The Best Reader [Search results for Prim

  • Project: Save Prim (2)

    Project: Save Prim (2)

    When I introduced Prim earlier this week I mostly talked about the process that Dan and I have gone through but I really skimmed over our experience with Prim.

    Like I mentioned, she's very timid and shy. Becky left her alone with us for about three minutes right away and Prim wouldn't come near us. She cowered over in the corner and she cried a little bit; it was so hard to not just pick her up and hold her! It really brought tears to my eyes to see how scared she was and how little she trusted people.

    When Becky came back out, she gave us some treats for Prim (silly that we didn't think of that initially). We held the treats out but Prim still wouldn't come near us. Then Dan, the man that he is, decided to leave bread crumbs for Prim. It was amazing to watch! He put a little piece on the floor and she got down on all floors, crawled up, and took the piece of food. Then he put another piece a bit closer to us all the way until the point where she was eating out of our hands. After that, it was smooth sailing.

    While we talked with Becky, Prim went between Becky, Dan and I and her bed. She'd lie down for a bit and then come check on us and then lie down and then check on us. It was adorable. She got to the point where she'd just beg for attention by putting her head on my knee and getting as close to me as she could!

    Toward the end of the visit, Becky took us into her laundry room where she keeps the dog kennels to show us her two dogs and the other three dogs that she was housing. Prim came along but you could kind of tell she wasn't impressed with us looking at the other dogs. When Becky let a small Scotty out of the kennel Prim leaned all the way into Dan, again just begging to be touched... to be loved. She wasn't aggressive at all and I know that her and Pippin will get along fine — but I'm so excited to bring her home on Monday, to give her the attention and love that she so craves, and to be her forever family!

    She really is the sweetest little dog ever! We are already spoiling her (I wish I was at home and could show you the large amount of toys we've already accumulated) and neither Dan nor I have been able to sleep because we're so excited. This weekend was supposed to be a fun weekend watching the Minnesota Wild, going to the Mall of America, and eating out our favorite place (Hell's Kitchen) — but now both of us can only think of Monday and bringing Prim home! We will be sitting watching TV and we'll look at each other and say, "the next time we watch this Prim will be sitting RIGHT here!" Then we talk about, "When we have Prim... " and all the fun we're going to have as a small little family.

    We feel blessed to have had the last two weeks to get ready for her and to plan ahead and to get excited, but we are SO ready to have her here with us next week!

  • Project: Save Prim (1)

    Project: Save Prim (1)

    I would like to currently interrupt the BBRAW activities for a quick announcement. Remember last January when I proclaimed that I was expecting — well, here we go again!

    Remember at the end of January when I mentioned (extremely late at night) that Dan and I had found the above little puppy on BisMan (Bismarck/Mandan's online classified ads)? Well, on Monday morning I called, then I called again, and I called again and never heard back from this lady. On Tuesday I called one more time and, with no answer, I decided the puppy was either no longer available or this was too sketchy to pursue.

    A week later (Sunday night) I was online at Petfinder.com and I saw this SAME puppy at the humane society in Jamestown, ND. I emailed the shelter and with an hour had an update on her. Monday was spent emailing back and forth, asking questions about her history, temperament, etc, and talking Dan into going to see her. Late on Monday (2.6) night we set up a time to visit her on Tuesday as Becky (the foster mom) was going to be out of town on Wednesday through Friday) and the weekend didn't work for either Dan or I. So already, this was moving pretty fast.

    Right after school on Tuesday, Dan and I got in the car and drove the 1.5 hours to Jamestown to see her. Boy were we surprised! The picture doesn't do this girl justice at all! Of course she was very shy and timid and didn't really want anything to do with Dan or I for about the first five minutes. At that point I was so nervous! I'm not used to dog's who don't have that "golden" personality that screams, "Here I am! Pet me, hold me, love me!"

    Forty five minutes later she was playing with us, cuddling with us, and her tail didn't stop wagging. Becky said that on that Saturday they were taking her to a Meet and Greet at the local Petsmart so if we wanted her we should say something soon. We asked Becky for 24 hours to think about it (but really, let's face it, at that point we knew). We drove home and talked about, watched television and talked about, went to bed and talked about it, and on Thursday morning we called Becky and said "We can't live without this dog. She's already a part of our family!"

    We didn't go pick her up right away because this weekend we are headed to the Twin Cities for a hockey game (Go Wild!) and while we do have family she could stay with, we didn't want to introduce her to another new environment so quickly. SO, when we return from the hockey game this weekend on Monday we will be stopping by to pick her up in Jamestown! This week and last week has been all about the arrival of PP (potential puppy). We've gotten a kennel, beds, toys (oh, the insanity!), and everything else we can think of! We've submitted our application (including three references) and last night was the home visit.

    We decided on the name of PP before we even met her. While working out that original Monday I was thinking of names like Poet, Jazz (her "prior" name was Jasmine), and Prim. I knew Prim would be Dan's favorite because he loved "The Hunger Games" but the more and more I thought about it, I realized how fitting it would be! Prim, the younger sister who was saved from the Games. Prim, who grew from a timid, shy, almost helpless (in Katniss' eyes) into a strong, courageous young woman. How perfect is that!

    Isn't she lovely! Expect more posts about our little Prim as the week continues and into next week (maybe even a Vlog appearance).

    In case you were curious as to the timeline:
    January 29th, 2012: I posted about this dog I had seen BisMan
    February 5th: I see the same dog online at PetFinder
    February 6th: I email back and forth with Becky. We decide that Tuesday Dan and I will drive down to see her. Name is also picked out — Prim.
    February 7th: Dan and I drive to meet Prim for the first time
    February 8th: We call Becky and beg her to let Prim into our lives.
    February 13th: Two people from the Humane Society visit to make sure we live where we say we live and to talk about the adoption
    February 20th: We will be picking up Prim!!!

    Has anyone else adopted a dog before? Any advice?

  • Puppy Cuteness in a 1 Month Birthday Vlog

    Puppy Cuteness in a 1 Month Birthday Vlog

    I did no snarky fancy editing with comments on this vlog simply because I only had 30 minutes to get it all done and ready. Tonight is stress free night at the high school for teachers (so why am I stressing over being there? Ugh!) and then Prim's hair cut is at 6pm and then hockey at 7:45! So... insert your own snarky remarks — just kidding, I'm sensitive:)

    Adoption Day

    Adoption Day

    Adoption Day — Signing the papers!

    Prim and "Daddy" Monday night at home

    Prim and Nook Tuesday morning before school

    Prim and Pippin's first walk

    Prim and Pippin loving the weather

    Lounging

    Waiting for Dad to come home

    Prim, Pippin, and Pippa (the neighborhood friend)

    Prim and Pippin!

  • A Tribute to The Best Man I Know

    A Tribute to The Best Man I Know

    I just wanted to say a big thanks to all the bloggers friends who have sent well wishes, thoughts, and prayers this week after the devastating news of my father's sudden death. A prayer service will be held on Monday and he'll be buried in the National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD. Life will resume on the blog in the next two weeks as I get back to school and everyday life.

    Carl E. Remmers was born on May 9th, 1945 to Arthur and Elaine Remmers of Naples, SD. Carl grew up with seven brothers and sisters. He graduated from Hazel High School in 1963 and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served in the Vietnam War. Upon returning from Vietnam, Carl earned his bachelors degree from Sioux Falls College and his masters from Northern State University in 1974. Carl began his professional career as a history teacher, then as a principal, and finally as superintendent; Carl served numerous public school districts in South Dakota, Minnesota, and North Dakota in the capacity of superintendent. While working in Timber Lake, SD, he met, courted, and married Mavis Long. Together they had two children, Reagan Elaine and Zachary Taylor. As a family, they went on many vacations but the highlight was the Josephson/Remmers Cruise to Alaska in 2008. Besides family and politics, Carl had three great loves in his life: fishing, baseball, and his dog. An avid fisherman, Carl moved to Pierre in hopes of spending his retirement on the river. Most summers Carl took his family to at least one Minnesota Twins game and this past summer he had the opportunity to see the new Target Field as the Twins faced off against the Boston Red Sox. Carl passed away on Tuesday, February 21st, 2012, while taking Pippin, the Golden Retriever, for a walk. Pippin fell through the ice and according to the eyewitness, Carl didn’t hesitate to run in after him. Many things could be said about his choice of action, but it cannot be denied that the greatest testament to a man’s character is the love he shows for his dog. Besides walking along the Missouri River every day, Carl and Pippin were rarely separated and had a bond that will never be forgotten. Carl is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Remmers, mother, Elaine Remmers, and brother, Laraine Remmers (all of Naples, SD). Carl is survived by his wife, Mavis Remmers (currently of Cass Lake, MN), son, Zachary Remmers (Benson, MN), daughter, Reagan/Dan Urbanec (Bismarck, ND), brothers Archie/Marlys Remmers (Winner, SD), Wesley/Judy Remmers (Modesto, CA), Gary/Kathy Remmers (Orient, SD), Butch Remmers (Watertown, SD), Arlo/Colita Remmers (Watertown, SD), and sisters Karleen Josephson/Loren (Lake City, SD), Dona Remmers (Las Vegas, NV), numerous nieces, nephews, and his best friend Pippin.

    If you remember, we adopted a puppy (Prim) on Monday of this week. I was fortunate enough to have a great relationship with my dad; we talked several times a day on the phone. My last conversation with my dad was on Tuesday over lunch; we talked about Prim and how good of a puppy she has been.

    Yesterday, after finishing the obit, I returned my dad's audiobooks to the library and made sure he didn't have anything else checked out. My dad had over 5 audiobooks checked out and three books. I wonder where I get that from?

    Brother and sister are doing well. Pippin is still obviously exhausted and confused; he was swimming for about an hour while they searched for my dad. Pippin was treated for hypothermia and has seemingly physically recovered. He and Prim are getting along fine and have been a source of endless love and support as we struggle to get through this as a family.

  • Before the Bell Rings 9.30.10

    Before the Bell Rings 9.30.10

    Remember a couple weeks ago when I mentioned that I had been approved to begin teaching "The Hunger Games" to a class of freshmen? It's about time for an update.

    After the initial introduction to the book and to Suzanne Collins, I told my students that we would be reading "The Hunger Games." Then, right after everyone had finished Chapter One, midterms happened. So we spent most of our time "getting caught up" in other classes (this class isn't English 9, it's called Reading Skills and is for students who particularly struggle. It's meant to be sort of a glorified study hall).

    After that "hot mess," I tried to get the students back on track. But I found that they just refused to read on their own. So I read Chapter Two aloud... and they loved it. They listened so quietly I thought they were sleeping. They answered all my questions at the end and they begged for more the next day. It was a fantastic "teaching moment."
    Because my read-a-loud of Chapter Two was an impromptu lesson, I didn't remember exactly what had happened during that particular chapter. As I was reading along I realized that this was the chapter where Peeta was introduced and where Katniss' relationship with her sister and with her mother was really explored.

    Allow me to "Set the Scene" for you:

    The classroom was completely quiet. My students were all watching me and waiting to find out what was going to happen after Prim's name was called at the Reaping. As I'm sitting in my chair in the middle of the room reading aloud, I realize what's happening in the text. I continue reading; when I get to the part where Katniss comes to and races towards Prim to volunteer (is this a spoiler?) my voice wavers and my arm hairs raise in anticipation. I feel my face growing hot and I fear tears are about to escape my ducts (I'm trying to poetic... obviously). But, because I'm a professional, I fight through the sadness and continue reading.

    It was the most fantastic experience. Now, I've only read "THG," "CF," and "MJ" once (so far) so it's all still pretty new to me. But I had no idea such emotions would resurface while reading this novel aloud. It was a haunting experience, especially after just having finished "MJ."

    Since then, I have had a few other emotional teaching moments while reading aloud to my students but none that really strike me as hard as this one did. Whether you've read "THG" once, twice, or a million times before — I highly suggest reading it out loud, even if only for yourself. While we're only on Chapter Five, I've found that the novel is SO much more powerful (is that even possible?) when read aloud.

  • Pinterest Project Creations for the Uncreative (13)

    Pinterest Project Creations for the Uncreative (13)

    While this Pinterest Project wasn't a Sewing Adventure, it too is not really a Pinterest Project (I promise to get back on track — soon). But, nevertheless, I thought this was worth sharing. A few weeks ago @picky_girl (from The Picky Girl) brought to my attention that Harper Perennial has a pinboard on Pinterest (see the connection) highlighting pets with literary names. Well, I couldn't help but submit by two furry children!

    Pippin — Named for my favorite Hobbit (due to his large feet as a puppy). 7 years old.

    Primrose (Prim) — Having been saved from "The Hunger Games" aka euthanasia, our shy, timid puppy has grown into a strong, fun, playful creature that is almost unrecognizable. She has adapted so well to family life — we couldn't have asked for a better rescue.
    Does anyone else have some great literary names? We threw around the name Poet for Prim in the beginning (which I still really like) and I had an English professor in college whose dog was named Theseus (the mythical king of Athens).

  • BBRAW 2012: Wrap Up

    BBRAW 2012: Wrap Up

    Wow! BBRAW has officially come and gone! Thanks to everyone who participated or stopped by! I've had a great time getting to know some new bloggers and reconnecting with old friends.

    You've made it through the week! Thank people for stopping by, thank new readers and old readers, wrap up your giveaway (if you had one), tell who you nominated for as MVR and why (if you feel comfortable), wrap up the first BBRAW experience, and basically celebrate your readers in any way that you like!
    The MVR Election closed last night! We had some great nominations!

    Kimberly @ Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

    Kimberly always stops by my blog and checks out my facebook posts. She is so sweet and always takes time to read basically anything I post. She always puts a smile on my face. She is probably the biggest supporter of my site and I really appreciate it. She is so awesome and kind.
    Mari @ Bookworm With A View
    I enjoy her comments, we share in many cases very alike reading tastes, she has recommended wonderful books and audio to me — and probably most influential is that her Check Point meme she started this year inspired me to start Team Kickin It. Her advice and encouragement is valued.
    Jenny @ Alternate Readality
    She is the very best commenter ever... and I pretty much think of just talking to her when I'm writing my blog posts.
    Ryan @ Wordsmithonia
    Ryan has become a blogging buddy of mine who not only leaves me thoughtful comments, but also encourages me to try new authors with his great reviews! He's been a longtime follower/reader/friend and the blogging world is a better place because he's in it!
    Mary @ Bookfan
    She is one of the most faithful readers of my blog, nearly since the beginning. I'm proud to call her a friend as well, even though we've never met! Her book preferences are so insync with mine, we often joke that we are sisters from different mothers. She's a wonderful lady!
    Mindy @ Magical Urban Fantasy Reads
    Mindy is always leaving thoughtful and wonderful comments on my reviews and posts. Her comments never fail to make me smile. We all know that when you run your own blog you can get bogged down and not find time to visit other people's blogs and comment, but she is always taking time to connect and comment on other peoples reviews and to reach out positively on twitter.
    But the MVR of BBRAW 2012 is... (dun dun dun)
    Giselle @ Xpresso Reads! Giselle was the only person nominated by more than one person! I'm a new reader of Xpresso Reads due to BBRAW but the fact that two different people nominated her tells me that this is a person I want to connect with! Giselle, congrats on being the MVR of BBRAW 2012!
    She always stops by my reviews and leaves thoughtful comments. I see her around at tons of blogs even though she has her own awesome blog to run! She is full of pure awesome!
    Giselle is everywhere, leaving comments. Her name caught my eye because of how many times she commented on my blog especially when I didn't have many Followers. As I do my best to comment in the blogiverse, I see her name and cute smile everywhere. She makes socializing a goal and really shares the warm fuzzies of Comments!!!
    I think BBRAW was a complete success! I feel like I've said the "thanks" that I've been meaning to for so long to all those bloggers and readers who have helped me along the way. I'm thinking next year I'll change it to BBRAW (Book Blog Reader Appreciation Weekend) because I feel like I could be more present and active on the weekend rather than the week (especially in the middle of the winter). But we'll definitely be back next year so keep a look out! Thanks for your support, advice, and guidance in the past two years, hears to two more!!

    Winners, look for an email from me before Wednesday (things are a bit busy right now with the trip we're going on tomorrow and picking up Prim on Monday).

  • The Hunger Games — Suzanne Collins

    The Hunger Games — Suzanne Collins

    This week I'd like to welcome Nicole, from Books and Bards, as this week's Guest Reviewer! Check out her original review here!

    *******************
    In the not-too-distant future, the continent of North America has become Panem, a totalitarian country divided into twelve territories. Every year, each district is required to send a tribute of a young boy and girl, chosen by lottery, to fight to the death like gladiators while the nation watches on live television. Sixteen-year-old Katniss lives with her mother and sister in the most impoverished section one of the poorest districts, where she must illegally hunt in the forbidden woods to stay ahead of starvation. When her younger sister, Prim, is drawn for the Hunger Games, Kat steps in and volunteers in her place. And just like that, she is shipped off to the Capitol, along with Peeta, the baker’s son, to fight for her life. I love novels that disturb or unsettle me. Needless to say, I gobbled this one in a single sitting, completely transfixed and desperate to find out how it ends.

    The writer in me admires Suzanne Collins to pieces, and I couldn't help geeking out over her command of language and her spareness of words. One thing that turns me off to a lot of sci-fi is authors who get bogged down in conveying every minute detail of the brilliant world they've created. Collins conveys just enough necessary detail to serve the story and lets the rest take care of itself. Her sci-fi world, filled with brutality and speckled with genetically engineered creatures, is merely a backdrop for the struggles of a cast of complex and believable characters.

    Katniss, an ace with a bow and arrow, is a fascinating heroine--sort of Annie meets Huck Finn. I have to confess I found myself girl-crushing on her a bit while hanging out in her head and seeing this twisted version of the world through her eyes. One of the things I love about this book is the way Collins draws upon both classical literature and pop culture, blending them seamlessly together to tap into certain universal fears of the human psyche. The story has its roots in the Greek myth of King Minos, whose son died on a state visit to Athens. Furious, Minos captured Athens and imposed a harsh punishment: Every nine years, Athens must send him seven of its young men and seven maidens, whom he then fed to his Minotaur.

    On the sci-fi end of the spectrum, Collins weaves in an element of reality television gone wrong, with a bloodthirsty nation devouring the brutal spectacle on TV, placing bets on who will win, and demanding more excitement when the games become stagnant. Beforehand, the tributes are trussed like turkeys, interviewed, and sized up on camera. Once inside the arena, they form alliances, calculate strategies, and receive unexpected boons (or hindrances) from the hidden but omnipresent gamemakers. It’s Survivor meets Lord of the Flies.

    At the core of this novel is the question of humanity, and what it means to be human. As Kat forms alliances of her own, she grapples with the realization that she will have to slaughter people she has come to care about and confronts the question of whether survival is worth the loss of her humanity, especially knowing her beloved sister may starve back at home without her. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, carried along by Kat's determination to survive and to not be subdued by the atrocities she witnesses. I was frequently horrified, occasionally touched, and always on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next twist. Find out what other people think about this book! Alea — Pop Culture Junkie ******************* Thank you so much Nicole for an awesome review — I've been meaning to read this forever! If anyone else has a great book to recommend to high school students, please email me (my profile has the address). Check out this post for more information on how to become a guest reviewer. Please share some book love and check out Nicole's blog, Books and Bards. Thanks again, Nicole!

  • BBRAW 2012: Improvements Abound

    BBRAW 2012: Improvements Abound

    I don't know about anyone else, but this week has been amazing so far! I've met so many new bloggers and have been reading some great posts! Thanks to everyone who is participating along with me!

    Yesterday I talked about what I enjoyed about other blogs and today I want to find out what you, the reader, feels could be improved on my blog.

    Take this opportunity to survey your readers; maybe you haven't done this in years or perhaps ever. Find out what it is about your blog that your faithful readers love, what they wish you wouldn't do (constructive criticism is never a bad thing), what keeps readers coming back for more, what posts they'd love for you to do more of (vlogs etc). The possibilities are endless!
    Lately I've been writing more "personal/nonbookish" posts such as the Pinterest Project posts, Graduate School, hockey, and even, more recently, Prim (our new rescue puppy!). How do you feel about these posts? Do you come here looking for book recommendations and those alone or are you wanting some extra, more personal, posts such as those mentioned above? From my perspective it seems like those posts bring in the most traffic (but who doesn't like looking at adorable puppies! ---see how many of you just clicked that!!!) but I want this blog to remain a "book blog" and if project posts deter those book blog readers from stopping by then I want to know. If you do like these posts, which are your favorite? Which posts have you coming back for more? What posts (in general) do you wish I would do more of?

    Rather than doing a formal Google Docs deal (I'm a little Google Doc'd out), if you could just leave a quick comment in regards to the above questions I'd appreciate it.

    If you do a survey this week for BBRAW make sure to link it below! Also, folks, MVR Nominations close tonight at midnight! I'll announce the MVR Winners tomorrow afternoon!

  • Pinterest Project Creations for the Uncreative (14)

    Pinterest Project Creations for the Uncreative (14)

    Dogs poop.

    Two dogs poop a lot.

    Poop needs to be picked up; I refuse too pay for Martha Stewart poop bags so we use Walmart bags. Unfortunately we have been overrun with plastic bags in our garage so when I saw this bag on Pinterest and after evaluating my sewing skills — I figured I'd try this:

    I found some great puppy print fabric at JoAnns and without a pattern I basically created the bag. The elastic part wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be so I actually did elastic on both ends so that the bags wouldn't blow out of the top while it was hanging in the garage. I used a half of a yard of fabric for an extremely long bag (perfect for two dogs worth of poop bags).

    I'm definitely proud of the finished product.

    Speaking of puppies — last week I mentioned Prim's hair cut. Many people wanted an "after" photo — here you go! We weren't expecting the typical "Schnauzer" look so we ended up shaving the "hot mess" that is the Poodle hair on her legs. I think it would have looked better if she were full Schnauzer, but the hair on her legs was just crazy! I do sort of miss her curls so I think we'll have a Schnauzer for the summer and a poodle for the winter:)

  • BBRAW 2012: Big Thanks!

    BBRAW 2012: Big Thanks!

    One more time, I'd just like to say a big thanks for making BBRAW 2012 a huge success! I'm currently on my way to the Twin Cities for a Minnesota Wild Game and a much needed vacation with my husband! On Monday we pick up Prim! But besides the added addition to the household, life on the blog will return to normal on Tuesday! Thanks everybody for your support!

  • Sunday Video: Where is Prim?

    I make no excuse for my behavior other than she is TOO adorable to NOT post this for the world to see. Beware of extreme amounts of cheese and "baby talk." Look for her tail!

  • Quiet Sunday Photo

    Quiet Sunday Photo

    Dan and I are in the Twin Cities with the family this weekend so here are a few pictures to keep you from getting lonely over the weekend!:) We pick up Prim tomorrow! We are so excited but so nervous too!

    I will definitely be passing this on when my students post similarly.

    Not book related — but just thought this was hilarious.

    How I feel about the end of Harry Potter (this took me FOREVER to figure out).

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