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Sunday, December 22, 2013

What I've Been Reading - December 2013

It's been a couple of months since I've update my blog with the books I've recently been reading.  If we are friends on goodreads.com or facebook, then you probably already know when I finish a book and how I rated it.
 
But for those who I know are big readers like me and aren't connected with me in other ways online, I thought I'd still share my latest reads!
 
 
Books I really, really enjoyed

This book was recommended in a magazine (Southern Living? Real Simple?) and by a friend who knows I enjoy Jane Austen.  I didn't know what to expect - maybe just another Austenian recreation?  But this was different.  A nod to Austen for sure, but not at all what I expected.  I highly recommend it if you like fiction and a heartfelt story.
 
 

 
Again, I can't remember where this book was recommended to me but I know the author because of his books like StrengthsfinderThe author has an incurable illness that he's talking about for the first time - and he shares his detailed research on how to improve your health through nutrition, exercise and rest.  An easy-to-read health and wellness guide with a bunch of good tips.
 

 
I read Fangirl (see below) first because I heard so many great reviews.  Then I found out the author had before written Eleanor and Park and it was critically acclaimed.  While technically Young Adult, these topics covered are for a slightly older audience I think.  It's a bittersweet story of outsiders and young love that will surprise you and move you.
 
 

 
My friends that recommended Fangirl must know what I like.  A young adult novel set in Oklahoma (oh wait or is it Nebraska??) in the main character's freshman year of college.  A coming of age story about living in the real world vs. the easy to hide in technological one.  A refreshing read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
 
 

 
We've had this book for ages and I've given it as gifts various times.  In 2013 I finally read it cover to cover.  It is a different take on the normal devotional.  Each weekday covers a different field of study (music, religion, philosophy, science, art, literature...) and each day is an intro to and some deeper facts about a specific topic - Albert Eintein, Matisse, Old Man and the Sea, Realism...  I learned a ton and really enjoyed my year-long pursuit.
 
 

 
My favorite book of 2013 - The Rosie Project.  I was way too far down on the library waiting list so I purchased this before Fall Break and read it in the sunshine of Florida.  A delightful read about an Australian professor diagnosed with autism who decides to put his consider talents to work finding a wife.  I really enjoyed this book and laughed out loud regularly.
 

 
I have followed Humans of New York for years on facebook so got in on the early release of his first coffee table book.  Daily shots of the characters and stories that make up the boroughs of New York City.  A stunning book.



Books I enjoyed


 
My other devotional in 2013.  I've gifted two copies of this to friends and relatives as well.  Joyce Meyer's devotional for women is motivating, inspirational, and tells-it-like-it-is.
 

 
I really enjoyed John Green's The Fault in Our Stars a couple of years ago, but hadn't read any of his other works.  I picked up Looking for Alaska at the airport and read it on Fall Break.  I certainly enjoyed the story about high school students at a boarding school trying to fit in.  But none will compare with TFioS for me.  Should I read the rest of John Green's books then??
 
 

 
The Outlander series is so highly rated on goodreads that I put a question on facebook to see if others had read this series.  See, I don't like monster epic-length books.  I like 300-400 pages.  I'm apparently a 5th grader at heart.  But soooo many friends remarked on what a great series this is that I decided to give it a whirl.  Then my mom surprised me with the entire series.  I did like this unique story, but I wasn't in love with it.  I'm heartened to hear that the books get better.  Maybe it's like Harry Potter.  While I thoroughly enjoyed HP1, by the second I couldn't put them down and I was happily willing to move through 4400 pages of the series in only a few months.  So, I'll be back Outlanders.
 

When we went to The Daily Show on October 1st, David Mitchell was the guest and he talked about Naoki Higashida's book, written in Japanese, that had stormed the autism community.  A boy of about 13 who wasn't able to clearly communicate, used ingenious tools to write a book on what it is like to have autism.  Jon Stewart, who is a crusader for autism awareness, was clearly moved by the book.  We had to order it immediately.  It's a good read, but I find that it's hard to read about children with autism when Brennan is so high functioning now.  It's worth a read and is definitely touching.



Books that were simply OK

No, no, no.  I 'm not sure who recommend Being There to me, but it was multiple people and I just could NOT get through it.  The main character is diagnosed with cancer when the story begins.  I wanted it to be better, I really did.
 

 
A friend shared her copy of this book with me and I diligently read it, but it's just too restrictive to me.  Because I have food issues, the last thing I can do to myself is be ultra restrictive.  It just doesn't work and feels punishing.  I have no doubts this book would be effective for numerous people and there are some good tips, but I couldn't follow the plan for a day.
 

I keep reading John Grisham looking for another The Firm or Pelican Brief.  I just can't find it.  The Racketeer was OK, but not a memorable story for me.
 
 
And, that's what I've been reading these past few months!
 
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends!
 
Happy Reading!




Thursday, December 19, 2013

21st Anniversary!

Today David and I are celebrating our wedding 21 years ago tonight!  We opened gifts this morning and are planning a nice dinner out tonight.  We'll celebrate tomorrow night with the boys in Indy.
 
Just a few of the photos I've scanned over the past few years.  We were married BEFORE digital photos, you know!
 
 
 
 
David and the Bridesmaids

 
 
 
David and J.T., his best man

 
 
 
Amy and me

 
 
After photos but before the ceremony everyone was evidently growing hungry.
Daddy went out to Wendy's and got everyone hamburgers.


 
 
 
 
Daddy and me right before walking down the aisle

 
 
 
At the reception - the groom's cake

 
 
 
Juan and Hilary

 
 
 
About to toss the bouquet

 
 
 
Donna and our birdseed distributors - Daniel and Christopher

 
 
 
Heading off for our Honeymoon!











 

October Photos



Well now that I am not worrying about photo size on my blog posts I can finally take a few minutes to get caught up!
 
Here are the remaining October photos.
 
 
Before heading out on Fall Break we headed downtown to one of our favorite festivals - Ethnic Expo.  Here are the boys and Thomas's friend Neil (middle) walking ahead of me.  They're getting sooo big!

 
 
 
After Fall Break we celebrated David's birthday with what else?
 
Books, CD's, and Sushi!




 
 
David and I went to the Arts Council's annual fundraiser.  This year's theme was Bollywood.  I borrowed a few items from my friend Poonam.  It was a really fun night!


 
 
At church we had to say goodbye to our Youth Pastor who is head pastor at a growing church in Detroit now.  The Youth got together for are really fun night to wish her well.

 
 
Our youth have a tradition of Silly String fights so this was Pastor Peggy's last chance to participate!


 
Thomas looking stunning in his silly string.

 
 
And, of course, Halloween!
Thomas purchased this "hat/beard combo" with his birthday money. (?????)  But it came in handy for Halloween.  We stopped by the party store on the way home from school so he could find a coordinating "top" and he was in business.  Brennan chose to wear David's Indiana Jones costume!
 
So cute!

 
Hope you're having a great week!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Florida - October 2013



After our trip to St. Augustine, we drove back south to Kissimmee to meet up with our good friends John, Ginger, and Trevor.  We had a wonderful time at the Gaylord Palms!

 
Trevor and Brennan - born a day apart

 
 
The boys had a ton of fun together!

 
 
And so did the Mamas!


 
 
And the Daddies
 

 
 
David and Ginger even had a little time for some work/school stuff

 
 
One day we headed to Cape Canaveral to the NASA museum
In the parking lot David quickly spotted these two Cobras (one of his favorite cars).

 
 
We had a fun time touring the NASA museums even though because of the shutdown we didn't get to go out to the Launchpad.