In 2012, I challenge myself to read.

See my shiny new 2012 Goodreads Reading Challenge widget over there to the right??? I know it doesn't look too different from the old 2011 one that was there yesterday, but I am still excited for the challenge.

Last year, I challenged myself to read 12 books -- one a month. I didn't do as well as I thought I would, but I did squeeze in 10, finishing that last one on Christmas eve. I think my problem was I was also challenging myself to cross off all 30 books on my '30 Books to Read Before I'm 30' list, many of which I wasn't particularly a fan of. Once my birthday passed, I decided I was going to focus on books that interested me and I would enjoy reading, and I started flying through pages.

Don't worry, those pesky 30 books are still on my list... and I'll get to them someday.

In 2012, I'm back to the goal of reading a book a month, if not more. I have almost 600 books on my Goodreads to-read list, and I'm anxious to start all of them -- though at at once; I'm not someone who can read multiple books at the same time. So I'm committed this year. If I hate a book, I will not force myself to finish it. It will go to the discard pile so I can start something fresh and hopefully lovelier.

I'll be back to record some of my other goals/challenges/resolutions/ambitions for 2012. In the meantime, what was your favorite book of 2011? Is it something I must have on my list?

Happy New Year! Thanks for reading!

Bad Blogger

Ugh, I was just going through my Reader, and I realized that out of 21 days of journaling for #21DJC, I managed just seven posts. Double ugh... 14 ughs to be exact.

Through the challenge is officially over, I still plan on addressing the topics here... just as soon as this cold/sinus infection/cough decides it's month-long stay is over and work slows down just a tiny bit.

I'm also pushing just a bit to accomplish my goal of reading 12 books in 2011. I have four more to go... in three weeks!

Finally, I'll admit that I am a little bummed, and I have been TERRIBLE the last two months about working out. I hurt my foot after my last race -- the Tufts 10K for Women in Boston -- and I decided since that was my last race, some time off would be good. Since then (October 10th for those who are counting), I have run a total of two miles. One was two weeks post race, and the other was about two weeks ago. It was painful -- not only because I hadn't been running, but more importantly on my foot. Several "personal experts" I've talked to think I torn a tendon or ligament eight years ago when the problem started, and running has only aggravated it. Anyway, I need to see a doctor. Soon.

This puppy will tear your heart out...

Huck: The Remarkable True Story of How One Lost Puppy Taught a Family--and a Whole Town--About Hope and Happy Endings by Janet Elder

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It has been many years since I have read a book in under two weeks, which should be point enough for how wonderful and delightful and heart-wrenching this book is. Huck will make you fall in love with you, break your heart, and then fill your heart with so much love and hope that the harrowing journey will be worth it.

Janet Elder takes her readers on a personal, emotional journey -- offering the invitation into her life, the lives of her family members, and the lives of kind strangers she meets along the way. You feel like you are there, and you ache to do something to help this family find their beloved pet. Coincidentally, I am vaguely familiar with the setting of the book, having visited there several times -- I even ran through the streets of Allendale and drove past the Hilton where the Elders took up residence during their search. I will also admit that having an adorable dog of my own who has won my heart made this book touch closer to home, but even if you never had a pet, I think you will find yourself on the edge of your seat to find out what happens to Huck and his owner, Michael, and smiling as you turn the last page. You can't help it.

I wanted to hug Huck all through this book, and there were several times I found myself looking up from the book at my own dog or even giving him a pat to remind myself that he is home and ok. I could not put this book down, and I bet you won't either.

This will go on my virtual shelf as one of the best books I have read this year.



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Book Review: "The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game" by Michael Lewis

The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was not at all what I expected it to be, but I ended up being completely ok with that. After seeing the movie trailers, I was expecting your typical feel-good, slightly mushy athlete story. This was far from that. This was a quality piece of journalism by a writer I greatly respect and admire. This story reads like an extended profile in the Sunday sports section -- a very extended profile. Lewis balances the heart-tugging story of the birth and rise of Michael Oher with in-depth analysis of how the entire world of football has evolved over the last 30 years, leading the reader to realize those evolutions that enabled Michael Oher to become Michael Oher.

As a football fan, I found both sides of this book interesting. I certainly learned quite a bit about the left tackle position and how it developed over recent years. However, I will admit that there were sections that dragged a bit for me. I really wanted to just read about what was going to happen to Oher at times and leave all of the game-changing history to another book. Both sides of the story are critical, though, as the reader realizes in the end, and I think Lewis did an excellent job tackling this story.

I would definitely recommend this to any football fan or lover of a great journalistic non-fiction piece of work.



View all my reviews on Goodreads.

One Summer

One Summer by David Baldacci

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I believe David Baldacci is known for his vast library of mystery thrillers, but this novel couldnn't be further from his normal reportoire. Not that that is a bad thing. "One Summer" is a book that had me crying within the first 20 pages and captivated through the end to learn how this family would progress.



The novel is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and Channing, South Carolina, where the piecemeal Armstrong family relocates for one summer to discover their identity. The story is not a completely happy one, and there were many times I felt this could not possibly end well, and who knows if it truly did -- I'm not going to give away the ending. I loved the imagery in Channing, which sounds like my perfect beachside town.



I fell in love with the protaganist, Jack Armstrong, from the beginning. He is a complex but completely likeable character. The other characters, with the exception of Jack's sons -- Cory and Jackie (Jack Jr.) -- are also well-developed and likeable. This would make one heck of a summer movie.



"One Summer" is a well-written, entertaining beach read.



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Exposed to "Exposure"

Exposure: A Novel by Therese Fowler

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Here's the lowdown: I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't mind-blowing. Therese Fowler crafts a beautiful and bittersweet story of two young high-schoolers in love -- a love that will overcome anything, or so they think. Their world is shattered when Amelia's father discovers indecent photos of a young man, Amelia's secret boyfriend, on her laptop. The plot spirals out of everyone's control as Fowler delves to the depths of these characters of her imagination. The emotion and relationships are raw, real and powerful, which makes sense after discovering Fowler was inspired by a real and very personal event.

The end was ruined just a tad for me by participating in a #SITSBooks club discussion with Ms. Fowler herself before I finished the book. Resist temptation to read the epilogue or author's notes at the end of the book before you finish reading. Just trust me.

Perhaps the most brilliant part of this novel is its title and the heavy meaning it takes on as the story progresses.

P.S. Thank you to Andrea of Great Thoughts for sending me a copy of this book and leading the discussion with Therese Fowler!



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It's Punishment Just to Read

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


I read less than 25% of this book, and I didn't care for it at all. I'm of the opinion that if a book cannot catch my interest in 100 pages, it probably won't in 500 pages. I really wanted to read every book on my 30-before-30 list, but I just can't make it through this one (so not like me to not finish a book).

What was the problem, you may be asking? Well, I'll sum it up for you. The main character (so it seems) commits a murder by page 100. I wasn't really sure why, however, usually when you read about a murder in a book, it's thrilling, suspenseful, intriguing. You're at the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen to this criminal. Well, with a title like "Crime and Punishment," I'm pretty sure I know what happens to him.

Happy to return this ancient novel to the library stacks where it belongs and move on to my next literary delight. One that truly delights me.


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"Lord of the Flies" Review

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Oh my gosh. I had never read this book in school growing up, so I wanted to read it now, since it's considered a classic. It gripped me until the end, which I wasn't expecting. I can't say I loved it, but it was a good social commentary for sure.

The first three quarters of the book were to be expected; a story about what a group of young boys would do if they were stranded on an island by themselves. The last quarter, however, shocked me. I anticipated something awful based on the title and what I've already heard about the book, but I don't think anybody can prepare themselves for this. Golding masterfully draws his readers in and forms relationships between the reader and the characters.

In the modern world of tragic events, I think we've numbed ourselves a bit to protect us from the horror, but you will still be horrified at the events that take place in this book when the rules of society fall apart.

If you didn't read this book in high school, I would recommend picking it up now -- just for the sake of reading it once.



View all my reviews on Goodreads!

The Life of Five Women in a Pink Honey House

I finally decided to watch this movie last night.

I read the book earlier this year, and, although I thought it was a slow start, I ended up really liking it and hanging at the end of every chapter waiting to find out what happens to little Lily Owens.

After watching Eat Pray Love and being disappointed (which I knew I would be), I was hesitant to even watch The Secret Life of Bees because I didn't want to be disappointed.

I wasn't. I really enjoyed this movie, and I thought it did the book justice as best it could. Obviously there was stuff cut out, but the scenes were chosen well, and the focus was on Lily's time with the Boatwright sisters, which was really the heart of the book. During that time, though, the movie could have shown more of Lily and August's time with the bees... since that is where the title comes from. I became more emotional watching the movie than I did reading the book, and that is the mark of a good movie to me -- it makes me feel something.

The casting, according to my own imagination built off the book's descriptions, was off. Dakota Fanning was great as Lily, but Rosaleen and August were not how I pictured them. I think Queen Latifah should have been cast as Rosaleen, who I pictured as older than Jennifer Hudson and a little more plump. August, in my mind, was thin, about 50 pounds lighter than Queen Latifah. May and June were close to what I imagined, as were Zach and Neil. T Ray could have been older, scruffier and more intimidating. He looks way too clean cut in the movie, although he does try to look awful. LOL

I gave this movie four out of five stars.

{Image via Netflix}

Does watching "Eat Pray Love" compare to reading it?

I have been anxiously awaiting this movie all year, since I saw Elizabeth Gilbert on Oprah promoting it. So, I took myself to see it Sunday afternoon.

I read the book in October 2008, while on a cruise from Boston to Bermuda. I am not exaggerating when I say this book changed my life. I will hold it dear always, and I am sure I will read it over and over, every time I need hope or motivation or perspective.

So, I was thrilled the book was being made into a movie, and when I found out Julia Roberts -- my favorite actress -- was starring as Liz Gilbert, that sealed the deal.

Julia was absolute perfection in this movie. As soon as I found out she was the leading lady, I was happy to be able to see her in a new movie, but I immediately though about the resemblance between her and Liz.

Not only do they both have infectious smiles and alluring eyes, but they have uncontrollable hair, a slightly pointed nose and a slim frame. They are both intelligent, motivated, kind, independent women, who may not always know what they want in life but somehow end up there. No one else on Earth was better suited to play Elizabeth Gilbert than Julia Roberts, besides Elizabeth Gilbert herself.

The leading lady wasn't the only perfect casting job in this movie either. Her men were chosen very well...

James Franco played the perfect David: young, sexy, intriguing, slightly aloof. The young stud to Julia's broken divorcee, the perfect man to shack up with post-divorce. He and Julia had great chemistry at the beginning of their relationship, but you could quickly see it wasn't right. He was a segue, a stepping stone, a learning experience. Liz's relationship with David was probably the only relationship in the film I felt was properly addressed and flushed out.

Richard from Texas was not my favorite character in the book, but he served an important role in Liz's development at the ashram in India. Richard Jenkins was exactly how I pictured Richard in the book, and he was magnificent. I regretted that he didn't have a larger role, though... the pivotal role he played in the book was introduced, but you would never have "got it" if you hadn't read the book. 

In fact, Liz's stay at the ashram was not given justice at all in film format. Yes, it was probably the most "boring" part of the movie, but, in the book, this was such a crucial time for her. Rome was Liz's time to physically heal herself and separate herself from her divorce. India was the point in the book when Liz worked on herself, rediscovered herself as a human and someone to love and be loved.

Liz's adventures in India, in the film, ended with a brief clip of her as the hostess at the ashram, without any detail as to how she performed in this role -- another key happening in the book.

Lastly, Javier Bardem was a super sexy Felipe; he nailed the Brazilian romantic to the wall. He was Mr. Rico Suave with a quirky, lovable streak. He plays like a school boy, which fit Liz's playful personality, but yet he was older, more experienced and traveled, which was much better suited to Liz's new world view than someone like David. Felipe was the end of Liz's abstinence and the end of her solo journey. He was the beginning of the rest of her life, and you got glimpses of this in the movie, but again, I wanted more. 

That was the theme of this movie: more. It was almost three hours, but it wasn't enough. I felt the scenes chosen were well selected and portrayed Liz's physical journey, but they didn't even scrape the surface of her internal journey. It didn't even delve deeply into the whole reason behind the trip: her breakdown and divorce from her husband. Most of her relationships in the movie were presented a bit superficially, and you wouldn't feel her attachment to these people unless you read the book. I was especially disappointed in the portrayal of her relationship with Wayan, the Balinese healer. It was so... abbreviated. You could tell they were friends, but you didn't get to see how much they truly bonded.

I went to see this movie alone as something to do while Jed was out of town (and I knew he would never go see it anyway). I thought about calling a girlfriend to go with me, but it just felt right going solo... just like Liz. I wanted to be free to laugh, cry, ponder in solitude without considering a person sitting next to me. I wasn't sure how I was going to react, and I wanted to be able to experience it and reflect in silence after.

I was glad I went alone. I teared up a little. I laughed quite a bit (even at moments when no one else in the theater did). And, I reflected in silence the whole drive home.

Even though the movie was not half as good as the book, it does make you think, and I would recommend it.

I came out of the theater feeling hopeful, happy, confident, uncertain and grateful... just like I did when I finished the book.

Grateful that...

• ... the world is overwhelmingly beautiful and curious, full of limitless knowledge, possibility and love.

• ... I was raised in a society where I am free to be the woman I want to be, the woman that I am.

• ... I am surrounded by family and friends who love and support me.

• ... the future is bright, despite uncertainty.

• ... travel is an option for me. I am truly blessed to be able to see and experience different places.

{Image credits: movie poster and Javier and Julia via Empire Movies, Julia at Thanksgiving via Celebrity Wonder, Liz-Julia comparison via, Julia and James via FilmoFilia, Richard and Julia via FilmoFilia, Julia in Rome via Watch Movies Online Site, Julia in Bali via Deceiver}

Ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention...

I'd like to do a few updates in this post because there's been some happenings this week.

First, since I missed the Monday update on what I'm reading, we're starting with that.

Last week, I finished...

I have to say I enjoyed this book. I like the way Levinson presented the different Guerrilla marketing tactics and all the examples he used to illustrate his point. I think the main point is not to get too high on yourself, stay in the trenches as a guerrilla would. Fight the good fight and keep in touch with your customer and yourself. Oh, and above all, work hard and always carry a big gun. LOL

This week (and probably next week), I'm reading...

I'm two chapters into this book, and I'm not quite sure what to make of it yet. So far, the theme has been overtly religious, or anti-religious. I know nothing about this book other than it was translated from Russian, but it really feels like something I would have dissected in a high school or early college literature class. I'll keep you updated.

I wish all of my runs could be by the ocean, but they are not. I've recommitted (sort of) to Couch-to-5K (C25K). I've been doing it a bit sporadically and have had to repeat weeks when I've waited too long in between. I'm currently on week three -- doesn't sound like I've made much progress for a nine-week program. I tried it last Thursday, and I thought Jed would have to come peel me off the sidewalk. Tuesday, I walked my route (since it happens to go to the library, and I needed to exchange books). I was going to get up this morning to actually run it, but I couldn't get out of bed. So, tomorrow morning is it! And I'll finish W3D3 on Sunday.

Question to any of you runners out there: How do you push your running limits when your legs are sore? I stretch before and after my runs, but I still wake up with sore legs, which really doesn't motivate me to get up and run. Any help would be appreciated!

Lastly, my grateful thoughts for today! I totally forgot to do them yesterday where I was so busy at work, but we're back today!

• I'm beyond happy that my parents booked their first trip together in six years -- for their 30th wedding anniversary. They're going to Disney World! That is so my parents, and I hope they have a great time because they certainly deserve it.

• I'm super excited to be off from work today and tomorrow. Today is a gorgeous, warm, sunny day, and even though I am getting a late start, I'm hitting the beach!

• I'm grateful I got to go out to dinner (sushi!) with a wonderful friend last night. It was so great seeing her and hearing how she's doing (she's getting married in June!). She does read this blog, so say hi to my Superstar! -xo

{Book images via GoodReads, other images via we heart it}

Pages I'm flipping

If you want to share what you are reading with the blogosphere, link up at Sheila's and grab her button above.

Last week I read...

I have a confession: I finished this book on Monday and didn't read for the rest of the week. The reason was I was waiting for my next book to arrive at the library. Boo for slow books! This book was a lot quicker of a read than I expected. The entire book was the 22 laws with a three-page description of each and some examples woven in. I enjoyed it though, and I would recommend this book, highly. I almost feel as if I should go out and purchase it just to keep on the shelf for handy reference.

This week I'm reading...

I was able to check out this book on Friday, and I'm giving myself through this upcoming weekend to finish it since it's a little meatier than 22 Laws. I'm a third of the way through, and I'm enjoying this book as well. There are some great examples and stories to prove the Guerrilla way of marketing, and the tips really make sense, especially for entrepreneurs. 

While I'm definitely learning a lot from this book, I would consider it my bible if I was a small business owner or marketer. It's really catered toward that audience. There is a whole series of Guerilla books, and, based on this book, I would recommend checking them out. 

Next week I will read...

I'M RETURNING TO THE WORLD OF FICTION!!! After reading four non-fiction marketing books in succession, I am ready to return to a fiction book. I'm done with reading about marketing for a while (minus those blogs I follow on the topic, of course). My brain is completely fried, and I'm ready to escape to some made-up world of someone else's creation. 

This is the first book I'll be attempting off my 30-before-30 list, and I'm a little intimidated. I read the description of this book on Goodreads, and while I'm intrigued, I'm not sure how much I will enjoy it. I guess we'll find out next week!

What books pages are you flipping this week?

{Book cover images via Goodreads}

In the bookcase

I've decided I really like participating in this meme every Monday because it holds me accountable to reading every day (so I have new books to share every week), and I hope you enjoy seeing what I'm reading. If you are currently reading, or have read, or plan to read, any good books, feel free to join in at Sheila's Book Journey.

Last week, I finished reading:

First, the good: I would keep this book on a shelf for easy, simple reference. The bad: It was awful to read. These books are not intended to be read cover-to-cover, and it was all so simple. I skipped some of the chapters that didn't apply to what I am working on currently, with the understanding that I can always check it out of the library again if I need to.

This week, I am reading:

This is more like it. Again, I would keep this book on my shelf for reference because each three-four-page chapter covers one of the 22 laws, so it would be easy to pull up The Law of Simplicity, for example, if I needed a refresher for an upcoming project. While I do not completely buy into all of Ries and Trout's theories, I can definitely see where they are coming from, and I do not think it would be a bad idea to adopt these rules into any marketing program. Some of them would definitely shake things up, which is never a bad thing. I'm flying through this book; I could easily read it in less than a week, but I'm working on 20 pages a day.

Then, next week, I'm planning on reading:

This is the final book my boss recommended that I read for my new job. I have heard of guerrilla marketing, so I'm pretty excited to check this one out. I just requested it from the library (it has to be ordered from another branch), so that I will have it, hopefully, by the time I finish The 22 Laws. I'm hoping to blast through this book by next weekend. Then, I'll start chipping away at my 30-before-30 list! I can't wait!

What are you reading right now?

{Book images via goodreads.com}

What I'm Reading: Marketing Edition

I stumbled upon this meme, hosted by Sheila, via Classy in Philadelphia. Since I am upping the ante and trying to read a book every week (or two) so I can blast through my 30-before-30 list before my 30th birthday, I thought I would play along. Maybe this can be a second accountability factor for me.

Last week, I finished reading The New Rules of Marketing and PR by David Meerman Scott (who blogs at Web Ink Now). My boss recommended this book to me, and I have to admit, I really enjoyed it! I thought it was well written and authoritative, and it gave me some great ideas to implement in my new marketing role. I'm a marketing rookie, and I have never taken a marketing class, so this book was really helpful in making me feel more confident. I would highly recommend this book to anyone working in marketing or PR, or anyone interested in marketing.

This week, I'm working my way through Marketing for Dummies by Alexander Hiam -- also on the list of books to read from my boss. I'm only about 40% into this book, but I'm not relating to it like I did with Scott's book. This is a real dumbed-down approach to marketing, and so much of it seems common sense to me. Of the For Dummies books I've browsed, I'm not a big fan. They make for handy basic reference guides, and that is about it. I'm gaining some knowledge -- because I suppose I am a marketing dummy -- but I'm not feeling inspired like I was reading The New Rules of Marketing and PR.

Next week, I'm hoping to get my hands on The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing by Al Ries and Jack Trout. You guessed it, another work recommendation. I want to get through the four books recommended to me before I dive into my more "fun" 30-before-30; that way, I'll be all read up on the marketing world and ready to put my ideas into practice. Let me tell you, though, after four non-fiction marketing books (that I'm sure I would have read in college if I was a marketing major, that's what it feels like anyway), I'm so ready for a nice juicy fiction novel! I need a little break from reality.

What are you reading right now? Are you on Goodreads (please friend me if you are!)? Have you read any of these books?

Review of Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol"

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Like Brown's previous Langdon novels, "The Lost Symbol" is a page-turner. It kept me in suspense chapter by chapter, and there were nights I had trouble putting it down. However, the ending - the last eight chapters or so - was slow and dragged out. I feel Brown could have concluded long before he did. His strength is suspense and puzzlement, not descriptive, poetic prose.

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Do you know how much a human soul weighs?

I have a confession to make: While I consider myself a reader, and I love to read, I am clearly not as big of a reader as many others out there in the blogosphere. I found this meme through Classy in Philadelphia, and these people are reading multiple books IN A WEEK! I'm lucky if I'm reading one book a month, but I wanted to play along at least for this week.

My goal is to read at least one book a month, and I'd like to do more if I could. This month I'm reading...

I read and loved Brown's Angels and Demons and The DaVinci Code. This book does not disappoint as the final piece to the Robert Langdon puzzle. If you read this book, you will know the meaning of the post title. Brown leaves you anxious to turn the next page, and the plot takes some quite unexpected turns.

I'm about 75% done with this book, and I have absolutely no idea how it is going to end. I'm certainly looking forward to it though! I'm hoping I won't be disappointed.

The next book on my list, for July, will either be one of four marketing books that come highly recommended, or one of the books off my 30 Before 30 list.

{Image via Baltimore Sun}

Three of my favorite women...

TOGETHER!!!

{Apology for the lack of pictures today. I am under the weather with allergies and just don't have the energy. This will be a short post though!}

Did any of you see The Oprah Winfrey Show yesterday? If not, you missed a climax moment in my life. First, I must make some confessions so this makes sense.

1. Ever since My Best Friend's Wedding, I've loved Julia Roberts. It's borderline obsession. I've been trying to see all of her movies, and I can't count how many times I've watched and cried during Pretty Woman. She makes goofy smiles and big, out-of-control curly hair glamourous. For that, I thank her.
2. Ever since reading Basic Black by magazine wiz Cathie Black, I got hooked on Oprah. I subscribed to the magazine for two years, and since I heard she was ending her show, I've been watching her show. I know she's not everyone's favorite person, but to me, she is inspirational. She is beautiful. I believe she is a good soul. 
3. Ever since Eat, Pray, Love was dropped on my desk by a coworker, I've had the biggest girl crush on Elizabeth Gilbert. A lot of you are Twilight cult followers; well, I am an Eat, Pray, Love cult member. The book opened my eyes; Gilbert's writing reached into the depths of my heart and brought me with her. 

Yesterday, Oprah had Julia Roberts on her show to promote the Eat, Pray, Love moving coming out August 13 -- yes, it's already on my calendar because besides SATC2, it is my most-anticipated movie this year. I was giddy watching Julia interact with Oprah and talk about the film and her family life. She is so real. I could see a piece of all her characters in her during that interview because she brings a piece of her to all of her characters, I think.

I almost fell off the couch when Oprah introduced Liz Gilbert and she came out beaming with her adorable blond curls and enlightened eyes. The three of them sat together chit-chatting like old friends, and I WANTED TO BE THERE. If I could have saved the recording and watched it over and over, I would have. 

I think I'm going to have to re-read the book before the movie, and then I'm going to have to start reading Gilbert's next book, Committed.

So, for this Thankful Tuesday, I am thankful for Julia, Oprah and Liz... three women who inspire me to no end.

Thoughts, anyone? Are you looking forward to seeing Eat, Pray, Love? Have you read the book (or will you before seeing the movie)? Do you think I'm crazy for being gaga over Julia and Liz? (It's ok if you do.)

Fill in the Blank Friday: Books

the little things we do

I discovered this meme through Micaela at dolce vita, and I've taken a liking to it, so I'm going to make it a regular feature, mixed in with the much-loved Roses & Thorns. I'd love your feedback, and if you want to play along, you can link up at Lauren's blog, the little things we do. This week's theme -- since she's been doing themes -- is books, one of my favorite topics!

1.  My favorite book growing up was "Harriet the Spy" by Louise Fitzhugh and "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I read both of these books repeatedly. There was also a lot of Babysitter's Club thrown in there .

2.  The funniest book I've ever read was  most recently, "Pride & Prejudice & Zombies" by Jane Austen with Seth Grahame-Smith. I only read this book because it was part of a book club I joined, and I wasn't disappointed. It is the classic Pride & Prejudice story, with Seth's zombie tale weaved in. I remember reading this on vacation and laughing out loud while Jed gave me weird looks.

3.  The one book that has truly changed my life is  "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. If you haven't read this book, you should. It was real and inspiring, and I think I look at my life and the world differently because of it.

4.  If you're looking for a real "tear jerker" you should probably read "The Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Patterson. I have not seen the most recent film inspired by this book, but I remember reading this as a kid and crying my eyes out.

5.  If I could meet any author living or dead I would want to meet  Elizabeth Gilbert. I have such a girl crush after reading her first book, and I can't wait to read the second. This is a tough question though because I'd also love to meet the classic authors: Austen, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Shakespeare... the list goes on and on.

6.  The next book on my "to read" list is  "Prep" by Curtis Sittenfeld. I have a couple unread books on my bookshelf, but since summer is approaching, I think this will be a good beach read.

7.  If I was snowed into  remote cabin in the woods and could only choose three books to bring with me I'd bring  the Bible, "The Catcher and the Rye" by J.D. Salinger and "Good in Bed" by Jennifer Weiner. You got the all-encompassing, the classic and the chick lit.

I was looking forward to a laid-back weekend without many plans, but, as always, it's booked to the brim again. Tonight, I think we are having friends over to plan our upcoming vacation and grilling dinner. (Vacation!) Tomorrow is our celebration of Mother's Day: visiting my mom to help my parents move their living room furniture back after they replaced the carpet, then going out to dinner with Jed's mom. And, Sunday, I'm attending the Christening of my oldest friend's first baby! She is the first of my group of friends to have a baby, and it's so weird, but exciting! After that, I'm hoping I have enough energy left to finally get my house clean. LOL

What are you all up to this weekend? Here's hoping you have good weather and sunshine for lots of fun!

If it's going to rain, rain some blessings on me...

weheartit

I'm having a hard time realizing my blessings right now, which probably means I need to remember them and be grateful for them more than ever. I believe God gives us what we need when we need it, I truly do. But, do you notice how when you feel like you need something you can't quite put your finger on, it feels like you just can't get it? It is just beyond your reach. Perhaps the reason is that we need to figure out what we need, we need to verbalize it. Except that is so frustrating when you're stuck in the pouring rain and can't figure out if you need an umbrella or higher ground or shelter.

• Sunday is Easter -- a day that used to burst with joy for me. I need that this year. I need that joy to seep into my heart and soul Saturday night at the Easter Vigil service and stay with me throughout the next few weeks. I'm so grateful for that joy.

• This week is a two-day work week for me, and I am enjoying the much-needed rest and time to catch up on some things. I've started another book! One of my resolutions this year was to read more books, but I had yet to start a new one this year. I am delving into The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. I've only read the first chapter, but I am hooked. It seems like it is going to be a beautiful and touching story. If you have read it, what did you think (without giving anything away!)? If you haven't read it, is it on your list?

• I made an eye doctor appointment yesterday for tomorrow (I was surprised I got one so quickly!). The doctor's office is right down the street from my parents' house, so I think I will visit after my 10 A.M. appointment and maybe have lunch with them. Haven't told them this yet, so I should probably check if they are going to be home! There is something about being out and about mid-day, when I would normally be trapped inside working, and lunching that is so special to me. It is one of the little things that makes me happy.

• Now if only it would be sunny tomorrow... There is a bright light on the horizon. After tomorrow, the temperature is supposed to climb this week and there will be nothing but sunshine! This weekend is supposed to be 70 degrees and perfectly sunny! I am excited to wear my new maxi dress for Easter. I just wish I could find some cute espadrilles to go with it! (The Bon Bon Rose Girls found some really sweet wedge sandals on ModCloth (posted on Twitter), but I can't do un-elasticized sling back; my heels are too narrow.)

Are you having trouble counting your blessings? What are you thankful for today?

Wishful Wednesday: Book Character

This week's topic is ....

'I wish' .... I could play a character's role in a book and it would be Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat, Pray, Love!
Include the fictional characters name and novel too!


This might be my new favorite book, even though I read it over a year ago. I'm sorry Liz isn't exactly a character, as this book is a memoir, but I couldn't think of another character I'd rather be right now.

I admire her strength in admitting and then doing what is best for her. I admire her courage in her travels. I've been in painful situations like hers, but I've never had the strength and courage and clarity to do what she did. I would love to pamper myself in Italy, devote myself in India and love myself in Thailand. The experiences she had, the friends she made, the things she saw... I want it all!