List #16 - Aussie Author Challenge 2015

Hi, my name as Erin, and I *may* be addicted to book challenges.  Currently, I'm participating in 3 others: Semi-Charmed Winter 2014 Book Challenge, the challenge I host, Book Challenge by Erin, and The Official 2015 TBR Pile Challenge.  Why not add one more?  I didn't want to or plan to add one more, but I found one that I couldn't pass up!  Since moving to Australia, I've discovered bands and music that I love as well as books and authors that I knew nothing about before moving here.  Why not join a challenge that promotes those discoveries?  (Because I'm already in three other challenges, and I host one of them)  I can do it!

I'm diving in to this challenge with the hopes of reaching "Kangaroo" status.  I'm really liking my list, so I'm happy to find yet another the challenge.

KANGAROO
– Read and review 12 titles written by Australian Authors of which at least 4 of those authors are female, at least 4 of those authors are male, and at least 4 of those authors are new to you;
– At least 6 fiction and at least 2 non-fiction, and at least 2 titles first published in 2014 or 2015.

Female authors:
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta - COMPLETED 11 April 2015
Frantic by Katherine Howell- COMPLETED 6 April 2015
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (published 2014) - COMPLETED 11 August 2015
Girl, Defective by Simonne Howell - COMPLETED 7 September 2015

Male authors:
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion (published 2014) - COMPLETED 26 June 2015
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan - CUT
The Cold Cold Ground by Adrian McGinty
A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley (non-fiction) - COMPLETED 10 February 2015

Authors new to me:
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley - COMPLETED 3 April 2015
Strange Places by Will Elliott (non-fiction) - COMPLETED 2 April 2015
All That I Am by Anna Funder - COMPLETED 28 March 2015
Stolen: A Letter to My Captor by Lucy Christopher - COMPLETED 11 March 2015

List #15 - 2015 "To Be Read" Pile Challenge by RBR

I've been away for a few weeks.  First full day back to normalcy, and first blog in 2015.  Surprise - it's about books!

If you're not a reader, thanks for stopping by...but we'll chat soon.  If you are a reader, then you'll know what I'm talking about.  You know those books on your shelf that have been there a while?  Or on your e-reader?  Or they are tucked away in your mind that you keep meaning to read them but get distracted by other books, or projects, or life?  Well, I stumbled upon a challenge to help get to those books.  Check out the specifics here.  Currently, I have 389 books on my goodreads "to-read" list.  I may have a problem.

Check it out!

1. Not Without My Sister by Kristina Jones, Celeste Jones, and Juliana Buhring
2. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys - READ 09 June 2015
3. The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi
4. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom - READ 18 March 2015
5. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides-  - READ 6 August 2015
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky - READ 18 August 2015
7. Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum - READ 24 April 2015
8. Veronika Decides to Die by Paolo Coehlo - READ 04 February 2015
9. Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta - READ 11 April 2015
10. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
11.  Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - ABANDONED
12.  I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

Alternates:

1. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
2. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt - READ 15 June 2015

List #14 - Favorite Reads of 2014

 UPDATE:  Linking up this post here:

Several blogs I follow have posted lists of their favorite reads of 2014.  I thought I'd join in that mix.  I looked at my goodreads account, and apparently I've read 66 books this year.  These were my favorite ten of those 66 (go top 15%!).

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett -  I took a class at A&M about Children's Literature. I remember re-reading the book then and enjoying it. Unfortunately, I was too hungover most lecture days that I don't remember much else about the class. I'm glad I re-read it again. It's even more delightful of a story the third time. I'm a sucker for a transformation story, and the combined transformations of characters and the garden is a winner.
• One Last Thing Before I Go by Jonathan Tropper - About 40 pages before the end of the book, I was torn - I wanted to know what happens to the characters, but I didn't want the book to end. I love this book. The characters are well-developed, and I enjoy the writing style of the author. Cast well, it would make a great movie. The combination of mortality, relationships, and introspection packaged in a has-been musician worked well for me. It won't work for everyone.  The lead character is flawed, and not everyone is going to warm to him.  The ending won't work for everyone either.  But, it all worked for me.
• If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch - I found this book in the YA staff recommendations at my local library.  If you like YA, I recommend it.  The lead teen girl is one I felt for emotionally and wanted to wrap my arms around her and give her a big hug.  A book that attacks topics such as neglect, abandonment, and abuse coupled with acceptance, sibling bonds, and self-discovery.  
•  I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb - This book is an emotional journey. There are truly some gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, cringe-causing moments. After such a journey, the ending felt a little rushed for me, but that's my only critique. Overall, a great read.
• Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell -  I adored this book.  Eleanor and Park were such endearing characters.  There's not many books that I'd read for a second time, but this is one that I will keep on my shelf to read again in the future.  If you like teen fiction, love stories, awkward but adorable characters, and an emotion-filled read, then this book is for you.
• The Son by Jo Nesbo -  A GoodReads Choice 2014 award in Mystery/Thriller - I like thrillers, and I liked this book so much that I'll go back and read every book that this successful Norwegian author has written.
• Burial Rites by Hannah Kent - I'm certainly glad I didn't discard this one just because it is based on a true story set in Iceland in the 1800s, and I was slightly intimidated by it.  What a beauty of a book; heavy with dark imagery, but beautiful nonetheless.  As I was reading, I wanted to know more and more of Agnes's story.  I became emotionally invested in her and other characters.  
• Field of Prey by John Sandford - I've been reading Sandford's 'Prey' series since the very beginning (the early '90's).  There are many, many thriller/mystery series that feature a lead cop.  Lucas Davenport is my favorite of the bunch.  The bad guy is disturbing (as our most of Sandford's bad guys), and this book kept me guessing throughout.  
• In Case We Die by Danny Bland - Well-written flawed characters and difficult lives intrigue me; I am pulled into their stories.  Although I've never been a drug addict, I could relate to the hurt, fear, and damage felt by these characters.  I enjoyed reading their path to overcome their demons.
• The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion - What a gem of a book!  After several readers in my last book challenge raved about this one, I knew I needed to read it.  I found myself laughing out loud at times and squirming with discomfort others.  A sequel has just been released.  Hooray!

If you're an avid reader and want to join a book challenge - join mine!   

What were some of your favorite books that you read this year?

The Longest Christmas Day Ever!

I'll be home for Christmas, and not only in my dreams!  The last Christmas I spent in Texas was 2006.  This year, for a combined wedding & Christmas & birthday present to himself (my dad's birthday is Christmas Day), my dad and stepmom paid for my guy and I to fly home. 

We work until 4:00pm Christmas Eve.  We'll spend the evening of Christmas Eve with Neil's parents, kiddos, and our fur babies with presents and pancakes.  Yep, we decided pancakes for dinner this Christmas.  Christmas morning we'll squeeze in a little more time with the kids, then we head to the airport.  We fly out Christmas Day direct from  Sydney to Dallas/Ft Worth.  We'll be in the air 15 hours and 20 minutes.  You think that sounds bad?  Try 16 hours and 55 minutes on the return flight.  It is the longest running commercial flight going.  I'm good.  I watch a movie or two, and I sleep.  Poor Neil.  He doesn't sleep on any kind of transport. 

Photo credit

 With the crazy timezone difference, we arrive Christmas Day too.  We spend Christmas in Sydney, Christmas in the air over the Pacific Ocean, and Christmas in Texas too!  Threeeeeee Christmases!!!!!!  We'll be in Texas for less than two weeks, but we've crammed as many family get-togethers in that time that can possibly be scheduled with parents, step-parents, brother, sister-in-law, step-brothers, step-sister, nieces, nephew, cousins, aunts, uncles, kids of my cousins.  Oh, I mentioned it's my dad's birthday on Christmas Day.  Also, it's my niece's birthday and my mom's birthday while I'm there.  More celebrations!  (more cake!) 

I pretty much invited myself to my aunt's and uncle's for New Year's Eve at their farm.  And, I'm going to squeeze in a day at College Station, an Aggie basketball game, a day in Fort Worth, a few stops at Buc-ee's during the road trips, Tex-Mex and more Tex-Mex, and somewhere, we'll find time to sleep. 
 
In honor of my dual continent Christmas celebration, I share with you these white trash Texan and bogan-tastic Australian Christmas songs.  I love them both!

Sunday's Seven Snapshots #7

Christmas cheer in the city from this beautiful old theatre. 

I watched my favorite movie. It makes me laugh, cry, think, dance, hurt, and smile. Every time I watch it, I try to decide what character, what storyline, and whose acting performance I enjoy the most. I can never decide. I enjoy them all. 

I'm such a good little wife. I cooked dinner for my new husband while he worked late. 

Scenes from Martin Place when I went to pay my respects to Tori Johnson, Katrina Dawson, and the hostage survivors. 

I watched a young girl around 7 or 8 place her artwork (top right corner). 

Christmas in North Sydney is not complete until having a rum ball from Red Mango patisserie. 

Christmas party love!

Thoughts #21: Courtesy

I know that common courtesy from customer service people can be lacking.  Common courtesy from customers need help too.  I have a couple of rants from today's personal experiences.  And, I have a couple of Maury Povich memes.  This is sizing up to be a very entertaining blog entry...

Christmas shopper rant from a retail salesperson:  Guy comes in...
Guy: "How much are watch batteries?"
Me: "We don't sell individual batteries.  We supply and fit battery by a qualified watchmaker.  It's either $18 or $24, depending on the watch"
Guy: "Why? I just want the battery.  Why does it cost so much for a watch battery?"
Me: "We've charged the same price for a battery change for 8 years.  We offer the service to have the battery changed properly done by professional tradesmen."
Guy (aka Ebenezer Scrooge now): "Fine. How quick can you do it? I don't really want to pay that much, but..."

Comes back 15 minutes later...
Me: "Your watch is ready, set to the correct time, day, and date."
Guy: "Oh, thanks.  I never could figure out how to change the date."
Me: (what I wanted to say): "Maybe you shouldn't complain about paying for a service when they can provide a little something extra like setting the date on your watch that apparently you could never figure out for yourself."
Me (what I really said):  "No worries.  Have a great afternoon."

Another guy comes in...
Guy: "Do you have silver necklaces?"
Me: "We have a variety of sterling silver necklaces over here, and throughout the store we have many options of necklaces and pendants in white gold."
Guy: "Do you have one with a heart?"
Me: "Sure, let me get it out for you.  It is in 9karat white gold with a small splash of diamonds"
Guy (cuts me off): "Diamonds.  I don't want to pay too much."
Me: "This has a very small amount of diamonds, and 9k gold is a more affordable option of gold.  Also, it is discounted, so this necklace cost you $279.)
Guy: "Do you have one with more diamonds?  Do you have one that is bigger? Do you have one where the heart sits straight instead of at an angle?  But I don't want to pay too much, but I want bigger diamonds."
Me: "Do you mind if I ask your budget to point you in the right direction?"
Guy: "Well, $279 is more than I want to spend, but I want bigger diamonds, and a bigger heart, but I don't want to spend more than $200."
Me (I want to stare at him like the dumbass that he is until he leaves the store)
Me (what I actually do): "I can offer you an extra 10% savings on this piece that I'm showing you.  That helps you get closer to your budget.  Unfortunately, bigger diamonds in a larger heart is going to cost more money.  I'm happy to help you with that if you'd like."
Guy: "I think I'll look somewhere else for something cheaper."
Me (what I want to say): "I'm sure your girlfriend will be thrilled with that decision."
Me (what I actually say): "No worries.  Have a great afternoon."

Photo credit

The Best Wedding Ever*

A few months ago, my guy and I decided to make it official and get married.  There was no debate, no question, we were going to the registry office (similar to the Justice of the Peace in the US) and attempt to have the easiest, most relaxed day possible.  In Australia, you have to apply for an "intent to marry", then wait 30 days before the actual wedding day.  You go to the office of "Births, Deaths, and Marriages" (I'm not pregnant, and we're not dead, so gettin' married it is!), show your passport and/or birth certificate, sign a few papers, and schedule a day.  We booked for Sunday, the 14th of December.  At the time, I didn't realize that the exact date and time we'd get married, we'd have these super cool dates = 12.13.14 in America and 14.12.14 in Australia.  (Making that connection, I should never forget our anniversary, because I'm a girl who doesn't always remember important dates).

I challenged myself to spend less than $100 on my dress.  That was going to be tough in Australia, but I still thought I'd set the challenge anyway.  I went to a few stores, looked around, tried some stuff on.  Nothing.  Then, through the window of Dotti, I saw a dress that looked casual, comfortable, and it was even white (not that I had to wear white).  I tried it on, and guess what...it WAS casual, comfortable, and $65!  I told the shopgirl** that it was for my wedding, and she gave me 10% off.  Bonus.  I had gold wedges already that would look perfect, and I designed my own necklace with smoky quartz, rutilated quartz and pearls to coordinate.

I reserved space at a pub in The Rocks (a pretty popular area in Sydney).  The pub is in a heritage building that was originally built in the 1800s.  They serve boutique type beers and yummy food.  Plus, I discovered this little gem when I joined a group of Texas A&M grads to watch a football game earlier this year.  The pub is owned by a couple, and the wife is an A&M grad herself.  We Aggies like to network and support each other.  (shameless plug: Harts Pub) I created a facebook event, invited folks, sat back and relaxed.

So, Sunday rolled around.  Neil's kids stayed with us the night before.  I got myself dressed.  He got himself dressed.  I had a chat with Astro about mommy & daddy getting married.  (Yes, I talk to my cats.  Yes, they understand.  Yes, I'm a crazy cat lady.)  It was all pretty easy.

 I rode to the ceremony with Neil's mum.  He drove his dad and kids.  We had a couple of close friends join us to be witnesses.  (In Australia, you're required to have two people over the age of 18 to serve as witnesses).  One of our witnesses has been such an amazing friend to the both of us that Neil credits her with the fact that we probably wouldn't be together today if she hadn't been there for us, supported us, advised us through a particularly rocky time in our relationship.  That was then, this is now......

We arrived all present and accounted for.  We got both sets of my parents on skype from Texas (awww the wonders of smartphones and technology).  We met the celebrant, went upstairs to the ceremony room, declared that we weren't related to each other, were over the age of 18, and legally not married to anyone else.  We said some vows, we exchanged some rings (handmade by Neil himself and provided by the best little best man/ring bearer ever), we signed the marriage certificate, the witnesses did too, we kissed, and TA DA!...we're married!  All this happened in about 15 minutes and cost about $500.

We went to the pub, were joined by approximately 40 people; a fun, loving, supportive, eclectic group.  I loved the fact that we were a multi-national crowd with Australian, American, English, Kiwi, Polish, Greek, Italian, and Eastern Europeans. Everything was totally laid back and casual.  I didn't have a photographer, but I did take selfies with all the guests.  A girlfriend of ours asked to bake a cake.  I was amazed when she showed up with a croque-en-bouche!  We may have almost set the place on fire with the sparklers, but it's all good.  And, I may have eaten all the caramelised sugar toffee that was drizzled on it.

A friend of mine described me as "(t)he most RELAXED and non traditional bride ever" and said it was "such a lovely afternoon".  I'm pretty happy with both of those descriptions.  And, I'm pretty happy with this guy of mine.  We have been through a lot, put each other through a lot, committed ourselves to fight for each other and our relationship, have grown into true and equal partners. Overall, it was the best wedding ever*, and I'm grateful to all of those that joined us to make it a wonderful day!

*admittedly, I'm slightly biased.
**I do not use shopgirl in a derogatory way because I am a shopgirl.