Friday!

Once again, Friday is here. Time for me to update the ever-growing list of books I've read and/or brought into my life and to plan what the next book in my teetering To Be Read pile I will tackle next. On my way out the door this morning, I wavered between two books before deciding to grab The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan. It's been on the shelf for quite a while and looked like it needed some attention.

Those of you who read this blog in a reader may not have noticed, but two new buttons have been added to my side bar. The first is an ad for Kiva, "the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs around the globe." Kiva first came to my attention when Laura went to Uganda last year as a Kiva Fellow and blogged about her adventures, good and bad. More recently, my sister gave me a Kiva gift certificate, allowing me to make two micro-loans. One is to a woman in Nigeria who makes concrete blocks (I've got to support my fellow women in the construction industry!) and one is to a collaboration in Uganda. I encourage any of you who are interested to find out more and consider making a loan or two yourselves. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

The other new blog button is way less world-saving: I've decided I am crazy enough to do National Novel Writing Month (aka NaNoWriMo) again this year! I didn't win (ie, finish my novel) last year but that was when I was studying for my license exam so I think this year will be much easier. So, come November, expect a lot less reading and blogging from me, and a lot more pleading for plot ideas. Let me know if you plan to participate - I can either encourage or dissuade, as needed!