have really just made some great opportunities too. After Rhinoa's mention of Buy a Friend a Book Week and her giveaway, and Eva's giveaway for her Blogiversary, I thought I'd do my own! So leave me a comment by lets say January 15th letting me know that you want in on the drawing and you can be entered for the books. I'll do two: one for Buy a friend a book week and one for my blogiversary. You can be entered for both or just one or the other if only one interests you...just let me know so that I know which ones to sign you up for.
The Buy A Friend a Book Week Book is Carole McDonnell's Wind Follower. It's a great book that I just reviewed it a few weeks ago. I've gotten to know her over the past couple of months and she's a wonderful person as well as a great author. I'm giving this book away because I think everyone should read it ;)
The Blogiversary book is The Time Traveler's Wife. It was my number 1 pick from last year and my review is here. Since it was my top read, I figured it would be the most appropriate to give away for the blogiversary.
So have your pic at those two :)
And finally, I've been nominated for an award!! I don't think I've ever been nominated for anything, to be honest, but Carole McDonnell, author of the above mentioned Wind Follower, nominated me for Best Review Site on the Preditors and Editors Poll! How cool is that?? You can vote by going to this page. Voting closes on January 14th or 15th depending on what page you look at. There are a few other cool review sites that I like too, but they only let you vote once which sucks. There are some other awesome categories too. I nominated Carole's book under Science Fiction/Fantasy novels, so please go vote for her! I'd love to see her book win.
That's all for now folks. Back to reading A Clash of Kings now which is good so far, but a little slow to start. Of course I'm only 100 pages in to this massive thing though. What's with everyone reading chunksters right now? Good to be back!
34 comments:
Congrats on your blogiversary and the nomination! I'd love to be in the giveaway for Wind Follower; I already own TTW. :) Did you hear it's being made into a movie? I doubt I'll go see it.
Sweeney Todd looks really good, but I'll probably have to wait until it comes out for rent. Oh well! I didn't realise it was a musical. :D
Welcome back!
You can add my name to the Wind Follower list. I already have the other.
As for Texas - a move may be just what you need. And anything that brings the two of you closer to each other is a good thing, right?
I'm glad you had such a good time.
cjh
Eva, Got you in the drawing for Wind Follower! I did hear that TTW is being made into a movie and I'm really leary about it. The book was just so good that I'm so afraid of what they'll do to it. I can't imagine it in any other form than it's book form. I'll probably see it any way. I can't stand that they cast Eric Bana as Henry though! I think that's a horrible choice...not at all what I pictured. Sweeney Todd was amazing! You'll love it, I'm sure. It's a definite musical. The majority of the dialogue is sung...it was great :D
CJ, Glad to be back :) And I have you in the drawing for Wind Follower. You're right...a move may indeed be just what I need and closer together is most certainly a good thing...I can't tell you how good of a thing that would be!
Happy blogiversary, and congratulations on the nomination!
I'd love to enter your draw for either book, if it's open to Canadians.
Congrats on the nomination, Chris. I went and voted for you, cuz I think you write GREAT reviews. *grin* Oh, it would be wonderful to find a job closer to Megan, wouldn't it? Good luck on finding the perfect one for you.
Ikkinlala, Thanks :) I've got you in for both of the drawings! Good luck!
Cdnreader, Well thanks :) You're so sweet! It really would be great to find a job so close to Megan! I can't tell you how happy it would make me to be right there. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! You want in on any of the drawings?
It's odd that you've only been blogging a year - this blog has a very comfortable place on my Bookmarks!
Possibilities of moves and jobs sound exciting. Everyone I've spoken to about this New Year is sure that it's going to be a good one, with lots of exciting changes and people leading their life events instead of the other way around. Sounds like it'll apply over the ocean too!
Stormfilled, I feel the same way...your blog has a comfy place on my bookmarks too and what's even more odd is that I've only been reading your blog since June when I discovered your books! It seems like so much longer than that! I really hope that this year is a good one for everyone. It has to be better than the last right? Your right about moves and jobs sounding exciting...they just sound like something positive. I hope they are. I hope that things go better for you on the health and job front! Sounds like they will. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
So glad to hear you two had such a wonderful time...like there was any doubt you would, huh? Good luck with your decisions about your future...that kind of major decision is never easy, but it's a healthy thing to be checking out your options.
Congrats on your nomination...well deserved, I must say. And I'll be off to vote for you now...
Welcome home baby boy!! I know it's never easy leaving Megan, but I'm glad you got home safely.
How dare you see dragons and not take a photo!! Go sit on the "naughty pad"!! lol lol
Happy Blog Anniversary! Wow, I must have found you shortly after you began this! I am guessing it was during Carl's Fantasy Challenge. My how time flies!
Debi, You're right...it's definitely not an easy decision, but it's made a little easier for me by a few factors ;) If it works out that I move it's going to be very hard to leave family and very hard to leave the town that I've always been in...but we'll face that when it comes. Thanks for the vote :) You want in on any of the drawings?
Deslily, It never is easy, but it's good to hear from y'all too! And yep, I drove careful the whole way ;) They were cheap dragons...little plastic figurines, lol....but they were so cool looking! They were painted cool. They had a whole collection really of dragons and wizards, knights, sorceresses, witches...they were awesome! You probably did find me during Carl's Once Upon a Time Challenge. That's probably when I met you too. That's when I made most of my friends around here and that's why it was my favorite challenge :)
Welcome back! I'm glad you and Megan had such a great time! And I really can't wait to see Sweeney Todd! The UK release date is the 25th...not too long to go!
It sounds like getting a job in Austin would be the best thing for you right now... but I understand how hard it is to leave your family and your hometown behind. Still, sometimes we just have to do what life demands of us. Whatever you went up deciding, I hope everything goes well for you.
Happy belated blogiversary! Please enter my name for both books - they both sound great!
And congratulations on the nomination...I've already voted for you!
Hello, A year on your blog site. Way to go! Either book you are offering in your wonderful giveaway would make me a happy camper! I voted for your site! Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
I can't drag hubby to see Sweeney(although I'm sure he would like it!). I guess I'll just have to wait until it comes out on DVD. I'm glad I got a home theater system for Chsitmas!
Enter me for both giveaways, please. I'd be interested in both books. I've started Time Traveler's Wife, but unfortunately, it was due back at the library (and on hold) before I got the chance to finish. But I did *love* what I was able to read.
Oh...and happy blogiversary!!!
Nymeth, You're going to love Sweeney Todd :) It was perfect and just beautiful in that Tim Burton way. Moving away would be rough, but it would be a neat experience at the same time...something you can relate too I'm sure! It seems to have worked for you so far and to have been a neat experience. I've got you in the hat for both books! And thanks for the vote :)
WindyCindy, Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the vote :) I've got you in the drawing for both books!
Ladytink, Aw...you really should do some more convincing! It's so good and should be seen on the big screen! But that's awesome that you got a home theater system!!! I'd so love to have that :p You want in on either drawing?
Becky, I've got you in for both drawings. TTW is such a great book! Hope you get to finish it soon. It's beautiful. And thanks for the blogiversary wishes :)
Welcome back, Chris! I'm glad you had some time with Megan. And your possible changes sound really interesting. Congratulations, too, on your blog anniversary AND on the nomination. Please put my name in the hat for both drawings. I put Time Traveler's Wife on my TBR list after reading your post awhile ago, but still haven't picked it up. It keeps calling to me...
Robin, Thanks on the congrats on both accounts and I have your name in the hat for both drawings. I think you'll love Time Traveler's Wife...it's one of those books that will continue calling to you long after you've read it.
Chris, I'll pass on the drawings, but thanks so much! I'm working very hard this year at not adding any books to my collection. I'll be moving this coming summer, and I don't want to add any more "book bulk" than I already have. LOL!
CDN, I totally understand...I'm trying hard at not adding to my collection either this year! Are you moving back from England?
Happy blog anniversary! Glad you had a good time and are back safe and sound. I certainly hope things work out for you soon so that you and Megan can be closer together.
Throw me in for Wind Follower as I know my wife would love that book.
Its hard for me to believe as big of a Tim Burton fan that I am that I have not seen Sweeney Todd. I am an embarrassment to Tim Burton fans everywhere! :)
Congrats on everything! I'd love to be entered into the giveaway for Wind Follower! I already have the Time Traveler's Wife
Could you put me in for the Wind Follower book? Thanks! Also, I too saw Sweeney Todd (loved the music, great scenery but the gore did leave a bad taste in my mouth). Even though I did enjoy it, like that woman sitting behind you, I don't know if I could sit through it again.
Stephanie
www.thewrittenword.wordpress.com
Carl, Indeed you are an embarrassment to Tim Burton fans everywhere :p Kidding of course, lol...If I hadn't been in Texas I probably wouldn't have seen it either. But it's really good! Go check it out when you can. Got you in the hat for Wind Follower. Mary will love it, I'm sure, if she wins. Good luck!
Swapna, Thanks! Got you in the hat for Wind Follower
Stephanie, Got you in for Wind Follower! Glad you enjoyed aspects of Sweeney Todd, though I understand the gore wasn't for everyone. For me personally, the gorier the better :D I just love gory movies! Sick, huh? Lol...
Happy New Year to you, Megan, and your families.
I have totally missed chatting with you and reading your blog over the last few months. It is a priority of mine to get back on track and keep in touch as of now! Can you believe that I haven't even read Mr. Gaiman's blog in the last three months?!?!?!?!
I am so jealous that you have seen Sweeney Todd. This shameless Burton/Depp/Bonham Carter fangirl is itching to check it out!
You can add my name to the Wind Follower list, sounds good! The Time Traveller's Wife already has a well deserved spot on my shelf!
Have to echo Stormfilled's comment about 2008 being a good year full of change. I'm hoping so anyway...2007 turned out to be a bit shitty really, and involved far too much stress. Thankfully I think I have a grip on what the issues were and how (vaguely) to start resolving things - mostly it means a change in my own attitude/approach to things...as usual!
Looking forward to another year of blogging with you - I'm sure we will all have lots of fun along the way!
Wow. A whole year!! Congrats!! And the same goes for the nomination! Looks like I'll have to go over there and vote!
I really must go see Sweeney Todd. I can't believe I haven't made it yet.
Glad you and Megan had a good time. With a little luck you guys will get a chance to be together soon.
You can sign me up for The Wind Follower. Sounds amazing!
Quix, Thanks for the New Year wishes :) I can't tell you how happy I am to have you back in blogland! I missed your blog so much, but I totally understand how life manages to get in the way! You're going to love Sweeney Todd...it's just incredible, and you have to get the soundtrack. I really want to read the book now too. And could that cast get any better?? I've got you on the list for Wind Follower. It's an amazing book. I think you'd love it! Good luck to you in the drawing ;) I really hope that '08 turns out to be a better year for everyone. Not that '07 was a horrible year, but it was a tad rough. A great year in the way of blogging, but the second half was just plain rough! Here's to change! Good to have you back again Quix :)
Steph, Indeed it's been a year! I can't believe that I've been blogging for a year already, but time flies by when you're having fun! You really do have to see Sweeney Todd...it's awesome!! And I've got you in the drawing for Wind Follower. It is amazing ;)
Congrats! I stumbled upon your blog via BAFAB! Consider me in!
For either.
Gautami, Glad you found my blog :) Got you in for both drawings! I just saw the other day that I was listed on BAFAB...that's crazy!
Not sure yet where I'm going, Chris, but I'll be finished my BSc in June. I've accepted a spot to do a PhD at the University of Sussex, but haven't figured out how to pay for it yet. LOL! Still waiting to hear from Oxford. But -- without a scholarship (which are dreadfully hard to come by here) -- I'll be headed back to Canada, where I can still afford to pay for my own grad school. :P There are about five texts I need to order for this coming term, and I'm not planning on buying ANY other books until after I move and get resettled. Even if I stay in England, there will STILL be a move. Hahahaha.
CDN, Grad school expensive?? NO?! LOL! Well congrats on getting in for your PhD!!! That's incredible! Whatever you decide to do, it will be a great decision. I think about what you've made out of life all the time. I really do. I can't tell you how much I would love to pick up and move over seas and I really admire you for going for it and making the best of it!
Double congrats on both the blogoversary and the award! You rightly deserve it :)
Count me in for both the books - thanks! Shockingly I've missed reading out on both these terrific reads and your review makes me long to read them myself.
Thanks and have a great New Year!
callmeabookworm at gmail dot com
Abookworm, Thanks! I've got you in for both drawings and they're both great books! Good luck!
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