I'm Back!

Hi. It's been a while. I feel like I say this a lot here, but when life gets busy, blogging is one of the first things to go. So, without further ado, here's a summary of the past few months:

Playing tourist at the cherry blossom festival in DC.

The Boy's 5 year college reunion.

Two fantastic weddings with college friends.

And an Of Monsters and Men concert (super good, go see them!).

I've finished a few projects that I'll be posting soon, both with knitting and non-knitting things!

Book List 2012 Part II: Young Adult

I think part of why I enjoyed these young adult books so much was that they provided a nice break between the heavier books that I read. There's something really satisfying about finishing a book in a few hours! I should also point out that in no way am I trying to give serious book reviews. I don't feel qualified, and it's been a loooong time since I had to analyze my reading! I just want to give you a quick idea of what it was like, and hope that if you're interested you will follow up on your own.

Young Adult Books I Read in 2012:

The Hunger Game Series

(The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay)

Yes, these are for young adults. Yes, the main character gets annoying as the series progresses. But you should read at least the first book! The concept is really interesting, and it's a quick read. I love anything with a depressing, post-apocalyptic future, so this series won me over!

The Dark Is Rising Series

(Over Sea, Under Stone; The Dark is Rising; Greenwitch; The Grey King; Silver on the Tree)

I read these on the recommendation of a friend. It was one of her favorite series growing up, and I can see why! There are mysteries, good battling evil, and some fantasy. I enjoyed them at my present age, and I would have loooooved them as a child.

His Dark Materials Series

(The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass)

I honestly don't know how I missed reading these as a kid. My brother read them. A ton of my friends read them. At least I finally got around to it? I can see how inspiring they would be to a child, and I enjoyed the series (although the ending is pretty cheesy when you're 24). I have been told to NEVER watch the movie.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

KenyonCollegeKenyonCollegeKenyonCollege. I love my alma mater! Last year, two YA authors from Kenyon made the NYTimes best seller list at the same time. One of the books was this one. It's based on these old photographs that the author found, and I love the concept. Plus, KENYON.

Teacher Appreciation

Recently I was back in school, substitute teaching for one of my former mentor teachers.  During lunch I went down to the teacher lunch room, only to find it empty.  Another teacher walked by, informing me that it was teacher appreciation day, and that there was free lunch in the auditorium!  I went in to find a delicious spread of Fazoli's (a chain restaurant with Italian food, and amazing breadsticks) and home-made desserts.  Teachers could also sign up for massages that day.

As I student, I was not aware of Teacher Appreciation Day.  I only know it exists because of my mom's PTA involvement when I was younger.  I remember her putting together little gifts for the whole week to leave in teachers' mailboxes.  Wouldn't it be great if teacher appreciation was more prevalent in society?

NPR has a short (~4 minute) story about it.  Coincidentally, I only know of this story because it is by a fellow Kenyon College graduate!  Check out his story here.  And remember, it's always nice to say thank you.  I think a professor described teaching well when she said "it's one of the hardest professions out there...  You don't even get to choose when you are able to go to the bathroom!"