May Recap

Oh May. 

May has been a busy month, a little traumatic, a little hectic, but a lot of fun. 

Life Events 

• We have babies! Lots of fuzzy, crying babies. May 6th my cat Katniss gave birth to five bouncy baby boys. Yes all boys. They are adorable, but I can't wait for them to be old enough to re-home. I've enjoyed my "baby-less" life for the past year! They make my ovaries shrivel even more than they already have. 
• Did several meet ups this month, including trivia night, Dinner & "billiards", rock climbing and a scavenger hunt. Going hiking this weekend as well. I like to keep busy, what can I say. :) 
• Montana - I could go on and on about this trip, so it will need to be a completely separate post. Stay Tuned!

Books 

I actually read two books this month! I'm kind of proud of myself, granted I was stuck on a plane with no wifi or data, so I didn't have much of a choice, but its a start! It was good to just be able to read again. 

Shows /Movies 

So last month I cancelled my Netflix account because I wasn't really using it, and why pay for something you aren't using? That's my theory. Anyways while in Montana I got hooked on The 100, The Office and Family Guy... which I'm not really "hooked" on but find it tolerably funny... occasionally. I've wanted to watch The 100 for a while now, but just haven't had time to sit down and watch it. Brittany and I Marathoned through i my first night in Montana and were disappointment to learn that there is only one season on Netflix.  

Movies

I've been anticipating Age of Ultron for months now, and it didn't disappointment. It was full of action, love, angst, humor... I don't know what more you could ask for! (I may have seen it three times at this point). I went with a friend to see Chappie and was completely weirded out by this movie. It was just weird; and finally Age of Adeline: I was disappointed in this, it was predictable and just not that interesting. The actress was beautiful, but I ... it was just ... meh. 

Outfits / Outfit Purchases 

I actually did really well this month, as far as buying clothes go. And by "really well" i haven't spent $200 yet. 

School

Classes ended April 28th, with my final finale on the 5th of May. I failed math as I knew I would, but passed the GPA impacting classes. However banner is not allowing me to "re-sign up" for Math 119 without contacting the Math department... so I'm not sure what to do about that. Summer classes start on the first, so I'll need to make a decision. Part of me wants to just delay it for a while, especially since I found out my online economics class lasts the entire summer session instead of "just June" as I originally thought, but I'm pretty sure its going to hinder my progress down the road.. I just didn't want to take it in addition to another class. Ugh. 

Coming in June 2015 

• The return of school. Yes. I'm taking summer classes and probably will regret life during the month of June, but at least July is class free.. for now. 
• Comic Con! 
• New puppy visitor! 
• More random meetups! 

Review: Into the Whirlwind

Into The Whirlwind

by: Elizabeth Camden

Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction

Medium: Kindle Document 

Date Read: July 19, 2013

Stars: ★★★★☆

After her father's death, Mollie Knox takes over his watchmaking company and uses her head for business to solidify the good name of the 57th Illinois Watch Company. Her future looks bright until the night her beloved city is destroyed in the legendary Great Chicago Fire. With her world crumbling around her, Molly must do whatever it takes to save her company in the aftermath of the devastating fire.

Zack Kazmarek is an influential attorney with powerful ties to the political, mercantile, and ethnic roots of Chicago. His only weakness is Mollie Knox, a woman who has always been just beyond his reach. However, all bets are off after the fire destroys Chicago, and Mollie is in desperate need of assistance. Just as Zack finally begins to pursue the woman he loves, competition arises in the form of a hero from her past who can provide the help she needs to rise from the ashes.

While Mollie struggles to rebuild, the two men battle for her heart. One has always loved her, but the other has the power to save her. In the race to rebuild the city, can she survive with her business and her heart intact?

☆ ☆ ☆ My Review ☆ ☆ ☆

I struggle with book title's sometimes. Some are just a line from the book, perhaps it was significant to the author, but makes no sense to the reader. Sometimes its right, and sometimes its spot on. Into the Whirlwind did just that. As I dove into the first chapter, I was swept into a fire storm of events, relationships, people, places things! This tale starts six days before the historic Chicago fire, with Mollie Knox owner operater of 57th Watch Company trying to come to a decision as to what direction her company would go. Would she strike out on her own and end her relationship with the largest retailer in Chicago, or give into pressure for the store's Handsome lawyer and sign over her rights? And then disaster struck.


This tale was nothing if not gripping, and to be honest I found myself opening the app on my phone and reading snatches of it every-time I could. However there were still some points that found me not placing one more star in my rating. Though the book's premise seems to be about Mollie, to me, it felt as if we followed and got to know Zach a lot better; and we also could understand why Zach loved Mollie, we knew where Zack came from, how he fought tooth and toe nail to get where he was, we got to meet and know his family; whereas Mollie's sections of the story were very abrupt and by the time I finished the book I didn't feel as if I knew HER. I knew about her she's loyal, she's compassionate, head strong, and vocal; but also very mistrustful. But I didn't know why.


Though the lack of character depth in Mollie had me struggling at some points, I still have to hand it to Ms. Camden for another well written tale.

I recieved this book for free through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Five Things Tuesday

1.) S i c k i e s 

In light of those with terminal/chronic/life long conditions, I feel great. In light of my current state of health (which has been rapidly declining due to my eating habits) I feel horrid. My teeth are killing me, making my ear hurt, not to mention my sore throat and cough I've been battling ... I've been sipping Garlic Tea like its going out of style, I know what you're thinking, and its really not that bad. As long as you dose it with honey. The water dilutes a lot of the strength AND it makes your sore throat disappear in like days! However, you have to make sure you continue drinking water and reducing your sugar intake or the next day it will be back. Sugar cuts your immune system in half... or so I've heard. And with the amount of sugar I consume on a daily basis its amazing I'm not sick all the time. 

Today's Consumtion of sugar: 1 Root Beer, 2 Handfuls of Jelly Beans - Wow ... I did pretty good for once! Something about the immediate throat ache eating sugar causes. 

2.) 5 K 

I'm sure you've noticed that lack of 5K/running posts around here. That's because I've fallen of the exercise bandwagon. Thank you new job with wacky hours! I'll admit I miss the healthy feeling I had knowing I was eating right, and doing something good for myself. However I'll really be missing it when I'm attempting to pound out 3 miles this Saturday for a race I have NOT prepared for at all. Its stupid really, how I've let myself go, and the only reason I'm going to continue my attempt to do this, is to teach myself a lesson. Just Do It Erin! Hopefully it won't be tooooo painful. I mean all I've got to do is move my feet and breath right, right? I've done this before... I can do it agan ... and I have some pretty cool new shoes! Color Run x2 Here. We. Come!!

3.) H e a l t h y  E a t i n g 

In an attempt to help my "lesson learning" be less painful, I'm trying to infuse my current diet of Junk, junk and more junk with some healthy things like salads, veggies, real foods vs. fast foods. Today's meal was Pizza, Soda and a Salad. This is an improvement because ordinarily it would have been Pizza, Soda and lots of Candy. So we're working in the right direction. 

4. B i r  d s  I n  T h e  H o u s e 
I think I've mentioned a time or two regarding the many birds that have terrorized my house? I have since discovered how they are getting in, and have duct taped that opening shut. However. This has not deterred the birds, they have decided to set up "house keeping" in this new little hovel.

Which also happens to be the fan to my stove. Stove top fan.
The only reason I know they are setting up shop, is because I woke up this morning to a stove covered in bits of trees and leaves and such like. I stared at it for quite sometime before shaking my head and walking away.

Its the lazy thing to do after all.

I came home tonight and stared at it some more, then got up the nerve to lift away the duct tape a bit to see if my suspicions were correct. They were.

Now I've got to figure how to get them of there, and return said fan back to its original use... not that I used it muuuch, but the last thing I is for some unsuspecting house guest to murder a bird family where I prepare my food... not to mention something more horrific ...

BED BUGS!

5. B o o o o o o k s 
I am so behind on my book reviews its not even funny, so I'll apologize now for the inundation of them, that is to come. However I have discovered a sad fact. I "can't" read paper back books any more. Like literally. I've tried and failed. They just don't hold my attention like they used to and it makes me so very sad.  I trust this is just a phase, as for a while my Kindle sat neglected for months on end ...

What I'm Reading

Operation Bonnet

Author: Kimberly Stuart 

Date Read: January 25, 2013 

Medium: Free Kindle Book, Purchased Nook Book (Bought it than days later they offered it free on Kindle. Grrr)  

First Sentence: "I didn't set out to be the town luminary." 

Genre: Comedy, Christian Fiction, Young Adult 

I "Laughed Out Loud" Quote: "I will apologize," he said, taking a deep breath. Aggressively mocking a person takes it out of you."

Reviewed for: Me, Myself and I

Stars: ★★★★☆  

Twenty-year-old Nellie Monroe has a restless brilliance that makes her a bit of an odd duck. She wants to be a private investigator, even though her tiny hometown offers no hope of clients. Until she meets Amos Shetler, an Amish dropout carrying a torch for the girl he left behind. So Nellie straps on her bonnet and goes undercover to get the dish. But though she’s brainy, Nellie is clueless when it comes to real life and real relationships. Soon she’s alienated her best friend, angered her college professor, and botched her case. Operation Bonnet is a comedy of errors, a surprising take on love, and a story of grace.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -My Review - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Operation Bonnet, what a story. This will probably be one of the harder reviews to write, as figuring out where to start is difficult. I'll admit it took me a "hot minute" to get into this story. [read: a few months] I clicked this book so many times, yet moved on so many times its not even funny. The first chapter kinda of overloads you with information about Miss Nellie Augusta Lourdes Monroe, and while it is interesting, its not very relavent to the remainder of the book. But that is my humble opinion of course. 

Upon "meeting" Miss Monroe, I got the distinct impression she was much younger than the twenty years stated in the book. She's incredibly flighty and prone to be violent at a moments noticed. The more I read the more I felt like I could relate to ... some parts of her that is.(Apparently I have developed a reputation of being mean to boys in particular in my youth.. I am currently working to restore my image. Its hard work. Lemme tell you!)  Though I found her constant sarcastic nature a bit grating, and her constant attempts at humor a bit tiring,  I loved how strongly she loved despite her different ways of showing it. :) 

When its all said and done I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars, once you get started it was hard to stop! 

What I'm Reading

The Tutor's Daughter 
by: Julie Klassen

Genre: Christian Romance, Historical Romance

Medium: Kindle Book
Published: January 1, 2013

Date Read: January 11, 2013
Reviewed for: Bethany House Publishers 
Stars: ★★★★☆

Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father regain his spirits when his academy fails, agrees to travel with him to the distant Cornwall coast, to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But after they arrive and begin teaching the younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen and danger mounts. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte, only to find the music room empty? Who sneaks into her room at night? Who rips a page from her journal, only to return it with a chilling illustration?

The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember Emma Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. She had been an awkward, studious girl. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her.

When the suspicious acts escalate, can the clever tutor's daughter figure out which brother to blame... and which brother to trust with her heart?

I love reviewing author's whose work I'm familiar with, you go into each new book with the feeling of seeing an old friend after a long absence. However this meeting was a bit stilted, it has been a while since her last book, and I felt like it took a bit more work to get to the story line. THe first couple of chapters our heroine Emma, spends a lot of time in history, remembering this time, remembering that time, to the point you wonder if we're ever going to get out of her mind and hit the present time!

I also felt like it took a while for us to meet the secondary character Henry Weston, though he is often referenced in the mind of Miss Smallwood; and a bit longer to realize there is a mystery going on here.

But once the story is rounded out, it progresses quickly and we're able to dive fully into the Weston/Smallwood world. There are many moments when you catch your breath, and more still that have you holding your breath as the characters find themself trapped in...

Well that would be giving away the story now would it! :)

Ilse of Shadows

Ilse of the Shadows   
by: T.L. Higley 

Revised and updated from the original, Christy-award finalist Shadow of Colossus.

Enslaved in a World of Money and Power, Tessa Dares to be Free.

Raised as courtesan to wealthy and powerful men, Tessa of Delos serves at the whim of her current patron, the politician Glaucus. After ten years with him, Tessa has abandoned all desire for freedom or love, choosing instead to lock her heart away.

But when Glaucus meets a violent death in his own home, Tessa grasps at a fragile hope. Only she knows of his death. If she can keep it a secret long enough, she can escape.

Tessa throws herself on the mercy of the Greek god Helios, but finds instead unlikely allies in Nikos, a Greek slave, and Simeon, Glaucus’s Jewish head servant. As Simeon introduces her to a God unlike any she has ever known and Nikos begins to stir feelings she had thought long dead, Tessa fights to keep her heart protected.

As an assassination plot comes to light, Tessa must battle for her own freedom—and for those to whom she has begun to open her heart—as forces collide that shatter the island’s peace.

My Review:

I think I've established the fact that I am a HUGE T.L.Higley fan? I haven't? Well I am. When given the opportunity to review yet another book by her, I jumped at the chance, and once again she didn't disappoint.  (Don't you love authors like that? If only they wrote a million books!)

Once again Ms. Higley takes you on a historical journey, this time to Ancient Greece 227 BC. Our Heroine a hetera Tessa opens the book contemplating suicide. Or at least, this was my interpretation of this passage: "The death of her body was long over due. Her soul had died ten years ago. Ten years ago this day." 

Fortunately that day was not, the day (or else we wouldn't have a book to read) and we get to follow Tessa through an harrowing journey that does involve death, a plot for a mass murder, espionage, secrets, disguises and some romance. Perhaps espionage is a bit misleading, but I'll let you decide for yourself. ;)

This is not a book that is easily tossed aside for another, and is guaranteed to keep you spell bound through the tight spaces (literally) Tessa finds herself in, while attempting to save herself and those she's come to love....

I was given a review copy for free by Booksneeze.com. All opinions are my own (obviously) and I wasn't compensated in any way for this review!

What I'm Reading

The Scent of Rain
by: Kristin Billerbeck

Could it be that the life Daphne's always wanted is right under her nose?

Daphne Sweeten left Paris—and a job she loved—to marry the man of her dreams in the U.S. But when he stands her up on their wedding day, she's left reeling and senseless. Literally. She's been trained as a perfume creator and now her sense of smell has disappeared along with her fiancé.

She has to figure out why her nose isn't working, fix it, and get back to Paris. Meanwhile, she'll rely on her chemistry skills and just hope her new boss at Gibraltar Products, Jesse, doesn't notice her failing senses. They'll be working together on household fragrances, not posh perfumes. How hard can it be?

As Daphne and Jesse work on a signature scent for their new line, she feels God at work as never before. And the promise of what's possible is as fresh as the scent of rain.

“Witty and upbeat” —Library Journal

My Review: 

As a huge Kristin Billerbeck fan I was all set to love this new book of hers, despite the ....interesting... synopsis. It was a plot line I have yet to see, and so I was intrigued to see exactly how our smell-less heroine was going to escape her first attempt at matrimony, snag a new job that demanded her nose, and catch herself a new man. 

I can admit I was pretty disappointed. It was a little too...un-believable. Her sense of smell disappeared due to shock? Yet she's still going to move forward with this, rather strange career path, in which she needs her nose, regardless..? There were a few interesting twists and turns, in the book, that kept me turning pages, but when I ultimately reached the end, it wasn't a book that I thought of again after closing the cover. 

All in all, I gave this book a three out of five, close but no cigar. 

I was given a review copy for free by Booksneeze.com. All opinions are my own (obviously) and I wasn't compensated in any way for this review!

Word..less? Wednesday

 

[cue heavenly chorus] 

To be honest, getting a Kindle Fire wasn't on my wish list until about two months ago, when Rebekah decided she wanted it one. Even while we were researching together, the desire didn't strike me. Yes it looked cool, but really? I have two cell phones and a computer, do I really need another device? 

Yes. Yes I did. 

Once she had it in her hands, and then I got to have it my hands.. I knew I had to have one. 

Especially at such a great price! 

Even after I decided, I waffled, after all what if I needed that money for something important? I have so many things that need to be paid for.. the what if's were over whelming. But I shut them down and decided to do something fun with my money for once. 

I Love It!

I was up until 2AM reading a new book.

That 1-click Button is seriously going to be detrimental to my budget.

What I'm Reading..

Indelible

Kristen Heitzmann 

In a clash of light and darkness, can courage prevail? 
Rescuing a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, Trevor MacDaniel, a high-country outfi tter, sets in motion events he can’t foresee. His act of bravery entwines his life with gifted sculptor Natalie Reeve—and attracts a grim admirer.

Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.

When a troubled soul views Trevor as archangel and adversary, Redford’s peaceful mountain community is threatened. Together with Police Chief Jonah Westfall, Trevor presses his limits to combat the menace who targets the most helpless and innocent.

----- 

After reading Kristen Heitzmann's Indivisible, the first book in this series, I was thrilled to find she'd written another. However it took me a while to get into the story; the bevy of characters introduced and followed throughout the book was a bit overwhelming. She starts out introducing the key characters, Trevor, ex-Olympian skier, search and rescue volunteer, and a business owner (can we say over achiever?), Natalie an artist with an eidetic memory, (something I had to Google to see if it was indeed real), Cody, Natalie's nephew whom Trevor rescued from a Mountain Lion, Aaron & Paige Cody's parents, the come Fluer, Lena, Whit & Sara, not to mention the characters from the previous book. I'll admit I clicked on this book several times on my iPhone and went to something else, before I decided to skip the first chapter and dive on into the story. Once I did that, I couldn't put it down. Despite the many characters, I felt Ms. Heitzmann did a good job at not only developing their characters, but the disabilities as well. The plot line, though similar in some ways to her previous book, took you on a whole new ride, this time involving children, danger and a whole host of other things. I felt as if I were on an emotional roller-coaster through out. Over all I really enjoyed this book.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

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Ten on Tuesday

Finals are upon us, and yess I should be studying.. or at least finishing this quiz that I have until.. tonight to complete, but.. well YOU KNOW.

1. What are 3 things that are on your Christmas wishlist? 
I've been too caught up in finals to really think about Christmas, and what *I* want, but upon hearing that my family decided the parents would just get "everyone" aka everyone who lives at their house, a ping-pong table, I've decided that too come up with somethings (that are exorbitantly LESS than a ping-pong table). *ahem*

Piano (Keyboard or otherwise) - Go GaGa Messenger Bag - Money - iPad. Oh that's four. 

2. What's your favorite Christmas song? 
Ava Maria

3. Do you have a favorite band or singer that sings it especially awesome?
Celtic Woman

4. Have you heard about the website GoodReads?
Yess I love that site, and use it to track the books I've read and to get the scoop on other books before I buy. I also use to review books for publishers etc..

5. What are 3 books you want to read? 
Three books I would like to read, would be anyone from the stack of 14-15 I picked up from the library last week. Honestly WHEN do I think I'll have time to read them during finals week?

6. Do I hunt deer?
Random. But No.

7. Have I started Christmas shopping? Are you completely finished?
Nope and Nope.

8. Did you shop on Black Friday? What was the best deal you got?
I didn't shop on Black Friday, we did go out to Wal-Mart Thursday night to pick up a few items.. like glue and what not (we were out of town) it was insanity. There is no deal good enough to put myself through that. However I might take one of my guide dog puppies one year, think of all the great exposure that would be!

9. What's one holiday tradition your family has?
My family isn't real big on holiday traditions, I wish we were but we aren't, so yeah!

10. How many blogs do you read? DO you subscribe/unsubscribe often or do you purge every once in a while?  I have 437 subscriptions in my Google Reader. THAT my friend is insanity, but I keep finding cool, new blogs to read and I can't make myself stop. However I do have everything organized by topic, so I know which ones I read more often ... I have gone through and purged a lot but I still can't get it to a reasonable number. Oh well.

You can link up to Ten on Tuesday here!

Ten on Tuesday

Finals are upon us, and yess I should be studying.. or at least finishing this quiz that I have until.. tonight to complete, but.. well YOU KNOW.

1. What are 3 things that are on your Christmas wishlist? 
I've been too caught up in finals to really think about Christmas, and what *I* want, but upon hearing that my family decided the parents would just get "everyone" aka everyone who lives at their house, a ping-pong table, I've decided that too come up with somethings (that are exorbitantly LESS than a ping-pong table). *ahem*

Piano (Keyboard or otherwise) - Go GaGa Messenger Bag - Money - iPad. Oh that's four. 

2. What's your favorite Christmas song? 
Ava Maria

3. Do you have a favorite band or singer that sings it especially awesome?
Celtic Woman

4. Have you heard about the website GoodReads?
Yess I love that site, and use it to track the books I've read and to get the scoop on other books before I buy. I also use to review books for publishers etc..

5. What are 3 books you want to read? 
Three books I would like to read, would be anyone from the stack of 14-15 I picked up from the library last week. Honestly WHEN do I think I'll have time to read them during finals week?

6. Do I hunt deer?
Random. But No.

7. Have I started Christmas shopping? Are you completely finished?
Nope and Nope.

8. Did you shop on Black Friday? What was the best deal you got?
I didn't shop on Black Friday, we did go out to Wal-Mart Thursday night to pick up a few items.. like glue and what not (we were out of town) it was insanity. There is no deal good enough to put myself through that. However I might take one of my guide dog puppies one year, think of all the great exposure that would be!

9. What's one holiday tradition your family has?
My family isn't real big on holiday traditions, I wish we were but we aren't, so yeah!

10. How many blogs do you read? DO you subscribe/unsubscribe often or do you purge every once in a while?  I have 437 subscriptions in my Google Reader. THAT my friend is insanity, but I keep finding cool, new blogs to read and I can't make myself stop. However I do have everything organized by topic, so I know which ones I read more often ... I have gone through and purged a lot but I still can't get it to a reasonable number. Oh well.

You can link up to Ten on Tuesday here!

Addicted!

My name is Erin and I'm addicted to shoes.

And Books
And Dr. Pepper
And Twix Ice Cream Bars
And Clothes

And...I think that's it.
But mostly Shoes. Flats, Heels, Flip-Flops you name I  probably have it. Speaking of which I need some more sneakers for school. When is saw this pair....I could.not.resist. THe screamed my name, and demanded I buy them (despite only having $30 in the bank). I typically avoid completely flat shoes, as being a flat footed person, my legs ache horribly after a couple of hours in them. Weird I  know. But its worth the laying in bed for the rest of the afternoon.

I love love love love love love these shoes. Almost as much as the shoes in the last post. Which was also another "could.not.resist" purchase.

My sister is going to flip over these.
Nah nah nah nah nah.

Snow Day

Truthfully there was only one point where I saw actual snow flakes coming from the sky, but for the most part the sky threw down hard pellets of ice, that morphed into snow once it hit the ground.

Thankfully our side of town, didn't see the 8-10 inches our beloved weather peeps predicted. No power outages, but neither were we traveling the town.

So the dogs and I played in the snow, than cleaned the house, did home work, read a book, played in the snow some more....my house is so quiet with out my bouncy golden girl. I sent her to her new home on Thursday, and the house just hasn't been the same since. She was a full fledged "teenager" and really was a lot of work, on top of school..but I'm actually missing the work she was. Truthfully this week has been one big disappointment after another. But I'm working to turn these lemons into lemonade. Who knows what next week will bring.

So I used those lemons and bought.... :)

My family has been complaining about my coat selection, I have two wool double breasted coats, that have been...shall we say, well loved. Or at least they look as if they do. Once these coats get lint on them its almost impossible to get it out of them! Unless there is some special tip that I haven't found just yet. (Lint rollers do not work) So I dropped by JC Penny's Thursday before work, and found this super cute coat for $30 and I came across this cute pink and black polk-a-dot  slippers as well.

..ok and I also bought a new scarf, another purse, two new cell phone covers...a book..or 5....and probably purchases another camera tomorrow. (HeY! ITs a GrEaT deal!)

Its called Therapy.

And also another reason marriage is not in my immediate future.

Share my money!?? Yeah Right!

LOL.