The Woes...

So we've been trying to sell our house for several months now. I know, it's a bad market, a terrible time to sell, the wrong economy - but the right time for us (we think). We wanted to go to Logan, but that didn't happen, so we were hoping to sell our home and rent or live somewhere cheap for a while so we can send Art to school. BUT, it seems that's not going so well.
We had the big realtor tour today where they come and visit and then leave comments. Pretty much the same thing over and over "curb appeal is not so good, but the inside is gorgeous!" As if I didn't know that! I know just how I would fix the curb appeal, if I had the money - do you see the problem here?? We would love to pour a new driveway, build a garage, put on new siding, and sparkle up the outside, but that's a pretty extensive, and expensive, project. If we could sell the house we would have money for that, but wait...that doesn't quite work....
So here I sit, eating entirely too many leftover delicious cookies taking out my real-estate frustrations on my blog. Stupid realtors.
(On top of that, I have Pandora on "funk" and the song "Freak-a-zoid" is playing - there is something wrong with this day!)

Lazy Summer Days...

I try to avoid lazy summer days. I really despise lazy summer days, but there is no way to fill every second of my day with chores. So, I try to get caught up on my reading during the summer (I fall horribly behind during the school year as I can not keep my eyes open!)
I began my summer reading with a Harry Potty rereading (that's what he's called in our house, it makes Roxy and Erik giggle). There is a movie coming out and I need to get the facts fresh in my head so I can give an accurate critical judgement of the movie - so why not reread the series. Harry Potty is great, that's just all there is to it! (and I'm so glad she put the romance in at the end, I do love the idea of Ginny and Harry having adorable genius wizard children....)

Next I discovered the 3rd book in the City of Ember series (Yes, there are 4 books total, but one is a really stupid prequel). It was an interesting story that kept me going with some pretty good twists and turns, but the details and explanation were just not as intriguing as The City of Ember. I am a fan of the series, I like the idea, and it's a great connection to our study of Electricity, (and I love getting kids hooked in a series because then they just keep reading!!) I also like kids to read this before they read The Giver, which can be fairly intense if you are not prepared - the City of Ember is a light warm-up to the idea.

Somewhere in here I read a couple of REALLY STUPID romance novels, jeez, seriously - how do people tolerate such nonsense... (sorry if you love a romance novel, maybe I just pick terrible ones, but they are always so empty - I'll stick to kids books)

Next up, a lighthearted, easy Mormon reader. It's a cute book that Jamie sent me to read on a day "when you don't want to think". It is the story of a year in high school as told by various characters. They come from a variety of groups and find themselves intertwined in peculiar ways. It is a great book when you don't feel like thinking.

Last, but certainly not least, Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson. This story is based on the life of the authors Great-Grandmother. It is a rivetting tale of life on the Montana prairies, and paints such beautiful pictures of nature, and the relationships within. The main character is a cross between Anne of Green Gables, Laura Ingalls, and Sarah Plain and Tall - she's quite the character. I was most taken by the voice in this novel which truly puts you in the story and fills you with emotion. A fantastic read!

Next up, going to try some adult books (adult - as in they don't come from the children's section of the library. Grown-up books are so hard for me - cut the rambling details and get to the point!)... As well as eat away at the pile of books that are "must reads" from my students. So many books, so little time. (And yes, there is so little time, because when I start reading I usually fall asleep so my reading usually occurs in tiny bursts.)