Favorite Books from 2024

 I read 36 books in 2024.

I am only in competition with myself when it comes to how much I read.

I have friends who read many more books than I do. 

I was in a reading slump for part of last year. 

I hate reading slumps. 

When I am enjoying a book so much that I don't want to put it down, that is a happy place for me. 

Here are my favorite titles from last year:

"I Will Always Write Back" by Martin Ganda and Caitlin Alifirenka: The true story of two middle schoolers, one from the Midwest and the other from Zimbabwe, who began a lifelong friendship as pen pals.

"The Goldie Standard" by Simi Monheit - a Jewish grandmother is on a mission to marry off her granddaughter to a 'nice Jewish doctor' 

"Have a Little Faith: A True Story" Mitch Albom - Mitch connects with his childhood rabbi and an African American pastor and learns about faith and connection

I also found two new authors to like:

Carolyn Meyer - YA historical fiction

John Glatt - true crime

librarianintx

Great Quote for the New Year

We have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but today is overflowing with potential.

Allan Lokos

A great quote to remind us to be present and live in the moment. 

Living in the future can lead to anxiety, worry, and feeling overwhelmed. 

Live for today.

Live fully.

Happy 2025!

librarianintx 

Home

I moved four times during the first ten years of my life.

Orlando to Sherman

Sherman to Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi to San Antonio 

And then San Antonio to Houston.

After that, we moved three more times in Houston, from an apartment to a rented townhouse, and then finally to a townhouse that Mom purchased. 

This townhouse has been my home since I was fifteen years old.

So many memories, good and bad.

Recovering from multiple surgeries. 

Homebound school programs

Raising my dog Kasha

Proms

High school and undergraduate graduations

Getting ready for my sister's wedding

Even though I left to attend graduate school and then stayed in that city, the townhouse, and Houston,  has still been home. I came home often for weekends and for holidays. I often brought friends with me. Mom was always happy to have people visit. She was proud of her townhouse, and her patio of plants and roses.

Yesterday was my last night in the room that's been mine since I was fifteen years old. My last time making it up and down the stairs. My last time getting ready in my bathroom. My last time getting clothes from my walk in closet.

I have been extremely fortunate to have a room and a home to return to for so many years.

Now my mother is beginning a new life. She will have socialization and recreation, and she'll be closer to her family. It is a huge change. I have lived in the house for many years. And I have returned to that house. But it has been her house - for nearly forty years.

The only constant in life is change. Change can be sad. 

It can be scary.

But it can also be exciting. 

And wonderful.

I hope the next family has years of good times in Mom's townhouse. 

Survivor Season 47 Finale: My Thoughts (Spoilers)

But really how much of a spoiler is it? :)

Congrats Rachel!

Rachel dominated the last few weeks of the season, winning immunity challenges and leading the way to eliminate two strong players: Andy and Genevieve. She played her idol in a memorable tribal council when everyone but Sue was planning her ouster. She won the final immunity challenge, rewarded Sue's loyalty, and was able to sit back and relax as Teeny and Sam battled in the fire making challenge. Well, no one was able to relax during that. It was a nail biter!

Anyway, Rachel deserved to win. She became the fifth woman in Survivor history to win four individual immunity challenges. Sam tried hard to make his case to the jury, but for me he came across as condescending and too aggressive. He gave Rachel her props after she won, but during the interrogation he downplayed the importance of winning challenges. Of course he did, because he didn't win anything, except the fire making challenge. Getting to the finale doesn't mean that you deserve to be there, or that you deserve to win. 

Speaking of props, I want to express my admiration for both Sue and Teeny. No, they didn't win. But Sue won a challenge, almost won others, found an idol, was loyal, and that loyalty got her to the end. Teeny lost the fire making challenge, but I blame the wind, not her ability to keep the fire going. She should be proud of what she accomplished. And yes, Sam should be proud for not giving up, on himself or the fire he created. 

I also want to say that even though I was not a fan of Andy's or Genevieve's, I appreciated how strong and hard they played. They were fun to watch. 

And finally, a shout out to the men I was rooting for and mourned as each one was sent packing: Sol, Gabe, and Kyle. 

Looking forward to Season 48!

librarianintx

DWTS Finale: My Thoughts

 Yes, its been weeks. 

Oops.

Anyway, congratulations to Joey and Jenna on winning the season!

Overall, I wasn't a huge fan of the freestyles this season. 

Stephen and Riley's was my favorite, and the most memorable IMO. Joey and Jenna's was second for me. 

I thought Chandler and Brandon would win, and I'm sad for them that they came in third, although I'm happy for Ilona and Alan that they were runners up. 

As always, I love this show, and thoroughly enjoyed this season. 

I love witnessing the journeys and seeing the growth, as individuals, and as dancers.

Maybe next time I'll have to time to blog every episode. 

Until next season Dance Fans!

librarianintx

DWTS Finale: Who Will Win?

The finale starts in less 30 minutes, Dance Fans!

Who's excited?

I am very happy for the opportunity to watch tonight in person with my fellow DWTS fan, my Mom! 

For me,  only two contestants deserve to win the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy: Chandler or Joey. I will be happy if either comes in first.

Having said that, I'm also so pleased that Ilona is in the finale. 

These couples are some of the best pairings the show has ever had. I can't wait for the freestyle round!

Enjoy the show!

librarianintx 

DWTS Semi Final Part 2

Chandler & Brandon 

Foxtrot

OMG that looked SO professional!

Very sexy too!!

Intense indeed

Absolutely amazing

Her confidence is off the chart.

Yes, Carrie Ann, I saw her feet too.

I understand that you will give her a 9 because of that, but she deserves a 10, in my completely unprofessional opinion.

Scores: 9, 10, 10

Joey & Jenna

Paso Doble

Look out Chandler, here comes Joey!

His musicality is so amazing!

The choreography was perfect for the music

I agree with Derek. 

But Carrie Ann and Bruno are professionals too, so....

Scores: 9, 10, 9

Yay Derek!

Ilona & Alan

Viennese Waltz 

This partnership makes me cry tears of joy

Does she belong in the finale?

I don't know.

But my goodness how far she has come.

I feel honored too Carrie Ann.

I love you Ilona.

And I love you and Alan.

Ilona IS DWTS, finale or no finale

Scores: 10, 9, 10

Stephen & Riley

Tango

There were a few good moments, but the timing felt off to me.

Like the music was fast but they were moving slow.

Ok, I get it, they had an ocular wardrobe malfunction. 

Scores: 10, 9, 9

Huh. Okay. This is why I'm not a judge.

Danny & Witney 

Salsa

Okay the tricks were exciting. 

Definitely 

But where was Danny's dancing?

Where was the hip action?

Where was the Salsa content?

I think Witney makes him look better than he is, when it comes to the actual dancing.

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Maybe all 5 will make it to the finale?

Probably not.

I can't predict.

Eliminated: NO ONE!

Not 100% surprised, but 100% happy.

Ilona, you made it!!

librarianintx

DWTS Semi Finals Part 1

I'm back Dance Fans!

Trying to live blog (and multi task!)

We'll see how it goes.

Part One

Chandler & Brandon

Salsa

To quote Mary Murphy on SYTYD:

You get TWO FIRST CLASS TICKETS ON THE HOT TAMALE TRAIN.

That was a spicy routine, and I agree with Carrie Ann that there is a freedom and confidence in Chandler's dancing that she has cultivated during the season. 

But I also agree with Derek that it had more Cha Cha content than Salsa.

But still HOT.

Scores: 10, 9, 10

Joey & Jenna

It was a proper, professional looking Foxtrot.

Such amazing musicality and ease of movement 

I absolutely loved it.

Hollywood glamor.

But I do have to channel Len for a minute: They wasted time at the beginning of the dance.

Scores: 10, 10, 10

Ilona & Alan

Paso Doble

It had power, attack, conviction

She commanded that stage, and held her own against those professional dancers

Absolutely agree with Carrie Ann - She has had the biggest transformation and I am so glad she made it to the semi-finals!

Scores: 9, 10, 9

Danny & Witney

Viennese Waltz 

I'm sorry, but for me, that was not Danny's best dance.

The judges love him, but a VW requires flow and lightness, and Danny looked hesitant and a little clunky to me.

The choreography was beautiful and his partnering skills are strong, but the movement wasn't his best.

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Stephen & Riley

Cha cha

He's so adorable!

But his timing was off and he was clearly nervous.

He tried, but Latin dance is not his thing, at least not this time.

I love his attitude though!

Scores: 8, 8, 9

I'm going to post this so it doesn't potentially get erased.

librarianintx

DWTS Halloween Nite

Good evening Spooky Dance Fans!

Here's another attempt at live blogging.

Ilona & Alan

Tango

Can we talk about HOT she looked!

Wow

Looked like a proper Tango to me.

Rawr! Get it girl!

Scores: 8, 8, 8

Dwight & Daniella

Contemporary 

Boy was he in character!

So creepy good and intense

But was this more Daniella dancing and acting more than Dwight?

Anyway, I thought it was super

Gave me chills 

Lots of trust in this partnership 

I love them and I'm so happy for them.

Scores: 10, 9, 9

Danny & Witney

Argentine Tango

Seemed a little rushed, stumbly in the beginning,  but then it was fantastic! 

Tricks were outrageous.

He's such a strong partner.

Scores: 10, 9, 9

Sorry, but I think Carrie Ann missed the beginning of the dance. 

Jenn & Sasha

Contemporary 

It was good, intense

The extra dancers at the end were distracting and unnecessary (I haven't complained about that in awhile)

But really, they didn't add anything. 

Sasha and Jenn created the drama with their dancing and acting.

It should have been the two of them at the end.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Scores: 10, 9, 9

Wow, Carrie Ann is happy tonight. :)

Joey & Jenna

Argentine Tango

Scary hayride - nope

Great choreography and musicality!

Super good acting

They have amazing chemistry too

The music went so well with the dance

Scores: 10, 9, 10

Stephen & Riley

Contemporary 

Amazing intensity and athleticism!

Sweet little Stephen turned into a monster!

So dramatic, he was actually a little too convincing, but in a good way, if that makes sense

His best dance!

Scores: 10, 9, 9

Chandler & Brandon

Viennese Waltz

She is exquisite 

And fiery and passionate

Wonderful musicality

Beautiful and freaky

To me it looked like a dance from two professionals

Scores: 9, 10, 10

Carrie Ann: WTH?

Dance offs

Dwight & Daniella vs Ilona & Alan

Cha cha

Damn

That was a tie for me

Both had great technique and fun

I can't choose

Winner: Dwight & Daniella 

Jenn & Sasha vs Stephen & Riley

Salsa

I gotta give it to Stephen and Riley

They were exciting out of the gate and that was twirl lift was the bomb!

Winner: Jenn & Sasha

I respectfully disagree

Danny & Witney vs Joey & Jenna

Jive

Almost a tie, but I give the edge to Joey & Jenna

Winner: Joey & Jenna

Eliminated:Jenn & Sasha

This was a fantastic night.

All of the dances were first rate. 

Congratulations to all!

librarianintx 

Ranking the Contestants on DWTS

I don't usually do this until the finale, but here goes:

1. Chandler

Chandler has grace, beauty, musicality, and she can shake her booty. She adapts easily to different dance styles. After last night, we now know she has the fire and drive to win. Her Paso was amazing and I think she and Brandon deserved a 10.

2. Joey

Joey is so likeable and relatable, and also has great musicality. He's willing to go the extra mile to please the ballroom, including dancing shirtless and executing a back flip. I enjoyed last night's Samba, but his best dance so far was his Tango on Hair Metal Nite.

3. Danny

Danny's strengths are, literally, his strength, and his partnering skills. Plus he and Witney have formed such a close bond. There is so much trust in this partnership, such as when Witney flew off the stairs into his arms last night, and that insane move during their Rumba when Danny lifted her from the floor by her foot. 

But I agree with Bruno - He needs more confidence. He hesitates and waits for Witney sometimes. 

Those are my top contenders. 

The other four are harder to rank.

4. Jenn

Are she and Sasha dating?

I don't know, but they definitely have chemistry.

Exhibit A: That passionate Viennese Waltz. 

Jenn needs to dance like that if she's going to make it to finale night.

5. Ilona 

I LOVE her!

What a role model she is.

And I love her and Alan together. 

They create magic in the ballroom. 

I cried during her Rumba; I was so happy for her.

But I agree with the judges.

The tricks are exciting, but she needs to dance more.

6. Stephen

Stephen's athleticism is definitely his strength. And he and Riley have energy and exuberance out the wazoo. 

Absolutely his weakness is his timing. If he can fix that, he would move up in my rankings.

7. Dwight

It pains me to put Dwight at the bottom of my rankings.

Initially he was my favorite, and I still love him.

I'm with Derek - his smile lights up the ballroom. 

And I know he wants to do well.

Obviously his strength is an asset. 

But he needs to work on his steps.

I'm still hopeful for improvement. 

librarianintx