Friday, July 30, 2010

4 Miles, 2 Book Reviews, Charleston Bound

Thanks, friends!! I'm SO PUMPED about the newest house project! I'm sorry to do a post solely on house stuff but it's just such an exciting update I couldn't muster the enthusiasm to write about anything else! If anyone missed it/is interested it's below or here! So yesterday went like this:
  • I worked with Reuben in town all day - got lots done!
  • Lighting guy finished up.
  • AC guys installed a new unit upstairs (ours hasn't been keeping it cold enough; too many leaks)
  • Painting guys came, painted the ceiling white and painted our walk in hall closet/mud room tan.
  • Crown guys finished the crown in the half bath downstairs.
  • Pressure wash guy came to quote the back patio, house siding and exterior windows.
  • I walked 4 miles during lunch.
  • I read a book - I finished The Forrest of Hands and Teeth last night (stayed up a bit too late).
  • I packed up for Charleston this weekend (AKA Stacy's Bachelorette Party Weekend)
  • I ended up at 1,819 calories, 252 carbs, 39 fat grams and 79 protein grams. Here's what I ate.
Book review time! First, I'll do James Patterson's Doublecross. I think I finished listening to this one last week? Anywho. This is part of a series of books that focus on Alex Cross, a profiler who used to work with the police but now is a psychologist. This isn't the first book, so maybe that was the problem, but basically there are multiple killers on the loose. Like GRUESOME killers who really put on a show... There were lots of twists and turns as you figure out if the killers are related, who they are, what their motives are, how they do it, etc., but I guess for me it wasn't super entertaining because off the bat we knew who one of the killers was. I hate that. It's like he did it! Now we'll tell you how. I'm not a fan of that. I'll give the series a chance, but I want to go back to book 1 before making any decisions! For now, I will give it a 2.5/5, but will edit if I find I like it more once I read more of the series!

This week, I started Carrie Ryan's The Forrest of Hands and Teeth. It's post-apocalyptic, which I LOVE, and is an interesting story of a girl named Mary who lives with her family in a fenced-in village guarded by the Sisterhood from the Unconsecrated - the infected people who press against the fences at all hours trying to eat them. Seriously. They're raised to believe they're the only survivors - that the whole world is infected but them. However, as the fences get breached and as Mary gets closer to the sisterhood, things aren't adding up and she is desperate to find out the truth as her family, friends and neighbors are under attack, at risk of being infected and scared to speak up against the Sisterhood. I loved it. Very powerful. I immediately empathized with Mary and loved the 'love story' angle in it as well. I poured through this book and couldn't sleep until I finished it last night knowing what happened. I give it a 5/5. All that would have made it better is if it lasted longer! Thankfully, the second book in the 3-part series, The Dead-Tossed Waves, is in my possession - THANKS, MOM!

Today i'm off to Charleston - WOO! Looking forward to a fun weekend with the girls!

Q: What are you doing this weekend?

Q: I have to go out to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner tomorrow - any suggestions for healthy menu ideas are welcome!

19 comments:

Christina said...

ooooooooh charleston!!! yay!!!

Run Sarah said...

Bachelorettes are so much fun! Have a great weekend. I find a salad with dressing on the side + an appetizer split with someone else usually provides a decent healthy meal anywhere out!

homecookedem said...

When eating out for breakfast I like getting oatmeal if available or an egg white omelet. Healthy lunch options I like are grilled chicken salads or wraps, and for dinner something like a lean meat, veggies, and maybe rice or baked potato. But a little splurge while on the road never hurt either! ;) Have fun in Charleston!!

hbobier said...

Sounds like you've got a great weekend ahead of you!! I'm going to be a lazy bum tonight, but probably poolside or boating tomorrow!

Sarah said...

breakfast: starbucks, reduced fatturkey bacon sammich OR the egg white feta sundried tomato wrap :)

Lunch: panera

Dinner: wherever is acceptable. :)

if i eat carbs for breakfast, i try to make sure lunch is a salad w/ protein and then dinner is protein & veggies with a carb

Nicole said...

Oh man, that 2nd book looks fun!

Unknown said...

Charleston is so amazing! I haven't been in forever and would love to go back. What a cute place for a bachelorette! Have fun. :)

We're going to an annual luau hosted by a few of our friends and I cannot wait!

-Anna (Doing Good & Living Well)

Jenn@slim-shoppin said...

Hi! You won my give away for trying the new Buitoni Frozen meals! e-mail me your address and I'll get it to you ASAP!

slim-shoppin@comcast.net

Congrats!

Mica said...

This weekend, I'm going to Chicago to see a friend.

I'll also be trying to eat healthy, but I don't have any exciting tips other than the basics ("no mayo," "dressing on the side," etc.)

That second book sounds interesting--a good summer read!

Tyler said...

Since I'm going to knock out my goal of getting product on 30 faces this month, I'm going to celebrate this weekend with the hubs! I'm so proud of myself for pushing through and rocking July!

Also, I love James Patterson books! Sometimes he does get a little gruesome though. I like that his books are relatively quick reads too.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Lea @ Healthy Coconut said...

I really want to get back into reading fun books, instead of textbooks. Once I have more free time, I will definitely go back to your book reviews and check the book out.

Have a good weekend. I'm going to the Orange County fair, yikes!

lee said...

Have fun in Charleston!

Regan Jones RD said...

The Forest book sounds similar to The Hunger Games books. Have you read any of those? Loved 'em!

Anonymous said...

I love James Patterson books. They are a quick read for me :)

Sandra said...

I want to know where you got the red bird pillow? :)

Anonymous said...

I want to know where you got the red bird pillow? :)

Anonymous said...

I want to know where you got the red bird pillow? :)

Regan Jones RD said...

The Forest book sounds similar to The Hunger Games books. Have you read any of those? Loved 'em!

lee said...

Have fun in Charleston!