Determined to make the most of an extra week at home. Went down early this morning to the Vac Swim and managed to snag the kids places in swimming lessons for the next 8 days, starting midday today. Am going to clean out the shed. And do my edits for After the Rain. And hopefully some more, unexpected catchups with friends!
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This year I read almost 300 books. I haven’t recorded most of the graphic novels or comics this time around (and I know there were quite a few Fables and other stuff as well). 150 of the books were for the WA Premier’s Book Awards judging. About 50 were bought books and about the same number were review copies. The rest were mostly borrowed (and there were a few more judging books for Aurealis Judging). So, in all those books, what were my top picks? Those that scored 4.5 or 5 out of 5 are listed below (in no particular order).
The Time Traveller’s Wife, Audrey Niffenegger – Almost impossible to put down – extremely clever, well-written and a wonderful if sad story.
Batman: Hush, Loeb, Lee, Williams (graphic novel) – This was BRILLIANT – absolutely loved it, read in one sitting – it’s great writing, great art, great colour. Favourite Batman EVA (could have something to do with showings by Huntress, Catwoman and Poison Ivy).
Liar, Justine Larbalestier (actually I read this last year, but again this year for the WAPBA judging)
Pearl Verses the World, Sally Murphy
Zombies vs Unicorns, Justine Larbalestier & Holly Black (eds) – one of the highest quality anthos I’ve read for ages.
Power and Majesty, Tansy Rayner Roberts – Absolutely adored this. I’ve never read anything by Tansy that I didn’t like. Can’t wait for the next volume!
Soulless, Changless and Blameless, Gail Carriger – Love these!
Because Liar is officially a 2009 read, I can unequivocally say that my favourite book of the year was…
Of course, I loved the books I published this year, and the ones I worked on for Twelfth Planet Press, but I won’t name them in my Top Reads 🙂 In general, I’ve enjoyed most of my reading – had a couple of books I simply couldn’t be bothered finishing, which happens more than it used to because I just have too many to read! Not sure if it’s also a sign of publishers publishing more crappy books though – all the books I did not finish were of the paranormal romance/urban fantasy genre, which is interesting. Am I glutted, or is it that the publishers will publish anything to ride the popular wave?
I don’t feel I read as much as usual this year, despite the stats to the contrary. New baby, publishing two books, plus social networking and so on has put a drain on my reading time I think. Am aiming higher for next year, particularly I get any of the judging jobs I’ve applied for!!
So, bring on 2011!
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After a peaceful family day on Christmas Day, Boxing Day brought us a lovely afternoon with and clan, & . Much food and drink and fun! brought her truly excellent vanilla slice (with some customised just for me what doesn’t like passionfruit!) and with the big kids entertaining the little ones, it was a very nice afternoon. Pity about the cricket. And poor A & N had to come back to collect forgotten phone, which led to much overheating of car, but otherwise, all good!
Then today we had visitors from Queensland – a mate of hubby’s from when he worked in a little mine in a little country town, who he’s kept in touch with and who is now married to a girl I briefly went to high school with (although we don’t really know each other). They brought young daughters, so kids were once again entertained, and we had a lovely few hours including swims and a big BBQ.
Today I also booked tickets in a sleeper berth on the Westlander. It only runs twice a week and happens to work out for us flying into Brissy on Thursday. Chances are better for the train getting through to our destination than a car, so while it means a longer journey, if there are delays with rain over the road, at least we have a bed and access to a loo etc without leaving the train 🙂 Will be an exciting adventure. I spent today looking at people’s updates on Facebook showing roads cut and creeks flooded, so we still might not get there, but we’ll have our best shot. Could be very exciting…
Tomorrow at this stage is looking like hubby taking the kids to see a silly movie, me taking baby to go shopping. Plan!
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We had a lovely long swim (bubs too) and have spent the rest of the day in the aircon. Have done a little reading, had a nap and played lego, blocks, craft and that’s about it! Hope your day was as nice 🙂
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I love the week between school finishing and Christmas. It’s always a social time and this week has been no different.
Friday – wonderful day with my work mates at our annual Christmas function. Carols, Mass, farewells *sniff* and beautiful lunch with excellent company.
Saturday – unexpected trip northwards to go shopping and then hang out with – always a win!
Sunday – a few lovely hours with and (sans children, most odd!) – good conversation and even a swim!
Monday – a full day with , , and . Eight hours flies by when you’re having fun! A most relaxing, energising and awesome day, followed by
Tuesday – a spot of shopping. I feel there was more, but I don’t think so!
Wednesday – A trip to Mandurah to visit , while Miss Five hung out with a kindy friend (and then we did too when picking her up).
Today and tomorrow are currently looking fairly peaceful (which is sort of good, as we’ve lots to do!) but I don’t doubt some visits with kid friends are on the cards! And then it’s Christmas!
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