Category Archives: 13 13’s in 2013

Must Love Books!

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The number one item on my list of 13 13’s in 2013 was to read 13 books for pleasure which I’ve gone above and beyond. And I know I’ve gone above and beyond because I listed the books I could remember on my update post last month and because I’ve read 12 books in November. Yes, in the short 25 days of November, I have finished 12 books.

So, one night about a month ago, I started searching for free books to download to my Kindle. I downloaded two or three books and promptly forgot about them (which is very typical for me).

cover-llpbt-smallOne of the books that I downloaded was by Heather Wardell titled Life, Love and a Polar Bear Tattoo. This is the first book in the Toronto Series.

Before I go any further, I need to explain one of my little idiosyncrasies. First, I love a good series – movie, book, television – love, love, love. Second, I’ve been known to binge – books, television, food. I watched the entire first 5 seasons of Breaking Bad before the final 8 episodes aired probably within a month. Finally, I have to read books in order in a series. For example, during this same book search I downloaded a book that I read and later found out to be the fourth in a series of five. I had not further interest in the books. I couldn’t go back, I already knew too much.

So, now that you know that I’m certifiable, we can move forward.

Oh crap, I had another one. I can’t but a book down once I’ve started. I stayed up until 1 a.m. last night finishing book #12, which I started at 7:30 p.m. Yes, I read the entire book with a few potty breaks. And when I moved from the couch to the bed. And as I crawled into bed, I promised myself I would read for one more hour then go to sleep. I broke that promise.

Now we can move forward.

cover-collectionvolume1This book set in my Kindle for few weeks. On November 3rd, I started it. On November 5th, I purchased the Toronto Collection Volume One.

Go Small or Go Home
Planning to Live
Stir Until Thoroughly Confused
A Life that Fits

 

cover-collectionvolume2

On November 14th, I purchased the Toronto Collection Volume Two.

Live Out Loud
Blank Slate Kate
Finding My Happy Pace
All At Sea

We’re currently up to 9 books. Stick with me here kiddos. After I wrapped up Volume Two, I wanted to see what else was out there. I mean, this couldn’t be the end, right? I was correct. Last Thursday night I downloaded the final three books available in the series. The next book comes out on December 4th and according to Heather’s website (we’re totally on a first name basis), there will be a collection. However, I couldn’t wait.

Good to Myself
Pink is a Four Letter Word
Everybody’s Got a Story

Slightly crazy, yep. But this is just such a good series and here are just a few reason’s why I think so.

1. The books are numbered. There is no confusion. Toronto Series #3, Toronto Series #10, etc. There is no getting confused…unless you can’t count. If that’s the case, we have bigger issues.

2. They are all loosely based on one another. For example, you meet Kegan in book #1, but then you also get an update on his life in several of the other books. Other characters have interactions with him or dine at his restaurant or whatever. It was just such a cool connection for me. I’ve never been one to enjoy the “and they lived happily ever after” ending. I like to know if they got married, had babies, won the race, whatever. I get invested. I need to know. And with this series, you do know.

3. If you haven’t noticed, this is most definitely chic-lit. And if you’ve been on this blog a few times, you know I love chic-lit. However, I’ve grown tired of the poor, single 22 year-old who was sure she would never find love in her live. Seriously, if your character is 22 and desperate for love, I’m probably not going to believe it. Heather’s female characters between 28 and 40 years old and, of course, looking for love. Guess what? This 35 year-old single girl can identify with these women looking for love.

4. I feel like they are more real life than most chic-lit. Everybody has a job, a life, friends, family, issues just like in real life…or at least my life. They touch on serious issues. There’s sex but you don’t feel like the relationships are built only on sex. I feel like I could be in some of these scenes.

5. Happily ever after isn’t always the way you think. I admit, I had to put Planning to Live in the freezer for a while to collect myself. (If you get this reference without watching the video, we may be best friends.)

6. My dream man in a character named Andrew. Heather, please make him real for me. K. Thanks!

If you can overlook my complete obsessive nature, I would recommend this series. And you must do them in order. Or I might have to go all OCD on your book lovin’ booty!

Dear Heather – Thank you for an amazing series! You have earned a loyal reader for as long as the Toronto Series lasts. And because of Facebook and your web site, I know I have at least three more!

(Im)patiently waiting December 4th!
Pam

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UPDATE: 13 13’s in 2013

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There are 86 days left in 2013…so I thought I’d face the status 13 13’s in 2013 before it becomes completely impossible to do anything about it.

1. Read 13 books for pleasure. I have totally nailed this one!

2. Be 13 pounds lighter by the end of the year (that is a minimum – hopefully more).

  • Well, I’ve got about 15 to go. FAIL….but there are 86 days left.

3. Go on 13 dates. Notice I did not say first dates. If my next date is the man of my dreams, he will count for all 13 dates.

  • Fail. No 2013 dates….but there are 86 days left.

4. Have $2,013 in savings by December 31, 2013.

  • I’m saving….but not as much as I’d like…..but there are 86 days left.

5. Give/Send 13 “just because” gifts or cards to my loves for no apparent reason.

  • 3 out of 13 and I’ve got a few ideas up my sleeve.

6. Do 13 anonymous random acts of kindness.

  • FAIL….but there are 86 days left.

7. Complete a west coast half marathon – running/walking/skipping.

  • I’ve got my eye on the Berkley half marathon in November. I will have to walk it and I haven’t thought about training. This is a probable fail.

8. Write and post 13 blog entries a month.

  • I’m at 21 total….for the year. So the first 9 months were a big, fat FAIL. But I can still pull out the last three. I know I will prevail this month because I’m doing The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge. It’s the first thing blog related that I’ve been excited about in a long time.

9. Indulge in 13 “technology free” days this year. No TV, internet, phone, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

  • Well, there was the 4th of July weekend camping trip….3.5 days. Only 9.5 days to go.

10. I will do 13 different types of exercise – not necessarily new, but at least different to shake things up.

  • 5 out of 13 and there is a gym near me that has a ton of classes I plan on trying.

11. I will bring my lunch 13 times a month.

  • I labeled this a fail in January. However, it was a calculated fail. I need my lunch hour to regroup and be social. I’m totally OK with this one going down the drain.

12. I will cook 13 new to me meals.

13. Try 13 new things. This should be pretty easy since I live in an entirely new area but we’ll see.

  • I’m going to say – NAILED IT! Professional baseball game, Lake Tahoe, Pittsburgh, camping, city adventures, new friends, new bars, new places. I would have to be a hermit to not nail this one.

Let’s see how much fun I can have in the next 86 days!! Up next….The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge!

Smooches!
Pam

 

Another First

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First, on this “Another First” post, I’d like to apologize for the drunk ramblings last time we met. I need to invent a breathalyzer to disable text messages, Facebook, Twitter and now my blog when over the designated limit. For me, that limit would be lame ass. Seriously, I’m amazed that I’m 35 years old some times.

And just to clear the air, I did not ask the boy. I did text the friend who has said all of three words to me since….apparently she thinks I’m an idiot. I’ll keep you informed as to any movement on the boy situation. Don’t hold your breath, I don’t need that on my conscience.

Anyway – on my list of 13 13’s in 2013, #13 was to try 13 new things. This weekend I went to the Oakland A’s game. This was my first sporting event in California and my first ever Major League Baseball game! And it was fabulous! I spent $9 on a beer! I had a pretzel with cheese (YUM!). I had cotton candy. I saw a CarBQ. The game was stopped because of a fight in the stands and some dude almost came over the railing onto the field.

Good times!!

IMG_20130615_161559_501 IMG_20130615_155341_299 999900_4885072404002_414813465_nOh the adventures I’m having…

Resolution Revisions

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Dear 13 13s in 2013:

You will most likely be revised, specifically number 11 and 12.

This is what happens when I take the time to find a recipe, go to the store to gather the ingredients and the tools need for preparation and prepare. The stupid glassware explode in my oven!

DSCN1367Ingredients: $16.19
Glassware: $14.99
My time preparing: Minimum 30  minutes
My time cleaning up: Minimum 100 years

Thanks for the memories Anchor. Super awesome!

Sincerely,
Disgruntled Left Bean

13 13’s in 2013

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It occurred to me as I was writing my 2012 recap that maybe my “projects” aka resolutions were a bit too lofty. Yes – I should be nicer to myself, true to myself and find a life path. Yes – I should and will do those things. However, thinking they will happen in one year is nuts! I’ll probably be working on these projects when I’m 80.

I have decided if I am going to do resolution/goals/projects, they need to be tangible, calculated goals that I can wrap my head around. And that I can boast about throughout the year to my pretty little blog lovers. With this realization, I present to you – 13 13’s in 2013.

  1. Read 13 books for pleasure.
  2. Be 13 pounds lighter by the end of the year (that is a minimum – hopefully more).
  3. Go on 13 dates. Notice I did not say first dates. If my next date is the man of my dreams, he will count for all 13 dates.
  4. Have $2,013 in savings by December 31, 2013.
  5. Give/Send 13 “just because” gifts or cards to my loves for no apparent reason.
  6. Do 13 anonymous random acts of kindness.
  7. Complete a west coast half marathon – running/walking/skipping – whatever. (A half marathon is 13.1 miles.)
  8. Write and post 13 blog entries a month.
  9. Indulge in 13 “technology free” days this year. No TV, internet, phone, Twitter, Facebook, etc.  (Yes, Mom, I’ll warn you in advance.)
  10. I will do 13 different types of exercise – not necessarily new, but at least different to shake things up.
  11. I will bring my lunch 13 times a month. Whoa – This will take some work.
  12. I will cook 13 new to me meals. The kind where I find a recipe on Pinterest, purchase the ingredients and cook. Again – whoa!
  13. Try 13 new things. This should be pretty easy since I live in an entirely new area but we’ll see.

So there you have it – My 13 13’s in 2013. I’m excited to make a spreadsheet to track all of these!

Have you made any resolutions to share with the left bean family?