Thursday, February 18, 2010

Two Book Reviews, 6.5 Miles, C25K

Thanks you guys!! Just thinking about sweet Austin ordering that plaque weeks ago makes me smile. I know I’ve said it before but I just sometimes can’t get over how supportive he is about my newfound exercising, cooking, blogging, etc. He’s the best husband eva! Sounds like we have some other anniversaries coming up – how exciting!! Can’t wait to read about yours!

Backing up a tad, I tracked Tuesday (guessing a bit?), and ended up here: 2,190 calories, 207 carbs, 72 fat grams and 131 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

On to book reviews! I had started reading Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic and Sister book, but about 45 pages in realized I needed a break from Beckie Bloomwood, so I picked up another Sophie Kinsella book, Remember Me? Basically, the main character is in her early 20’s out with her friends having a bad night (bad dating experience; bad work situation, etc.), then she wakes in a hospital to find that three years have gone by and she looks fabulous is married and is super successful. What happened? How did she end up here? That is the book in a nutshell. It was a super fun read with lots of cute surprises. It may seem a little hokey, and in truth, it may be a bit hokey, but I liked it and felt like regardless of the silliness that comes with plots built on amnesia it avoided a lot of that and just told a good story and her writing cracks me up! I gave it a 4.5 out of 5. The only thing that would have made it better to me was learning a bit more about the time period from where it began to where it ended up. It definitely made sense, but I could have used a few more ‘flashbacks.’

I have been listening to Mary Jane Clark’s Dancing in the Dark during my commutes. It was a great read/listen that focused on a TV reporter being assigned a story on the Jersey shore about ‘girls who cry wolf’ – women who are falsely claiming to be abducted. Her and her family take off to the shore to report on the story, and while there discover lots of suspects, loose ends and more in this sleepy little town. The story is told from multiple perspectives, which I like, and the end surprised me so much so that I had to listen to the last 3 tracks twice! Great story! I give it a 4 out of 5 because I felt like while the identity of the real killer was awesome, they didn’t really explain why a couple of the suspects were accused. Like what was that person doing if they didn’t do it?? I don’t get it? This could have been my fault (with the audio it’s hard to pay as much attention as reading – and other motorists appreciate that, I’m sure!).

On to yesterday! I started a new audio book, James Patterson’s Honeymoon.

So far it’s creepy. Like the beginning was like WHOA. Ready to get back in the car and see what happens next! I also got about 60 pages in to Beach Trip (the book club read). It’s SO good so far! (I read during lunch – walked 4 miles; burned 172 calories). Then I worked some more, and then it was back down to the gym after work for 2.5 miles of C25K. I did the three 5-minute runs one (Week 5) for the 3rd time. This one was the easiest one yet! It just kind of happened. I was surprised since it had been a week - pleasantly surprised! I burned 156 in 30 minutes (taking my total to 328) , then I headed home for lasagna dinner with Austin! We hung out, I read a bit, then passed out, ending up at 1,803 calories, 208 carbs, 56 fat grams and 115 protein grams. Here's what I ate.

Today i'm taking a cardio break - 19.5 in 4 days is a good bit for me - especially since i'm planning 6.5 tomorrow and 4 on Saturday with mom! Instead i'm just working, doing laundry and hope to cook some tonight! I'm also working on finding someone to cut down trees!!

What are you doing today?

Who is your favorite author?

23 comments:

Kacy said...

Great reviews! I need to get some books on tape from the library.

My favorite author is Norman Mailer.

Enjoy the day off from cardio. Your body probably needs the rest!

Genesis said...

today i am trying to finish up the last of my homework, while working ;)

fave author...not sure...its all over the place.

The Sweet Tooth Obliteration Operation said...

Today I skipped class to work on my thesis... totally worth it. I have read some James Patterson, he is great but I want to start at the beginning of the alex cross series and read all the way through. I also LOVE Mary and Carol Higgins Clark- mysteries are the best!

Nicci said...

I love finding out about new books. I think the '''Remember Me'' sounds like a good one! Thanks for the book reviews.

Pining for Pinterest said...

I liked Remember Me? too :-) I like her books. I am able to read them so quickly and get ready for another one soon after that!! Good reviews!

Samma said...

I liked Remember Me too- I listened to it on my Ipod down at the beach. Now all I can think about is running on trails in warm (sigh) weather. Where is spring?

Sara said...

Great reviews. Remember Me sounds a lot like 'Overboard', the movie with Goldie Hawn & Kurt Russell...loved it. I'll have to try books on tape, even though i'm sort of ADD while driving.

My fave author is Ken Follett, his old fictitous novels with knights and the such.

Sunny said...

happy anniversary!
i have not read a book in way too long! maybe i'll start with one of the books you reviewed...

Anonymous said...

I just can't get into books on tape for some reason, but its been a while - I might try again!

I used to be an AVID reader - I miss it - but growing up I loved Stephen King - so much scarier than the movies!

April said...

Thanks for the reviews!

I like James Patterson, Mary Higgins Clark and Dean Koontz.

HA! My word verification is dooff...trying to tell me something?

Gabriela said...

Thanks for the reviews! I love the Shopaholic series, so maybe I'll try Remember Me...I like easy reads sometimes! My favorite authors are John Steinbeck for the classic stuff, and Plum Sykes for fun reads! If you haven't read Bergdorf Blondes, I definitely recommend it!

Anonymous said...

I dont know if I have a favorite author. I am currently reading "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" which I borrowed from a friend. I'm not really one for a mystery normally, but I like it so far.

Pam said...

Great reviews - I want to read that book Remember Me...it sounds cute.

I love too many authors to name just one.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the book reviews! I love reading....just wish I had more time to do it!!

Kendall (Whisk Her Away said...

My favorite author...hmmm I love Nicholas Sparks - but all his books are so heartbreaking.

I'm actually just now reading the Harry Potter books...even though I'm 23.

laura dishes said...

You're a book-reading, recipe-making, home decorating whiz! I don't know how you get it all done! Oh wait, I do- you read, exercise and eat lunch over lunch. I just eat lunch. ;)

My book club is reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett (sp?) right now. We're meeting next Tues and I just started the book!

Unknown said...

I love that book remember me! think it would make a super cute movie.
have you read the marian keyes books - they are fantastic!!

Anonymous said...

I like the Honeymoon-it's really good!

haute.teapot said...

Today is work, going out for Mexican with the girls, then movie night, we're watching Julie & Julia. It's a really cute movie. :) I want to sneak in a trip to the gym maybe later but before getting together, not sure if it will happen. The class I want to check out is Hip Hop Hustle--haha, it sounds fun. :)

BTW I'm always amazed at how much you read!!! I so want to get better and just need to start fitting it into my schedule.

Jenn@slim-shoppin.com said...

I have to get more audio books for my i-pod, where do you download yours, on I-tunes?

Right now I have The Secret and I listen to bits and pieces at my desk at work (I can listen to my i-pod at work, which is nice!) But it makes my day go by faster when I can listen to something other than just music. You are doing so great with the exercising! I've had a cough for the past month, and have done NO exercise! It stinks! Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

My favorite author is Sue Grafton and her Kinsey series. Thanks for the review of Remember Me? I've been wanting to try that one.

katiefeldmom said...

My favorite author is Sue Grafton and her Kinsey series. Thanks for the review of Remember Me? I've been wanting to try that one.

Genesis said...

today i am trying to finish up the last of my homework, while working ;)

fave author...not sure...its all over the place.