2016 Booklist

I’ve challenged myself to read more in 2016 and I am off to a pretty good start.  I really enjoy reading all kinds of books and my list will show some of that diversity.  My list will certainly grow as I borrow and buy new books pretty regularly (time to start reading them all).  Here is my initial booklist that I’ve already read this year, am currently reading, or books that are waiting to be read.

  •  Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs (the 3rd book in the Peculiar Children Series). I have to admit I didn’t like this book as much as the first two.  The story line was only held together by the pictures especially in the beginning.  It finished better than it started and I did like the ending.  I won’t ruin it for you if you decide to read it.
  • Wholly Mary, Mother of God by Chris Padgett.  I’m almost done reading this one and it’s has sparked an idea for a blog post which I am working on.  It’s also sparked a closer relationship with Mary.  Love it, love Chris’s writing.
  • Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. I assigned this as reading to my daughter and I happen to have two copies of the book, so I thought I’d read it too.  I haven’t read it since I was a kid.
  • The Sassy Way to Starting a Successful Blog When You Have No Clue by G. Gabrielle. This is a kindle book and it’s how I am building this blog. Good book. Recommend it. I also contacted the author via email (which she provides in the book) and she got back to me with the answer to my question!
  • The Art of Spiritual Writing by Vinita Hampton Wright.  I’ve read only one chapter of this book. I hope it is as good as the reviews!
  • The First Phone Call From Heaven by Mitch Albom. Looks like a great book!
  • All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.  This one comes highly recommended by several people.
  • WordPress Bootcamp by David Maxwell. Another Kindle book I just downloaded.  I have lots to learn on WordPress.

What are you reading? Do you have a favorite booklist? Let me know in the comments or on my Facebook page!

My 2016 Life Goals

Theresa’s 2016 Life Goals

  • Make prayer a priority, not an after thought. Make it to confession (I’m Catholic) monthly – make an appointment if necessary! I also need to be more of a doer of the Word, not just a hearer.
  • Make family a priority. Not that they never were, but I spend too much time on Facebook, need to tame that beast.
  • Be creative everyday.  Do a coloring page, crochet, paint, or do any of the crafts I like – just do something. It’s my outlet.
  • Blog at least once a month, but work towards once a week).  I have things I want to say, so I am going to say them.
  • Get organized. The house needs it, my life needs it.  I already have two new binders to help organize my life.  Getting more…
  • Work toward becoming debt free (using the “Soon to be debt free 2016” workbook available free online at http://www.onebeautifulhomeblog.com/2014/12/2015-soon-debt-free-workbook/ ).
  •  Read more! Doing the 2016 Book Challenge. I love reading but often read FB instead…going to quit that habit and read a book before bed instead.
  • Exercise everyday and eat healthy (plan meals)! Health is a gift – I need to quit wasting it away.

Mid- January Update:

It’s half way into this month.  I’m doing well with almost all of my goals, except the exercise.  I’m about to get serious about that however, with an upcoming challenge at work.  I will not let my team down.  Let’s pray my hip holds up! My blog is changing…if you have been following me on my free WordPress Blog, you can switch to follow me here. I’m not savvy enough to figure out how to move all that old stuff over, so I am starting fresh! TheBattyOwl.com is so much fun. I am so glad the domain name was available.  It just fits me.  I will be working on making this website amazing over the next few weeks/months and I hope you enjoy it.

Please let me know what you think about the site so far! boots-181744_640

February 2, 2016 Update:

Prayer has definitely made it’s way back to the top of my priority list. I’ll be scheduling reconciliation soon!  Family is a priority of course but goodness, sometimes time gets away from me and I can’t do all I’d like too.  Organization wise, some things have improved, others – not so much. It’s a work in progress.  Becoming debt free – seems like a joke.  Our clothes dryer is going to need to be replaced very soon.  It’s taking several cycles to dry a load and that’s not energy efficient at all. If you know of a quick, cheap fix for an LG dryer give me a call (or email or text).  I am reading a lot more. See my post on that (I need to learn how to link to that here!). I admit I am not exercising everyday but I am eating much healthier.  We got a Ninja blender and it makes lots of green smoothies and other yummy healthy stuff!

How are you doing with your life goals?  It’s not easy to stay on track but I am not giving up and I hope you aren’t either.