Water for Elephants.

In 2009 I read Water for Elephants with my book club which I've since had to take a long break from with my schedule just being too much to allow me to make the monthly meetings. First I had bible study on the same night. Then I moved it but I took on a little extra work for those nights. And later I just realized that fighting traffic for an hour up to the side of town it meets just wasn't working for me...so book club continues without me but for the time I was there this was one of my favorite reads. I was totally in love with the book.

That of course made me a little nervous about seeing the movie, since we all know the movies are never as good as the books. That held true for this one, although my love for Reese Witherspoon really gave it a fight chance of nearing my love for the book. However, I did really enjoy the movie. I hit it up with Lindsay and Zach on Wednesday night after a grueling workout (lucky for you all, you didn't have to smell me the whole movie).

I will say that similar to my feelings on Country Strong, the movie was dark. It didn't have a feel good, happy ending vibe. At all. The book brought you full circle and was able to take you from the tough, sad part into a happier time before tieing it up with a neat bow at the end, the movie failed to do the same.

It wasn't the best flick of the year but I enjoyed it and would watch it again (but not pay another 10 dollars to see it in theatres a second time).

Love,
B

Music, Movies, and Many Many Books.

We had an incredible time at the Dove event with Kacy Duke yesterday (not to mention the stretch Hummer ride) – I can’t wait to share all the deets with you all soon! I’m working on getting all the pics, video clips, etc together before I make the big post so stay tuned. It will also have a giveaway or possibly 2 coming with it! Be excited, be very excited. I would jump up and down to prove it but my inner thighs are too sore from yesterday’s workout. Kacy kicked my butt. : ] In a good way, of course.

I’m looking forward to winding down this week and getting some relaxing pool time in this weekend. Since I’m actually in Tampa for the rest of July and most of August before I return to my crazy traveling schedule (which is 10 times crazier in the fall than in the spring), I’m trying to get in as much pool side relaxation as possible! My tan is finally in a good place and I’m working my way through my library books while in a lounge chair, drinking sprite zero, and gabbing with friends.

I haven’t shared what I’m reading on in a hot minute so I thought I’d give you my poolside list for the next couple weekends (unless it rains, then it may just be one weekend).

For book club this month I'm sloooowly working my way through the Passage. It's a good book, it's just not as gripping (for me) as some of the other reading material I have my hands on right now.

I'm currently obsessively devouring Jodi Picoult (my favorite author)'s latest book, 'House Rules' which after being 62nd on the waiting list from the library (I boycott Kindle books that cost more that 9.99) - I actually got in a little over a weeks time. Fabulous. I picked it up, Tuesday? I expect it won't even last until the pool on Saturday at the rate I'm going.

Also on the list right now are:

I know I write more about literature than I do about music or movies. But I do have two new music related obsessions lately so I thought I'd share those with you too. Colbie Caillat's I Never Told You song (and I have the video as well) and Shontelle's Impossible. Those are new to my ipod playlist as of last week and I highly recommend both.

In the movie department, I haven't really seen anything new since Eclipse. I'm not a frequent movie goer. I did DVR the Lake House with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves...anyone seen this? I started it but haven't had a chance to finish it and I just can't decide how I feel about it. If you've seen it let me know your thoughts. Maybe the ending will bring it all together for me.

Ok there's my media related update.

Love,

B

Valentines Pictures.

From our ladies night last night to dinner at Ceviche & movie at West shore...







Such a great Valentines weekend thus far. From a surprise field trip Friday at work to last nights festivities to brunch at Audra's today...great, great weekend. I'm about to disappear for the night. ; ] See you all tomorrow!

Love,
B

Quote of the Week.

In honor of the movie I'm currently playing on my DVD player...

Girls are taught a lot of stuff growing up. If a guy punches you he likes you. Never try to trim your own bangs and someday you will meet a wonderful guy and get your very own happy ending. Every movie we see, Every story we're told implores us to wait for it, the third act twist, the unexpected declaration of love, the exception to the rule. But sometimes we're so focused on finding our happy ending we don't learn how to read the signs. How to tell from the ones who want us and the ones who don't, the ones who will stay and the ones who will leave. And maybe a happy ending doesn't include a guy, maybe... it's you, on your own, picking up the pieces and starting over, freeing yourself up for something better in the future. Maybe the happy ending is... just... moving on. Or maybe the happy ending is this, knowing after all the unreturned phone calls, broken-hearts, through the blunders and misread signals, through all the pain and embarrassment you never gave up hope. - Gigi, He's Just Not That Into You

Note: This time tomorrow I will be a home owner! Eeeee!

Love,

B