Things That Excite Me, Including A Giveaway!

Hope all my friends in the states had a great Memorial Day! It was hot and muggy here, but at least there was no rain or hail.

I wanted to talk about three things today that have me excited.

First, I want to give a big shout out to the beautiful Emily White who recently announced that her book Elemental will be published by Spencer Hill Press. Yay, Emily! Drop by her blog if you haven't already and congratulate her.

Second, have you seen the perfection of Ryan Reynolds in all his green splendor? I hope the movie is as good as the trailer implies, but let's face it, I'd see it regardless.

Last, but not least, I won a copy of The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson a few weeks back in a wonderful pay it forward campaign to support the book started by Casey McCormick. So here's the blurb:

Lennie plays second clarinet in the school orchestra and has always happily been second fiddle to her charismatic older sister, Bailey. Then Bailey dies suddenly, and Lennie is left at sea without her anchor. Overcome by emotion, Lennie soon finds herself torn between two boys: Bailey's boyfriend, Toby, and Joe, the charming and musically gifted new boy in town. While Toby can't see her without seeing Bailey and Joe sees her only for herself, each offers Lennie something she desperately needs. But ultimately, it's up to Lennie to find her own way toward what she really needs without Bailey. A remarkable debut novel perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block.

I wanted to read the book before I had the giveaway, but life got in the way and I haven't been able to yet. I will, but I wanted to keep my end of the bargain as stated in the rules. And since anyone who enters to win will have to adhere by the same requirements, here they are:

1. You MUST have a blog or Facebook or somewhere you can give the book away and be clear about the rules (Twitter can’t support it, for example).

2. You MUST be willing to hold this exact giveaway on your blog or Facebook in which you purchase this book for someone else (or give away the one you receive from me, IF you don’t love it) and require that YOUR winner do the same. Preferably within TWO WEEKS of receiving the book from me.

3. If you win, I ask that you PLEASE enter your giveaway into the linky widget on Casey's blog and have YOUR winner do the same on that original post (not on your blog), so we can track how long the chain lasts and how many purchases we achieve.

4. U.S. entrants only.

5. The contest will run May 31st to June 6th at MIDNIGHT. I will announce the winner on June 7th and the chain will commence.

Entry is simple. Just leave a comment that you want to win and an email address if you don't have one on your blogger profile so I can get in touch with you if you do. 

Also, feel free to tell me about things that get you excited in a PG-13 sort of way (the kids do occasionally read my blog...when they're bored).

Christmas Traditions

Every year, the kids and I venture out into the cold for our Family Fun Day. This usually takes place the week before Christmas after the shopping is done and the cookies are made. We always go out to eat, take in a movie and then head over to one of the mega-malls in our neighboring state of Kentucky to people watch (meaning laugh at those last minute shoppers who are running around desperate to fine the thing their spouse, child, parent asked for six months ago which is now sold out everywhere. Hey, don't judge.).

Any other year, I would know exactly what movie we were going to see, when it starts and where I'm going to park. But this year has been different, for various reasons, and I haven't kept up with the movies that are out or soon will be. So I need your help.

Bear in mind my kids are ten and thirteen so R rated movies are to be avoided, although I'm dying to see Love And Other Drugs. I've narrowed it down to three choices:

So if you've seen any of these movies, let me know what you thought. If you haven't, let me know which one you want to see. And if I've left something off of the list that you highly recommend, please tell me about it.

In other news,

Soon to be single! *drool*