2014 Bookish Goals

Since I know I have limited time for reading and blogging alike, I'm going to keep my 2014 reading and blogging goals short and simple.

Blogging Goals:

1. Try to post something at least once a week

2. Participate in 1-2 tours a month

3. Participate in a weekly meme? I'm a little hesitant on this, because I'm not sure which one to do. I'm open to suggestions. 

Update my Review Archive once a month

Reading Goals

1. Read for at least a half hour a day 

Last year my goal was an hour a day and I almost never made it, at least not on a consistent basis, so I'm starting smaller this year.

2. Read 75 Books

I'm hoping to go above and beyond this goal

3.Read 14,000 pages 

Another goal I'm hoping to reach and go past.

Continue on my journey to read 1 million pages in my lifetime.

That's it for me. What are your reading goals for the new year?

Behind the Blog 33: Every New Beginning Comes From Some Other Beginning's End

Behind The Blog is a meme to help bloggers connect their life and interests to the content showcased on their blog. The co-hosts Faye Kathe and Melissa will provide a different topic, idea, or question every week that bloggers can relate to themselves and the books, films, or media they find interesting!

Endings

As we approach the end of this year, we want to talk about the year which has passed. Did you learn anything this year? Do you have any days or moments that will stay with you forever? And finally, how does it feel to finally say goodbye to one year and hello to another?

In relation to media, are there any books or filns that had powerful endings that will stick with you forever? Or are there any sequels that you're looking forward to starting in 2013?

This year I learned that you can never be fully prepared for the things that life has to throw at you. Things can be humming along, same old, same old,  and the next thing you know life has thrown a curve ball and things will never be the same. This year has also reinforced the fact that you should never take anything, or anyone, for granted. If you have things to say to someone, say them.  You never know what may happen and if you don't, you'll be left wondering what they would have thought if you had said or did something to let that person know how you felt.

If there are things you want to do, do them. You don't want to go through life wondeirng, "What if?"

There are a few moments of this year that will stay with me forever. Some good, some, not so great. Such is life, though. It's the bad times that really make you appreciate the times of happiness. The sad days are the hardest to get through, but the good days are worth it, when it all comes down to it.

I must say that I will not be at all sad to see 2012 go in a few days. This year certainly did not turn out the way I thought it might, at all. I truly hope that 2013 will bring better things, for myself, and for all those around me as well.

Books and Movies:

One movie ending that always sticks with me is the end of Godfather III. Michael is at the end of his life, alone, remembering all the things he had, and ultimately, because of his business, lost. 

Another one is Rocky IV. Rocky is the ultimate series for the underdog, and it shows that if you try hard enough, you can come out  on top. And the end in particular is a proponent for change, which is always good with the start of a new year.

What books and movie endings have stuck with you? Which sequels are you looking forward to in 2013?

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December books

I was going to just start this in the new year, but I figured I might as well start now. Each month I'll post a list of  books I've read. Even with Christmas and everything I managed to read quite a bit this month.

1. Mirror Image by Jeff Marriotte
2. Beware What you Wish by Diana Gallagher
3. Working it Out: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Hope by Abby Rike
4. High Spirits by Scott Ciencin
5. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
6. Twisted by Sara Shepard
7. The Secret Lives of Wives: What it Really Takes to Stay Married by Iris Krasnow
8. The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
9. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
10. Ruthless by Sara Shepard

Of those books I read this month, my favorite is a toss up between Working it Out, and Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

Of all the books I read this year, I don't think I can narrow down just one of my favorites so I'll list the ten I liked the most in no particular order:

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (Amazing! The next book in this series is my most anticipated for next year)
Room by Emma Donoghue
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
Yankee Doodle Dixie by Lisa Patton (Part of a series but great as a standalone)
Annabel by Kathleen Winters
Lies That Chelsea Handler told me by Chelsea Handler
Working it Out: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Hope by Abby Rike
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
If You Ask Me (and of Course You Won't) by Betty White
Badass by Shannen Doherty



I guess that insomnia helps with reading goals sometimes. I can't wait for the new year to start so that I can get going on all of my challenges.

I've got a head cold so I probably won't be going out to celebrate tonight so there's a chance that I may finish another book, we'll see.

I hope everyone has fun and safe New Year's celebrations.