{Must Read} True Colors by Hannah

For some reason I have the worst time finding and committing to a book after I finish one. It generally takes me about 3 months to pick-up another book. Talk about frustrating! My only explanation is that I get so involved and emotionally invested in every good book I read I can't let the story go.

I am reminded of my dad. I only have one memory of him reading a novel {he reads the Angus Journal religiously}. I can't remember the  title of the novel, but I remember that he couldn't put the book down. It consumed his every waking moment. He read the book in two days.

{Dad & I}

Preston will say I am exactly this same way. Once I start a book I am all consumed. You will find me curled up on the couch crying my eyes out or in bed trying to read by the light of a small crappy book light.

I guess this explains why I am so hesitant to jump into the next book. I know I will get sucked into the story and think about nothing but the characters and the plot.

The last book I read was The Forgotten Garden by Morton back in August. I finally talked myself into reading True Colors by Hannah that has been sitting on my bookshelf for at lease 6 months. I've read a Hannah book before. Firefly Lane.

 True Colors is my favorite Hannah book so far! I couldn't put it down. I started it on Thursday night and finished it on Saturday. All I wanted to do was read. I cried my eyes out for the majority of the book. I felt real pain and sorrow for the character. Here is a synopsis of the book.

This is defiantly a must read book.

{Read This} The Language of Flowers

I read a great book on the cruise- The Language of Flowers by Diffenbaugh. 

The central topic of the book- the secret language of flowers- is extremely fascinating. I knew that different flowers convey special meanings such as red rose- love, yellow rose- friendship {actually Diffenbaugh argues that it's true meaning is infidelity} but that's all I knew. The book brings to light various flowers and their secret meanings that most people do not know about anymore. As the story goes on, you start to appreciate the message that a flower conveys- when you give a flower to someone or the bouquet you carry down the isle. 

As the main character learns, the meaning of a flower has changed over time from author to author sometimes even conveying conflicting meanings. Daisy is known to mean: Innocence, Loyal Love, I'll Never Tell, Purity. The author and main character were so troubled with all of the conflicting meanings they came up with their own language of flower dictionary with each flower only having one meaning- the best meaning. According to Diffenbaugh and the main character Victoria, daisy means Innocence. In case your wondering mistletoe means I surmount all obstacles.... not kiss me.

If the meaning of flowers does not excite you, the plot and depth of chraacters are well worth the read.

{Book Review} Something Borrowed

I recently listened to Something Borrowed on tape. It was a cute book about the main character falling in love with her best friend's fiance. 

Review from Amazon:

Rachel White is the consummate good girl. A hard-working attorney at a large Manhattan law firm and a diligent maid of honor to her charmed best friend Darcy, Rachel has always played by all the rules. Since grade school, she has watched Darcy shine, quietly accepting the sidekick role in their lopsided friendship. But that suddenly changes the night of her thirtieth birthday when Rachel finally confesses her feelings to Darcy's fiance, and is both horrified and thrilled to discover that he feels the same way. As the wedding date draws near, events spiral out of control, and Rachel knows she must make a choice between her heart and conscience. In so doing, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk everything to be true to yourself.

 

 

When I listen to a book on tape I tend to get pretty into it. I find myself idling in my car a couple minutes longer. than normal. This time I went as far as to bring the book inside to listen to it on my computer. 

 

Overall I thought this was a cute book that I would say I enjoyed, but will probably forget about in a month. I'm not sure I will see the movie either. I'm not a big movie fan so that's not saying much. We had The Social Network from Netflix for over 6 months. It was still is a movie that I really want to see. I just can't talk myself into sitting down and watching a movie from start to finish. Ironic side note, we are watching Born Supremacy on TV right now for the millionth time. P is the type of person who can watch a movie he likes over and over again. I have seen Forest Gump more times than I can count and basically throw a fit whenever it's on. 

 

Back to the book, it was cute (I don't know why I keep using cure to describe it). If you're in the mood for a light read that doesn't make you think this is not a bad choice.  

 

{A Must Read} A Thousand Splendid Suns

A Thousand Splendid Suns has been sitting on my bookshelf in my to read pile for over a year. I bought it immediately after I read The Kite Runner by the same author- Khaled Hosseini.

I feel extremely guilty for letting it lit on my shelf for as long as I did. A Thousand Splendid Suns easily makes my top 10 list. I recommend that you put this book on the top of your to read pile.  
 

 (A review from Goodread) A Thousand Splendid Suns is a breathtaking story set against the volatile events of Afghanistan's last thirty years, from the Soviet invasion to the reign of the Taliban to post-Taliban rebuilding, that puts the violence, fear, hope and faith of this country in intimate, human terms. It is a tale of two generations of characters brought jarringly together by the tragic sweep of war, where personal lives, the struggle to survive, raise a family, find happiness, are inextricable from the history playing out around them.

Propelled by the same storytelling instinct that made The Kite Runner a beloved classic, A Thousand Splendid Suns is at once a remarkable chronicle of three decades of Afghan history and a deeply moving account of family and friendship. It is a striking, heartwrenching novel of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love, a stunning accomplishment.

A Pleasant Surprise

Isn't it great when you pick up a book not expecting much, really just hoping to get through it, and before you know it you're up every night reading.

The Friday Night knitting Club is this exact type of book. As the plot thickens and twist the characters start to develop and slowly they begin to grow on you and you start to connect. The book is about relationships: strengthening, repairing and growing. 

I enjoy knitting, so the title originally drew me to the book. Plus doesn't belonging to a knitting club sound fantastic?!

As with most books these days, they are making it into a movie staring Julie Roberts. It looks like the movie won't come out until 2013. I will more than likely see the movie, but I love Julie Roberts. Okay who doesn't love Julie Robert?!

The "Old Lady" Author

My young hipster sister asked me the other day why I was reading an old lady author. The old lady author is Nora Roberts and the book is The Search. Ironically, our old lady mother recommended I read the book hinting that I could maybe use some of the dog training tips in the book on my own two dogs. Hint taken mom! 

The book was actually pretty good. Another great summer read that I couldn't put down. It is a book about dogs, finding love with a mystery mixed in. If you are a dog owner you will enjoy this book! If you don't own a dog, well don't be surprised if you find yourself thinking about getting a dog.  You also might catch yourself daydreaming about moving to a secluded island to find your true passion.

 

A Must Read

A Northern Light should be the next book you read. It's actually a great book for the summer. The kind you think about all day, can't put down and wish there was more when it's over. 

I must admit upfront that this book is classified as "young adult". I have no idea why I'm into so into these types of books. It all started with Harry Potter. Then I moved onto Twilight. Next was Hunger Games. Then Uglies. And now A Northern Light. 

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I hate writing book reviews. It reminds me of school. So if you want a review just Google it. Or take my word for it and read it!

Encouraging Words

Sometimes you run across words of encouragement at just the right moment when you are ready to fully take them in and apply them to your life. 

Last week a co-worker brought in a "diet" book for me to look at. As I skimmed through the book, I came across a chapter called Metaphysiques. It was my aw-ha moment (as Oprah would say). The words really resonated with me, not only in my quest to become as fit and healthy as possible but also in the rest of my life. 

Here are some of the topics that really stuck with me:

* The Power of Thought: negative thoughts attract failure. Switch the dialogue in your head to positive thoughts and you'll subconsciously reinforce success.

*Goals: write down your goals and make sure they are realistic and specific with the steps you'll take to achieve them.

*Visualize: take time to visualize where you want to be and what it will look like. Your body doesn't understand what is really happening and what is in your mind. To your mind, it's as if you already achieved it. 

*Action: you can't just wish something will happen in your life, you have to take action. Move in the direction of your desire. 

The "Diet" Book

Uglies

I finally finished a book! Don't judge- it's a tween book. I have had a hard time finding a book that is as captivating and exciting to read as The Hunger Games. I think I have read a total of 2 books since THG, listened to half a book on tape and only got through 2 chapters in a classic.  Finishing this book is a huge accomplishment! 

For a full plot review from Wikipedia click here.  

Love Languages

My #1 PRIORITY in my life is my marriage (family and friends). To honor my priority, this year I have set a goal to strengthen my marriage. Let me first reassure you, nothing is wrong with my marriage in fact it's great, but I also know it is important to work on your marriage so one day you do not wake up out-of-love or unhappy.

I have set a goal to read one book on marriage every quarter. I just finished reading The 5 Love Languages by Chapman. Chapman argues there are 5 love languages that we speak.

 1. Words of Affirmation

 2. Quality Time

 3. Gifts

 4. Acts of Service 

 5. Physical Touch 

I, for example, fall under the Words of Affirmation category. This means that for my "love tank" to be completely full The Hustler should show me love by saying encouraging and kind and humbling words to me.

The Hustler's love language is Quality Time. For me to speak to his love language I should spend time with him doing activities he likes to do, give him my undivided attention and listen to what he is saying without interrupting.

How great is it to know exactly how your spouse receives love. I would have never thought The Hustler's love language is Quality Time. Now I know how important it is to give him my attention without browsing the internet or watching tv. It also makes sense why he gets so upset when I interrupt him.

This is a book every couple should read!  

 

Little Bee

I feel guilty admitting this, but I did not like the book Little Bee. I am appreciative that the author wrote about this topic and that book clubs are reading the book and discussing it. The topic deserves to get attention. But it doesn't mean I have to like the book Little Bee.


I give Little Bee 3 stars out of 5.

It's Over...

I finished the last book in The Hunger Games series today. What a sad day. This series is without a doubt #1 on my favorite book list. It beats out Harry Potter, The Kite Runner, Circle of Friends, The Street Lawyer and The Help to name a few of my favorites.  The plot is captivating and unique. I have never read anything like it.

What next? How will I ever find my next book to read when all I want to do is re-read this series? I just can't seem to get the ending out of my mind.

I have Little Bee on hold at the library on audio. I heard this book "will blow you away." I am wondering if it will stand up to The Hunger Games? Or if it might be hard to make the transition from a teen book to a more serious adult book?

Suzanne Collins also wrote another teenage series called The Underland Chronicles.  This series has some meat to it- 5 books!

Right now I am in the mood to hold a book and read it, not listen to it on audio. There is something about holding a book in your hands. I think it adds to the experience. So what do I do, buy Little Bee or the first book in the Underland Chronicles? Decisions, decisions. Another reason why I hate starting a new book. I love buying books, by the way, and keeping them in alphabetical order by author on my cheapo book shelf. My dream is to have a den (for some reason my parents always called the offices in our houses a den and it has always stuck with me just like how I call a vacuum a vacuum sweeper. Preston doesn't understand why I put sweeper at the end. Always have, THAT'S WHY) with a built in book case filled with books and maybe even a sliding ladder like you see in the movies.

I think I am leaning towards starting Little Bee. Ashley invited me to her book club. The first book on the list is Little Bee. But what if I buy the book and then I can't get into it or I am not sold on the plot. Pickyness kind of runs through my blood. I am a picky eater and a picky reader. I bet if I pay attention I will find that I am picky in other areas of my life. I will have to pay attention to this.

Huge tangent: I also just reciently realized that I am a need-to-know type person. For example, on Markshuffle (a 2 way road that I have to travel on everyday) they are expanding it to 3 or 4 lanes. I have so many questions to ask like how many lanes is it going to be, are you putting in more stop lights, what will the speed limit be and why, did the city have to pay the business owners for taking part of their land or is it considered easement? See soo many questions! I would die to know their plans. I am soo curious! But also a little part of me thinks they are doing it wrong!

My curiousity absolutely drives Preston crazy. The other day I said I would iron his shirt. He said no. I said why? He didn't have an answer for me. I mean I was offering to iron it for him and he still said no. So I thought there must be a reason why he didn't want his shirt ironed that I am not thinking of. So I kept asking why. Ya, generally not a good idea to keep asking Preston why... He tends to get a little angry!

The moral of the story: if I ask you why, please just tell me why so I can put my curiosity to rest!

Wow, getting late. Time to hit the hay. And yes once again everyone in this house is already asleep but me. And I am the one who has to get up early to do my Insanity workout. Good Night.

First Things First

I haven't actually started the 3rd book (Mockingjay) in the series that I am obsessed with. You see I hate (some people dislike (I really wanted to say hate here) using the word hate and actually think it is a "bad word" yada, yada, yada... but I am not one of those people) starting a new book. Let me try to explain why. 

1. I do not want to start the book because then the series will be over with and I will have to try and find another book. It took me 2 years or so to read the last Harry Potter book and I am a HUGE Harry Potter Fan! 

2. I don't like to start a new book. Okay I have no idea why this is, but it is what it is. 

THE END. 

 I am happy to report that I have stuck with my new workout schedule. I worked out 3 days last week. This week I have to workout 4 days. Monday I ran 3.25 miles on the treadmill... workout complete- CHECK. Tuesday I ran 30 minutes worth of hills on the treadmill... workout complete- CHECK. 

Yeah me!!

Ya so I lost the weight loss challenge at work. But the friend who won really deserved it. GOOD WORK FRIEND!!!! 

Tonight was my Grammie and Poppie's 64th anniversary. 64 years is a LONG time. We celebrated the event at P.F. Changes. We usually go to the Golden Coral so this was a pleasant change (why do old people love the Golden Coral?). Preston has never been to P.F. Changes and I have only been there once. The food and service was great! And the company was good too. Preston of course ate too much. He is now currently asleep on the couch (I would take a picture of this and later black mail him, but my crappy/at one point reliable camera died). Since he is asleep and probably won't even notice that I updated my blog, now is a good time to give you his blog link: http://prestonhollis.blogspot.com/.

I am warning you now, his blog is not for everyone so don't blame me if you find what he writes about offensive.  See NOW you are dieing to check out his blog. Don't forget to friend him so he doesn't disappear on us again.

Until tomorrow.

At Last!

Guess what today is... Tuesday! Which means Mockingjay, the third book in The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, came out today!! Very exciting day for me. I must go now and read. Yes, the series is that good!

A Refreshed Outlook on Life

I am not sure how to explain this, but I seem to have a new outlook. It's like I hit the refresh button on life. I think accomplishing something as big as the triathlon made me believe I can do anything I set my mind to. I know this is cliche, but it's true. As a result, I decided to change the theme and layout of my blog a bit. I want to make it about me; not just a blog about my fitness goals and Beachbody products (don't get me wrong I still think they are amazing). I want to be able to write about my flavor of the month obsession. I don't want to be pigeonholed into feeling like I can only write about one topic. Who knows, this new blog might be the current flavor of the month. You see, the thing about me is I change passions and hobbies like panties. Some months I obsess about working out and dieting and other months I spend all of my time reading, decorating the house and even cleaning. In order to stick with something I usually have to rely on the people around me to keep me interested and accountable. Kinda sad, but all too true. Just ask Ashley!!

So what's the newest flavor of the month since I no longer have to spend every waking second training for a triathlon? Right now it's reading. I am obsessed with The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Yes, I am aware that these books are classified as teen fiction. But OMG the plot is captivating. In fact right now I am a little sad that I am blogging instead of reading. I have also been wanting to look into photography. Maybe take a class or something. I am still pondering this one. I wonder if picture taking requires mad skills or if it is something that can be learned. I am hoping to find a killer deal on Craigs List for a new camera. The ironic part is Preston and I are always the last ones to take a picture of anything! We never have a camera with us!!! Anyways, here's to a refreshed outlook on life!

Eat... Pray... Love...

I just finished the most amazing book!

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert I love her writing style. She is witty, humorous, knowledgeable and honest. They way in which she tells her story is truly inviting.

At the end of the book most readers find themselves wishing they could go on the same self discovery journey that Gilbert writes about. I was no different. In part one I wanted to re-learn Spanish and travel to Mexico with Preston. In part two I wanted to find my God. I was and still am convinced that I need to find a Guru, meditate and practice yoga. I even went as far as to "Google" Ashram locations.

In part three , well I didn't connect as much with part three because I have already found love. What has stayed with me the most after finishing the book is the concept of self-mastery. I never really thought about this idea before, which is odd because, this concept is pretty obvious once you say it out loud.
I hold the power to control my actions and thoughts. 
   Lately, I have had a hard time controlling what I eat. I think some of it has to do with stress, emotions, PMS, yada, yada. It wasn't until Gilbert wrote about self-mastery that I realized I have the ability to control what I eat.

At times, I use food to fill a void. I eat without really being present in the moment. I am not over weight by any means so obviously I have some control, but at times I feel like I am powerless. In this situation, self mastery is about being present and making conscience decisions on what goes into your mouth. It is making yourself really focus and what you are eating and how much. I have no idea why, but this has helped me tremendously! When I want a candy bar or some other type of junk food I really, really think about it. I make sure I am present in the moment and in the decision that I make. Ashley jokes with me and says if she knew all she had to do to motivate me to eat healthy was to say to me "self-mastery" she would have said those words a long time ago!! It's funny where inspiration sneaks up from. It is usually at just the right moment in your life when you are open and ready to receive it.

Eating to LIVE- The Gorilla Way

While in Vegas I didn't really focus on eating healthy.

I came home and weighed in at 138.8!  

YIKES!

I knew I would put on some pounds in Vegas with all of the beer and fast food, but I didn't expect 138.8. 138.8 is dangerously close to 140, a number that I don't ever care to see again on the scale.

I heard about the Eat To Live diet by Joel Fuhrman, M.D. from a family member. Everyone in my family calls it the Gorilla Diet. At first we poked fun at the family member who first went on the diet, but after he lost a ton of weight and has kept it off most of us have jumped on the band wagon. Everyone that I know who is on this diet has had great success on changing their eating habits and losing weight. The transformation really begins when you learn what it means to eat to live instead of living to eat.

 .

I started this new way of eating on Tuesday.  
Today is Sunday and so far I have lost 5 pounds!!!  
That's right, I weight 133.8!!!!!
In a nut shell you eat the following:  
Greens  
Vegetables 
Beans  
Fruit  
Nuts  
Whole Grains

Your main meals should consist of salad greens with as many vegetables as possible. You can also have beans (green beans, black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans and refried beans) and any type of fruit. Nuts and/or avocados in moderation are also permitted as well. Whole grains are okay, but should be eaten once or twice a week.

Here is what I usually eat.  

Breakfast
OPTION 1: Shakeology.
OPTION 2: Slow cooked oatmeal with flaxseed. Fruit.
OPTION 3: Banana and other fruit. Mixture of nuts (walnuts, pecons, almonds, raw sunflower seeds).  

Lunch/Dinner
OPTION 1: Large salad made up of baby spring mix, spinach leaves and romaine lettuce. Tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and carrots. Flaxseed or mixture of nuts or avocado. Raspberry vinaigrette. Fruit mixture (strawberries, grapes, apples pineapple and bananas).
OPTION 2: Large salad with vegetables. Black Beans mixed in with the salad. Fresh salsa as the salad dressing. Mixture of fruit. Mixture of nuts or avocado.

OPTION 3: Large salad with vegetables and raspberry vinaigrette. Refried beans. Fruit mixture. I have found that this diet is pretty easy to follow. You don't have to count calories or points. You eat when you are hungry and that's it.

Last night Preston and I went to Cripple Creek. I knew I would get hungry so I packed strawberries, an orange and banana and a baggie of 1/2 cup of oatmeal with flaxseed. I ended up eating the banana and oatmeal (I just asked for a cup of hot water). Of course on the way home Preston was hungry so I asked him to stop at Taco Bell. I ordered Pintos and Cheese without the cheese.

Today I went out to lunch with my parents and Poppie. Poppie's restaurant of choice is the Golden Corral. Believe it or not, but this is the best place for someone on the Gorilla Diet as long as you have the will power to stay away from the deserts. I loaded up on a large salad with vegetables, green beans, bean salad, strawberries, pineapple and sunflower seeds.

I am so excited to be on this diet and finally get to my goal weight of 125!