Monthly Archives: April 2018

04.30.18
by

Getting Personal #118: April Goals Recap

BeautyBeyondBones 5

Image Credit: BeautyBeyondBones

Welcome back! April was a relatively busy month. But, the weather has finally started to stabilize, several rains have washed away the nasty pollen, and we’re already a full quarter through 2018. How crazy is that!!

Here’s the link to my April Goals post:

Ready?

Here we go!

  1. Give blood. — Accomplished!
  2. Celebrate Dad’s birthday! — Did not accomplish.
  3. Participate in Camp NaNoWriMo, April 2018. — Accomplished!
  4. See Avengers: Infinity War. — Accomplished!
  5. Continue working on my Lady Lounge. — Accomplished!
  6. Read at least two books. — Did not accomplish.
  7. Enjoy time with Melissa! — Accomplished!
  8. Attend the TAPA Spring Luncheon. — Accomplished!
  9. Attend Olivia’s bridal shower! — Accomplished!
  10. Visit LanternAsia with Al, Casey, and Beth. — Accomplished!
  11. Attend the P.E.O. Family Gathering. — Accomplished!
  12. Update my TBR. — Accomplished!

Here’s the breakdown:

Give blood. — Accomplished!

  • We celebrated our 18th Anniversary blood drive on Saturday, April 7th.
  • I was able to give a Power Red donation for the first time! Yippee!
  • What is Power Red? — Power Red is where you essentially donate two units of your red blood cells. Everything is spun through a centrifuge, and you’re given back your platelets, plasma, and some saline. You have wait 16 weeks to donate again, which is okay because I’m going to be out of town for the June blood drive. I don’t feel guilty now!
  • For more information: Power Red Donation – American Red Cross Blood Services

Celebrate Dad’s birthday! — Did not accomplish.

  • Dad’s birthday fell in the middle of the week. We’ve offered to take him to dinner at some point, but our family experienced a series of crises the week after his birthday (Family illnesses, and Mom and Dad needing to travel down to care for said family).
  • So, we’ll officially celebrate some time in May!

Participate in Camp NaNoWriMo, April 2018. — Accomplished!

  • I feel SO GOOD that I did this!
  • I can’t wait to do it again in July!
  • I’m writing a Getting Personal post about my experience, so look for that on May 2nd!

See Avengers: Infinity War. — Accomplished!

  • Al and I went to the Peninsula Movie Bistro on Saturday, April 28th.
  • No spoilers, but if you’re a fan of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this movie is a must. We’re already planning to see it again in the next week or so.

Continue working on my Lady Lounge. — Accomplished!

  • Oh, man! I’m so excited!!
  • Al’s dad delivered the custom doll cabinet he built for me on Saturday, April 14th. So, I hustled my butt and got all the boxes cleared out for him during that Thursday and Friday.
  • The last piece is to move the remainder of the boxes that are along the wall where my standing desk is going to be. Almost there!!
  • Look for an upcoming Home Improvements post soon, with photos!

Read at least two books. — Did not accomplish.

  • With the aforementioned family crises toward the beginning of the month, I’ve been so exhausted by bedtime that I fall asleep pretty quickly.

Enjoy time with Melissa! — Accomplished!

  • Al and I drove up to Richmond on Sunday, April 29th.
  • We had such a nice visit. Her mom made amazing paella, and then we hung out with Melissa for several hours, just catching up. I didn’t want to leave! We finally left, reluctantly, at 8:00 p.m. to drive home.

Attend the TAPA Spring Luncheon. — Accomplished!

  • The luncheon was held on Saturday, April 14th. It was a gorgeous day!
  • One of my sorority sisters, Beth McOsker, was honored as the “Greek Woman of the Year.”

Attend Olivia’s bridal shower! — Accomplished!

  • Olivia’s shower was hosted by my mom on the afternoon of Saturday, April 14th. It was so wonderful!

Visit LanternAsia with Al, Casey, and Beth. — Accomplished!

Attend the P.E.O. Family Gathering. — Accomplished!

  • The Family Gathering was held on Saturday, April 28th.
  • Although I arrived a little late, it was a very spirited, positive discussion. We met until noon, and everyone came away with several great ideas!

Update my TBR. — Accomplished!

Final Thoughts

  • I was able to put Accomplished next to 10 out of 12 goals! Yippee!!
  • The two goals that I did not accomplish: Family illnesses suck, so much. But, it’s okay. We’ll get through this!

What about you? Did you have any goals for the month of April?

Come back tomorrow to see my May Goals!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

04.30.18
by

Writing Prompt #114: “The A to Z Writing Challenge: Favorite Songs/Music/Bands” (Letter Z)

Image Credit: www.a-to-zchallenge.com

Welcome back! Today is the final day of The A to Z Writing Challenge!

April 30th – Z

Zero to Hero, Hercules Soundtrack (1997)

The letter Z was an easier pick than I thought!

I’ve loved Disney and Disney movies ever since I can remember. In 1997, we went to see Hercules at the Movies 10 theater in Chesapeake. I loved the movie, but the music was great, too!

What are your favorite songs/music/bands that start with Z?

Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear about it!

And, this is the final day of The A to Z Writing Challenge! Thank you so much to everyone who followed along with my nearly-daily posts during the month of April. I discovered many new songs, artists, and bands along the way!

I loved this challenge so much, that I think I will do it next year, too!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

04.29.18
by

Adventure Time: Norfolk, VA Edition (Round 4 – LanternAsia 2018)

We got to experience LanternAsia for the second time with Casey and Beth! We went to the Norfolk Botanical Garden on Saturday, April 21st.

If you’re interested in the exhibit, you still have time! LanternAsia will be there until May 13th.

Enjoy the photos!

This beautiful fountain was at the entrance of the exhibit.

The entrance gate.

One of the first displays.

Each arch represented a sign of the Chinese zodiac.

One of the garden’s buildings / exhibition halls.

This stage was set up at the beginning. There were multiple performances every evening.

A contortionist.

Foot juggling.

The “peacock” Chinese folk dance.

Chinese yo-yos.

Then, after the performance, we walked through the garden. The displays were dazzling, and gorgeous!

Al and Beth are fellow Oxen.

I am a Dragon!

Beautiful lanterns. They also turned and moved!

It’s a whale!

Swimming fish.

The stunning display of porcelain bowls, plates, and cups.

The Venus fly trap. Several of them opened and closed!

The giant cabbage.

My phone died about halfway through our walk, so several of these photos are borrowed from either Casey or Beth.

I think this one was my favorite.

The “Love Gallery.”

I love the aerial displays.

The chameleon display changed colors multiple times!

Beautiful butterflies at the end of the exhibit.

This was so much fun!

Thanks to Casey and Beth for coming with us!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth

04.28.18
by

Writing Prompt #113: “The A to Z Writing Challenge: Favorite Songs/Music/Bands” (Letter Y)

Image Credit: www.a-to-zchallenge.com

Welcome back!

April 28th – Y

Yeah, Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson is one of my favorite artists. I remember watching her perform on American Idol, way back in the very first, debut season!

This particular song comes from her My December album, which was released in 2007. It’s not her most popular album. But, I’ve enjoyed listening to most of her music throughout her career!

What are your favorite songs/music/bands that start with Y?

Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear about it!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

04.27.18
by

Writing Prompt #112: “The A to Z Writing Challenge: Favorite Songs/Music/Bands” (Letter X)

Image Credit: www.a-to-zchallenge.com

Welcome back!

April 27th – X

Xanadu, Olivia Newton-John

The letter X was the hardest of them all!

I love Olivia Newton-John. I remember seeing Grease years ago, and then seeking out more of her music!

What are your favorite songs/music/bands that start with X?

Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear about it!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

04.26.18
by

Writing Prompt #111: “The A to Z Writing Challenge: Favorite Songs/Music/Bands” (Letter W)

Image Credit: www.a-to-zchallenge.com

Welcome back!

April 26th – W

Who I Am With You, Chris Young

This is another song with a story. I love country music. For several years, I tuned my car radio to at least one of the major country music stations here in Hampton Roads every day.

One night, in early 2014, I was on my way back to my apartment from a late meeting. I was listening to one of the stations, and this song came over the radio. I hadn’t heard it before. It was instant love, you could say. I remember getting chills and goosebumps simultaneously.

I was in my neighborhood at this point, and no cars were around. I pulled over and parked my car in a safe place so I could fully concentrate on the song. It was that memorable and significant to me. I felt tears in my eyes.

As soon as I got home, I searched the Internet for it. It was then I discovered Chris Young and his music. I listened to the song over and over, and looked forward to when the radio stations would play it again.

Even before Al and I got engaged, I knew I wanted this song to be a part of our wedding. I played it for him, and we also listened to it on the radio at least once. He sweetly agreed for it to be our first dance song. It was so special!

I feel like this song, in a way, is a symbol of our relationship. To this day, when I need a pick-me-up, I find it on YouTube, close my eyes, and drift away in happiness for a few minutes. I love it!

What are your favorite songs/music/bands that start with W?

Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear about it!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

04.25.18
by

Tag #46: The Harry Potter Tag

The Harry Potter Tag

Image Credit: My Tiny Obsessions

Let’s keep the Harry Potter theme going, shall we?

I found this awesome tag on Perfectly Tolerable.

Here’s the link to her post:

Guidelines: 

Do the quizzes and answer the questions! All of the quizzes can be found on Pottermore.

Questions:

  1. What is your Patronus? (Pottermore quiz)
  2. What is your wand? (Pottermore quiz)
  3. What would your Boggart be?
  4. What position would you play in Quidditch?
  5. Would you be pure-blood, half-blood, or Muggle-born?
  6. What job would you want once you left Hogwarts?
  7. Which of the Deathly Hallows would you choose?
  8. Favorite book?
  9. Least favoritee book?
  10. Favorite film?
  11. Least favorite film?
  12. Favorite character?
  13. Least favorite character?
  14. Favorite teacher?
  15. Least favorite teacher?
  16. Do you have an unpopular opinion about the series?

Answers:

What is your Patronus? (Pottermore quiz)

—

What is your wand? (Pottermore quiz)

—

What would your Boggart be?

Hmmmm. Tough question.

Losing all hope.

—

What position would you play in Quidditch?

Keeper!

—

Would you be pure-blood, half-blood, or Muggle-born?

Half-blood.

—

What job would you want once you left Hogwarts?

An Auror.

—

Which of the Deathly Hallows would you choose?

The Invisibility Cloak.

—

Favorite book?

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

—

Least favorite book?

None.

—

Favorite film?

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

—

Least favorite film?

None.

—

Favorite character?

Hermione Granger.

—

Least favorite character?

Dolores Umbridge (shudders at even writing her name).

—

Favorite teacher?

Minerva McGonagall.

—

Least favorite teacher?

Tie between Gilderoy Lockhart, and Dolores Umbridge (shudders again).

—

Do you have an unpopular opinion about the series?

Nope. I love it all.

That’s it for this tag! I had a lot of fun with the questions.

What about you? Do you like Harry Potter?

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

04.25.18
by

Writing Prompt #110: “The A to Z Writing Challenge: Favorite Songs/Music/Bands” (Letter V)

Image Credit: www.a-to-zchallenge.com

Welcome back!

April 25th – V

Valerie, Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse was such a talented woman, may she Rest in Peace.

This is one of my favorite songs by her. I loved it when Glee covered it, too.

What are your favorite songs/music/bands that start with V?

Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear about it!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

04.24.18
by

Writing Prompt #109: “The A to Z Writing Challenge: Favorite Songs/Music/Bands” (Letter U)

Image Credit: www.a-to-zchallenge.com

Welcome back!

April 24th – U

Unchained Melody, The Righteous Brothers

This was another no-brainer pick for me. I remember my mom singing along to this song when it played on our home stereo. She still does. It’s sweet, and romantic.

For those of you who may not recognize this song, it was prominently featured in the movie Ghost (1990), starring Patrick Swazye, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg.  It’s one of my mom’s favorite movies. I think I was in high school or just beginning college when I watched it with her for the first time. It quickly became one of my favorite movies, too. It’s set in New York, the cast is outstanding, and it’s a good story.

What are your favorite songs/music/bands that start with U?

Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear about it!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

04.23.18
by

Commentary #70: Time’s 100 Best Young Adult Books Of All Time

TIME YA List

Image Credit: TIME

Thrice Read did another cool lists / ranking post!

Here’s the link to the original list from Time’s website:

Rank and Title Read?
1. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Yes
2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Yes
3. The Book Thief No
4. A Wrinkle in Time Yes
5. Charlotte’s Web Yes
6. Holes Yes
7. Matilda Yes
8. The Outsiders Yes
9. The Phantom Tollbooth Yes
10. The Giver Yes
11. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Yes
12. To Kill A Mockingbird Yes
13. Roll of Thunder, Hear Me Cry Yes
14. Anne of Green Gables No
15. The Chronicles of Narnia Yes
16. Monster Yes
17. The Golden Compass No
18. The Diary of a Young Girl Yes
19. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Yes
20. Looking for Alaska Yes
21. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time No
22. Little House on the Prairie Yes
23. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane No
24. Wonder No
25. The Sword in the Stone No
26. The Catcher in the Rye Yes
27. Little Women Yes
28. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Yes
29. The Hobbit No
30. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Yes
31. Lord of the Flies Yes
32. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Yes
33. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Yes
34. Bridge to Terabithia Yes
35. The Call of the Wild Yes
36. A Separate Peace Yes
37. Harriet the Spy Yes
38. The Chocolate War Yes
39. Jacob Here I Loved Yes
40. A Series of Unfortunate Events No
41. Hatchet Yes
42. The Lord of the Rings No
43. Feed Yes
44. The Alchemyst No
45. The Princess Bride Yes
46. Beezus & Ramona Yes
47. Tarzan of the Apes No
48. Johnny Tremain Yes
49. The Westing Game No
50. The Wind in the Willows Yes
51. Speak Yes
52. Mary Poppins No
53. The Fault in Our Stars Yes
54. A Northern Light Yes
55. The Yearling Yes
56. The Hunger Games Yes
57. For Freedom No
58. The Wall Yes
59. A Monster Calls No
60. Percy Jackson & the Olympians No
61. The Illustrated Man No
62. A Wreath for Emmett Till No
63. Every Day No
64. Where Things Come Back No
65. Number the Stars Yes
66. Blankets No
67. Private Peaceful No
68. The Witch of Blackbird Pond Yes
69. Dangerous Angels No
70. Frindle Yes
71. Boxers and Saints No
72. The Graveyard Book No
73. City of the Beasts No
74. American Born Chinese No
75. The Lost Conspiracy No
76. Dogsbody No
77. The Pigman No
78. Alabama Moon No
79. Esperanza Rising Yes
80. The Knife of Never Letting Go Yes
81. Boy Proof No
82. Fallen Angels Yes
83. A High Wind in Jamaica No
84. The Tiger Rising No
85. When You Reach Me No
86. Saffy’s Angel No
87. The Grey King No
88. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH Yes
89. The Thief Lord No
90. The Mysterious Benedict Society No
91. The Invention of Hugo Cabret No
92. Sabriel No
93. Tiger Lily Yes
94. Secret No
95. A Wizard of Earthsea No
96. Tales of Mystery and Imagination No
97. Whale Talk No
98. The Chronicles of Prydain No
99. Danny the Champion of the World No
100. Twilight Yes

That’s my take on the list!

Yes: 52
No: 48

I have some more reading to do, I think.

What do you think? How many of these books have you read?

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂