End of event meme

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?

I think about 9:00 was the hardest, as I was up at 5:30, and not used to that, that is when it caught up to me…

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?

I liked Dear Mr. Henshaw. I know it’s for kids, but it was light and funny and short, and gave me a boost when I needed it…

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?

Not really, it was my first (to participate in) and it was a wonderful experience.

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?

The cheerleaders did an AWSOME job

5. How many books did you read?

2 and was 25 pages short on my third

6. What were the names of the books you read?

Breaking dawn, Dear Mr. Henshaw, How Sweet It Is (almost finished)

7. Which book did you enjoy most?

Tough call, Sweet and Dear were both very good, but very different, but I really liked finishing breaking dawn (and the twilight series in general) this way I feel accomplished, and there is no let down…

8. Which did you enjoy least?

none

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?

n/a

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?

I will 100% do it again, either as a cheerleader or a reader…

Once again, I wanna say that you to the organizer, cheerleader and fellow reader… you guy made this so much fun, and you all did so well in your rolls! Congrats!

This year was my first, and I found that having personal cheerleaders helped A LOT (thanks blair and jen). Also, it was so much fun to do it with a buddy. Reading is such a solitary thing, but it was fun to stop and blog together, and chat about our books, and what mini-challenges we were doing ect. Next year I’m going to pick more shorter books to give me a boost. And less snacks (I blame DH’s bad influence) and less coffee toward the end (that one is all me). Right now, I am really excited about how much I have to blog about in the next little while and how much closer I am to my challenge goals. Maybe I should do mini-readathons more regularly =D

Now, back to bed, 3 hours of sleep just isn’t cutting it…

3:42

Title of book(s) read since last update: how sweet it is
Number of books read since you started: 5 read (2 finished (breaking dawn, dear mr henshaw))
Pages read since last update: 12
Running total of pages read since you started: 575
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 45m
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 16h 17m
Mini-challenges completed: 10
Other participants you’ve visited: 27
Prize you’ve won: 0

minutes online- 243

coffee consumed- 6 cups

food eaten- 1 bowl honey nut cheerios, 4 chocolate foil wrapped Easter eggs. Pretzel nachos, 1 pop, 3 chocolate chip cookies (I need the energy, right?), 1 chocolate milk, I easter bunny ears (think I’m going to have to cut myself off the chocolate now…), bottle of water, 1 torpedo from quizinos, left over pretzels from nachos, I peca-roll cinnamon bun,

minutes slept- 30

I am a done bunny. I think the last 25 pages will have to wait for tomorrow. I am proud of what I accomplished today though… will blog and wrap up in the next couple of days when I have recovered. Can’t wait for the next one, sign me up! And thanks to all the cheerleaders, organisers and fellow participants who made today so much fun!

2:51AM

Title of book(s) read since last update: how sweet it is
Number of books read since you started: 5 read (2 finished (breaking dawn, dear mr henshaw))
Pages read since last update: 17
Running total of pages read since you started: 563
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 40m
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 14h 32m
Mini-challenges completed: 10
Other participants you’ve visited: 27
Prize you’ve won: 0

minutes online- 243

coffee consumed- 6 cups

food eaten- 1 bowl honey nut cheerios, 4 chocolate foil wrapped Easter eggs. Pretzel nachos, 1 pop, 3 chocolate chip cookies (I need the energy, right?), 1 chocolate milk, I easter bunny ears (think I’m going to have to cut myself off the chocolate now…), bottle of water, 1 torpedo from quizinos, left over pretzels from nachos, I peca-roll cinnamon bun,

minutes slept- 30

I think I’m on about my 3^rd wind? That nap really did help. 32 pages to go, and I think I’m done my book, AND the read-a-thon… will be back to post once more, and then wrap up tomorrow… =D

1:46 (yes, that would be AM)

Title of book(s) read since last update: how sweet it is
Number of books read since you started: 5 read (2 finished (breaking dawn, dear mr henshaw))
Pages read since last update: 23
Running total of pages read since you started: 546
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1h 08m
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 13h 52m
Mini-challenges completed: 10
Other participants you’ve visited: 27
Prize you’ve won: 0

minutes online- 233

coffee consumed- 6 cups

food eaten- 1 bowl honey nut cheerios, 4 chocolate foil wrapped Easter eggs. Pretzel nachos, 1 pop, 3 chocolate chip cookies (I need the energy, right?), 1 chocolate milk, I easter bunny ears (think I’m going to have to cut myself off the chocolate now…), bottle of water, 1 torpedo from quizinos, left over pretzels from nachos, I peca-roll cinnamon bun,

minutes slept- 30

ok. I crashed. But I crashed responsibly. I set a timer and allowed myself 30 minutes. And it was more a resting my eyes and my head then a snooze. Now I’m more determined then ever to make it to the end. Who’s with me???

I did get a fair chunk of reading done, and I think that finishing this book tonight is in the realm of possibility (maybe even probability). 4 hours to go, DH just got up from his snooze, and I think I’m raring to go… =D

11:38

Title of book(s) read since last update: dear mr henshaw
Number of books read since you started: 5 read (2 finished (breaking dawn, dear mr henshaw))
Pages read since last update: 78
Running total of pages read since you started: 523
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1h 10m
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 12h 44m
Mini-challenges completed: 10
Other participants you’ve visited: 24
Prize you’ve won: 0

minutes online- 213

coffee consumed- 6 cups

food eaten- 1 bowl honey nut cheerios, 4 chocolate foil wrapped Easter eggs. Pretzel nachos, 1 pop, 3 chocolate chip cookies (I need the energy, right?), 1 chocolate milk, I easter bunny ears (think I’m going to have to cut myself off the chocolate now…), bottle of water, 1 torpedo from quizinos, left over pretzels from nachos, I peca-roll cinnamon bun,

minutes slept- 0

well, I think I’ve pulled a second wind. I feel like I am going strong, and may just make it till 6 am. I finished dear mr henshaw (whoo hoo!). I am convinced it is all the sugar from the cinnamon roll. My hockey team lost (boo!) but who can I blame but myself for the lack of cheering? Monday is another game… also, my new best-friend-picker-uper-how-did-I-ever-live-without-you? Eye drops. Just sayin’… this time, it’s back to either how sweet it is (I would really like to finish this one) or hot blooded, depending on how well my eyes and brain are working together… =D

9:53

Title of book(s) read since last update: dear mr henshaw
Number of books read since you started: 5 read (1 finished (breaking dawn))
Pages read since last update: 56
Running total of pages read since you started: 445
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 48 m
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 11h 34m
Mini-challenges completed: 9
Other participants you’ve visited: 24
Prize you’ve won: 0

minutes online- 213

coffee consumed- 6 cups

food eaten- 1 bowl honey nut cheerios, 4 chocolate foil wrapped Easter eggs. Pretzel nachos, 1 pop, 3 chocolate chip cookies (I need the energy, right?), 1 chocolate milk, I easter bunny ears (think I’m going to have to cut myself off the chocolate now…), bottle of water, 1 torpedo from quizinos, left over pretzels from nachos

minutes slept- 0

I think I am about half way through dear mr henshaw. It is a cute, quick read, just what I needed at this point. I never knew what it was about going in, but I’m glad I picked it up. It’s made me laugh out loud a time or two, and even read a couple bits to DH. So, do you think I have earned my cinnamon bun reward yet? Hoping in my next stretch to finish this book…

Hmmm. Notice I have been posting every hour lately instead of every 2. I wonder why that is? Attention span getting shorter?

8:46

Title of book(s) read since last update: how sweet it is
Number of books read since you started: 4 read (1 finished (breaking dawn))
Pages read since last update: 19
Running total of pages read since you started: 389
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 51 m
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 10h 46m
Mini-challenges completed: 9
Other participants you’ve visited: 24
Prize you’ve won: 0

minutes online- 203

coffee consumed- 5 cups

food eaten- 1 bowl honey nut cheerios, 4 chocolate foil wrapped Easter eggs. Pretzel nachos, 1 pop, 3 chocolate chip cookies (I need the energy, right?), 1 chocolate milk, I easter bunny ears (think I’m going to have to cut myself off the chocolate now…), bottle of water, 1 torpedo from quizinos,

minutes slept- 0

was able to curl up in my chair and sink into my arc for a while. I am really enjoying it, and it is a nice change of pace from the other books I’m reading. I am thinking about mixing things up a bit for this next stretch, and have pulled dear mr. henshaw by Beverly cleary for this next stretch. It will be nice and light and quick, and give met hat boost I think I need right now with a feeling of accomplishment. =D

creativity challenge

my haiku (idea stolen from DH)

my reads breaking dawn
how sweet it is hot blooded
dear mister henshaw

7:22

Title of book(s) read since last update: hot blooded
Number of books read since you started: 4 read (1 finished (breaking dawn))
Pages read since last update: 27
Running total of pages read since you started: 370
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1h 10 m
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 9h 55m
Mini-challenges completed: 8
Other participants you’ve visited: 20
Prize you’ve won: 0

minutes online- 198

coffee consumed- 5 cups

food eaten- 1 bowl honey nut cheerios, 4 chocolate foil wrapped Easter eggs. Pretzel nachos, 1 pop, 3 chocolate chip cookies (I need the energy, right?), 1 chocolate milk, I easter bunny ears (think I’m going to have to cut myself off the chocolate now…), bottle of water, 1 torpedo from quizinos,

minutes slept- 0

took a small break this time to read and soak my feet. It made me feel better for a while, and then sleepy again. Enjoying hot blooded though, and think I am just less then half way through. Not sure if I will be able to finish it AND how sweet it is. But if I finish one or the other, I will be a happy girl =D

also, DH reminded me GO FLAMES GO!!!! =D

mid-event survey

1. What are you reading right now?

hot blooded by lisa jackson

2. How many books have you read so far?

finished 1

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?

i think either hot blooded or finishing how sweet it is

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?

not really, it is just DH and me, so these things aren't TOO hard to plan

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?

only big interuption is the dog needing to be walked... i sent hubby ;)

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?

how fast it's going

7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?

so far i think it is great! well organised and well run. kudos!

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?

more snacks, bigger variety of books, more sleep the night before

9. Are you getting tired yet?

oh yeah...

10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered?

nope, just lots of caffine, and moving to differnt rooms in the house throughout hte day, and switching books often if needed.

6:06

Title of book(s) read since last update: how sweet it is, hot blooded, never tell a lie
Number of books read since you started: 4 read (1 finished (breaking dawn))
Pages read since last update: 43
Running total of pages read since you started: 343
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1h 22 m
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 7h 45m
Mini-challenges completed: 7
Other participants you’ve visited: 20
Prize you’ve won: 0

minutes online- 183

coffee consumed- 4 cups

food eaten- 1 bowl honey nut cheerios, 2 chocolate foil wrapped Easter eggs. Pretzel nachos, 1 pop, 3 chocolate chip cookies (I need the energy, right?), 1 chocolate milk, I easter bunny ears (think I’m going to have to cut myself off the chocolate now…), bottle of water, 1 torpedo from quizinos,

minutes slept- 0

I have been really scattered this session, reading 3 different books, and not getting far in each, and not being very satisfied. DH went to quizinos and brought home dinner, and cinnamon buns for desert, so hopefully I get back a little more focus again. Although I’m thinking about saving the cinnamon bun for a ‘reward’ if I make it till midnight =D

I can’t believe we are at the half way point! On one hand I am proud of what I have done, and on the other, I feel like there is so much more I want to do. And sleep will start to be a factor soon. Thinking about scheduling a cat nap for about 9???

Most of all, I am LOVING all this reading time I am allowing myself guilt free!

3:55

Title of book(s) read since last update: breaking dawn
Number of books read since you started: 2 read (1 finished (breaking dawnYAY!))
Pages read since last update: 44
Running total of pages read since you started: 300
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1h 12 m
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 6h 23m
Mini-challenges completed: 5
Other participants you’ve visited: 20
Prize you’ve won: 0

minutes online- 159

coffee consumed- 4 cups

food eaten- 1 bowl honey nut cheerios, 2 chocolate foil wrapped Easter eggs. Pretzel nachos, 1 pop, 3 chocolate chip cookies (I need the energy, right?), 1 chocolate milk, I easter bunny ears (think I’m going to have to cut myself off the chocolate now…),

minutes slept- 0

YAY! Breaking dawn is done. I have mixed feelings, I think I’ll have to let it sit for a while before I know how I feel.

feel nicely accomplished though... =D

Sat in the sun for a while outside. It was nice, but then it got too hot and made me sleepy, so it was back to the couch for me.

I think I will try and either work on how sweet it is this hour, or back to hot blooded.

1:58

Title of book(s) read since last update: breaking dawn
Number of books read since you started: 2 read (o finished)
Pages read since last update: 53
Running total of pages read since you started: 256
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1h 25 m
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 5h 11m
Mini-challenges completed: 5
Other participants you’ve visited: 14
Prize you’ve won: 0

minutes online- 131

coffee consumed- 4 cups

food eaten- 1 bowl honey nut cheerios, 2 chocolate foil wrapped Easter eggs. Pretzel nachos, 1 pop, 3 chocolate chip cookies (I need the energy, right?)

minutes slept- 0

Well, I didn’t finish my book, but I have about 40 pages left. I did get lunch though, which maybe a bad thing, as it seems I have started to feel sleepy. I’m sure it won’t be long until my second wind kicks in. if not, I have AMP in the wings. Heh.

I do have to that Meyer’s books are addicting, easy, fun reads, and a good start for today. If only I didn’t want to smack Jacob all the time. All I’m sayin’…

UG, DH just informed me that NASCAR is on at 6, and playoff hockey is on at 7. how am I going to watch both of those AND read???

11:55

Title of book(s) read since last update: breaking dawn
Number of books read since you started: 2 read (o finished)
Pages read since last update: 43
Running total of pages read since you started: 203
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1h
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 3h 46m
Mini-challenges completed: 4
Other participants you’ve visited: 9
Prize you’ve won: 0

minutes online- 103

coffee consumed- 4 cups

food eaten- 1 bowl honey nut cheerios, 2 chocolate foil wrapped Easter eggs.

minutes slept- 0

I think I made good progress this stretch on breaking dawn. Instead of switching back this time, I plan on pushing through till I’m done. I think I have about 100 pages left. Also, I did find time to dress. Goal this session is to find some lunch. And switch from coffee to something else… =D

comic

Hour 6, draw a comic mini-challenge.

10:00

Title of book(s) read since last update: How Sweet it is
Number of books read since you started: 2 read (o finished)
Pages read since last update: 35
Running total of pages read since you started: 160
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1h 21m
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 2h 46m
Mini-challenges completed: 2
Other participants you’ve visited:6
Prize you’ve won:0

minutes online- 73

coffee consumed- 3 cups

food eaten- 1 bowl honey nut cheerios, 2 chocolate foil wrapped Easter eggs.

minutes slept- 0

I am so surprised how fast this is going! hour 4 already. I switched books this hour, and it seemed to keep things going nicely for me, and am ready to go back to breaking dawn for a while. my jaw dropped when i came back and had over 30 comments. that has never happened before in the history of my blog. Dh said, i think i know why. i was chosen to be the reader of the hour. thank you for all your kind, encouraging, comments. i wish i had time right now to sit down and write each of you to than you, but for now a blanket thank you will have to do. my goals for this next couple hours are to read a little more breaking dawn, visit a few more blogs, and maybe even get dressed...

Title of book(s) read since last update: Breaking Dawn
Number of books read since you started: 1 read (o finished)
Pages read since last update: 125
Running total of pages read since you started: 125
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1h 25m
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 1h25m
Mini-challenges completed: 1
Other participants you’ve visited:4
Prize you’ve won:0

minutes online-29

coffee consumed- 2 cups

minutes slept- 0

I am so far having a great time, but found that my eyes weren't moving quickly in the begining, and my brain wasn't absorbing words. things are starting to pick up now. my most amusing moment from the last hour and a half was when DH started to tip over because he had fallen asleep. it might be a LOONNNGGGG 24 hours ;)

7:30

Where are you reading from today?

At my home in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

3 facts about me …

I own a book store

I have no sense of smell

I hate corn but love peas

How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours?

16 (but i'm not expecting to read them all)

Breaking Dawn- Stephenie Meyer (library, challenge)

Dracula- Bram Stoker (started)

A Horse and His Boy- C.S. Lewis (started)

Hot Blooded- Lisa Jackson (started, challenge)

How I Write- Janet Evanovich (started)

Obedience- Lavender (audio) ???

Selling Used Books Online- Stephen Windwalker (started)

Specials- Scott Westerfeld (challenge)

Never Tell a Lie- Hallie Ephron (Library)

Middle Sex- Jeffrey Eugenides (challenge)

The Time Traveller’s Wife- Audrey Niffenegger (challenge)

Falling Awake- Jayne Ann Krentz (challenge)

Darkfever- Karen Marie Moning (challenge)

Chocolate Bridal Bash- Joanna Carl (challenge)

How Sweet it is- Alice J. Wisler (ARC)

Beat the Reaper- Josh Bazell (library)

Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)?

as some of mine are half finished, I would like to finish at least 2. my only other goal would be to stay awake. heh. I also want to see how many mini-challenges i can complete.

If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, Any advice for people doing this for the first time?

nope, i'm a first timer =D

OK, I’m ready. It’s twenty to six. The coffee is brewing, I am awake (sort of. Still trying to get my eyes to open wide enough to move back and forth). I have snacks, blankets, drinks, and a pile of books. I have narrowed it down, and decided to start with Breaking Dawn, How Sweet it is, A Horse and his Boy, Hot Blooded and How I Write. I think it is a good variety, and ones I know I like because I have already started. I don’t sit still for long very well, and my attention tends to wander, so I’m hoping variety is the key. My plan is to read for an hour and a half, and come back and blog, do mini-challenges, read some blogs, post some comments, and check in (for about half an hour). As with the book selection, we’ll see how well it goes. I am fighting a bit of a headache, but I took a couple motrin, so hopefully I’m good to go. I am turning off everything buy my email (for comments), my blog, DH’s Blog, the challenge blog, and I’m debating twitter… trying to minimize distractions. Should be a fun day, and I’m really looking forward to it. Good Luck everyone! =D

PS, if you read this and decide you wanna sponsor me, that would be great. If not, I’m thinking I’ll do a flat donation at the end…