Saturday, December 22, 2007

A lot of WORK and 2 more challenges!


Dang. I totally forgot what it was like to train for a new job. Paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork. Sheesh. THEN there are the training manuals. I'm working in the Blood Services area, and I now know about Bloodborne Pathogens that I ever thought I would!!

Still, it's a WONDERFUL organization. I haven't met one person that works there that doesn't love their job. That, to me, is a huge indicator. The Heart of America region that I work for services close to 50 hospitals including 5 big ones in Chicago, most of the hospitals in the entire Central part of the state, and even a few VA hospitals. LOTS to learn, and I've been extremely tired from taking it all in. (that's just a little apology for the lack of posting this week! Don't worry. I'll be back more often!)




As for the new challenges, Miz Books is again hosting the TBR challenge, this time for 2008. I failed miserably this past year!! Too many other challenges took my focus away!! But I'm trying again next year!! This wasn't too hard to choose the books...most were books that I didn't get a chance to read during challenges THIS year!! So, without further adieu....here's "The List":


  • Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood
  • Case Histories by Kate Atkinson
  • A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
  • Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
  • Lisey's Story by Stephen King
  • Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
  • I am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe
  • The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
  • Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
  • Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
  • Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
  • High Five by Janet Evanovich

Alternatives:

  • Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner
  • Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
  • Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
  • The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
  • In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
  • The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters by Gordon Dahlquist
  • Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
  • The Skewed Throne by Joshua Palmatier
  • The Road by Cormac McCarthy

So.....there you go. Will try to actually get through the list this year!!



It's finally time to post my choices for the "Celebrate the Author" Challenge. Hosted by Becky from Becky's Books, it's a year-long challenge. You read 12 books in 12 months. A book a month, during the authors birthday month. I just think this sounds fun!! And a way to celebrate my favorite authors!! So....here's "The List":

  • January - Anne Bronte - Agnes Gray
  • February - John Steinbeck - Grapes of Wrath or East of Eden
  • March - Douglas Adams - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
  • April - Terry Pratchett - The Colour of Magic
  • May - Jodi Picoult - ???
  • June - Thomas Hardy - Far From the Maddening Crowd
  • July - Robert Heinlein - The Puppet Masters
  • August - H. P. Lovecraft - At The Mountains of Madness
  • September - Stephen King - ??
  • October - Ursula Le Guin - The Left Hand of Darkness
  • November - Neil Gaiman - ??
  • December - Charles de Lint - The Onion Girl

I left a few blank. Maybe it's wishful thinking that a new book will come out by then. Or I just couldn't decide right now. Whatever the reason, I'll pick something!!

Later!

13 comments:

Ana S. said...

I imagine how stressing training for a new job must be, but it's so wonderful that you'll get to work in something so rewarding!

The TBR challenge is calling my name. I have bought way too many books in the last few months that need to be read!

Literary Feline said...

Looks like you have a good year of reading ahead of you!

I am glad the job is going well, even with the training. I know how stressful that can be!

Stephanie said...

Nymeth - You should join the TBR challenge!! There are a ton of people already signed up. IF you do it, it's a great way to whittle down your pile!!

Training IS stressful. But I think with this job, it will really be worth it!

Wendy - It's scary to think I have most of my 2008 already planned out!! Who know? Maybe I'll make it this time!! The job is going to be a good (I just wish it paid more!) I'm still waiting tables on the weekends though. Maybe when I get our cars paid off next September I can cut back a little!

Ladytink_534 said...

I'm waiting on Moon Called from the library now. It looks like a great book!

DabookLady said...

Training for a new job is difficult and trying to fit in reading too is challenging, I am running a little challenge book contest on my blog, check it out,, http://dabookladysreadinglife.blogspot.com/2007/11/new-contest-and-swap.html

Stephanie said...

Lady Tink - I bought Moon Called months ago...and I just haven't had the time to read it. But you are right....it does look good!!

DaBookLady - Training is such a drag sometimes. So much reading to do!! I added you to my blog list!! You have a great blog!! I'll try to head over for the contest!

Melody said...

Oh yes, more reading challenges!! :D I signed up for the TBR Challenge too, and I'm still debating whether or not to sign up for the other as well, hmm...

You have a great list of books there. And here's wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas! :)

Debi said...

Oh, how you make me smile! It's so nice to not feel alone in one's addictions! I'm doing the Celebrate the Authors challenge...I picked all children's books to read to my boys (figured that might be one way for me to actually finish a challenge...lol). And that TBR one...damn, but it's getting harder and harder to resist...

It really must be tough, getting settled into a new job. And it sounds like there's a lot to learn for this one! I hope once the training is over, you'll be even happier with it. It sounds like a great place to work!

DesLily said...

I hope your training is over soon and you finally begin to relax with the new job..

I've read Water for Elephants and Thirteen Tale and they are both Excellent reads! I hope you enjoy them!

Carl V. Anderson said...

Here's hoping that Gaiman's newest book is out prior to November!!! :)

I think I will be doing the TBR Challenge as well, tying in books I've already chosen from other challenges.

tanabata said...

Sounds like the job training is sure keeping you busy! Hope the New Year is a good one for you and Good luck with all your reading challenges next year too.

Bonnie Jacobs said...

Merry Christmas to you and the whole family, Stephanie, and a happy new year in your new job!

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

Ha ha! Good luck with the challenges. I'm burned out and too scared to sign up for more--although some are really tempting. I think I'll definitely do the TBR, though.