Follow My Book Blog Friday with Alison Can Read #11

Once again I am linking up with Alison Can Read for her Friday blog hop for Book Lovers and Book Bloggers!

Question of the Week: The New Year is here -- and everyone wants to know your New Years Blogging Resolution! What are you going to try to revise, revamp and redo for 2012 on your blog? 

This question is hard for me, because I honestly haven't had a ton of time to plan things out for my blog... Maybe, however, that could be my resolution! Spending more time on my blog... Maybe just commenting more to blogs I read, posting more (like say at least a post a day or every other day) and just trying to keep current. I think my issue is that I feel like it has to be an all or nothing deal so when it feels like I am spending too much time blogging I completely pull away and then don't blog anything at all. That being said, I will be taking the Oregon Bar in late February, so this resolution may not be able to come to fruition until after that hurdle is jumped. (Just for those of you who care and will hold me accountable to this)

Today's rant and realization...

Rant = why are dentist fees so astronomical? I have been researching dentist fees in my new area and for a crown it's upwards of $1000! I have been having some issues with my molar on my left side on the bottom and am thinking I need to have it looked at. However, for an unemployed, uninsured individual, I am having a very hard time wrapping my brain around spending that much money for a dental procedure. It's not even dental surgery (technically)

GEEZ...

Realization = maybe I should have been a dentist instead of going to law school...

Interesting Thoughts on the "Green" Movement

I don't really like to think of myself as uber political by any means, but when I saw this posted on my aunt's facebook today I just knew that I had to share it with someone. Largely because my younger sister is on somewhat of a green crusade and gets really down on people who aren't "green". I suppose you would say this is an older generations opinion toward the younger generations' ideas toward being "green"

"In line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment. The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day." The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment." He was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day. Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled. But we didn't have the green thing back in our day. We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks. But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day. Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that old lady is right; we didn't have the green thing back in our day. Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then. We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didn't have the green thing back then. Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint. But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then?"

Just Closed... [Catching Fire]

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It took me awhile to get through this book because I had checked out some books from the library and I had this one bought on my Kindle. I really liked this book and thought the ending was quite different than anything I could have expected to happen. I don't want to say much to give it away, but Katniss Everdeen does a great job again as the heroine of this story and she is able to survive in an arena unlike anything we experienced in the first book of this phenomenal trilogy.

View all my reviews

The Barbri Repeater Conundrum...

Sooo today the Oregon Barbri class begins again... I am doing the class online, since their is no actual class here in Salem this time. What I am struggling with is what all I should do again and what I should forgo in the attempt of doing other things that might be more worthwhile to my studying... I am taking this course again because it is free. I took it last summer. How much of this should I really need all over again? How much of it really helped me the first time? Isn't the definition of insanity doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result? Sorry for the mass of jumbled and pointed questions that don't really fit or flow... Just needed to let some of this out and see if any of my readers might be able to provide some insight. I'm listening to the orientation lecture, which I don't know is completely pointless because I know what the Bar entails.. Obviously! Since I already took it in July. Anyway, I guess I should get back to it! Thinking I'm going to modify my study program a bit.

Just Closed... [The Nightmare Thief]

The Nightmare Thief by Meg Gardiner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book for me had some slow spots toward the middle of the beginning, but toward the real middle of the book it got really really good and the author threw in some really good twists and turns that I could not have expected. That being said, I tore through the second half of the book in just a couple days, where the first portion took me a bit longer. I don't want to give away too much, but if you like suspense and thriller novels, you will love this book.

View all my reviews

Follow My Book Blog Friday with "Alison Can Read" #10

Soooo I realized I have been MIA on my blog for the entire week! Want to know why? I've been back to the books studying for the Bar and I have been really busy because it's ALMOST Christmas!!!!

Anyway, I am back, at least to do my favorite blog hop and socialize with some of my other fellow book junkies...



And without further ado.... the question of the week is...

If you had to spend eternity inside the pages of a book which book would you choose and why? 

First I would say I would LOVE to be part of the Quillette tribe, so I could get close to Jacob Black... wouldn't mind spending eternity with him, if you get my drift... Wink wink!

And secondly, I would LOVE to live in Trenton, NJ and be friends with Stephanie Plum! She leads a CRAZY life and I think it would be nonstop fun, excitement, and laughs

Follow My Book Blog Friday with "Alison Can Read" #9

Question of the Week: When you've read a book, what do you do with it? (Keep it, give it away, donate it, sell it, swap it..?)

Lately I have been checking out books from the library, so I would say give it back to the library. However, with the books I own, I do a combination of keeping it/loaning it to others.

Day 18 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- Spinning 50 minutes
- 10 minutes bike
- 5 minutes abs
- 5 minutes calisthenics

HBBC Points (for NEW week 4 - Dec 10 - Dec 16)
-  5 for spinning
- 1 for exercises
- 1 for veggies/fruits

TOTAL FOR DAY = 7
TOTAL FOR WEEK = 12.5 + 7 = 19.5

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 785
- Total consumed = been bad at counting today... so I cannot really say... :(
- Total = ??

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes

Day 17 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- Nothing


HBBC Points (for NEW week 4 - Dec 10 - Dec 16)
- ZERO

TOTAL FOR DAY = 0 
TOTAL FOR WEEK = 12.5

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = ??
- Total consumed = ??
- Total = ??

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes

Meeting my teenage Hollywood idol...

Still cannot believe it happened...

By some miracle I saw on a friend's Facebook that my idol, Chad Michael Murray, had written a graphic novel, Everlast, and was going to be up in Portland (about an hours drive for me) yesterday evening at a comic book store.

My sister and niece were already planning on coming up, and we were already planning on going to Portland, to go to the Oregon Zoo to see the Zoolights for the Christmas holiday.

Us girls loaded up in my sister's car around 4pm and headed to Cosmic Monkey Comic Book Store in NE Portland. Chad was supposed to start signing autographs and taking pictures around 5pm. With rush hour traffic we got there around 5:45-ish. We waited in line about an hour (or less) and we had the most wonderful meet and greet!

First off, Chad's best friend, Donald, saw my niece, Selena, who is 15 months, and they thought she was just the cutest thing. Donald gave Selena her very own free copy of Everlast, and my sister and I each paid for one of our own.

Then Donald asked if he could take a picture of Selena with the book. Of course we said that was ok. He took a couple pictures and he asked if it would be alright to share them on his Twitter and on their website. Needless to say, my niece is a star! :)


The Picture that made Selena FAMOUS :)


Another one Donald took and posted... :)


Selena and Chad :)


Us talking with him while he autographs our books


Another one...


Jesse (my sister), Selena (my niece), and Chad Michael Murray


Me and Chad! OMG! I touched him, he touched me... Ooolala

Day 16 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- 20 minutes walking around zoo (at least) = 1 point

HBBC Points (for NEW week 4 - Dec 10 - Dec 16)
-  for walking

TOTAL FOR DAY = 1
TOTAL FOR WEEK = 11.5 + 1 = 12.5

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = ??
- Total consumed = ??
- Total = ??

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes

Day 15 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- 30 minutes bike = 6.2 miles
- 30 minutes elliptical = 2.16 miles
- 10 minutes abs
- 5 minutes calisthenics
- 5 minutes rowing

HBBC Points (for NEW week 4 - Dec 10 - Dec 16)
- 2 for bike
- 1.5 for elliptical
- 1 for other exercises

TOTAL FOR DAY = 4.5
TOTAL FOR WEEK = 7 + 4.5 = 11.5

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 778
- Total consumed = 2062
- Total (2062-778) = 1284

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes

Friendly Update....

Just a quick update that is not really exercise or book related. It's been a long time, no?

Well I am back to studying for the Bar! Today is crimes focus and I am nearly done with one of my self imposed "assignments" and I have approx 3 more to do. Woot?!

I am working on getting back on track with my Bible in 365 days resolution I made this year and should be back on track by the end of the week. I fell behind for a bit, but I am still making up ground and it is still completely doable for this year. I am amazed that come the 31st of this month I will have read the ENTIRE Bible! Wow! I have so many notes from what I have read, whether it be scripture verses, questions, comments, etc. Maybe next year my goal will be to focus in more on some of the questions I have found myself asking from this years' studies.

Looking forward to Christmas, almost have my shopping done and need to get to wrapping things.... I doubt having my gifts all stowed under my bed is a good means of hiding them. Lol.

This Saturday is my dad's side of the family Christmas party and I'm helping my dad host it this year, so I will be headed down to his house on Friday to stay overnight. It should be really fun as always! :)

Then on Sunday I am hosting a Christmas party with 5 of my close girlfriends here at my house. We did a gift exchange thing where we each picked one girls' name and get to buy them a gift. Two of my friends are bringing food items to share, I'm providing beverages (holiday inspired), and I think the other 3 are going to bring a combo of treats and drinks to share. Should be a LOT of fun!

Also, I think my sister and niece are coming up tomorrow to visit me and that we might go up to Portland to see the Zoolights display at the Portland Zoo. It should be really fun. My niece just turned 15 months on the 8th and she loves lights.

Day 14 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- Rest day!


HBBC Points (for NEW week 4 - Dec 10 - Dec 16)

TOTAL FOR DAY = 0
TOTAL FOR WEEK = 7

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 0
- Total consumed = not completely sure again... these damn weekends make me lose track
- Total = ??

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes

Just Closed... [The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo]

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I did enjoy this book, however I feel like there was a LOT of build up in the beginning and it made it hard to fall into the "hype" that I have heard about this book. Even though that isn't a requirement, I was a little sad that I didn't quite understand the hype. However, I did LOVE the book from the middle-ish to the end. Mikael Blomkvist was a great main character and I loved the way that his character played off Salander.



View all my reviews

Day 13 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- Spin class for 50 minutes = 8.00 miles
- Elliptical for 30 minutes = 2.06 miles
- Abs for 5 minutes
- Calisthenics for 5 minutes

HBBC Points (for NEW week 4 - Dec 10 - Dec 16)
- 5 for spin
- 1.5 for elliptical
- 0.5 for others

TOTAL FOR DAY = 7
TOTAL FOR WEEK = 7

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 1020
- Total consumed = don't have an accurate count, but I'm pretty sure it was still under what I regularly shoot for...
- Total = ??

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes

Bi-Weekly Weigh-In = 164.8 at 9:30am with shoes off

Day 12 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- Bike for 1 hour = 12 miles
- 20 min elliptical = 1.23 miles
- 19:10 treadmill walk = 1 mile

HBBC Points (for week 3 - Dec 3 - Dec 9)
- 4 for bike
- 1 for elliptical
- 1 for walk

TOTAL FOR DAY = 6
TOTAL FOR WEEK = 33.75 + 6 = 39.75

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 897
- Total consumed = 2182
- Total (2182 - 897) = 1285

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes

Follow My Book Blog Friday with "Alison Can Read" #8

It's that time again! Time for my favorite Friday blog hop! Those of you who are here from the blog hop, welcome! Hope you enjoy yourselves! Leave me a comment if you follow and I will be sure to drop by your blog.

Here is the question for this week...

Question: Keeping with the Spirit of Giving this season, what book do you think EVERYONE should read and if you could, you would buy it for all of your family and friends?

I read this book earlier this summer and LOVED it

Day 11 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- Spin class 50 minutes
- 20 minutes stair master
- 5 minutes abs
- 5 minutes calisthenics

HBBC Points (for week 3 - Dec 3 - Dec 9)
- 5 for spin
- 1 for stair master
- 0.5 for other exercises

TOTAL FOR DAY = 6.5
TOTAL FOR WEEK = 27.25 + 6.5 = 33.75

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 909
- Total consumed = 2160
- Total (2160 - 909) = 1251

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes

Day 10 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- 60 minutes yoga
- 30 minutes jog/walk = 2.25 miles
- 30 minutes bike = 6.6 miles
- 5 minutes calisthenics
- 5 minutes abs

HBBC Points (for week 3 - Dec 3 - Dec 9)
- 3 for yoga
- 2.25 for wog
- 2 for bike
- 0.5 for remaining exercises

TOTAL FOR DAY = 7.75 TOTAL FOR WEEK = 19.5 + 7.75 = 27.25

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 807
- Total consumed = 2129
- Total (2129 - 807) = 1322

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes
- Woo hoo! Almost half way through my round 2! Hoping that this helps me to keep off the weight throughout the holiday season :)


Bi-Weekly Weigh in = 163.9 pounds at 1:03pm

Day 9 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- 50 minutes spinning = 7 miles
- 10 minutes rowing = 1444 meters
- 5 minutes abs
- 5 minutes calisthenics

HBBC Points (for week 3 - Dec 3 - Dec 9)
- 5 for spinning
- 1 for other exercises


TOTAL FOR DAY = 6
TOTAL FOR WEEK = 13.5 + 6 = 19.5

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 772
- Total consumed = 2234
- Total (2234 - 772) = 1462

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes
- Decided today that I like the gingerbread spice cliff bar best of all the holiday ones... then the pumpkin spice one, lastly the peppermint stick one (which is okay, but not that spectacular)

Day 8 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- 30 minutes biking = 6.5 miles
- 30 minutes elliptical = 2.10 miles
- 25 minutes stairmaster = 1.40 miles
- 15 minutes abs, yoga, calisthenics

HBBC Points (for week 3 - Dec 3 - Dec 9)
- 2 for biking
- 3.5 for other exercises


TOTAL FOR DAY = 5.5
TOTAL FOR WEEK = 8 + 5.5 = 13.5

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 1000
- Total consumed = 2357
- Total (2357 - 1000) = 1357 

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes
- Wahoo! Even though I did have a high calorie intake today, my exercise made up for it and I was still under my 1500 calorie goal overall :)

Day 6 AND 7 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Saturday's STUFF - Day 6

Exercise
- 50 minutes spin class = 7.5 miles
- 20 minutes elliptical
- 10 minutes abs
- 10 minutes calisthenics

HBBC Points (for week 3 - Dec 3 - Dec 9)
- 5 for spin
- 1 for elliptical
- 1 abs and calisthenics

TOTAL FOR DAY = 7
TOTAL FOR WEEK = 7

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 875
- Total consumed = ??
- Total = ??

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes
- Was keeping track of calories part of the day... then it went off track. Luckily I did get in a good workout, so hopefully that compensates!


Bi-Weekly Weigh In = 164.4 pounds 

Sunday's STUFF - Day 7

Walked 20 minutes about 1 mile, maybe a bit more = 1 point for HBBC

Didn't count calories for the day, so I don't have an accurate tally for that... it was kind of an "off" day...

Day 5 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- 30 minutes walk/jog (wog) = 2.25 miles
- 30 minutes biking = 6.5 miles
- 10 minutes rowing = 1590 meters
- 5 minutes abs
- 5 minutes calisthenics

HBBC Points (for week 2 - Nov 26 thru Dec 2)
- 2.25 for wog
- 2 for bike
- 1 for abs, rowing and calistenics

TOTAL FOR DAY = 5.25
TOTAL FOR WEEK = 23.59 + 5.25 = 28.84

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 769
- Total consumed = 1899
- Total (1899-769) = 1130

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes

Follow My Book Blog Friday with "Alison Can Read" #7

 I missed this blog hop last week due to an extended holiday weekend... It is certainly nice to be back again :) those of you who are first time visitors, hope you enjoy my blog and it's nice to have you here

Question: What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to books? Maybe you don't like love triangles or thin plots? Tell us about it! 

This question is kind of hard for me to answer, however, there is something that has bothered me about quite a few books I have read lately... While I do enjoy reading books with perspectives of more than one character, a HUGE pet peeve of mine is when the author does a sloppy job of transitioning between characters and their stories, feelings, etc. Obviously this is a difficult way to write a book, and some people just CAN'T do it well. They should often just stick to what they know well. 

Day 4 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- 50 minutes spin class = approx 7.5 miles
- 10 minutes abs
- 10 minutes calisthenics

HBBC Points (for week 2 - Nov 26 thru Dec 2)
- 5 for spinning
- 1 for abs and calisthenics

TOTAL FOR DAY = 6
TOTAL FOR WEEK = 17.59 + 6 = 23.59

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 643
- Total consumed = 1886
- Total (1886-643) = 1243

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes
- I have not done spinning in MONTHS. I forgot how much of a workout it is! Thinking I will start doing it again on a regular basis. I missed it a lot
- 4 days in a row that I have been under my 1500 calorie goal!

Day 3 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- 60 minutes yoga class
- 30 minutes bike = 6.5 miles
- 30 minutes run/walk on treadmill = 2.27 miles
- 10 minutes of combination of weights, cardio exercises, and abs

HBBC Points (for week 2 - Nov 26 thru Dec 2)
- 3 for yoga
- 2.27 for running/walking
- 2 for biking
- 0.5 for weights, cardio, and abs

TOTAL FOR DAY = 7.77
TOTAL FOR WEEK = 9.82 + 7.77 = 17.59

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 803
- Total consumed = 2005
- Total (2005-803) = 1202

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes
- Even though my yoga class is the gentle yoga class, I still feel like going to it two days a week is beneficial to me in the sense that it helps stretch out my muscles, improve flexibility, and it lengthens my muscles
- Also I started taking my women's active multivitamin again today. I think it will really help me if I keep up with it. Anyone else take multivitamins?
- Looking at pictures of myself from 2 and 3 years ago and I just want to say, can I go back to me then? Not necessarily my LIFE back then, just my body. I was 30 pounds lighter and I just looked so much better... My goal is to get this extra 30 pounds off and KEEP IT OFF

Wednesday Bi-Weekly Weigh-in
- 165.9 pounds (UGH... this is even more than the last time I started this... thank you, Thanksgiving holiday!)

Rumor has it...

Could it be true?

Am I catching the running bug again?

I certainly hope so...

Just Closed... [Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I thought the first book was fantastic and let me just say, the second one was even better! I still cannot believe that I didn't read these books before. I am looking forward to reading the third one as soon as I can get it from the library! It's a nice thing to read in the evenings after a busy day of studying...



View all my reviews

Day 2 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- 32 minutes bike = 7.5 miles
- 15 minutes elliptical = 1.14 miles
- 15 minutes stairmaster = 0.75 miles
- 20 minutes of combination of weights, cardio exercises, and yoga poses
- 10 minutes rowing machine = 1660 meters

HBBC Points (for week 2 - Nov 26 thru Dec 2)
- 2.5 for bike ride
- 3 for 60 minutes cardio

TOTAL FOR DAY = 5.5
TOTAL FOR WEEK = 4.32 + 5.5 = 9.82 

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 772
- Total consumed = 2097
- Total (2097-772) = 1325

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes
- Did my workout right before lunch and let me say, I was famished come lunch time. Probably not good for my caloric intake! Looking forward to yoga tomorrow morning and an earlier workout :)
- Find me on myfitnesspal here for a more detailed look at my food and exercise!

Day 1 of 21 day fitness plan (Round 2)

Exercise
- 30 minutes jog/walk (did 3 minutes jog and 2 minutes walk) = 2.26 miles
- 10 minutes yoga poses
- 10 minutes calisthenics (lunges, back leg kicks)
- 13 minutes jog = 1.06 miles 

HBBC Points (for week 2)
- 3.32 for run
- 1 for yoga poses and calistenics
TOTAL = 4.32

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 543
- Total consumed = 1934
- Total = (1934-543) = 1391

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes
- Today I was 109 calories lower than my goal! Wahoo! I did a double run today and I tried to be more mindful about my meals and snacks. Still a bit more sodium in my diet, but I'm pretty sure that's from having both the pretzels and the tortilla chips today!
- Find me on myfitnesspal here for a more detailed look at my food and exercise!

Attempt #2 at 21 day fitness plan begins TOMORROW...

So, as those of you who read my blog know, I wanted to start my 21 days of fitness plan back on November 8th, as evidenced from this post

However, those of you who have been reading my blog also know that I got very sick almost 2 weeks ago, and haven't really been up for exercising or really even being healthy. I know, sad.

That being said, my 21 day plan has turned into somewhat of a shambles because I haven't been able to keep up with it AT ALL.

I am finally starting to feel somewhat better and I have every intention of beginning again tomorrow.

Start date = Monday, November 28th
End date = Monday, December 19th

Ok, so I intend on using this as a "jumping off" point for my fitness and do not intend on quitting after 21 days, but rather continuing. My point of doing this in a 21 day time period is to start out with small goals, build habits, and then go from there.

Exercise Plan (weekly) - subject to change based on weather
This time I have decided not to determine an exercise plan in the beginning, but rather take it day by day for a few days and then see how I want to continue. While I am a person who loves structure, I also feel constrained at times by structure and feel like I can't have any wiggle room.

Goals
- Limit calories to 1500 per day (utilize myfitnesspal to track food and exercise)
- Find more healthy swaps and healthy recipes
- Drink 64oz water EVERY day
- No soda
- 1 cup of coffee per day (either at home or from shop)
- Limit snacks (mainly salty ones)
- Lights out by 11pm and up by 8am

**Bi-weekly weigh-ins will occur on Wednesdays BEFORE workout and Saturdays BEFORE workout**

HBBC 2011... Better late than never!

Soooo I did the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge (aka "HBBC") last year over at Run to the Finish blog, and for some reason or another (maybe it's the new blog, the loss of the old blogs I used to follow, or just plain busy-ness) I forgot to sign up for it this year.

Thankfully my other bloggy buddy Courtney over at Run, Courtney, Run, recently mentioned the challenge in a previous blog post and it reminded me.

I am late.

It's no surprise.

However, I am only 1 week late, so I WILL be able to participate this week (Week 2) and all of the weeks following.

Our Christmas Card 2011

I am SUPER SAD that I missed the Shutterfly blogger Christmas card promotion this year! Last year it was super nice to do a blog post and then be able to get some of my Christmas cards for free.

However, since I loved the cards so much last year, mainly because I love to personalize things and add my own special touch, I had to order cards from Shutterfly again this year, even without the promotion.

That being said, I wanted to share my card with you!

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Day before Thanksgiving...

It's the day before Thanksgiving...

Anddddd....

I'm pretty sure I have a sinus infection!

BOOOOOOOOOO :(

Been sick since last Wednesday with a cold... and I'm pretty sure that's all gone, minus the sinus crap, which I'm nearly positive is an infection.

I have sinus pain, a constant runny nose, headache, toothache, earache, and blurred vision... It sucks!

Got a doctor's appointment for Friday morning, hoping I can nip this in the bud.

Just Closed... [This Beautiful Life]

This Beautiful Life by Helen Schulman

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Overall this book was a decent read, but probably not something I would recommend to another. It shows how a wealthy family living in New York deals with the turn of events when teenage son, Jake, receives a sexually explicit video from a younger girl, which he then passes on to his friends. The author did a good job at picking an event that is probably more prevalent in this technological and fast paced world in which we live, especially with children who are rushing to "grow up" before they are actually grown up at all. It showed the fragilities of a family, even a well to do one, during a difficult time. The idea was overall good, I just didn't like the way she organized things. It switched from past to present tense too much and at times it seemed disjointed and hard to follow. The author also didn't flesh out some of the events that seemed like they should have been, while she focused extensively on things that probably didn't need that much attention.



View all my reviews

Random thoughts and phrases while in my "I'm still sick" haze...

Soooo I have been sick since Wednesday... which totally sucks because my 21 day fitness plan has went to crap because I obviously am not eating much and obviously not leaving home to work out.

I am just today starting to feel somewhat better, but I do still have little to no voice and a major snotty nose.

I have lots planned for later this week, so I REALLY need to get better over the next couple days...

Also, I am thinking about starting to study again. Thinking I might break it down real small and do a subject a day, just more of a cursory overview and refresh. Hopefully will start that today, and probably with Tax.

Follow My Book Blog Friday with "Alison Can Read" #6

This week's question is....

Letter to Santa: Tell Santa what books you want for Christmas!

Hmmmm considering I have been checking out a lot of books from the library lately and not buying them... it's hard to say. I would like to get the third Hunger Games book on my Kindle. And I would like to get the full Harry Potter series of books, since I only recently started reading them and I really like them a lot. Maybe also a bunch of John Grisham books and all of the Twilight books since I never bought them, but always just borrowed from my sister.

Day 8 of 21 day fitness plan

Exercise
- 10 minute run/walk with 4:1 ratio, 10 minute walk, and 10 minute run/walk with 4:1 ratio = 2.10 miles total and 30 minutes
- 10 minutes row machine
- 20 minutes bike for 4.5 miles
- 20 minutes elliptical for 1.50 miles
- 10 minutes stairmaster for 0.50 miles
- 5 minutes abs

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 960
- Total consumed =1962
- Total (1962-960) = 1002

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes

Day 7 of 21 day fitness plan

Exercise
- 25 minute run/walk (did the 4:1 ratio that I have heard raved about by Fruit Fly who follows the plan from Jeff Galloway and has had MUCH success)
- 10 minutes yoga
- 5 minutes abs

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 381
- Total consumed = 1620
- Total (1620-381) = 1239

Water
- 8 glasses

Notes
- Hopefully I get back to running farther and longer soon. The low calorie burn from today's workout was kind of sad...

Day 6 of 21 day fitness plan

Exercise
- Didn't exercise today :(

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 0
- Total consumed = not sure because I had an "off" day
- Total = cannot determine

Water
- 4 glasses

Notes
- Today was another "off" day... hopefully it doesn't ruin my fitness...

Day 5 of 21 day fitness plan

Exercise
- Didn't exercise today :(

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 0
- Total consumed = not sure because I had an "off" day
- Total = cannot determine

Water
- 4 glasses

Notes
- Today was an "off" day... hopefully it doesn't ruin my fitness...

Day 4 of 21 day fitness plan

Exercise
- 60 minutes yoga
- 15 minutes stair master
- 15 minutes bicycle
- 15 minutes elliptical
- 5 minutes abs

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 702
- Total consumed = 1921
- Total (1921-702) = 1219

Water
- 8 glasses (or more)

Notes

Follow My Book Blog Friday with "Alison Can Read" #5

The question of the week is.... (drum roll please....)

Question: In light of 11.11.11 and Veteran's Day tell us about your favorite soldier and how he or she is saving the world. Fictional or real life.

I don't just have one favorite soldier, I have many. When I was getting ready to graduate High School I had tons of friends who decided to go into the service, in various branches. In particular I would like to mention Danny (my bestest best best friend's husband) who serves in the Air Force, Stephanie (a long time friend) who also serves in the Air Force, Dave who serves in the Air Force, Jeremy who serves in the Army, Shelly who serves in the Army, Josh who served in the Air Force, Gary who serves in the Army, Jason who served in the Marine Corps, and many more whom I cannot think of right now, but whom should not be forgotten or appreciated.

Day 3 of 21 day fitness plan

Exercise
- 25 minutes elliptical trainer
- 15 minutes stair master
- 20 minutes bicycle
- 10 minutes rowing machine
- 5 minutes abs
- Weight training

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 772
- Total consumed = 2012
- Total (2012-772) = 1240

Water
- 8 glasses (or more)

Notes

Just Closed... [Robopocalypse]

Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Over all this book was good and a good read, however, this type of fiction is not really the kind that I normally like to read. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars because the writing and stories fit together well, it was quite realistic in the descriptions and it held my interest and kept me wanting to read more. I like how the author was able to intertwine different stories from different people and show how they all connect in one way or another.



View all my reviews

Wednesday Weigh-In #1

So today was my first official "Wednesday Weigh-In"

Time = 11:20am
Weight = 164.6 pounds

Here are a few pictures that I took at the gym and will refer to as my "before" shots


-Front view-


-Side view (note fat tummy and big butt)-


-One day I woke up with a spare tire and would LOVE for it to be gone!-

My goal after all of this healthier living is to lose at least 25 pounds and up to 35 pounds

Day 2 of 21 day fitness plan

Exercise
- 30 minutes elliptical trainer
- 30 minutes stair master
- 30 minutes bicycle

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 965
- Total consumed = 2116
- Total (2116-965) = 1151

Water
- 8 glasses (or more)

Notes
- Today I burned quite a few more calories at the gym and I only ate a little bit more in calories... Should keep this up!

Day 1 of 21 day fitness plan

Exercise
- Strength training with weights
- 10 minutes abs
- 30 minutes bike
- 30 minutes stairmaster

Calories
- Total expended from exercise = 638
- Total consumed = 2081
- Total (2081-638) = 1443

Water
- 8 glasses!

Notes
- Today was a good day. Probably went a little overboard with candy and sweets, but I still made it under my 1500 calorie goal!

21 days to get back in the habit of healthy living

Start date = Tuesday, November 8th
End date = Tuesday, November 29th

Ok, so I intend on using this as a "jumping off" point for my fitness and do not intend on quitting after 21 days, but rather continuing. My point of doing this in a 21 day time period is to start out with small goals, build habits, and then go from there.

Exercise Plan (weekly) - subject to change based on weather
Sunday - Run (or swim)
Monday - Run or walk in neighborhood and abs
Tuesday - 60-90 minutes cardio and strength training with weights
Wednesday - 1 hour yoga class plus 30 or 45 minutes of cardio of my choice and abs
Thursday - 60-90 minutes cardio and strength training with weights
Friday - 60-90 minutes cardio and abs
Saturday - Run (or swim) and strength training with weights

Goals
- Limit calories to 1500 per day (utilize myfitnesspal to track food and exercise)
- Find more healthy swaps and healthy recipes
- Drink 64oz water EVERY day
- No soda
- 1 cup of coffee per day (either at home or from shop)
- Limit snacks (mainly salty ones)
- Lights out by 11pm and up by 8am

**Weekly weigh-ins will occur on Wednesdays BEFORE yoga**

Follow My Book Blog Friday with "Alison Can Read" #4

This week's "question" which is more a of request:

Take a pic with you and your current read! Too shy? Boo! Just post a fun pic you want to share.

Soooo here is a picture with my current read (just starting today) and my African Grey Parrot, Harrison :)



Harrison likes to chew on EVERYTHING... even my library books...

Just Closed... [The Hypnotist]

The Hypnotist by Lars Kepler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book was fantastic. I LOVE reading mysteries and thrillers and this was just that. It had lots of twists and turns, but all the stories still meshed together quite well. The way the authors can weave everything together and connect everything is amazing. I will definitely recommend it to my friends. It was quite a bit long (at least in my opinion), but it was extremely gripping and many times I just could not put it down.



View all my reviews

The bad feelings are coming again...

Well... I am getting everything organized for Bar Exam Attempt 2 study time... and let me just say, I am starting to feel bad all over again. I just worry that I won't be able to do it. I feel like I am just destined for failure. I know I need to think positive, but it is SOOOOO hard.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

I'M BAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!

I know I promised an update and re-cap of my fabulous weekend, but that will be coming a little later this week... right now I just want to let my bloggy buddies know about the GREAT ONE DAY ONLY OFFER I have the pleasure of being apart of...

I am an Independent Candle Consultant for PartyLite and today ONLY we are offering a deal of one dozen tealights for just $5.00! This offer is for an unlimited amount and there is no minimum that you have to buy!

Simply go to my website here at:

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And you will be able to order and have them shipped DIRECTLY to you!

please hold... will be back soon!

I am currently out of the state.

Mini-vacation this weekend with the fiancee.

In Seattle until tomorrow night! Will be back with an update on Monday which is also Halloween!!

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend :)

Follow My Book Blog Friday with "Alison Can Read" #3

Happy Friday all! I'm linking up again this week with Follow my Book Blog Friday at Alison Can Read! If you are here from the blog hop, welcome! Hope you enjoy my blog!

Q. If you could have dinner with your favorite book character, who would you eat with and what would you serve?

First off I would have to say that I would like to eat with Peeta Mellark from the Hunger Games trilogy! He seems like he would make good company and I really like his character in the books. Since his family owns the bakery, I would say that we would probably eat something from there...

Then I would probably have to say Jacob from Twilight. I am NOT an Edward fan at all. While I was reading the series I kept hoping and praying that Bella would end up with Jacob and I was more than displeased when I saw that he had ended up with her DAUGHTER instead... Can we just say AWKWARD??? Anyways, I think Jacob would be a much safer bet for a dinner date than say one of the vamps... After all, this question says who would you eat with? Not, who would you let eat you.... And I would say that Jake and I would probably have some hamburgers and fries or a nice big steak!

Finally I would like to have dinner with Susie Salmon from the Lovely Bones. I think she would be a great dinner date because she could tell me about all of her adventures in the "in between" and I could see us eating sweets or other desserts for dinner :)

And the self-loathing just continues...

I feel awful.

Is this a new feeling? No.

It is a feeling I have been harboring ever since I found out the Bar results.

Has it gotten better, you would think it would... But no, if anything it has gotten worse. It seems to grow worse day by day. I have some "good" days, but mostly they are bad.

I have tried to find work, a job, any job.

I have been turned away for jobs that I was more than qualified for. Today just that happened.

I was at the gym for yoga and when I got out of class there was the message in my voicemail, "we have decided to accept another applicant and will not be hiring you... we will keep your information on file..."

Why do people even say that? As if keeping my application, which you will most likely just end up never looking at again, and then tossing it, "on file" is supposed to make everything better.

Well, guess what, it doesn't. But I guess if it makes it easier for you to sleep at night, then more power to you.

Me on the other hand, I don't sleep. At least not well. It's been months since I've had a good nights' rest.

And everyone keeps saying it will get better, this is just God's plan, etc. And while I really TRULY want to believe them, I also just want to tell them to SHUT UP.

Why did I spend 100s of thousands of dollars on higher education to not even be eligible for a minimum wage position? Is this what God planned for me? To not even be barely making it by?

Don't get me wrong, I do believe in God and I want to believe that things will get better... but it is SO HARD.

Now I guess all I can do is keep trying to find work. However, my luck, things will turn around and I will find a job just when I need to get fully involved with studying again for Bar attempt #2.

Just Closed... [The Gin Closet]

The Gin Closet by Leslie Jamison

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book was so dark and depressing, but in a good way (if there is such a way that depressing and dark can be good). If so, this book epitomizes it! I had many times where I wanted to cry for the characters, the darkness and the depth of what was happening to them. In a way this book showed me that even if you think you have it bad, there is always someone who has it worse. Lastly, I like the way that the chapters rotated from Stella, to Tilly, back to Stella, and back to Tilly, and so on. It showed how they were both so different, but yeah so much the same, and the transitions were fluid and not jumpy where you get confused, as I have been known to do with some books I have read. While the ending was sad, and not happy like I might have liked, it still seemed to reach a fitting conclusion, and for that I was grateful.



View all my reviews

Workout Schedule (Short Week!)

Monday the 24th - REST (self-imposed due to feeling crummy)

Tuesday the 25th - 30 minutes bike, 30 minutes elliptical, and 30 minutes stairmaster

Wednesday the 26th - 1 hour yoga class AND 45 minutes of "choice" of exercise

Thursday the 27th - 30 minutes bike, 30 minutes elliptical, and 30 minutes stairmaster

Friday the 28th - REST (because will be on the road heading north to Seattle, WA for the weekend!!!)

Saturday the 29th - hoping our hotel has a fitness room, but if not, will certainly walk a lot in the city

Sunday the 30th - Seahawks game day and then traveling back home, so probably another REST day

**Hope you are all having a GREAT week!

Feature and Follow Friday with "Alison Can Read" #2

Linking up again with Friday Follow at Alison Can Read!

This week's question is...

Q.What superhero is your alter-ego?

Honestly, I have never thought of this.... However, I am a clean and organization FREAK, so I would say that my superhero alter would be someone who is somewhat OCD where cleaning and organizing is concerned and could maybe use that superhero power as a way of cleaning and organizing the world! :)

Just Closed... [Beauty Queens]

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I really wanted to like this book more. I had heard such great reviews and even comparisons to one of my most favorite books "The Lord of the Flies." Sadly, this book, for me, fell flat. Thankfully it was a quick read, or I may not have finished it. I had kept thinking it would get better, but it didn't. I was also amazed at how much the book mentioned sex. For being a teenager book, that seemed a little excessive. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not a prude, but I still can't remember sex ever just being used so gratuitously in the books that I read as a teen. However, I am reminded that this might have been the author's "way" of extending this book's "popularity" beyond the suggested "teen" crowd.



View all my reviews

Back on the fitness train [Week 2]

Monday (Oct 17) - Run 1.50 miles - DONE! 1.55 miles in 18 minutes!

Tuesday (Oct 18) - 30 minutes stairmaster, 30 minutes biking, and 30 minutes elliptical - DONE! 1.27 miles stairmaster, 2.27 miles elliptical, and 6.00 miles biking

Wednesday (Oct 19) - 30 minutes stairmaster, 30 minutes biking, and 30 minutes elliptical - DONE! 1.47 miles stairmaster, 2.29 miles elliptical, and 6.25 miles biking

Thursday (Oct 20) - Rest Day!

Friday (Oct 21) - Run 1.75 miles

Saturday (Oct 22) - Lap swim 1.25 mile

Sunday (Oct 23) - Run 1.75 miles

Almost 4 weeks after the Bar results were posted...

**Here is a copy of a conversation I recently had with a friend of mine who also didn't pass the July Bar**

Friend: It's hard not to feel like everyone is judging us. I feel like everyone just decided I won't be anything but a second rate lawyer now...

Me: It's dumb because how I do on MBE is no reflection on how I will practice law. I don't think I will be second rate once I pass. The only reason I didn't pass was the MBE. Everything else had high scores.

Me: Failure of multiple choice questions does not make me second rate. And people who may have just lucked into the right answers aren't automatically better than me.

Me: I know plenty of people who passed whom will not make good attorneys.

Me: When I pass, which I will, because I won't give up, I will work my ass off to show that this is what I am meant to do

Friend: Yeah... me too. I got high scores on everything but MBEs too... and failed by 1 percent... but I feel like such a loser

Friend: I'm kind of feeling self-loathing right now... like everyone in my life (besides ****) was right... I'm nothing and it finally caught up to me

Friend: You have a winner's perspective! That will make you the great lawyer!

Me: I've just spent too much time feeling bad and worthless. But this test does not determine the kind of lawyer I will be. Maybe if it was actually relevant to what we will do in practice... But its not... At all.

Me: It's an outdated and pedantic way of testing us. It's what they have always done and the people in charge want to make everyone else go through what they did way back in the day, even if it's not the best way. It's like law school and the curve

Friend: You are right. It really doesn't... I know that too

Friend: I feel I will do a good job too... much better than some of the people who (shockingly) did pass! Tee-hee!

Me: It's just annoying that a stupid multiple choice portion is keeping me from accomplishing my goals. I think that's what I'm most upset about

Me: I don't like to say I failed, because I don't think I'm a failure. I didn't pass. And that's what I said

Me: I know that I know the law. I know that I know it well and know how to apply it. The fact that I can't figure out trick questions hinging on one or two words does NOT make me a failure

Friend: I concur counselor! :)

Movie Night [The Thing]

It appears I am going through a "horror" period for movies lately... It's Tuesday and you know what that means? $5.00 movie night! What a veritable bargain!

Joe REALLY wanted to see The Thing, and since I picked Dream House last week, that is what we went to see.



We were under the impression that this would be a re-make of the 1982 "The Thing" with Kurt Russell. Little did we know that this was actually a prequel to it.

Not being a huge fan of lots of gore and blood, that part was not too fun or exciting for me, but I loved the concept and liked the movie overall. If you are looking for a suspense type of horror, this might not be the right pick for you... However, if you are looking for a gory alien-esque flick, this is for you!

Just Closed... [Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone]

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I cannot believe I had NEVER read this book (or this series) and that it's been out for nearly 13 years! This book was such a great read and I loved the story. It kept me up late for the past few nights and I cannot wait to read the other books in this series. I look forward to seeing how things turn out at Hogwarts :)



View all my reviews

Scary Movie Monday [The Shining & Poltergeist]

I am here to admit that I had NEVER seen either The Shining or Poltergeist. EVER. I use the past tense because today I watched both movies.





AMC is having it's Fear Fest right now and I decided to take advantage of it, because I ADORE scary movies!

I really liked both movies... would have to say that I thought The Shining was a bit more scary, but that considering them on the scale of scary horror movies that are put out in today's world, neither of these were really that frightening. However, the concepts were very "cutting edge" for their time... Poltergeist came out in 1982, 29 years ago! It's even older than me! As for The Shining it came out in 1980, so 31 years ago.

If you have not seen one or the other, or even both of these movies, I would highly recommend them. Even if you aren't in to scary movies. They aren't really too scary and they are actually quite "classic" Hollywood. Yes, they are quite campy, but that's all a part of it's charm and appeal!

Movie Night [What's Your Number?]

Soooo last night I went out to go see a movie with one of my best friends. We really wanted to go see "I Don't Know How She Does It," but it was no longer playing at any of the theaters. So we decided to go see "What's Your Number?"



The reviews had speculated that this movie was "as good as Bridesmaids"

Now let me tell you, while it was really funny and I laughed a lot, it was not as good as Bridesmaids. It was however a fun and entertaining chick flick and I am very glad that I went and saw it, especially with one of my girlfriends.

I don't want to divulge much here because I don't want to spoil it for other people who might go to see it, but I will leave you all with the recommendation to go see it! If you enjoy chick flicks and enjoy the comedy of Anna Faris, you will like it. While it was mostly silly, it did have some serious moments and the main one of them all about not trying to be someone that you aren't but instead just being yourself, and love will find you.

Back on the fitness train [Week 1]

Monday (Oct 10) - 1.15 miles - DONE!
Tuesday (Oct 11) - 30 minutes stairmaster and 30 minutes elliptical - DONE!
Wednesday (Oct 12) - Lap swim 1.00 mile - DONE!
Thursday (Oct 13) - 30 minutes stairmaster, 30 minutes biking, and 30 minutes elliptical - DONE!
Friday (Oct 14) - Run 1.50 miles - DONE!
Saturday (Oct 15) - Lap swim 1 mile and 100 yards - DONE!
Sunday (Oct 16) - Rest!

**Really hoping that this will help me to stay on track!

Feature and Follow Friday with "Alison Can Read" #1

So for the first time I am joining in on a Friday Hop with a book blog... each week they ask a question and request that we answer it in our blog, so here goes!

Q: If you could have characters from a particular book meet and form an epic storyline with characters from a particular TV series, which would you choose and why?

A: I would like the characters from Twilight Series (books) to meet with the characters from True Blood (tv show) and form an epic storyline. I love both of these groups of characters and I think it would be fascinating to see what kind of storyline could be made with both, since while they both focus on vampires, they do so in very different ways.

Just Closed... [The Ghost of Greenwich Village]

The Ghost of Greenwich Village by Lorna Graham

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book was fabulous. A woman moves to NY to follow in her dead mother's footsteps. She ends up living in an apartment that is haunted by an old author who died before he was able to really make a name for himself. This book is about her time in NY, trying to fit in, and learning a lot from her "ghost" roommate.



View all my reviews

Movie Night [Dream House]

Tonight was $5.00 movie night at our local cinema.

Joe and I decided to go watch a movie!

We chose the movie Dream House with Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, and Naomi Watts.



This was a movie I really wanted to see.

I have a BAD habit of checking the reviews prior to going to the movie, and tonight was no different. I checked the reviews, and saw that the movie had gotten poor reviews.

I was worried that it would be bad and that Joe would once again have ammunition for saying that again the movie I picked was no good.

However, we both REALLY liked it. Reviews be damned! It was an original idea for a flick and I did NOT expect the outcome or ending that it had. I won't say much more so as not to be a spoiler, but just wanted to say that if anyone is on the fence about seeing it, you should!

Even if it's just at the "cheap" seats :)

Running Inner Dialogue

My inner voice (IV): "Starting running again?"

Me: "I believe so, yes"

IV: "what is this, your 100th re-start in this year alone?"

Me: "Probably like 101st... but who is counting anyway? Besides, I feel like I have many reasons why this year has been rough...."

IV: "How about we quit with the reasons and excuses?"

Me: "I would sure like to try..."

Now, honestly, how many of you have dialogues with your inner voice like that of above? Maybe not with regard to running, but with other things in your life? I am certain we all do, with one thing or another... Maybe even with 2 or 3 things!

However, here I am, again, ready to start running again.

I HATE how much I have let my desire slip... I HATE the fact that I am even saying my desire slipped. But it has! However, yesterday I had the complete urge to run. Sadly I was nowhere where I could actually run. And even if I had been able I did not have my clothes to run in or my shoes or my music. Now I know these are not necessarily things I need to have to run, but still.

Just hoping that today's run doesn't make me lose my desire.

Praying that it only ignites the fire that has lately been out.

Wow. The uneducation of people is sickening sometimes...

Here is the conversation that has me up in arms... Mind you this took place on Facebook and it was from a status of a friend, or should I say "acquaintance" of mine...

Friends' status says:

Seriously gay....been waiting at walmart for almost an hour because the prescription was faxed to walgreen's, supposed to be faxed to walmart then they had to call again and have it read out to pharmacist to freaking fill the damn thing....... Come on! Ugh

One of her friends asks:

What does being gay have to do with waiting for a prescription?

Another friend says:

Walmart sucks too bad cg don't have a shopko. They r so much better

I ask:

Can a prescription or pharmacy even have a sexual orientation? If so, how do u know its gay? Could be straight, bi or even transgendered

"Friend" who posted says:

It was a figure of freaking speech guys, come on.... idk if someone is gay or not that is their preference and i happen to know gay people!!! ai didnt think spending an hour at walmart just for a freaking prescription was all to fun and neither would anyone else......

I respond:

I guess it just doesn't seem "politically correct" to call something "gay". Especially considering all of the connotations and things surrounding the term. As for it being a figure of speech, it's really not, simply it's a term used to describe sexual orientation. There are many other terms that can be used in its place...Like "seriously annoying" "seriously upseting" etc. It's like you saying "seriously retarded" or something of that nature. Sorry you got upset, but I don't think using those terms in the context you did is really something you can expect to not cause offense in someone or another.

Status poster says:

well i wasnt meaning to have people react the way they did and i use it all the time and ive used retarded but not trying to offend anyone ive heard way worse things then calling something gay or retarded!!! ive always used it. this is the first time people have taken it the wrong way..... im not racial and i dont care what someones sexual orientation is, like i said before that is their preferance....

I respond:

Sorry. I've been extra sensitive lately (because of a variety of things) and I know you didn't mean it in the derogatory way... Things are just getting to me more lately than normal.

Status poster responds:

thats fine i was just stating things that were stupid to me i guess....... and sorry things are getting to you easily!

Another new person to conversation(butting her nose in):

omg say what you want it is who you are people know what you meant if they really know you if they dont understand it or know you then shut up and dont read it, "freakin retarded"--- meaning stupid if someone doesnt get it or me!!!!!!!!!

And yet another (with even more stupid shit spouted out):

Hahaha gay poop pussy fart fuck butt fart gay gay gay hahahaha

It's been 2 weeks...

Is that all?

Two weeks since Bar results were posted...

Two weeks of depression...

Two weeks of putting on a tough front and trying to appear "busy" and "ok"

I can't sleep good anymore. Not like I really did before. But still.

I never realized how exhausting it could be to keep up a wall and pretend to be okay. I want to punch holes in a wall at least 15 times a day. I want to scream at the top of my lungs. I want to shake people who brag about job offers and getting "sworn in".

People who are my friends.

I HATE feeling so spiteful.

I have never been this way.

Just Closed.... [Case Histories]

Case Histories by Kate Atkinson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This book was ok. I liked the concept and the stories, but I felt like it jumped around too much and also some of the stories didn't pull me in, while others did. Was hard to get excited about reading it.



View all my reviews

Monday Blog Hops

Today I am joining in on some Monday blog hops! Please comment and let me know if you are a new follower and I will return the favor! :)

Jenna

My "jaunt" back into swimming

Sooo I have recently started doing lap swim at my gym... this is something I haven't done in YEARS... and by years I mean that I tried swim team and water polo in high school hoping to follow in the footsteps (or should I say arm strokes and leg kicks?) of my older sister who was on both teams.

Needless to say, neither one was for me.

For those of you who don't know (and those who do, even) I am a runner. I love running and I did track and cross country in high school.

However I have been going through a period of time where I have just NOT wanted to run. I cannot get myself motivated to do it, I don't desire to do it, and honestly even when I plan a run I do not look forward to it at all.

All of this being said, I started doing spin at my gym as a chance to try something new and branch out, and I am loving it. Butttt spin is only twice a week... That still leaves at least 4 days a week with nothing to do (if you don't count running, which lately I'm not).... Soooo I turned to the pool.

And let me just say... I am loving it! It is so nice and relaxing to just swim along, just meditating. Plus I know it is helping my cardiovascular fitness and it will be great for my lung capacity once I do (and I will) start running again...

Lost.

I still feel like I am in a fog... an "I didn't pass the Bar" fog. While I'm trying to be upbeat and positive, I just feel completely out of sorts.

Fresh start and new beginnings

Ok so I used to have a blog... well, strike that, I used to have two blogs... and well, I needed to downsize a few things in my life and I really needed a fresh start, so here I am... One new blog.

Two blogs was just too difficult to manage and I found myself stressing over whether or not I was spending equal time on each and that often led to no posts at all.

That all being said, you might recognize me from Legally Brunette or Run, Lawyer Girl, Run