Now That’s What I Call Rock & Stephen Fry’s – The Fry Chronicles Audiobook.
Reading:
Divergent by Veronica Roth. I must also mention that last week I read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. It is Brilliant and you should definitely read it!!
So it started when I clicked a Book Riot article and started adding some books to my goodreads reading list, then I bookmarked the page in Instapaper, then decided to organise my Instapaper a bit and move articles in folders. Then I spotted a saved article from Lifehacker about journalling and opened it, which sidetracked me onto a bunch of articles about paper journals (Heaven!) and then finally another article about Bullet Journalling.
The rest of my night from that point on, is history. As you can see I’m easily distracted and my mind is all over the place. This is a normal everyday scenario for me, and that’s why I’m an obsessive note-taker and also why Bullet Journallying is my new favourite thing in the world, and I’ve only been doing it for about 1.5 hours. Why? Because I know it’s really going to work for me. I LOVE keeping analogue notes and scribble lists and ideas on scraps of paper all over the place on a daily basis and I’m sure this will help me keep them more organised and more productive.
Here is what I have put together so far:
I started the index after I had about 4 pages together. I’ve also included a key on the right hand side so I can quickly reference it while I get used to this system
Here is my May calendar and task list, as you can see my list is already really long and because I has already filled in the next 2 page spread I decided to move onto a smaller insert page (See next image too)
Here is the smaller insert page from the front that contains the overflow from my May task list. Is this gets to full I will migrate it to a proper page later in the sequence. (Probably as I should have from the start)
I created the June spread right after the May one. But I’m aleady regretting this as I think I’d prefer it in sequence at the very end of may’s rapid journalling activities.
The first issue I encountered with this system is there no place to record future dates, so I created a list for them that I can refer to at the start of each new month. I’ve also created a year planner purely for birthdays.
I’m already a list keeper so consolidated a few lists I already had scattered around on post-it and random places onto the next free 2 page spread.
More list consolidation.
Final list so far.
I’ve only just scratched the surface of bullet journalling and look forward to developing my own methods, but the basic structure is already a really great starting point and I can’t wait to do it more.
To learn more from the man whom invented it, check out the stunningly designed official bulletjournal.com site here.
More inspiration from other people using this method (adding more as I find them):
Session 3 is done! A 4 hour sitting where we added the steampunk pocketwatch. I filmed a few slow motion clips while we were in progress and put them together to create this…
For a while I’ve been trying to think of a recurring post I can use for a quick post and update about what I’m up to at any given time. Back in the yesteryear of my website I had a small area just called “Current” where I listed what was current for that day. Since I love lists I thought why not keep the same format. I’d like to do it as a weekly thing but am not sure if I really have enough to say each week as generally I lead a rather routine life, but we’ll see how it goes. So introducing the first post of:
So this happened on the weekend. I noticed a player standing around and dancing and so I stopped to watch him. Shortly 2 other blokes joined him and next thing they took of their character clothes and gave me a show! LOL!
So you’ve never been to a book signing before? Here is your basic book signing procedure that will give you an overview of what to expect and how you should prepare.
The process goes something like this:
Get there early
Depending on the author and location this can be anything from 30 minutes to hours. Use your own judgement. It also depends on how long you don’t mind waiting for. Either way, expect to wait, either by getting there early and waiting at the front, or getting there later and waiting at the back. Rather get their early though and but sure of getting your turn.
Pre-Purchase the book or bring one/some with you
Signings normally occur to promote a newly released book, and depending on your location the book has probably been out for a couple of weeks before the signing. This gives you ample time to buy the book beforehand, but you can always buy it on the day (in fact I prefer to, so the store and author both know I’m supporting them on the day). Just make sure you do it before you get in the queue.
Joining the queue and get your book prepared for signing
Normally the book store will have staff dedicated to the signing, they will keep an eye on the queue and as new people join they will welcome you and write your name on a post it note to stick to the title page. This streamlines the signing process for the author and makes it easier for them to sign the dedication to you. Sometimes they will also hand out sweets and chat to everyone in the queue to keep a good vibe going. They will also keep you updated on the author’s arrival should they be early/later.
Find out the signing etiquette for the day
Each author and store will have their own procedure for the signing. This will include things like how many books you can get signed and if you can take photos.
Some authors will only sign one book, some will sign your entire collection. So best to find out in advance. It’s normally polite to buy the new release from the host store though. If you have a lot of books you want signing, you might only get a few signed before being asked to join the queue again. This keeps it fair for everyone else waiting and keeps things moving along. It really depends on the time available and length of the queue though.
If you are allowed to take photos you should plan ahead. If you are with a friend you could ask them to take it for you, or maybe the store staff will do it for you. But have your camera/phone ready when your turn comes around.
Getting to the front of the queue
Have your book and camera ready! (and if you are anything like me, know what you want to ask or say to the author. Eep!)
Getting your book signed
The time has come! You approach the author and say hello and hand over your book/s.
I’ll be honest and tell you I find this part quite nerve wracking! I normally panic that the author will ask me something about their book and I will freeze up. Though the reality is, they won’t. It’s quite OK for you to say hello and then remain silent. It’s also ok for you to rave like a fangirl and gush about how amazing they are/their book is/the characters, plot and synopsis is. Just remember that there are other people waiting so you should try keep it brief, and always be polite.
And you are done! Enjoy your newly “Signed by Author” book and give it a special place on your bookcase 🙂
Firstly, I started the day terribly hungover due to an impromptu night out. A “quick drink” after work turned into a session with some lovely company and a bit too much wine was consumed. So I woke up with a banging headache, had some paracetamol and a glass of water which promptly came up again 15 minutes later, then I slowly sipped an Alka Seltzer before going back to bed for a few more hours. Thankfully the headache was gone when I woke up and I only arose at 11:30am! Shocking behaviour!
Laini Taylor Book Signing 3rd May 2014
Once I was feeling a bit more human again my day properly kicked off by going to the Laini Taylor book signing at the Milton Keynes Waterstones. I got there half an hour early and there was only a small queue of about 10 people so I picked up my copy of the new Dreams of Gods and Monsters and joined the queue.
Queue for the book signing.
My colleague, Laura, and her Mum soon joined me. It was Laura that recommended the Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy to me, and her Mum that recommended it to her. We chatted with the store staff and our fellow queue-ees (hmm signees?) and had quite a few laughs while we waited. After a brief delay, Laini arrived and we soon had our books signed.
Me and Laini Taylor.
My encounter was short and sweet as I normally get nervous and don’t have much to say; but I thanked her for coming to Milton Keynes and she thanked me for coming to the signing. The store staff took our photo and I was done. I waited near the desk for Laura and her Mum to get their signing done, and I had to take a step back so I didn’t hear Laura’s Mum reveal any spoilers while she happily chatted to Laini (She’s already finished the book!). Once they were done we watched a few other people get signed and then went about our separate ways. I love book shops so couldn’t leave without spending at least an hour in the store first and finding about a hundred books I wanted to buy. Leather bound Poe! Oh and stationery, how I love the stationery! I can’t wait until I fill my moleskine journal so I can buy a Fabriano dotted one.
I’ve been thinking about it for months and after looking at some old photos last week I finally decided to go back to deep red. I actually want to go more vivid than this and this particular shade is more orangey than I’d hoped but I’m still VERY happy to be back to a deeper red colour. It just feels so… me.
Other things I need to blog about:
– Our holiday in South Africa
– My half sleeve tattoo
On Tuesday 29th April, an old Primary School friend, and for the last 8 years, an online friend, Yvette Wray (aka Magependragon), lost her battle with cancer.
It came as quite a shock as even though she had been fighting cancer for 2 years, she had posted on facebook just the day before she passed. I knew she was back in hospital and had been having a really tough time for the last week or 2, but I didn’t realise just how serious it was. I was so sure she was going to beat it.
It’s been 4 days and I still can hardly believe she is gone. She really was a true fighter. I know people say that a lot, but she really was, and she fought bravely and strong.
She was was fierce woman who knew her own mind. She was smart, gentle, kind and honest.
+ I’m still listening to audiobooks and and now onto my 3rd book in 2 weeks. I listened to The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger last week and it was fantastic! I’d highly recommend it, even if you have seen the film. There so much more to the story and I just fell in love with the characters. For me it’s one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished it and is now instant favourite of mine.
On the weekend I registered with the local library so I could stream the audiobooks they have available. I’m currently listening to The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes but I’m not really enjoying it that much, and would consider it a summer throw-away read. I’ll finish it anyway as I’m about 20 chapters in and I’ll likely have it finished by the weekend.
BTW if you have any reading/audiobook recommendations I’d love to hear them & add me on goodreads.com!
+ On Friday Pete and I took the day off work and decided to go down to London to visit the Natural History Museum. I’ve been to the Science Museum next door many times, but never the NHM so it was nice to finally check it off the To Do list.
Crappy
– I’ve been really tight chested and short of breath for the past week and I first thought it was because Pete has been sick and I was just staving of a recurrence of last weeks cold. But now the more I think about it I think it might be anxiety about going to South Africa. I’m obviously very excited to be going and seeing all my friends and family again, but I always get nervous when we go back for 2 reasons. 1 is the flight. I hate flying and get very anxious in the build up to the flight. 2 is the crime in South Africa still makes me nervous. It’s the reason I left and I hate that constant feeling of looking over your shoulder and having to lock your doors. I felt like a prisoner and going back to that even just for 3 weeks, scares me.
Ahhh it’s friday! Don’t we all love Fridays? The promise of the weekend ahead, wine, lying in bed and unknown adventures! Though truthfully for me it’s often laziness, potentially a hangover and boredom. Ha! I need a hobby.
The past week in summary…
Happy
+ It’s only 3 week to go until We get to see our families in South Africa! We last went home in September 2012 to get married, so it’s been a long time since I got to cuddle my loved ones. Time to shift the counting to days instead of weeks I think. 22 Sleeps! 🙂
+ I’ve booked Vash into holiday care for while we are away. He’s going to be staying with Sam’s Species so it’s good to know he will be in capable hands while we are on our hols.
+ I’ve been listening to the Books on the Nightstand podcast and totally loving it! I love both books and technology, so a podcast about books is like heaven to me. I feel geeky and intellectual all at the same time. Haha. I listen on the Apple Podcast App while at work and always end up adding a book or 2 to my goodreads.com “to read” list along the way.
This week I listened to Ann & Michael talk about audiobooks, and it has prompted me to blow the digital dust off my Audiobook copy of Thief of Time by Terry Pratchett and install the Audible App on my iPhone to listen to it. Though sometimes I find it hard to focus properly on audiobooks I’m slowly getting through it. I am able to listen at work as long as I’m not doing anything that requires reading (I can’t do the 2 together) or too much stop and start. Thankfully this week has been conducive to listening and have had it on the go for most of yesterday and today.
Crappy
– I had a head cold at the beginning of the week. I started to feel crappy on Sunday when Pete and I went for a walk in the sunshine, and ended up taking Tuesday as a sick day. Thankfully it was short lived and I’m right as rain again.
– Before we moved house in December, my car’s driver door was keyed by some wanker and only just got around to getting a quote for the repair. £168! 🙁 I’m going to see what improvements I can make myself before forking out so much dosh on it.
On Tuesday 29th April, an old Primary School friend, and for the last 8 years, an online friend, Yvette Wray (aka 