It's Monday! What are you reading? (5 of 2011)

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading, is hosted by One Persons Journey Through a World of Books. 

This meme is a great way to start the week and add some great books to your to-read list.

I love looking at what everyone is reading.

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!! 

This week was a slow week for me.

What I Finished

Review Here

What I Am Reading

Yes, still reading this one. I'm getting more in to it now. Jack is getting older and he's starting to question everything. Ma is starting to tell him things. The story is so heart-wrenching. I'm excited to read more of it.

This is a slow book to start, but I'm on page 70 and things are finally starting to pick up and move. It was pretty stagnant for a while.

Hunger came in at the library for me. I've been waiting for a while to get this one.

From Goodreads: Lisabeth Lewis has a black steed, a set of scales, and a new job: she’s been appointed Famine. How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl from the suburbs fare as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

I think it may be time to meet Jamie and Claire in Scotland again. I'm feeling that pull

Traveling the world on her steed gives Lisa freedom from her troubles at home: her constant battle with hunger, and her struggle to hide it from the people who care about her. But being Famine forces her to go places where hunger is a painful part of everyday life, and to face the horrifying effects of her phenomenal power. Can Lisa find a way to harness that power — and the courage to battle her own inner demons

 

What's Up Next

The Mechanic (1 of 2011)

Last year I decided to add movie reviews to my blog. Sadly, I watched too many at home and went to the theatre a lot that I failed to review them all. This year I've decided to do just those that I see in the theatre. We go often enough that I will probably have one a month at least. If there is a movie we rent or watch from cable and I feel strongly about it, I may add that to the reviews as well.

On to the review:

The Mechanic

Actors: Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Donald Sutherland, Tony Goldwyn

Rating: R

Let's start by saying that any show with Jason Statham is worth going to see. I'm biased, what can I say. Any show with him removing an article of clothing is worth seeing. (first 10 minutes of this movie people.)

I'm a huge action flick fan. The Mechanic had all that and more. There was guns, explosions, a nice car and hand-to-hand combat. There were several scenes where Frenchie and I looked at each and other and said "oh damn!". Sure there are plot holes, it's an action movie, not a drama. There were some twists and I'm sure if you really thought about them, you'd see them coming, but again, action movie... there for entertainment purposes, not thought.

I would recommend this one to Statham fans and action fans. It's good, it's fun, it's quick and dirty in all the right ways.

5/50: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

from Goodreads

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat left for her. But now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved by her hope that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.

I had a hard time rating this one. I couldn't decide between 3 and 4 stars. 3.5 would be perfect. I ended up with 4 stars because I really liked Violet and I felt like the the writing was aimed at the older YA audience.

I enjoyed the plot line. Violet is able to see/hear/feel/smell/taste echos of those that have been murdered. Very cool idea and well executed. I liked that Derting wrote parts from the mind of the killer. It was very creepy and so well written that I actually felt like I was watching the scene take place. There were a few parts in the book that were predictable and some that had me gasp in public. There were parts that made me blush and parts that made me roll my eyes. This book had everything it needed for a YA novel.

All in all, this book was very entertaining and pulled me in. I can't wait to read the next one!

WBC 2011: Book about Murder - 10 points

View all my reviews

Fitness Friday: Should be Week 6 of P90x

I titled this should be week 6 because I haven't actually done anything this week. Other than 3 hours of teaching pole and one hour for myself.
I'm going to be doing the P90x a little differently. I won't be doing any of the cardio workouts. Only the lifting days. Let's review my goals for doing this program before going into more reasons.

1. Gain some muscle. I want to be stronger and have that toned look.
2. I would like my 6 pack back, but a stronger core and back is key.

I have lost 5 lbs since starting the program. For most people this would be a good thing. For me, it's the opposite. I don't like losing weight. I don't particularily like gaining either, however, losing has always been a big thing for me NOT to do. I'm naturally thin and have always had a dancers shaped body. When my butt starts to jiggle going up the stairs I don't start running, I do squats and lunges. I do all those things that help tighten the muscle, because that is more effective and actually works that particular part.

What does losing 5 lbs mean for me? Most of these are superficial and shallow, but they are reasons. Let's face it, we all have them.
It means that my clothes doesn't fit. I bought a new pair of pants and the tags are still on because they're too big. My tight jeans that show off my butt are baggy. This could be an excuse to go and buy new pants, but I'm not a shopper and spending money on clothes that will only fit for a few months seems like a waste to me. I now have 3 bins of clothes. Stressed out Me. Normal Me. Lazy Me. Those are my 3 sizes.

It means my wedding dress is too big. I still have 4 months, so I have time to either take it in, or put some weight back on. Thank goodness it is a lace up so it's not a huge deal. The V in the back will either be tied up close, or not.

It means I look skinny. I HATE the word skinny because it has a negative meaning. I was always made fun of as a kid for being thin and it was horrible in junior high. By high school, everyone had figured out that I didn't gain weight and ate whatever I wanted so that stopped. (Anyways, enough digging up the past).

It means that I'm very underweight for my age and height. This never used to bother me, but for some reason, now in my mid-twenties, it does. I think I'm just more conscious of it now than I ever was before.

Long reasons short, as much as my cardio system isn't super great and I can't run long distances, doing the cardio portions of the P90X isn't doing all that much for it. I'd be better off running outside to get my cardio system better. The purpose of the cardio workouts is to be in the fat burning zone. Not really what I need right now.

So, until it turns nice outside and it's not dangerously icy to start running, I will only be doing the lifting workouts and the stretch dvd. I think instead of doing the cardio, the stretch DVD should be the way to go. Flexibility is not my strong suit and I think it would do a lot more for me than cardio. I'm still doing pole twice a week, so that will definitely help me build more strength.

Wedding Wednesday: January 26, 2011 Checkin

What was accomplished:

• I got in contact with a friend of my sister to see about making my veil.
• Frenchie bought his wedding band!
• Booked meeting with ceremony musician (and awesome friend) to go over music
• My mom bought her wedding dress
• I ordered my bridesmaids gifts
• Frenchie bought my wedding gift (apparently. I don't know what it is)
• Guest list finalized

What needs to be done:

• Cancel hall rental for the night before the wedding. We don't need it anymore.
• Look at tuxes with Frenchie
• Get Frenchie to sit down and really go through the readings for the ceremony

It's Monday, what are you reading? (4 of 2011)

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading, is hosted by One Persons Journey Through a World of Books. Starting off the new year right by participating in this meme. I love looking at what everyone is reading. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!! 

What I Finished

Review Here

Review Here

What I am Reading

I'm having a hard time reading this one. 

I realize it's from the perspective of a 5 year old child, but it's so hard to read.

This one will be a "am reading" for quite a while.

I like this one so far.

What's Next

Fitness Friday: P90x Week 6

Frenchie and I are almost done week 6. We're halfway there!!

We are into a new set of the lifting dvd's. I'm liking these so much more than the first 3rd of the P90X. They are more my style. Perhaps it's because I was sick for several weeks and couldn't push myself as hard as I would have liked, but the first 5 weeks didn't seem to do much for me. My 30 day photo says otherwise, and so do a few pairs of pants. (I'll post pics at the end of the whole 12 weeks.)We forgot to measure, so hopefully do that this weekend to see if there are any inch changes.

I'm noticing that my abs are getting more defined. (yah almost 6 pack!) My butt is a little firmer so less jiggling up the stairs, which is my biggest pet peeve about my body. I feel like I'm getting stronger. Lifting myself at pole class is getting much easier.

I finally convinced Frenchie that we needed to remedy listening to Tony talk through the entire dvd's. I brought a portable speaker down to the basement, made a playlist and we now only play the cues on the dvd. Heaven!

I feel like I should also give a pole update since it's been a while.

I'm still taking classes.I have more off days now than good days. It's all related to my wrist. I'm having issues again with it. Certainly makes it difficult to do some of the advanced moves when I can't support myself with my wrists.

I'm teaching 3 intro classes at the moment. We had a deal on a 4 week intro class and it generated a lot of interest. I've had a blast teaching the newbies. There are always a few that get it very easily, and then a few that don't. I find the first class is always tough. Everyone is so quiet and nervous and I try so hard to get them to laugh, or even crack a smile. After I get a giggle they warm up and start to have some fun. I <3 newbies!!

4/50: My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler

My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler
My rating: 2 of 5 stars








Getting through this book was excrutiating. It started off really funny and I thought this was going to be a great book. Something funny, racey and a big change from the last two books I just read. After the 3rd or 4th sexual escapade I started to not think it was funny anymore, but sad more than anything. At this point, I started to realize just how awful the writing was. I can't say a whole lot about it. I knew what the book was about, I just thought I would laugh more than I did.

I will give kudos to Chelsea Handler for writing the book and laying it all out there. Her personality and the way she was so blunt about things was refreshing. If you're going to read a memoir, this is the way to do it. Let it all out and don't pull any punches.

Winter Book Challenge 2011: 10 points - read a book about sex
EBook Challenge 2011 : 2/12

View all my reviews

3/50: The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars








I bought this book after Frenchie and I went to a marriage prep course last August. Finally getting around to reading it now. I suppose with the wedding approaching, it's fitting to read it. Start the marriage off right.

I really enjoyed it. I think that it will make a difference in my relationship. I know most people would probably pick up this book if they were having relationship problems, but I read it because it was recommended by our church. I can see how reading this before marriage is a good idea. If you think about what Gary Chapman is saying, it does make sense. We all feel love differently. We all have something that our spouse says/does/gives that makes us feel loved. We also have things they do that don't make a difference, not that they aren't nice or appreciated, but they don't give that same feeling to us.

The 5 Love Languages are basic, but have many dialects. I thought this was profound. There are different ways to express each love language, and finding that particular dialect of your spouse is crucial.

Frenchie decided to read this as well, so I'm interested to talk about it with him and see what he thinks when he's done.

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone in a relationship.

WBC 2011: 5 Points - Book with a "love" word in the title

View all my reviews

Wedding Wednesday: January 19 Check-in

As of yesterday, we are 5 months out!! I'm starting to freak out a little bit. There seems to be more than I'm seeing. Thankfully, Frenchie called today and asked for a list of things that are important to get done soon. I love that he offers to help.

There's a few outstanding things we need to take care of. And as always, things got done that weren't even on my radar! 

What was accomplished:

• Bridesmaid dresses arrived Friday. My one sister has tried hers on and it fits! I'll be sending my other sisters dress with my mom & dad since they live closer to her. My Maid of Honour will be picking hers up in February.
• Bridesmaid gifts are ordered! (can't tell you what they are)
• Photoshoot for Frenchie's wedding gift :) I spent 4 hours with the photographer. We were having so much fun neither of us realized how long it had been. The pole photos seemed to have turned out well. I won't get them back for a while.
• Completed the registry at one of our locations.
• Picture frame for guest "book" purchased
• Rocks for centerpieces purchased

What needs to be done:

• Cancel hall rental for the night before the wedding. We don't need it anymore.
• Make appointment to meet with ceremony musician.
• Look at tuxes with Frenchie
• Look at veils (figure I can do this while Frenchie is trying tuxes on.
• Get Frenchie to sit down and really go through the readings for the ceremony

It's Monday, What are you reading? (3 of 2011)

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading, is hosted by One Persons Journey Through a World of Books. Starting off the new year right by participating in this meme. I love looking at what everyone is reading. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!! 

What I Finished

Review Here

What I am Reading

This book is pretty interesting. 

I can see why it's recommended for in pre-marriage courses.

I'm having a hard time reading this one. 

I realize it's from the perspective of a 5 year old child, but it's so hard to read.

This one will be a "am reading" for quite a while.

What's Next

2/50: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars








I wanted to hug this book when I was done. In fact, I actually did. I had happy tears from the "I'm so happy I'm going to well up and cry" feeling.
I had a few people after discussing it say it's like a warm, cozy blanket you want to wrap yourself in. That's a perfect description.

Thank you Stephanie Perkins for writing this amazing book.

I felt like I was re-living parts of my life while reading this. I've never been to Paris, but I felt like I was there the way Perkins described everything. Aside from Paris, I swear that every young girl has to have gone through something similar to Anna. Girl likes boy, boy has girlfriend, boy likes girl. Girl gets confused from mixed signals. Girl does something stupid, boy does something stupid. Have we not all been in some complicated relationship/friendship? It may not have been high school, but at some point. I know I have!
The characters are perfect. Or as my friend says, perfectly imperfect. Anna and her friends are real. The way they think, the way they express themselves. It's believable. I did get annoyed at the back and forth and the fighting between friends, but it was all part of it. Without those things, it wouldn't have seemed real.

I LOVE St. Clair! He's amazing. He's so sweet and caring and everything a boy should be (at that age).

If you need a fun, cozy book, I highly recommend this one. I had heard such good things about it I bought it with a gift card from Christmas. I'm so glad I did!

WBC: 5 Points - Fun, Frothy book

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Book Blogger Hop (2 of 2011)

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-For-Books and is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read!

Thanks for hopping by!

This week's question comes from Barb who blogs at Sugarbeat's Books:

"Why do you read the genre that you do? What draws you to it?"

I've gotten mainly into reading YA. I like to mix it up with adult fiction every once in a while and read a "big girl book" as I like to call them. I read them because they are quick, fun and light. They are getting better and better in the writing quality every year. The topics are becoming more like what people deal with all the time. The different perscpective is refreshing. 

 YA is a huge market and not just for young adults anymore. I am in an online book club and I have to say that a lot of the people in it are adults and they read YA. It's much more widely accepted (I attribute this to Harry Potter and Twilight).

Wedding Wednesday: Check-in January 12

I think it's coming time that things are happening weekly and I will be able to do a check-in every week.

 

Here's what's been done since last post:

• Salon booked for hair and makeup for the bridesmaids and I
• Invitations finalized and ordered
• Rehearsal booked for Friday
• Rehearsal dinner decided on - BBQ! Still not sure if it's at our house or the house Frenchie's parents are renting
• Bridesmaid dresses are on their way! (I'm tracking them via UPS)

I know a lot of this list will be repeated, so I'll try to only put what I think I will get to.

• Cancel hall rental for the night before the wedding. We don't need it anymore
• Get a hold of ceremony musicians and talk about things.
• Get Frenchie to sit down and really go through the readings for the ceremony
• Photoshoot for Frenchie's wedding gift :)

I'm so happy to be going to a salon now for my hair and makeup. It makes more sense. I'm even happier that it's only 3 minutes by car from the hotel! And, the best part? The Starbucks right beside it opens at 7am and my appointment starts at 8am. WIN!

I'm also excited for my photoshoot this weekend. I went and got a Mystic tan last night that should last until Saturday. I'm getting a boudoir shoot done (second one ever, and they are a blast!) with our wedding photographer. I'm also taking my stage with me and doing a pole shoot as well. Super excited to get photos of some awesome moves.

My Book Journey 2011

I saw over on A Book Journey that she has a challenge called Where are you reading. I'm not going to join the challenge since it is to see if you can read a book form every state. I am however, going to use her idea and keep a map of where I read. For every book, I'm going to post a marker on my map of where that book took place. I think this is such a cool idea!
I have only read one book so far this year, which makes my map pretty sad, but hopefully by the end of the year it will be full of markers!
I will keep this over on my side tab so you can see the updates.

View Stella's Book Journey 2011 in a larger map

It's Monday, what are you reading? (2 of 2011)

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading, is hosted by One Persons Journey Through a World of Books. Starting off the new year right by participating in this meme. I love looking at what everyone is reading. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!! 

What I Finished

Review Here

What I am Reading

What's Next