Variable star observing

I got interested in variable stars almost three years ago, but have nor done much about it until recently. Right now I am working to build up my list of stars to monitor. some nights that works out well. I find my target variables easily enough. Other nights prove to be more difficult. Right now I have targeted about 50 stars I want to observe. So far I am monitoring just 13 of them.

I am a visual observer (id = smik) for the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). The AAVSO has excellent information for new observers, as well as a mentor program. I have been fortunate to have Tim Crawford, Arch Cape Observatory, as my mentor. Here are my current variable star targets:

• R CAM (HD 127226) - Type = Mira. Distance = 257 ly.
• R LEP (HIP 23203) - Type = Mira. Known as Hind's Crimson Star, a carbon star. Distance = 1,100 ly.
• RU CAM (HIP 35681) - Type = Cepheid - W Virginis. Distance = 4,600 ly
• S CAM (HD 36972) - Type = Mira semi-regular/late . Distance = 1,400 ly.
• T ARI (HIP 13092) - Type = Mira. distance = 1,049 ly.
• T CAM (HD 29147) - type = Mira.
• T TAU (HD 284419) Type = Mira t tauri type. Distance = 600 ly.
• V MON (HD 44639) - Type = Mira. Distance = 1,300 ly
• W TAU (HD 28236) - Type = Mira semi-regular late type
• X CAM (HD 29384) - Type = Mira. Distance = 3,300 ly.
• X CET (HIP 15465) - Type = Mira. Distance = 297 ly. 
• Y PER (HD 21280) - Type = Mira. Distance = 3,200 ly.
• Z AND (HD 221650) - Type = ctaclysmic symbiotic variable. distance = 2,900 ly.