Reading Challenge Progress

A couple weeks ago I posted a link to a 2015 reading challenge from Modern Mrs. Darcey. I'm happy to report I've finished a book that qualifies for the list. Yes, I'm very proud of myself.

Anyway, for "Book from a genre you don't usually read," I read Fortunately, the Milk, by Neil Gaiman. Yes, it's an author I usually read, but in a different genre. It's a kids' book--I'm not sure what level. Not quite Middle Grade, I'd say. Anyway, it was super cute and entertaining and throws some shade at romantic vampires, so I was all good with it.

I'm also about halfway through a "book you've been meaning to read," so I'll report on that when I finish it.

Favorite Things on the Internet

In case you haven't figured it out yet, I am very easily amused.

3. This video of three dogs acting as ball boys at a tennis match in New Zealand.




Here's another link with a bit more information.

2. This photo gallery of superheroes and other familiar faces posed for classical Flemish-style portraiture. (via OpenCulture.)

1. Because Favorite Things would be incomplete without a hockey reference, this gif of Marian Hossa taping his stick (not a euphemism).

Audio Book Recs, or How to Get Tom Hiddleston into Your Bedroom

I really like audiobooks. I know they're not everyone's cup of tea, but for me, after a long day of editing, it's really nice to snuggle up in bed with the dog and let somebody read to me for a change.

Of course, some readers mesh with the story better than others. And some readers are hot British dudes.

Which brings me to something I discovered on Scribd a while ago, which I'm going to recommend.

There is a series of audiobooks of the James Bond series, all read by British actors. So if you want to end your evening or enhance your car ride with the dulcet tones of David Tennant or Tom Hiddleston, then get ye to your favorite audiobook outlet and grab these. I've only listened to one so far, because I'm being stubborn about reading the series in order, but I enjoyed the reading.

This link will take you to Amazon, to On Her Majesty's Secret Service, read by David Tennant. If you're curious, Tom Hiddleston reads Octopussy/The Living Daylights. (Disclaimer--I do NOT get affiliate payments from Amazon, because Amazon doesn't like Colorado.)

What to Read in 2015?

I haven't done any kind of a reading challenge in a long time. Maybe I haven't done one ever. I honestly can't remember. But my BFF pointed me to this post from Modern Mrs. Darcy, and this challenge appeals to me, so I think I'm going to give it a go.

Here's the main graphic from her site with the gist of the challenge:

Please drop by her site if you want to formally participate in her challenge. She's got a pinboard set up and everything.


In addition, I'll add a list of my own that might get you thinking about some other things you could try.

1. The first book in a series you've been thinking about trying but thought it was OMG SO LONG.
2. A primer about a religion you know nothing about.
3. A "short history" of a country you're not familiar with.
4. A book about something you've been meaning to learn, like a language or a craft/hobby.
5. A sacred text from a religion that isn't yours.

I'll stop at five, because I'm not as industrious as Mrs. Darcy. But that's okay. And I'll keep some updates on how I've progressed, or not, as the year goes on.

Favorite Things

The holidays are over (finally), and my schedule is heading back toward normal, whatever that is. So here are my favorite things on the Internet this week.



3. This video of Sidney Crosby and other NHLers who aren't Sidney Crosby surprising a group of sledge hockey players. Watch it. It's not that long. Have a Kleenex ready.



2. "Let it Go." IN RUSSIAN, PEOPLE!!! (And in Russian, it's "Let it Go and Forget."

1. This might actually be my favorite thing on the Internet EVER. Too bad we lost. Damn you, Troy Brouwer!! Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!