1/12/2012 - Overall, I feel as though this is the BEST book I've read in a really long time.  Randy Pausch did a great job of bring all these key nuggets together that we as Americans already know and value as a culture but have somehow as a nation have lost sights of.  He was also able to bring to the table new and exciting ways of viewing our experiences in life.  This again was a great read that I feel everyone should read.  It would also make an excellent graduation gift!

1/4/2012 - This is how I will begin my 2012 Reading List....I figured that Randy Pausch's The Last Lecture would be a great starting off point for this new year.  I've been wanting to read this book for quite some time, and I'm excited about finally starting it.  I believe this book will be full of inspiration, joy and even some sadness...but I feel that I will be fully inspired, and based on the reviews I've read I feel as though this book will make a lasting impression on my life and will get me full of inspiration and excitement as we start this new year!

Watch the Lecture

Favorite Quotes - this book has soooo m:
"...If you can dream it, you can do it."  ~Walt Disney, pg. 16
"Open the encyclopedia.  Open the dictionary.  Open your mind."  ~pg. 22
"Just because you're in the driver's seat,...doesn't mean you have to run people over."  ~pg. 23
"It's important to have specific dreams."  ~pg. 31
"Have something to bring to the table, because that will make you more welcome."  ~pg. 33
"When you're screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they've given up on you."  ~pg. 37
"I don't believe in the no-win scenario."  ~William Shatner AKA Captain Kirk from Star Trek, pg. 46
"Tenacity is a virtue, but it's not always crucial for everyone to observe how hard you work at something." ~pg 48
"The only way any of us can improve....is if we develop a real ability to assess ourselves.  If we can't accurately do that, how can we tell if we're getting better or worse?"  ~pg. 112
"Luck is indeed where preparation meets opportunity."  ~pg. 119
"Give yourself permission to dream.  Fuel your kids' dreams, too.  ~pg. 133
"Complaining does not work as a strategy.  We all have finite time and energy.  Any time we spend whining is unlikely to help us achieve our goals.  And it won't make us happier."  ~pg. 139
"When it comes to men who are romantically interested in you, it's really simple.  Just ignore everything they say and only pay attention to what they do."  ~pg. 146
"It's not how hard you hit.  it's how hard you get hit...and keep moving forward."  ~pg. 147
"A lot of people want a shortcut.  I find the best shortcut is the long way, which is basically two words:  work hard."  ~pg. 156
"Halfhearted or insincere apologies are often worse than not apologizing at all because recipients find them insulting."  ~pg. 161
"...tell the truth...All the time...you're only as good as your word..."  ~pg. 163
"That's what amazes me about lying.  Most people who have told a lie think they got away with it...when in fact, they didn't."  ~pg. 164
"If you want something bad enough, never give up (and take a boost when offered)."  ~pg. 174
"Everyone has to contribute to the common good.  To not do so can be described in one word:  selfish."  ~pg. 176

Here it is - my 2012 Reading List....these are all of the books I plan on reading this year.  I should pretty much stick to the plan....I may add some more as the year goes on - but we'll see...Until then - this is it my reading list that I'm very excited about.  I can't wait to dig into these reads!  If you've read any of these books and would like to leave a comment on your thoughts about the book(s) please do as I would love to read the feedback.  Happy Reading!

1/4/12 - I actually started reading A Wedding Story by Dee Tenorio on 12/29/2011 and finished on 12/31/2011.  It was a cute little love story to finish 2011 with.  I like how in the book just like in real life, love can be looking us right in the face without us even knowing it.   :)