Saturday, February 26, 2011

What is that huge pregnant girl up to?

So, unfortunatly I don't have a book review for you today. I haven't written one for a while, though I could. I read Airborn and Matched and still haven't written up reviews for them. Maybe tomorrow, perhaps.

My brain power doesn't seem to focus on books currently, but on the little tyke, who will be here in about a month!

April 1st people! That's a month away! So excited.

I'm thinking about breastfeeding, and labor, and cuddling that small little being against my chest and nuzzling her soft hair. If, of course, she has hair.

If I'm not thinking about her, I'm thinking about taking care of my busy and sick (flu this week) husby. I hate making him eat pre-packaged food for too long. That stuff kills the taste buds and the soul. So, I cook and try to keep our sink from overflowing with dishes. I also like to wear clean clothes, a lot. Especially, when I am big and uncomfy my clothes can at least be comfy!

Then, I must think about my students. We have to get through the next few weeks together. Really, I must give them what I can, even if I feel like a walking zombie. I can't just make them watch movies for the next three weeks cause really I don't have enough movies and in addition-- I would feel like crap. Feeling like crap sucks so I will continue to do my job the best I can even if we are both grumpy about it.

It's like I always say....If you already know it is going to be a bad day you might as well be happy about it. (The husby thinks that this makes no sense. pah. It makes perfect sense! )

So, I shall not leave you comfortless, though. I have a cool link to share with you all. My dear friend Aneeka has started a web comic. I know she's my friend and so I am biased, but really I am so dang proud of her! She has worked really hard to learn how to draw and has done better than a lot of start-up web comic people in my opinion in the art department. The story is also pretty interesting, about a girl who lives in a virtual reality and really really wants to participate in a huge game competition, but can't seem to make the cut.

Go read about her adventure at Not a Villan.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey




Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey

"All his life, Jordan MacDonald has dreamed of taking flight and soaring above the majestic mountains of his native Hawaii, but he doesn’t dare disobey his mother, who has absolutely forbidden him from flying. Suddenly everything changes when, spurred by the pain of a failed relationship, Jordan begins working toward the coveted pilot’s license. Just as he finds love again, Jordan’s lies start to close in around him, and he soon learns that a life full of dishonesty attracts more turbulence than he’s ever faced in the air.

Set against the exotic backdrop of the Hawaiian islands, this thrilling tale of romance and self-discovery is a perfect vacation from the average love story. Join Jordan as he tests the limits of friendship and finds out just how far his dreams can carry him. Entertaining and engaging, Bumpy Landings will take you to new heights with each turn of the page." (summary from novel backliner"


The author does a good job helping us sympathize with his main character, Jordan, who is fresh off his mission and ready to use the techniques he learned there to become less insecure and shy. He finds varying success as he tries to pursue girls on BYU—Hawaii’s campus. He really is quiet nerdy, and a bit spineless, but is still quite lovable because he tries so hard.

His main antagonist is his mother who forbids him from pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot, and tries to break up his relationships with girls she doesn’t like. She was a rather nasty character, and easy to hate. But Jordon wants her approval and so lies to her about take flying lessons, and stays in a bad relationship far too long as a result.

When he is finally caught in his lies he must face up to what he really wants despite what others may think. Bumpy Landings reads like a typical college romance story, but is made unique by the Hawaiian setting and the fact that is told from the point of view of a male protagonist. The ending did seem a little predictable (it is a romance novel after all.), but the characters are drawn realistically, and you’ll root for them, flaws and all.

I did enjoy reading about Jordan and his challenges; the Hawaiian setting was fun and refreshing, and there was enough conflict in the plot to keep me hooked into the story. Overall, a nice read for those that miss the sunshine, and wish they were out on the beach.

To find out more information about Bumpy Landings visit the Donald Carey's website.