Book Binge

Ah, I have forgotten what it felt like to turn pages of a book that I could thoroughly enjoy and immerse myself in.

I just got back into the reading realm mostly sparked by needing activities which I could spend in an armchair, my bed, or in a silent room. Knitting is still a passion, however mostly reserved for projects to help sponsor a little portion of my upcoming Africa mission trip next summer.

I'm not much of a book series sort of person, but when I picked up Rick Riordan's The Lightning Thief, I was hooked. It is the first book of a five-part series on a boy named Percy Jackson, and his adventures as a son of a Greek god. Needless to say, I'm hoping to get around to finishing the book series as soon as I get my hands on the rest of the series. I actually went to the library this week to borrow the second book of the series, The Sea of Monsters among a few others.

Of the four books I borrowed from the young adult section of the library, the first I read was Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty & the Beast by Robin McKinley—I loved it! I'm a sucker for fantasy, magic, and lore. It did remind me a lot of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, but the storytelling was so easy to dive into.

I had forgotten how much I loved books and reading in particular... especially free books. :) I'm pretty surprised at the selection available at the local library, but that's what's so exciting about it—there are actually endless possibilities of what I could be reading next. I just need to fit some time to visit the library.

Another reason for the mention of free books is because I'm on a mission to save money and pay off my student loans as my top priority. The dSLR and other items that are on my wish list will stay on my wish list until I have either saved enough in my entertainment savings account or have made a hefty payment on my student loans. I'm actually more aware of my spending habits, and learning to live on a budget actually reminds me of Jesus' teachings about where we store our treasures. A lot of the things I've accumulated over the years actually became more of a burden than a joy, and most of it I don't get to enjoy very much, especially when most of my day is filled with activities outside of home.

There's also another book that I recently picked up, which I'm a little more than halfway through, It's All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff by Peter Walsh. This book is actually pretty good, especially for a packrat like myself. I bought it on a whim when I went to an office supply store with my sister, but I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in removing clutter and really taking a good look at how we're living our lives in a society where we're told that the newest gadgets or the newest styles would make our lives so much happier or so much easier... :) more of a reality check than anything.

So Close!

Looking at Google Maps, I realized if I went further on 5N (after missing 101 N freeway switch), I could have made it to Magic Mountain!

*Sigh*

A Drive

Got back from an overnight trip to LA to drop off someone at LAX for their flight to Korea today.

On my way back from the airport heading back into SLO, I somehow missed the 101 freeway entrance and got onto 5 N and had to back track. I think it was partially due to my wandering mind and pride in "knowing" the drive back from LA well enough not to miss the freeway switch. Unfortunately, it goes to show that I'm still human and full of errors. I've learned my lesson. I should still consult my written directions, especially when without a GPS navigating unit ensconced on my dashboard.

But, all went well. The drop off of my charge went without mishap. Got him up and ready to go a wee early, but it saved me from traffic in the morning to the airport. I got some unexpected bonuses as well. Not bad for a "half day's" work.

Well, all in all, I'm back and ready to take a nap. And it's a nice day outside too!

Some Things To Do Before I Turn 25

Here are a list of things I'd like to accomplish/check off before I turn twenty-five. In no particular order:

1. Learn how to ride a bike (not those stationary ones)
   
2. Go to Six Flags Magic Mountain (it's been ages!)
3. Go kayaking
4. Get my personal website up
   

For some reason, I can't think of other things to put here... but I'm sure something will come up.

Life's good, a little busy. Currently in the process of packing and moving. I will still be in SLO, but my lease is up. :) Moving into my pastor and his family's home for the next three months, and then moving to rent a room in their old home (which is close to where I am living at currently—and close to work).

I will try to visit you NorCal and SoCal and very SoCal people when I get a chance (and save some gas money)... or you can save me my solo trip and come visit me!

Building up an Empire

Well, not exactly an Empire... but a profile/stock of knitting information on my Ravelry account. I think it's due time I started using that site a bit more, now that I'm working on more knitting projects.

Anyone else on Ravelry? Let me know!

Mine!

I'm beginning the process of putting my mark on life.

I don't know how it'll look like from day to day, but I hope to own up to each day and make an effort to put a little personal touch into my:
- conversations
- knitting projects
- photography
- written notes
- IMs
- e-mails
- phone calls
- surprise visits
- going on random trips to random destinations
- reading new books/magazines/articles
- living life to the fullest
- [insert unknown activity here]

But then again, it is a little past midnight, and I'm a little tired. Hopefully this won't be a fluke post I regret later... hopefully.

An Intrusion

She held back the sob that was threatening to erupt from her lips. Crouching low as she hid in the closet, she fought to stay alert as she cast wary eyes to the slight opening left by the closet door.

She knew they were close, maybe a few yards away.

Trying to keep her breathing shallow, she slowly brought her hand up to her face to help slow down her breathing.

Listening for their voices, she slowly moved toward the closet door to have a better view of the entrance. They were heading towards the couch, seemingly unaware of another presence. This was even better than she had initially planned—maybe she could slip out unnoticed.

Waiting until the two intruders settled into the couch to watch a previously recorded show, she counted silently to herself. Slowly and steadily, she eased open the sliding closet door, and gave a great shout as she lunged toward the couch.

"Surprise!"