So, we’re halfway through the year and time to take a look at how I’m doing on my goals and what’s been going on around here on this blog. Let me start by mentioning my two favorite posts, not because of what I wrote, but because of what you did. (After 14 Years a Pregnant Pause, Morning Sickness and My Google Reader) The response to my pregnancy has been heartwarming and I thank you all for taking the time to wish us well. The Little One should weigh about pound now and be the size of a small doll. Is it time to start getting nervous?
My reading goal for the year is 105 books with 12 of those being non-fiction. I could be doing better. I’ve only read 44 books and 2 of those were non-fiction. I’m usually a little OCD about goals and challenges, but I’m trying to cut myself some slack. I’ve got other things going on these days and need to keep reading in perspective. But even as I type that my mind is whispering, “You can do it. No problem.” So, we’ll see.
There have been a few changes. I’ve started posting my weekly quizzes on Tuesdays and offering a few prizes. Thank you to everyone who participates. I have fun and hope you do too! As a bonus I discovered that if you Google ‘book quizzes’ I’m the first thing that pops up and I’m starred even. I admit I got a kick out of that 😉
I’m doing my 5 word movie reviews every month and invite you all to try it and link up. I’ve only done a few author interviews and although I love doing them I don’t have the time to focus on that right now. They do take quite a bit of time.
I asked you all to vote for 50 of the books I’d read from my own shelves this year and 72 of you voted. Of those 50 I’ve read 16 for the RYOB Challenge
My two favorite so far have been The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly (to be reviewed tomorrow) and Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen. So far, you’ve done a great job choosing books 🙂
I’ve read 29 out of 52 for this challenge, so I’m not doing too bad. So far, my favorite read from this challenge is Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman.
For some crazy reason I signed up to read 35 new authors this year and I’ve managed 19. My favorite (aside from the ones I’ve mentioned above) is Marisa de los Santos.
I’m to read 9 books with 9 different colors in the title for this one and have read 3. I loved Red Light and Black Water, both by T. Jefferson Parker.
I’ve read 2 of 4 short story collections and didn’t really love either one, so I’m hoping the next 2 will be great.
Of the 51 (with Washington DC) I’ve read from 18 states. So far, New York has been the most visited with 8 trips.
I’m looking forward to the second half of 2010 🙂
Stacy's Books 
There’s no need to be nervous – I know you and Jason are going to be great parents! Don’t worry about your reading goal for this year.
Thanks for the vote of confidence!
You’ll be adding picture books to your reading goal list before you know it! 😉
That will help the book count 🙂
I think you’re having a great year so far. And I agree that you have no need to be nervous.
I’m not nervous yet, but the ever expanding belly is bound to freak me out soon!
I can’t wait to see what happens when the baby comes! :–) Don’t worry if you’d rather blog about baby stuff than book stuff – I’m sure we’ll all love to read it (and see pictures) anyway!
I’m sure that once baby comes books may take a back seat for a little while.
YEAH for Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman. I met her at a book signing–she is the NICEST!!!
She is very gracious.
I really like how you organized your challenges and shared which was your favorite book from them.
Thanks 🙂
You do some great quizzes so I’m not surprised you show up on Google so prominently! Yay for you!
And I would think you have much bigger things to deal with than worrying about reading challenges. Just read what you can and let the rest go!
Well, I was on top for a few days and now I’m not. Google saw I was bragging 😉
You are doing great! Don’t obsess about your challenges. You are going to be the best mother! Jason will be the best dad! No reason at all for either of you to be nervous.
I think you’re doing fantastic. I know it’s hard not to obsess over the challenges. Heck, I’m obsessing over how many ARCs I NEED to read this summer. Love how I put the pressure on myself!! I love your quizzes…most of the time I find myself stumped!! 😀
It’s always the pressure we put on ourselves that’s the hardest to let go!
Oh…I wanted to add that I never ever cheat on them by googling anything even though I seriously want to! 😀
Thank you. I know it’s tempting!
I love your quizzes! They’re fun to take – even if I never get to the top of the leaderboard.
I wouldn’t get to the top if I were taking them either!
I completely understand your obsession. Just try to let the pressure flow through you instead of weighing you down.
What a nice way of looking at it 🙂
I think you’re doing great, Stacy!
As for reading challenges, I felt like a failure because I’ve only completed one so far. Anyway, most important is we’ve fun doing them, don’t we? 🙂
One is more than I’ve completed!
Wow Stacy, I’m feel so unaccomplished. 😉 I have fun with your quizzes even when I don’t know the answer. You should be proud of your Google ranking. I AM!
Apparently Google doesn’t love me every day. There must have been a weird spike ’cause somedays I don’t show up!
I, too, love your quizzes!
I’m happy you liked The Tea Rose. When you get a chance…read the sequel, The Winter Rose. Fiona and Joe are in that one, too.
I agree with rhapsodyinbooks… I look forward to reading about your baby! So, if you start blogging more about him/her…I will definitely read! My babies are 14 and 11 so, it’ll be fun to read about your newborn!
I am looking forward to the sequel, but must make an attempt on some of these challenges first 🙂 And I’m sure that you will see plenty of the baby. I mean, when am I going to have time to read?!
I just picked up the Tea Rose at the library yeasterday. thanks for enabler friend 🙂
The last line was supposed to be “Thanks for being my enabler friend” Too tired and at work. never good. Enjoy your day
I think you’ll like it, Jenny!
Looks like you are making good progress on your goals. I sense that you are feeling bad about not being able to meet all of your challenges. That’s an okay feeling. To my way of thinking, bringing life to a new little human trumps all other things, including book-challenge commitments. Just enjoy this time in your life. Pamper yourself.
Yes, I don’t want to seem like I don’t appreciate the importance of the little one to be, it’s just a shift in perspective taking place. I know whatever I don’t have done or read by the end of October will not get done by the end of December 🙂
I’ve enjoyed your updates on “the little one to be”, and glad that your getting such fun/supportive feedback from people who read your blog!
You’re good to do this mid-year challenge update – but give yourself permission to drop/reduce any that are more of a chore than fun at this point 🙂
Giving myself to drop challenges will happen at the end of October when the baby arrives. Whatever isn’t done by then will be a worthwhile fail 🙂