loganashley

Book Review: Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle

2009-07-13T04:14:17Z

I was the first person to check Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks out of the Richmond Public Library...yay me! In the story, the main character of Carly goes to a Christian school in Georgia. At the beginning of the book, Carly has just returned from camp to find that her little sister Anna has "blossomed" while she was away. Anna is about to start high school and will be one year behind Carly. Carly is very much the big sister and tries to take care of Anna. The one thing Carly wants most is to be different while Anna fits in with the popular crowd at their school. Carly has to deal with her jealousy of Anna along with the trials and tribulations of being a teenage girl in a school where she does not feel a sense of belonging. The characters were very believable and it was an easy read. It was something of a departure for me because I did not actually identify with the main character. Growing up, I was the kid who wanted to belong so I identified more with Anna than Carly. I feel like Carly was more individual than many of the teen characters in YA novels and many of the twists and turns surprised me. Some of the supporting characters were not very fleshed out, for instance Carly's friend Peyton, who I could never tell if she was a good friend to Carly or being deliberately malicious but it did not hinder my enjoyment of the book. All in all, I have to say I have a new book to recommed at the library!

An Observation and A Question

2009-07-08T03:40:00Z

I have discovered through careful observation (I was bored) that the YA section at the library is grossly underused. I would like to come up with ways to pull more readers into the library because I know they have to be reading more than just Twilight (not that I don't love Twilight). I know that I want to have a YA book group and I would love to have writers come and speak but I am at a loss as to how exactly to make that happen. The book group should be fairly simple, it is just a matter of picking a book and doing some advertisement like I did for the story times (by the way, attendance at both story times more than doubled from the first week I was there). So anyway, I'm putting it out there to all authors that if you are planning on coming to the Richmond, VA area this summer and would like to come and speak at a library, just let me know! Also, if you are familiar with the official channels for getting a speaker, feel free to share your knowledge.

The Question: Anyone have any more ideas about how to get YAs into the library and checking out books?

another day at the library

2009-06-22T18:46:03Z

Kids/Teens checked out these books:

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Need by Carrie Jones

Tattoo by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli

Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story by Carolyn Turgeon

WOOHOO!

I also found out that people I have never met know who I am because of my book suggestions. The person who does the ordering for all the libraries is apparently super excited to meet me. When my boss was talking with her about hiring me, she went "Wait, that Logan! She has great taste!".

Book Review: The Forest of Hands and Teeth

2009-05-29T22:40:04Z

I picked up The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan knowing very little about it except that it was a good book. I was totally blown away. It is a fresh take on the zombie invasion story because it is more about the changes in the main character rather than the zombie attack. Basically, there is a tiny little settlement that is surrounded by a forest full of zombies where the main character of Mary lives. There are gates to keep the zombies out but the gates don't always work. Zombie-ism is spread through biting and it spreads through the body at different rates depending on how bad the bite is. The story is set in the future, although it is easy to forget this because the behavior of the characters is so old fashioned. The characters call the start of the zombie-ism "The Return" and the zombies and called the It reminded at times of The Village but never in a bad way. The main character is very fleshed out and it is easy to understand her motivations during the story. While I won't spoil the ending, I will say that to me it just cries out for a sequel.

Wish me luck!

2009-05-29T02:19:14Z

My interview is tomorrow at 5:00 for my dream summer job as a children's librarian. I mean, if I could pick anything in the world right now, this would be it.

books, camping, television

2009-05-26T20:30:00Z

I have been a bit remiss in my blogging for the month of May but that is only because I have been busy with reading and work stuff. I have a pile of reviews that need to be typed (Fragile Eternity, The Forest of Hands and Teeth, City of Glass, The Awakening, and Love is Hell are among them). I still have to read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and am working on Pretty Little Liars, which so far reads a bit more like a middle grade book rather than YA (not that that is a bad thing)

I did my version of camping this weekend which means I went to my family's farm outside of Winchester, VA and slept in a house without air conditioning, television, or internet. I had a great time and went wading, drove an ATV, and was woken by a bugle each morning. Some very amusing pictures will be shared once I have the right cord for my phone.

I'm sad the Privilege has been cancelled. The book is great and I really loved the show. I would rather watch it than 90210 any day. But I'll live because CHUCK IS COMING BACK!!!! I would marry Chuck Bartowski, he is one of my biggest fictional character crushes ever! The preview of Glee was awesome and I immediately downloaded Don't Stop Believin'. I don't want to wait until fall to see more of this show.

loganashley @ 2009-05-07T17:36:00

2009-05-07T21:46:09Z

No AI blog this week, I was at an actual concert on Tuesday night. I went and saw Jack's Mannequin with Matt Nathanson and Erin McCarley with Jess. The concert was awesome! We hung out after and met Andrew. I had met him a few times before but the last time was 2 years ago on the last tour. I loved Matt Nathanson, he really kept it interesting and he played Jesse's Girl! My car got towed because there was a hidden handicapped sign behind a tree so I was stuck downtown after midnight but Jess came and rescued me. Tomorrow is Friday and this weekend I am planning on going to Fredricksburg for the Fragile Eternity event. Jess might be coming with me!

The Joys of Teaching

2009-05-07T21:33:03Z

"Lila, stop annulling me!"

dream

2009-05-03T17:08:01Z

Last night, I had a dream I met Melissa Gilbert. She was at a restaurant eating dinner with her family. She had cut her hair so that it looked like Hilary Clinton's. There was a discussion as to whether it looked more like Princess Diana's or Hilary's going on. I walked over to her and said I was a huge fan and asked if I could take a picture with her. We took a picture but the person taking it did not wait until we were ready so it looked weird. Before we could take another one, Melissa had to go. I remember thinking, I met Melissa Gilbert and I now I have a picture with her but I look so weird in it that I don't want anyone to see it. I also remember thinking she looked a lot better with long hair.
This dream was weird for a multitude of reasons but for me it was weird because I would never approach a famous person unless they were doing a public event. I have run into Sissy Spacek at Patient First and seen Pete Sampras at a hotel but did not do anything about it because I figured it was their time and this has always been my opinion. It's why I love the stage door signing in New York so much because I don't feel weird about asking for a picture with Ashely Angel or whoever.

to blog or not to blog about american idol

2009-04-29T01:02:19Z

I seriously considered just skipping AI tonight and going to bed. I had a migraine yesterday and fell asleep at 6:30 fully clothed, shoes and all. I did not wake up until my alarm went off this morning. But it's Rat Pack night and I love myself some Frank, Sammy, and Dean.

Wow, everyone looks great tonight! Haha, Jamie Foxx as a music mentor for Rat Pack week, this could either be great or awful.

Kris: The Way You Look Tonight-perfect song choice for him and I like that he didn't choose to sit behind the piano. He is showing some nice versatility. I love that he changed it up in the middle and then slowed it back down. I know he's married but definitely has heartthrob potential. I love watching him. What the heck is Simon talking about! I completely disagree with him!!!

Allison: Somebody to Watch Over Me- WOW...I actually could not look away from her performance to type, she better get some good critiques from the judges. She was fabulous and I loved how she changed little things about the song. I really don't know who will be in the finals now.

Matt: My Funny Valentine- Why am I not surprised that he is wearing that hat? I wonder if he will take Jamie's advice. Is it just me or is there something sort of off about his performance? I really thought he would blow me away this week, I mean, it's his thing. He did do an awesome job on that full voice note near the end.

Danny: Come Rain or Come Shine- He certainly took the stage like he owned it. I'm not overly familiar with this song and I don't really love it. I'm not blown away so far and I really think at this point, that's what should be happening. Much better as he gets into the stride of it and he really got great at the end. It is about singing, but it's about performance as well.

Adam: I'm not sure how I feel about his performance. He's always vocally pretty perfect but I definitely see the Broadway kid in him. That note was totally amazing. Did Kara just call him sleazy? and Paula compared him to Michael Phelps. He is very entertaining to watch.

It's time for Matt to go home.

Random musings: Glee still looks amazing! Whoever came up with bread bowl pasta should be shot by the carb patrol.

two weird dreams in the same day

2009-04-26T18:56:46Z

OK, so in this dream, I snuck into a Brad Paisley concert (which is something I would never do, the sneaking part. I love Brad Paisley) except it wasn't in some big arena, it was in the auditorium of one of my old schools (which was turned into a bunch of condos a few years ago). The front of the room was exactly the way I remember it but the part where the people sit had doubled in size and there were the huge tiered bleachers. I was sitting with my friend Marilyn and some other people whose faces I had not yet looked at in the dream and we were talking about the show when Gretchen Wilson came up and started singing. I had my computer with me and was blogging about the show. The band wasn't on the stage and one of the back up singers was messing up the words so I decided to jump in and help. I sang back up on one song and then Gretchen was done singing and I sat back down like nothing had happened. I kept thinking that I really should have bought a ticket. Then some security people came over and asked me if I had an illegal internet ticket with me and I said no. Then they said they thought I might be CIA and could I please show them some ID. I said "I'm not CIA but I am RPS" and showed them my teacher ID. They gave me a plastic bag with a checklist on it and the word Midnight was checked off. They said it meant that the owner was going to be watching me. Then James Read (who played the dad in Charmed) walked over carrying a bunch of french bagguetes. I ran to him and called him dad which was also when I noticed that the other people I was sitting with were the Haliwells. I told him what happened and he confronted the owner by tearing a bagguete in half and shoving it in his mouth while we ran.

This is what happens when I nap and I'm still tired.

another weird dream

2009-04-26T15:33:48Z

I had a dream that for some reason, my family had to go into the witness protection program. We were all ready to go but I insisted on seeing this family that I babysit for one more time. I was walking to their house when I saw Ryan from Paranormal State. It seemed like maybe I knew him casually because all I said was "hey Ryan". Then I ran into a bunch of other people from the show including Sergey and started talking with him about ghosts in the Richmond area because they were hosting one of their events there. It would seem like two separate dreams except for the fact that I still had to go into witness protection. I remember being upset because I did not want to leave, especially since I had just met a bunch of people from PRS. I do love Paranormal State but I haven't watched it in a while.

I have no book will power

2009-04-23T20:56:34Z

I really was going to wait until Friday night to buy Fragile Eternity but I drove past Barnes and Noble last night and I just couldn't help myself. I did manage to stop myself from buying the new Cassandra Clare book but that will only last until I have finished Fragile Eternity. I'm so busy I won't have much time to read it until Friday but just knowing I have it is awesome after all the waiting. I have a bunch of other books in my reading pile and a few I have already read but still need to write reviews of.

facebook

2009-04-22T01:44:44Z

I just got a completely random friend request on facebook from this guy I met at a wedding last summer. We hung out at the wedding, had fun but he had a date and nothing happened. I hadn't heard from him or seen him since then and he friended me on facebook today. How did he find me on facebook? We have no mutual facebook friends because the friend whose wedding it was does not have facebook. I'm not creeped out by this or anything. I remember him as a cute, good ol' southern boy and certainly would not be opposed to hanging out with him I just cannot figure out how he found me or why he would even care since I haven't seen him since last summer.

Disco Night

2009-04-22T00:59:16Z

Lil: I’m Every Woman- What no mentor this week? Lil’s hair gets longer every week. Horrible song choice on her part because unless she did something amazing with the arrangement, it is probably going to sound dated and karaoke. She can sing but she did not update or change the song really. Why are they asking what the contestants feel now? I don’t really care.

Kris: She Works Hard For the Money- He was amazing last week and I downloaded my fist song from this season of AI. He might be my favorite this season. He knows exactly what kind of artist he is. He does a great job of making songs fit his voice and this one is no different. I’m ready to hear some original songs from him

Danny: September-This is his thing, dancing around the stage with lots of energy and I really enjoy watching him. It’s not current but it’s good and I could totally listen to it in the car on a road trip. He looks a little more rugged this week with the stubble and I like it. I am finally starting to see what everyone is talking about with him.

Allison: Hot Stuff- It sounds like she did a great job updating the song and it sounds like something that could be on the radio now. Vocally, she sounds good. The beginning was great and I kind of wish she had continued with it that way.

Adam: If I Can’t Have You- Very Broadway, which makes sense given his background. I love it, and he roughed it up a little bit during the chorus, which is good. His vocals really are amazing. I mean, I never would have guessed that it used to be a disco song. Also, he looks purdy : )

Matt: Staying Alive- I don’t really feel like listening to him since I really think he should have gone home last week. This is a good song for him but I’m ready for him to go and unless Anoop really sucks, he will be.

Anoop: Dim All the Lights- Wow, a pink sweater and tie. It must be stubble night, did all the guys have stubble? He is really good. I don’t love the arrangement but his voice sounds good (ooh, except for that last note) and I don’t really see him going home tomorrow.

Famous People In the Audience: Vince Neil

Side note: The new show Glee looks awesome and I can’t wait for it to start.

loganashley @ 2009-04-20T18:12:00

2009-04-21T02:16:31Z

I have discovered that I have the ability to find the only straight male hair stylist working at a salon. The same woman cut my hair until about a year ago when I finally realized that I needed to update my look. My friend Michelle recommended this place called Mango and the person who cut my hair until he left was a straight male. It turned out I had actually gone to high school with his younger brothers. I got my hair cut yesterday by a new guy and lo and behold during my hair cut, he mentions an ex-girlfriend. He was awesome by the way, we bonded over our mutual love of New York (he used to live in Brooklyn) and my new love of tattoos. He had some really cool ones including one around his forearm that looked like the inside workings of a clock.

AI: Top 7

2009-04-15T01:04:24Z

Alison: I Don't Want To Miss A Thing (Armageddon)-probably a good song choice for her. It is pretty traditional but she puts just enough of a spin on it that it sounds like her. I could see it being on an actual soundtrack album.

Anoop: Everything I Do, I Do It For You (?)- I am not an Anoop fan and I hate this song but he rocked it out! My only question is what is he wearing?

Adam: Born to Be Wild (Easy Rider)- I can't fault his vocal, it's amazing, but something about his performance tonight bothered me. Sometimes I feel like he would have been a lot happier in the 80s.

Matt: Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman (?)- I'm not loving it and I really thought he would do well with this song.

Danny: Endless Love (Endless Love)- He looks totally different without his glasses. This is the first song I'm not super familiar with but he sounds good. Not exactly current but good.

Kris: Falling Slowly (Once)- OMG, I love this song, please don't suck! That was gorgeous, he really hit his stride in the second part! My favorite performance tonight. He totally connected with me, I mean did you see his face when he hit that final note, perfect!

Lil: The Rose (?)-She may have finally made a good song choice! I really like her decision to start out traditional and go more gospel as she continues, it really works. Did Paula say anything about the song?

Haha, they went over again.

Bottom 3: Lil, Matt, and ?

Famous people I recognize in audience: Quentin Tarantino, Katie Couric, actress from Days of Our Lives

And now to watch 90210 with the return of Donna!

Today's Joys of Teaching

2009-04-14T23:43:01Z

Today I got told I look just like Gabriella from High School Musical and then another child argued and said I looked like Sharpay. I am pale, freckled, and redheaded.

One of these things is not like the other...

Should I send these kids to the nurse to check for color blindness? On the other hand, another student once told me I sing just like Michael Jackson.

haha

2009-04-14T02:43:44Z

A conversation from today:
Student: Do lightening bugs have batteries?
Me: No.
Student: Then how can they light up?

Hannah Montana

2009-04-12T04:25:54Z

I saw the Hannah Montana movie this weekend and I'm not gonna lie, I loved it. It had a good plot, great songs, and it was a lot of fun. I was entertained the whole time and I would definitely go see it again. Disney shows are one of my guilty pleasures and the movie was way better than I was expecting. It was a little hokey at times but it is Hannah Montana.

Weird dreams, pirates, and tattoos

2009-04-08T19:43:30Z

I had a really weird dream last night. It was actually like several dreams withing one. It started out with me lying on the beach with this guy I know who will henceforth be referred to as Pirate Guy (because he has a tattoo of a pirate ship on his arm). I have always thought Pirate Guy was hot but never really talked with him until Monday night at the encouragement of my new friend Brittany. Anyway, it was one of those dreams that you don't want to wake up from because it's so perfect but in the dream my phone rang and I was told that even though I'm on vacation I had to go into work. So I left and went to work but did not really want to be there. The kids were there even though it was spring break and I worked until lunch time when I realized I was on vacation and they couldn't force me to work. I left and went back to the beach but Pirate Guy was gone. It was really windy and was high tide. Then Patti from The Millionaire Matchmaker comes up to me and says hi. I start thanking her for something but I have no idea what. The wind gets stronger and there is a storm and the waves are crashing and there is a wall that is protecting me from most of it until a huge wave slams me into the wall. And then I woke up. Weird, right? Anyone want to try and interpret?

On a side note, I blame reading Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange for my new fascination with tattoos. There is one tattoo I have wanted to get for the longest time and I want it on top of my foot. I haven't done it because doing something like that to my body that can't be undone is terrifying. I think when I have a life changing event or something then I will finally do it.

Also, I now love guys with tattoos which I never did before. I always liked the clean cut geeky types. I still like them geeky but having a tattoo doesn't hurt *cough* Pirate Guy *cough*.

AI: Top 8

2009-04-08T01:08:51Z

It's the traditional idol theme of "songs from the year contestants were born"

Danny (1980): Stand By Me-A little bit of a shaky start. I don't love the song or the arrangement. Much better as he gets into full swing. I love him but I have no idea what kind of album he will make and I am starting to see shades of Taylor Hicks.

Kris (1985): All She Wants to Do Is Dance- He is really good at making old songs current. I would never have guessed that this song is from the 80s. He sounds really good and I think me might actually stand a chance of winning. He is a good representation of a musician. I completely disagree with Kara about taking the youth out of the song. Indulgent is Simon's new word this season. I did not love this performance but I don't agree with Simon and Randy.

Lil (1984): What's Love Got to Do With It- Really? This is going into dangerous karaoke territory. Boring is my first reaction, She did not do anything with it really and I think she might be stuck in the adult contemporary vein. She changed up a few notes and I can hear her voice and the type of singer she is but not enough. Haha, Paula said almost exactly what I typed. And Simon!

Anoop (?): True Colors- I missed most of his performance because I got a phone call but what I heard sounded good and he did not look like he went shopping in Michael Jackson's closet.

Scott (1985): The Search Is Over- I'm sorry but I just don't buy him with an electric guitar. I won't deny he is a good singer but I just do not see him winning AI, he really is not current enough. He is trying so hard : (

Allison (?): I missed the title but I know it's a Bonnie Raitt song because my friend sang it at karaoke last night. I love her singing this and it is the perfect song for he to sing after singing No Doubt last week.

Matt (?): Part-time Lover- I'm still not sure about him. He is very good at this song and he seems to know his voice pretty well. I love this song and he has hit a lot of really good notes. The end note was great!

It looks like they are going to run over time and I feel bad for people who are recording this

Adam (1982): Mad World- OMG! Yes, YES, YES!!!!

Bottom Three: It's hard this week but I'm going with Lil, Scott, and I have no idea : )

Tonight on American Idol

2009-04-01T01:28:12Z

American Idol is running out of themes because tonight is "most downloaded songs"

Anoop: Who told him to wear that jacket? He/she should be fired. It looks like it is from the Michael Jackson collection. Actually, he kind of always looks like that. I don't like Usher very much but it was awful minus the dancing that Usher does. Not impressed and I kind of agree with Simon that it was like a college boy trying to be a pop star.

Megan: Two words-Bob Marley (or is that three? : ) Actually, I think Megan really missed out on a chance to knock it out of the park. She would have been better served to do something by Katy Perry, Duffy, or Adele.

Danny: Rascal Flatts, What Hurts the Most- Please don't suck, please don't suck! YAY! So much better than last week, thank god! I actually want to download that song! I loved Simon's analogy about two snails competing with a race horse.

Allison: No Doubt, Don't Speak- She should be good at this, let's see. What is with her hair? Adam wants his hairstylist back. Pretty good performance and she made the song her own which is so hard to do when a song is that familiar.

Scott: Billy Joel, Piano Man- Could he get any more cruise ship? I hate his new look, his hair is awful. I don't know what needs to be done to it but it is not THAT! The performance was a lot better than I was expecting and I am pretty sure he will not be going home next week. My problem with him is that he is not current enough and even though that was good I don't think he will win.

Matt: The Fray, You Found Me-I love this song and I think he will be good singing it. It sounds a little bit out of his range, maybe. I like it. I really like it actually. It keeps getting better. I love him sitting in all the people. I completly disagree with the judges which is funny because I did not love Matt last week but the judges did! Why can't he do both rock and R&B, it's called versatility people!

Lil: Celine Dion, I Surrender-This scares me a lot. Nope, not a good song choice. She doesn't sound bad but I'm not blown away.

Adam: Wild Cherry, Play That Funky Music- vocally perfect as always. I mean, damn! He is so good and he looks like he is having so much fun. I am not sure about the song choice but I don't care! Was it just me or did he do the "rawr" motion with his hand while he was singing? He is ready to record an album. What the heck is "Studio 57"? Did she mean Studio 54?

Kris: Ain't No Sunshine- I feel sorry for him going after Adam. I love seeing him on the piano. He has been getting better and better. I love he arrangement. He reminds me a lot of Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Gavin Degraw, etc. I can't wait to buy his album!!! And Kara learned to count (well at least to 3)!

Bottom 3: Megan, Anoop, and Lil

Side note, AI should have a bollywood night and make the singers perform the song from Slumdog Millionaire.

loganashley @ 2009-03-30T20:04:00

2009-03-31T00:24:03Z

I am home sick again today and will be out tomorrow as well, last week I had a stomach bug. This week, I actually have pink eye. I mean, really of all the ways to get sick, pink eye! I love the color pink but this is so not what I meant when I said I would wear pink every day if I could. I can't go to work because I am contagious. I can't read or sleep much because my eyes hurt. I can type but not for long periods of time and the not reading thing prevents me from writing lessons plans which is what I really should be doing. I have watched two entire seasons of Dr. Quinn in the past two days. I had to go back to the doctor today because the pink eye spread to both eyes and I was having a bad reaction to the drops they gave me during my first visit. One eye is getting better now but the other eye still hurts and I look like I haven't slept in three days. Pfft! Rant finished.

Dollhouse is now awesome! I can see what everyone was talking about with the wait and see until the episodes where Joss really took control. I love it now and my dad watched it last week so that's at least one more person watching! I'm getting kind of bored with Gossip Girl. I mean, there's only so much "out of the realm of reality" a girl can take when a show is supposed to be at least kind of realistic. I love Chuck, Chuck can get away with it. But Blair, not so much. Blair would plot and figure out a way around her problems.

No new books right now but my TBR pile is very high and spring break is four days away. Fate, Perfect Chemistry, Fragile Eternity, and many more will be read during this time! My goal is at least one book a day which is actually setting expectations low for me but I figure I should so some actual work during this time as well. I also am going to try and visit the Walton's Mountain Museum in Schuyler, Va. I went there a long time ago with my Grandma and got my favorite sleeping shirt which is now falling apart and must be replaced. I loved the Walton's when I was growing up so hopefully I will find the time to go if now over spring break then definitely this summer.

loganashley @ 2009-03-24T19:26:00

2009-03-24T23:35:50Z

I'm working for fun on an essay about how an author can take a character a reader would not typically find attractive and make them incredibly attractive by making the reader see them through another characters eyes. I've been thinking about writing this ever since I read Wicked Lovely because the character of Seth was so appealing to me and he is not at all my type (I tend to go for video gaming, star wars loving geeks). So far I have examples from Wicked Lovely, Twilight, A Wrinkle In Time, Where the Heart Is, The Summoning, True Confessions of A Hollywood Starlet, and two books by Emily Giffin. Are there any other books I should read? I have a few on my TBR list and my spring break is only a week and a half away.