Up to date

For the past week I have been trying to think of something to write on my own blog and feeling guilty that I have found nothing to write.  Not because I am worried I will loose followers (all of the 5 I have thank you soo much for loving me :-) - but because I am trying to get into writing and writing everyday is part of that.  I have been working on my story that I posted a little of on here, but its going no where at the moment, and definitely not ready for posting.

So instead here is an update.

I have just finished Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova (who also write The Historian).  I didn't love the book as much as her first, the main reason being that in the first I loved the story line and was alright with wading through pages and pages of description to get to plot progression.  In this one though I like some, but not all, of the characters and some parts, but not all, of the plot.  Much of the description was necessary but the rest of it just got on my nerves because I wasn't as involved with the story. Her writing style hasn't changed, there were parts I even found predictable which I hate in any semi-mystery book. I should clarify that I didn't actually hate the book, I just liked her first one better. I am glad that I borrowed the book from a friend and didn't actually pay for it though.

I have been keeping up my volunteering with the Riding for the Disabled Association and honestly all I can say is that I love it.  I love being around the horses and helping the children/adults who need help.  The organisation is such a worthwhile charity that I will probably always try to support it in some way.  I have also applied to volunteer at the SPCA here but am waiting for a reply on that.

Last week I had my first PAID Dolphin Watch tour - which was amazing. Not just because it was nice to be paid for the first time in a long time - but because I love going on those trips.  We got to see juvenile dolphins jumping out of the water and really just having a good time. The day was perfect, sunny but with a breeze and I loved every minute of it.  I am still terrified of having to speak to the tourist when I become a full fledged guide, but I am working on it and hope to attempt something after 2 more assistant guide trips.  

My Flamenco classes are going really well.  I need to practice loads though as I feel behind since I am skipping a class this week (its my wedding anniversary this week).  We have a show in January for all the students and I would really like to do well in it.  Fingers crossed :-)

Lastly I ran my first session of my new D&D campaign, which didn't suck!  I am trying to allow the players to make most decisions themselves, but just hinting them in the right direction, and I hope its working.  Its hard sometimes to make them go in the right direction or to just trust each other, but they will get there in time.  There is also so much potential in their backgrounds to do some side quests, but its hard to think about that and get them going  in the main campaign as well.  So I will have to leave some of that for now - which I feel bad about as it may not be as exciting for all of them as it could be.  I want to get used to DMing first before inventing side quests for individuals - so that I can handle loads of stuff happening at once in different places.