Author Archives: kiesa

Twitter: January 6

2010

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2010 8:10 AM
I didn’t give Calvin ibuprofen last night as it didn’t appear his teeth were hurting him. This turned out to be a mistake.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2010 8:11 AM
Once he goes to bed, I don’t like giving it to him as the process wakes him up more. However, at 1am, I gave up.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2010 8:11 AM
After that, he slept pretty well until 6.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2010 8:14 AM
Calvin is eating his alternate bites of spinach/potato and banana fairly well.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2010 8:28 AM
The pediatrician suggested I give Calvin things like cheerios so he gets use to the texture even if it makes him gag for now.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2010 8:28 AM
Apparently cheerios dissolve fast enough they aren’t a big choking hazard. However, the gagging is still quite unpleasant.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2010 8:37 AM
Wow! I think Calvin managed to swallow most of a cheerio! (This is exciting because I have to puree applesauce as it has too much texture)

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2010 7:14 PM
Finally ordered Calvin’s new car seat and not a moment too soon. He’s within 1/2″ and 1 lb of out growing his first car seat.

2011

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2011 8:19 AM
Getting a yogurt and oatmeal covered Calvin from high chair to potty without him getting his hands on my good work clothes is tricky.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2011 8:21 AM
I think Calvin is singing a song to his milk to the tune (more or less) of the ABC song.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2011 4:25 PM
We went to the park right after daycare. The ground was snowing but the equipment was snow free and mostly dry.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2011 4:26 PM
Calvin enjoyed playing for a bit and then watched the skateboarders.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2011 4:26 PM
However, as soon as I told him it was time to go home, he started screaming and hasn’t stopped. Even cheese isn’t consoling him.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2011 4:26 PM
I think part of the problem is I stayed longer than I meant to so his snack got delayed for too long.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2011 4:31 PM
From daycare: “Calvin loved playing outside in the snow today.”

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2011 5:49 PM
Calvin and I are indulging in breakfast for supper tonight: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Waffles with Banana Cream.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2011 6:23 PM
Calvin, “more abple! more abple!” Me, “you have applesauce in your other cup.” Calvin, “oh.”

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2011 6:31 PM
Calvin is “singing” along to Robert Miles’ 23am album.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2011 6:31 PM
I think Calvin has more @calvinsdad’s taste in music than mine. We compromised on Robert Miles.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2011 7:31 PM
Well . . . Calvin just tore his first library book.

2012

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2012 2:29 PM
Duplos may have given Calvin some unrealistic ideas about what toys should be able to do.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2012 2:30 PM
I just caught Calvin trying to dismantle his [non-duplo] car carrier tractor trailer so he could make it into a flatbed truck.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2012 5:01 PM
From daycare, “Calvin had fun sorting M&Ms.”

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2012 5:02 PM
This week, Calvin napped 1 out of the 4 days at daycare. Interesting to see what he does next week.

2013

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2013 9:51 PM
Hm, @calvinsdad made it to bed before me. This is not a good sign. Piano movers coming at 9am so I have to be awake before then.

2016

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2016 2:18 AM
The small mammals are restless. Julian’s sick (throwing up). I’m not sure what everyone else’s excuse is.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2016 7:27 AM
Well, that was an exciting night but Julian looks like he might be better now.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2016 7:33 AM
I wish I knew if it was just a short-term bug or if something Julian ate yesterday caused the tummy upset.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2016 7:35 AM
He was really scarfing down the tofu so if it turns out he’s allergic to soy I could see that being the problem.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2016 7:36 AM
(I can verify at least parts of supper weren’t digested :( )

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2016 8:48 AM
In retrospect, it was probably not a good idea to leave a msg for Julian’s doctor right before I had a chance to nap.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2016 11:19 AM
Well, Julian just threw up again so probably just regular stomach bug. Nurse says to give him Pedialyte today.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2016 11:36 AM
Good thing we have multiple carriers. My Boba is currently in the wash and we’ve resorted to the backup Beco.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2016 11:36 AM
Pride goeth before a fall. I’m not going to resort to the Bjorn. Julian’s too heavy for it.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2016 12:41 PM
Ok . . . the first Pedialyte experiment just resulted in yet another change of clothes.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2016 3:14 PM
I think I want to put a tarp over everything in our house.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2016 4:26 PM
I’m having trouble deciding if I’m just sleep deprived or if I’m getting sick too.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2016 6:45 PM
Julian appears to be asleep so I’m off to bed hoping tonight is better than last night.

2017

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2017 4:32 PM
I’m belatedly realizing how thankful I am we were not trying to sell our house during the Boulder 2013 flood.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2017 8:31 PM
The house is too big. How is this possible?

2018

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2018 11:35 AM
Google maps needs an option for “I have kids and need at least 10 min of lead time to get out of the house.” Also, walking time based on a toddler’s random stop and starts.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2018 11:46 AM
Calvin saw this playground and said, “ooh, a wizard’s playground!” Presumably because of all the purple?

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2018 12:45 PM
Calvin is sitting in the corner of the playground talking LEGOs with a new friend. So much for exercise.

2019

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2019 12:38 PM
I’ve successfully retrieved the kids in Yakima. Now lunch and then hoping the pass is still good.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2019 3:57 PM
We have arrived home! The pass was even clearer on the way back.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2019 4:01 PM
Julian is singing a song on the potty. I’m not sure if it’s original or something he’s heard before:

“Holding on, I’m holding. I’m never going to fall off because I’m holding on” (repeat)

2021

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2021 12:10 PM
Well, really glad my new job didn’t start today. I feel bad for anyone who has to be functional after seeing the news from DC.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 6, 2021 8:15 PM
Ah work clothes, how I have missed you. (Ok, just the shirts. I’m still planning on wearing jeans and slipper socks).

Twitter: January 5

2010

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2010 7:25 AM
Calvin started muttering a bit before 5. I got up a bit after 6 when he started getting louder.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2010 7:34 AM
Calvin’s breakfast today: spinach & potatoes alternated with pears and bananas (so he’ll continue opening his mouth).

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2010 9:10 AM
Calvin is down for his 1st nap which is good because we have a pediatrician appointment in 1 1/2 hrs.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2010 11:46 AM
Back from the Dr office. Calvin’s now 50% weight and height.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2010 5:39 PM
Calvin refused his solid food at daycare today but that’s probably because I had them give him rice cereal since I forgot his normal lunch.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2010 5:49 PM
Why is it that both Calvin and 5 have a fascination with boxes and packing tape?

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2010 6:29 PM
Just for posterity, at Calvin’s 9 month dr appt, he weighed 21 lbs, measured 28 1/2″ and had a head circumference of 46 cm.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2010 6:31 PM
Am I the only one that wonders why baby length is in inches and head circumference in centimeters. Couldn’t they stick to one system?

2011

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2011 7:24 AM
Well, I’ve had a couple of rest days after vacation. Tonight I should go to bed earlier so I can get up and exercise in the mornings.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2011 2:19 PM
Whew! Just finished the upper floor of the house in time to pick up Calvin. Think my arm might be getting better after all.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2011 5:20 PM
We just got back from playing outside for an hour. Calvin tried using his tricycle but his legs are still too short to do it well.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2011 5:34 PM
From daycare: “Calvin had fun dancing to “Animal Actions” and attempting to jump like a frog.”

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2011 6:33 PM
Calvin is dipping his cornmeal muffin into broccoli soup. Ewww.

2012

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2012 5:50 PM
I’m not entirely sure what it is about Thursday nights that makes me crave breakfast food.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2012 5:51 PM
I actually had a red lentil soup ready in the slow cooker but needed waffles instead. Guess what we’re having tomorrow night.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2012 8:57 PM
The good news: Calvin is quiet and staying in bed. The bad news, he’s not a asleep yet.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2012 9:18 PM
From daycare, “Calvin made a great building with legos.”

2013

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2013 10:51 AM
I’m ready to go to bed now.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2013 9:09 PM
I really need to buy a new immersion blender but I can’t find one I like as well as the one I had.

2015

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2015 3:06 PM
I have contacted 3 potential daycare centers electronically.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2015 3:07 PM
Given neither @calvinsdad nor I use the phone unless it’s absolutely necessary, whichever provider responds first has an advantage.

2016

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2016 7:17 AM
Julian slept till 6:45am. This is later (in MST) than he slept the entire time we were in Washington.

2018

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2018 10:12 AM
For some reason I thought it was a good idea to update iTunes. There goes my day off . . .

2019

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2019 11:45 AM
All website articles should have publication dates on them.

2021

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 5, 2021 7:37 AM
Frost on the ground! (Just a smudge though.)

Twitter: January 4

2010

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2010 7:52 AM
Calvin slept an hour on the plane and on the way home and then woke up and decided he didn’t want to go back to sleep.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2010 7:52 AM
He didn’t fall asleep again until 12.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2010 8:15 AM
Breakfast today for Calvin: spinach and potatoes.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2010 8:18 AM
I can’t tell if Calvin is gagging because he doesn’t like the spinach or if the texture is too thick for him.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2010 8:56 AM
Calvin has figured out if he pulls back the shower curtain he can see mommy. This has unfortunate moisture consequences for baby and floor.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2010 9:44 AM
Calvin’s down for his first nap. I’m going to try to nap too due to lack of sleep last night but I’m not sure what my chances are.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2010 3:36 PM
I’ve finished work for the day but I have this nagging feeling I’m forgetting something important.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2010 5:36 PM
From daycare: “Calvin loved crawling _all over_ today!”

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2010 5:47 PM
Calvin is laughing uproariously tonight whenever I VROOM VROOM.

2011

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2011 8:05 AM
Calvin woke up wanting attention but didn’t want me to look at him.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2011 1:18 PM
If charities really want me to give them money, maybe they should make it easier to update my credit card info.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2011 3:21 PM
Calvin is having a lot of fun playing with the drum set and other musical toys from Aunt Sherrie!

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2011 3:26 PM
As soon as we got home, Calvin started using the potty like normal. I wonder when he’ll care enough to do it other places.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2011 3:38 PM
It appears that my frozen vegetables took the opportunity while I was gone on vacation to procreate.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2011 4:03 PM
Calvin actually let me make supper without dissolving into a meltdown!

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2011 4:30 PM
From daycare: “Calvin really enjoyed pushing the cars around the classroom today!”

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2011 8:26 PM
Once again it’s time to rotate Calvin’s toys.

2012

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2012 3:08 PM
We’re trying an experiment today to see if I can actually get things done around the house while Calvin is in home instead of daycare.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2012 5:14 PM
Well, that worked amazingly well. Managed to do hours of chores without Calvin watching TV.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2012 5:55 PM
From daycare, “Calvin had fun kicking the ball.”

2013

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2013 7:27 PM
I really like our new floors. The new floor looks like it was suppose to be here all along.

2015

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2015 12:38 PM
Calvin makes reading so painful, even when he knows the words.

2016

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2016 12:09 PM
We’re through security!

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2016 7:23 PM
We’re home!

2018

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2018 5:38 AM
I think I mistook my first California earthquake for a gust of wind outside (it has been raining so a reasonable assumption in the middle of the night).

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2018 10:31 PM
Julian is still awake . . .

2022

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 4, 2022 3:15 PM
I did so bad in Catan that Calvin felt pity and kept giving me free resources (6 in all). This is the only reason I ended with 3 points instead of 2. Calvin won the game with 10 points.

Twitter: January 3

2010

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2010 8:28 AM
Calvin woke up at 5:00 PST today. I’m hoping this means he’ll transition back to MST easily though the timing is suspicious.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2010 8:45 AM
Calvin wore out himself and Grandma so both are now down for a nap.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2010 10:10 AM
I’m starting the herculean task of trying to fit all of Calvin’s presents in our luggage.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2010 12:36 PM
*Finally* finished packing. The large suitcase is 49 lbs so I hope my scale is the same as Southwest.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2010 4:03 PM
Got through security ok.

2011

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2011 7:29 PM
Calvin slept well last night and is still sleeping I think I have to wake him up soon . . .

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2011 12:32 PM
I have an appointment to see a doctor!

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2011 1:00 PM
Time to start slogging through the massive amount of receipts that have piled up over vacation.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2011 8:16 PM
Calvin has graduate to his high chair being at the family dinner table instead of exiled in the kitchen.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2011 8:17 PM
From daycare: “Calvin had lots of fun exploring the room and playing in the kitchen area.”

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2011 8:18 PM
After daycare, we went to the library and then did some grocery shopping before coming home.

2012

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2012 5:56 PM
From daycare, “Calvin had fun making a gingerbread man.”

2014

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2014 4:05 PM
Calvin is playing Mr. Potato Head on a real computer! (I’m slightly worried the iPad is too easy :) )

2016

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2016 10:15 AM
I’m now shopping at the bookshop of mom. This could be dangerous.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2016 11:20 AM
I’m bringing home 17 lbs of books because what we need right before moving is more books.

2017

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2017 7:13 PM
I’m multitasking: watching Julian take a bath, listening to Calvin read, and packing up the bathroom.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2017 8:05 PM
I just found a pacifier inside a couch cushion. I sat down and the cushion was oddly lumpy.

2022

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2022 9:43 AM
Calvin is proselytizing goggle wearing and gave Julian a pair for Christmas. (He’s wearing a mask because we’re getting a furnace today (!!!) and have people in the house.)

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2022 3:02 PM
Hm, finally took the time to try to put my treadmill back together after the move. I thought I was just missing screws. It turns out that part of the panel was torn off instead of unscrewed. I think I can get it stable enough to use . . .

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2022 3:02 PM
Our furnace installers are here right now which makes me particularly reluctant to spend the money more a new treadmill.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2022 3:02 PM
(Craigslist often has oodles of treadmills but we don’t have a truck for transport and renting a uhaul always feels overkill.)

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 3, 2022 3:06 PM
Um, there’s only one screw that wasn’t ripped out so I think this is a write off :( Too basic didn’t figure that out before it spent 5 months cluttering the living room.

[This problem was later solved with zip ties so, as of 2024, we still have the original treadmill.]

Twitter: January 2

2010

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 2, 2010 9:31 AM
I have Calvin in his new astronaut outfit today. He’s very cute though the pants are a little long.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 2, 2010 9:32 AM
Calvin looks very baby bird-like when he has his eyes closed and his mouth open searching for a bottle.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 2, 2010 1:51 PM
I can finally see Calvin’s elusive 4th upper tooth that daycare kept telling us about.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 2, 2010 5:28 PM
Took a drive to get Calvin to sleep and stopped by the Winchell’s house for a couple of minutes.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 2, 2010 9:38 PM
Last night in WA. I’ll miss all the sleeping in I’ve been able to do this vacation. Grandmas are wonderful :)

2011

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 2, 2011 8:24 AM
Last day in Lincoln. Calvin did reasonably well the entire time. We even figured out how to feed him without a high chair.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 2, 2011 6:17 PM
Calvin and I have arrived home after 3 weeks of traveling!

2017

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 2, 2017 4:49 PM
I have two heads of cabbage in the fridge and feel like I should be using it but I don’t want to :(

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 2, 2017 5:21 PM
My curry leaves are gone. I guess I’m limited to North Indian till I can get down to Sunnyvale.

Twitter: January 1

2011

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 1, 2011 2:38 PM
Calvin is finally down for his nap.

2016

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 1, 2016 3:51 PM
We went to Powells and I bought a lot of books. Mostly for Calvin.

2017

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 1, 2017 11:32 AM
It seems like Julian is trying to drop his last nap :(

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 1, 2017 11:34 AM
It was so novel having a child that actually napped during the day. I will miss that.

2018

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 1, 2018 8:21 AM
It’s been a really, really, long time since I stayed up that week. I have a bad feeling I knocked my schedule off and I’m going to be fuzzy for the next week.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 1, 2018 10:10 AM
I normally adore fog but given how late I was up last night I was kind of hoping for bright sunlight to help me stay awake.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 1, 2018 11:22 AM
Made it out of the house to the playground! Had to run to catch the bus but we made it.

2020

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 1, 2020 12:49 PM
Ok, this is weird. It was raining cats and dogs prior to around 8am here but has been sunny since. I just came outside for my lunch walk and it’s downright balmy.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 1, 2020 12:51 PM
See, I’m not making this up.

2021

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Jan 1, 2021 10:20 AM
I’ve spent most days this week thinking it’s Sunday and today is no exception. Less than one week before I start working for pay again though!!

Reading in 2023

Since 2016 I’ve made three interstate moves, have worked at three different jobs, had some extremely fraught years in my marriage, and lived through a pandemic. Now I’m objectively in a good place but emotionally I’m still pretty fragile and I think that’s reflected in my reading this past year.

In 2023 I read more books than in 2022 but fewer pages. About 15% of my reading this year was rereading old favorites and the new books I read were often relatively short. While I don’t keep track of my Did Not Finish stats, I know there were many books this year that I started but did not finish. In most cases, this was not a reflection of the quality of the book but rather it wasn’t the right book for me when I was trying to read it.

If you’re curious, you can see my StoryGraph stats for 2023 here.

This blog post got a little out of hand so a quick table of contents to the sections below:
My Favorite Books in 2023
Hugo Award Nominees
Reading Holiday
Interior Design Books

My Favorite Books in 2023

Below are not necessarily the “best” books I read in 2023 but they are the ones I enjoyed the most. (I linked to the author’s website if they have a good landing page for the book, otherwise it’s a StoryGraph link.)

A Mirror Mended by Alix E. Harrow (read A Spindle Splintered first) – Another Sleeping Beauty retelling. Both books in the series are novellas and are nice quick reads.
The Bald Mermaid: A Memoir by Sheila Bridges – I continue my obsession with reading interior design books. While look for new books, I stumbled across this memoir by interior designer Sheila Bridges.
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn (this is the second in the series, Legendborn is the first) – Legendborn is one of those books where I immediately bought it after reading it from the library. It’s a King Arthur reborn story and I loved how it centers the story around a Black woman. Bloodmarked took me a little longer to get into but once I did it was also fantastic.
Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher – I think working for a university made me appreciate this book more than I would have otherwise. However, it’s a fun book regardless if you like cranky people trying to do the right thing in spite of themselves.
Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl – I’m fairly certain I found this via Modern Mrs. Darcy but I can’t remember what made me pick it up. Regardless, I found this memoir both interesting and delightful. It’s the story of a food critic going undercover in order to provide real reviews.
Good Neighbors: The Full Collection by Stephanie Burgis – This is a delightful fantasy romance. The heroine is technically savvy and very suspicious of people. It’s a quick fun read.
The Grief of Stones by Katherine Addison (it would be best to read The Witness for the Dead first)
How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis – I wrote a whole blog post about this book but I think I managed to miss the essence of why I like it. This book gives you permission to not be perfect. It’s ok to try for “good enough” and if that bar is still too high, to just concentrate on staying alive.
Love Poems for People with Children by John Kenney (re-read) – This is a short collection of snarky poetry. As I recall, I didn’t mean to re-read it but had wanted to refer to one of the poems in it and the next thing I knew I had read the whole thing. Love Poems for Married People is also fun. The New Yorker has a couple of the poems here.
The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism by Jen Gunter – I haven’t reached menopause yet but it’s probably only a couple of years away at this point so I decided to get a head start on reading about it. This was a good book and one I expect I’ll read again in a couple of years.
The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray – This was a delightful murder mystery. I’m impressed by how Claudia Gray brought together so many of Jane Austen’s main characters under one roof. However, I particularly liked her descriptions of the two young people who work together to solve the mystery.
One Year to an Organized Life: From Your Closets to Your Finances, the Week-by-Week Guide to Getting Completely Organized for Good by Regina Leeds – Still one of my favorite organizing books. Mind you, I haven’t followed any of her suggestions, I just like imagining a perfectly organized life. That said, I’m thinking about trying a light version of her approach this next year. We’ll see.
Red Team Blues by Cory Doctorow – Most of Doctorow’s books are not for me. However, Jaeger notified me about a kickstarter he was doing for his newest book at the time, Red Team Blues. I took a look and the premise sounded interesting. In addition, I am very anti-DRM (I want to own my books, not lease them, and be able to use them on all of my devices) so it seemed like a good fit. I got the audio version, which is how I usually listen to mysteries, but Jaeger bought the hardcover. It’s a quick fun story and I’ll probably listen to it again.
Rest You Merry by Charlotte MacLeod – This was a recent holiday listen and I really enjoyed the dour and moderately cranky professor. After years of being harassed for not decorating his house for Christmas the professor snaps and commissions an excessively gaudy display to be installed and then leaves for the weekend. When he returns, he finds a dead body in his house. Everyone wants to believe it’s just an accident but the professor thinks something else is going on and starts investigating.
Several People are Typing by Calvin Kasulke – Slack is my work’s primary communication method so a story about someone somehow getting uploaded to an internal Slack channel was quite fun.
The Splinter in the Sky by Kemi Ashing-Giwa – This is the type of Science Fiction novel I particularly enjoy. One person starts out with a hopeless situation and manages to both survive and win in the end (at least for some definitions of “win”).
System Collapse by Martha Wells (if you have never read a Murderbot book, start with All Systems Red) – Murderbot is loved by many and I’m no exception. I love Murderbot’s annoyance with having to deal with people.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman – As I get older I appreciate books with older protagonists. I love the idea of a group of retired people getting together and solving crimes. Plus, they all have their own backstories that we start learning.
Translation State by Ann Leckie – Another book in the Ancillary Justice universe. It would be best to read that series first. I’m always impressed by how Leckie can write very different perspectives.
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto – Another older woman who decides to solve a murder. This was such a nice cozy book.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna – This was a really fun story. I love the idea of a real witch pretending to be a fake witch on social media.
Where Peace is Lost by Valerie Valdes – This was probably my favorite space opera of the year. It’s an interesting story and the ending gets delightfully operatic.

Hugo Award Nominees

I did not set a reading goal for last year but reading the Hugo Award nominees is often an unofficial goal and I did fairly well this year. I read:

Best Novel – all 6 nominees
Best Novella – I also read all 6
Best Novelette – 5 of the nominees. There’s one author I have given myself permission to not even try because, while objectively a good writer, they never work for me
Short Stories – all six short stories though a couple I had to read via computer translation
Series – This is always a hard one for me. Usually I try to read at least one book in each series. This year I had read books in 5 of the series but have never read any in this year’s winner, the Children of Time Series
Best Graphic Novel or Comic – none
Best Related Work – none, though Blood, Sweat & Chrome: The Wild and True Story of Mad Max: Fury Road still intrigues me
Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form – I watched two of these: Everything Everywhere All at Once, which won, and Turning Red which I also liked
Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form – none
Best Editor, Short Form – probably none – short stories are hard for me
Best Editor, Long Form – I did reasonably well, for me, in this category and ended up reading works edited by three of the nominees. That’s only 50% of the nominees but it’s 75% of the nominees with English works (as far as I could tell, two nominees only edited works available in Chinese).
Best Professional Artist – none
Best Semiprozine – none
Best Fanzine – only one
Best Fancast – I’ve listened to episodes from four of the six nominees
Best Fan Writer – I think this is where I may have inadvertently read some of the nominees’ works but I didn’t vote in this category
Best Fan Artist – none
Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book – I read four of these nominees and started a fifth which I was unable to finish (but may try again later)
Astounding Award for Best New Writer – I read works from three of the six

Reading Holiday

I’m once again reluctant to make a reading goal for next year. However, I have decided to start the year with a reading holiday. I’m taking three days of vacation from work, around a weekend for a total of five days. This is before the kids go back to school so I don’t have to worry about waking up early or making school lunches for them (they’re perfectly capable of getting their own breakfasts/lunches at home). In addition, this gives me extra time to relax and recover from the chaos around Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays. I’ve been mulling this idea for about a month and it took a while but I have a general idea of what I want the reading vacation to look like.

I’ve decided to try to read one book a day during the reading holiday. I’m not entirely sure if I can realistically do this or not. I’ve definitely read entire books in one day but I don’t know that I’ve ever done it multiple days in a row before. Each day will be a different genre and I’m going to try to stick to authors I haven’t read before. I’ve identified both a first choice and backup book (in case I start the first book and hate it, or I can’t get it in time). Most of these books look like they should be quick reads.

Thursday – Young Adult or Juvenile

Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker

Backup: Damned If You Do by Alex Brown

2nd Backup: The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

Friday – Romance

Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date by Ashley Herring Blake

Backup: Ana María and the Fox by Liana De la Rosa

Saturday – Mystery

The House Keepers by Alex Hay

Backup: The Penguin Book of Murder Mysteries edited by Michael Sims

2nd Backup: Death on the Down Beat: An Orchestral Fantasy of Detection by Sebastian Farr

Sunday – Memoir or Non-fiction

Kiss Me in the Coral Lounge: Intimate Confessions from a Happy Marriage by Helen Ellis

Backup: Now What?: How to Move Forward When We’re Divided About Basically Everything by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers

Monday – Science Fiction or Fantasy

This one I’m a bit stumped. I was originally planning to read Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin but belatedly realized it wasn’t SFF (I’m not sure why I thought it was).

My backup is The Salvation Gambit by Emily Skrutskie. I’ll probably make that one my primary and come up with another backup. On the other hand, I have quite a few SFF books checked out so maybe I’ll just grab one from my existing TBR stack.

Interior Design Books

I’m still reading a lot of interior design books. It’s slightly obsessive and there’s something going on there but I’m not exactly sure what. It’s probably related to moving so much the past couple of years and being determined to take root this time. In any case, this is a bit tricky because while the library generally will buy books I request, they have been reluctant to buy more interior design books. After my most recent request was denied I asked and was told that it was due to shelf space and that they don’t circulate well enough to justify the cost. Clearly, I could straight-up buy more interior design books but we spend a lot of money on books already and I’m reluctant to buy interior design books because I rarely reread them. If I don’t think I’m going to reread a book, I usually weed it which seems overall like a waste. After some thought, I’ve decided to try buying used copies. I don’t love this approach because, unlike the library or buying directly, the author doesn’t get any cut of my purchase. However, if I end up really loving the book I can always repurchase it new.

Twitter: December 31

2009

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 31, 2009 10:27 AM
Calvin had apricots for breakfast. Now he is down for his first nap of the morning.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 31, 2009 1:30 PM
Just got internet back. It’s weird how dependent I’ve become. When it’s out, it’s like sense has stopped working.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 31, 2009 3:51 PM
Trying to convince Calvin to go down for his 2nd nap of the day but so far he isn’t enthusiastic about this idea.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 31, 2009 4:32 PM
Calvin never managed to go down for an afternoon nap. I guess he’ll just be cranky until bedtime.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 31, 2009 4:59 PM
Calvin was walking with assistance from Grandma.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 31, 2009 8:18 PM
Calvin has gone to bed for the night. He didn’t fight it at all as he never got an afternoon nap.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 31, 2009 8:29 PM
Well, maybe I spoke too soon. Calvin woke up and is now complaining loudly. I’m hoping he goes back to sleep on his own.

2014

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 31, 2014 11:12 AM
In a bid to match @calvinsdad’s expenses, I have a prenatal massage scheduled for today.

2015

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 31, 2015 7:02 AM
Heard a strange sound on my work computer. It’s the fan again. Take a look and realize the bottom of my computer fell off.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 31, 2015 2:35 PM
Julian visits the Kelso Public Library!

2016

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 31, 2016 8:50 PM
I put Julian to bed around 7:40 but he and Calvin are now singing to each other.

2017

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 31, 2017 9:01 AM
I ran away from home and ended up here.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 31, 2017
I must be the last person to hear about this but it certainly explains a lot: https://www.engadget.com/2017-09-20-ios-11-control-center-doesnt-fully-turn-off-wifi-or-bluetooth.html

2020

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 31, 2020
This is definitely the correct policy for online classes and meetings.

Twitter: December 30

2009

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 30, 2009 5:23 pm
Went to Portland today to drop @calvinsdad off at the airport and then did a bit of shopping. Calvin was remarkably happy the entire time.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 30, 2009 5:24 PM
Went to Ya Hala for lunch and Calvin *loved* the hummus and baba ganoush.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 30, 2009 7:33 PM
After more complaining than normal, Calvin is finally asleep.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 30, 2009 7:41 PM
@calvinsdad Good luck.

2011

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 30, 2011 10:56 AM
Up in the Space Needle for 1st time. Lived in WA for 20+ years and don’t go till I move away.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 30, 2011 7:59 PM
Little disappointed in Elliott Bay Book Company: no romance. Though the SF section was decent and the cafe had Catan and Carcassonne.

2014

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 30, 2014 6:58 AM
Calvin is still asleep but Calvin’s ipod apparently decided it was storytime and randomly turned on at the charging station.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 30, 2014 7:28 AM
The Universal Packing List is pretty decent but doesn’t include all the weird things pregnant women need to pack.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 30, 2014 7:38 AM
Calvin couldn’t decide which slippers to use so he came down with one Lightening McQueen slipper and one shark slipper.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 30, 2014 8:50 AM
I’m feeling pretty good this morning. Am crossing my fingers I’m over the worse.

2015

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 30, 2015 7:32 AM
Julian woke up ready to go back to bed. However, he’s signaling dissent by flinging pacifiers.

2016

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 30, 2016 3:24 PM
Current house stage: it has to get messier before it gets cleaner.

Twitter: December 29

2012

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 29, 2012 5:30 PM
Calvin and I have arrived back at the hotel. We are looking forward to eating.

2013

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 29, 2013 1:05 PM
Our frantic search for a bathroom did not end in disaster. Much to my surprise.

2014

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 29, 2014 11:14 AM
Calvin wrote out instructions on how to build his latest Lego race car.

2015

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 29, 2015 10:40 AM
I like this reading goal framework: https://modernmrsdarcy.com/2016-reading-challenge/ I might give it a try. Not sure yet.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 29, 2015 12:33 PM
I think I just confuse our au pair more whenever I try to explain how the US government works.

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 29, 2015 4:43 PM
There’s so many books I want to read that I know I won’t have the time for. Someday Julian won’t require as much attention . . .

2021

Kiesa @spreadsheetmom Dec 29, 2021 8:44 PM
I’d probably prefer the train stay on time but it’s really, really fun to be lying in bed on a train.

(I have given Julian the bottom bunk and have retreated to the top until it’s my bedtime.)