Over the past couple of years I have fallen for memoirs, Id say they are my favorite type of book to read. While I lived in Tuscaloosa I checked out a lot of biographies which turned me on to other people’s life’s. Not necessary about famous people or even peoples name I had heard of. I just found an interest in life that is shared well on pages. On my way to the check out with a stack of these very books in my hands I saw a book that said “Me Talk Pretty Someday” and I loved the title so I added it on top of my pile. Little did I know that David Sedaris would make me laugh so hard or turn me on to the world of memoirs.

Finishing “Heres to Hindsight” by my friend Tara Leigh Cobble, I felt like I knew her worlds more than I did before I picked up the book. Now, I don’t say my friend to drop a name by any means. Its funny how I actually met Tara Leigh… I got a copy of her CD, loved it, shared my love with Carla and then went to a Sandra and Derek show and saw her at a show. We talked a bit, offered her a place to stay that night and kept in contact over email and what knots on the internet. So shes a long distance friend but a friend none the less.

Tara Leigh’s story is a honest one, about the life she has taken on as a musician. It talks about the importance of community (probably my favorite part of the book) in ones life. And of course, about boys and how they leave a mark in one’s life. Between the lines of all of this she talked about the artwork that God used all these different funny to serious things in her life making it to what we know of her today. Tara Leigh is a 20 something but I don’t know if Id think of this as a 20 something sort of book. Sure it talks about college and about big choices in life a 20 something would have to make, but once you move pass that, its just about life. Its about faith and what that means in life. Not life as a general term but the everyday, relationship, good and bad stuff. It didn’t feel like Jesus was being pushed down any reader’s throat but it also didn’t put on a show to make you like what she had to say. Sure she wanted it to sound good so people would read her book, but it wasn’t a forced good. It felt like I was reading one of her blogs and heard her voice in my head as I read her words. I don’t think her voice would of been as present if it didn’t sounds like her on the pages.

Being the part I enjoyed the most in “Heres to Hindsight” was on community I leave you with a quote from the book that I keep reading over and over again, hoping just maybe it will sink a little.

“When I began to realize that maybe this whole notion of “community” wasn’t just about me having friends…maybe it was about them feeling loved too. Maybe that is the way that iron starts to sharpen iron – the initial contact. Maybe I wasn’t just getting a community, but getting an opportunity to serve a community, to love people back, to love them just because they are humans like me, with their own broken hearts and insecurities and fears about the future.” -Tara Leigh Cobble

Last year had a lot going on. So much in fact I can barely remember most, if any, of the books I read. It wasn’t very many which is such a shame, so this year I’m gonna make up for the fact I didn’t read nearly enough last year. As I’ve said before, I usually have two books in progress non-fiction and fiction, I’m not sure if this helps me or keeps me from completing books. I’ve tired to write books down to track how many I read and what I think of them, but about mid-year that notebook or page gets lost somewhere. This year, I’m going to record my readings on my blog, since its pretty much always on the internet. Im also will try and keep my current readings more up to date than I have.

Book #1: Cam, Cool and Adjusted by Kristin Billerbeck

This is the third and last of the Spa Girls series which focuses on the character Poppy. Three best friends who live in Northern California sharing their lives through jobs, men and God and of course the spa to retreat to. Poppy is the very ‘Santa Cruz” of the three girls, which is present through out the books with Clark shoes, crazy diet and patch worked skirts. She’s the not the typical chick-lit girl you’d find in those brightly colored books (though I don’t like the cover art of Poppy because clearly the artists didn’t read the book or else they’d know it isn’t Poppy at all. Other than her hair color so boo to that.) Out of the three books I like how the middle book (about Morgan) is written the most, I don’t know why. I really loved Lilly’s story, probably because I felt like if I could relate to one of the Spa Girls, it was her. Even though I like how I didn’t see parts of Poppy’s story turning out how it did (I would say but I don’t want to give it all away) or even if I agree with it, that’s what I loved about Kristin’s first series, Ashley Stockingdale. Personally, I got more attached to Ashley than I did to the Spa Girls, maybe it was because there is three books focused on her where as I only got one book focused on these other characters. Not to say I didn’t enjoy the Spa Girls, they were a good chick-lit; drama filled with lots of girly references and interesting characters. I think its hard to close a series like this, so maybe Poppy’s story was harder to write because all storylines had to come to some ending, where as the first two books where merely moving the story along. All and all I enjoyed reading about crazy food eating and advice giving Poppy, though I would of picked the other one for her.

Finally made my way to the birth place of the one and only Mike and Kari relationship, Family Christian stores. I’ve been wanting to at least see the place that they met for some reason. Completely different than what I had pictured in my head for the stories. But I went in there to see if they could help me put back together my bible. You see, my bible is seven years old and has been everywhere with me. I still know what page shampoo somehow leaked on in my pack on my trip to Thailand. I have pressed flowers in there from Hungry. A pound from England a friend gave me that I use as a book mark in proverbs. A photo taken in the 50′s by my grandparents of Yosemite. Along with a few photos of my Jr Highers from a couple years ago. This bible has many memories for me if you cant tell. Even the front has a name tag of mine that’s from when I helped with 6th grade. My bible is in their hands for two weeks as they see how much it will cost me to put my precious book back together.

Now, the next thing I did was just a big mistake. I knew I should of just stuck to the original plan of dropping off my bible and walk out. But no, I had to walk around and see all the Christian retail items I know so well (Christian bookstores are really all the same). I wondered over to the Christian fiction section to see if Kristin’s new book had been released yet. No dice. But I did see another book by an author who I will not name, who I have ranted before about. This author should not be writing chick-lit. Write a novel or whatever kind of fiction book you’d like but do not market it as a chick-lit! Which she (or her publisher) is doing because the cover, I actually liked but knew better to be fooled! Even the tag line wasn’t something that should be on a chick-lit book! Just because chick-lit is “in” right now doesn’t mean you should write it! If you don’t have the chick voice or understand a chick-lit basic story line then please stay away! So many exclamations because it just drives me crazy to market a book something that is not. Then I also made the mistake of seeing what is out in the Christian music world. Before I got more worked up I left the store, stomping my feet just a little.

Today I read both the New York Times and News & Records. Mind you, the NYT was from yesterday (a perk working at Starbucks, old newspapers at the end of the day are officially trash) but still read it. Enjoyed an article on photography and this guy making a lot on photos he leaves the shutter open for a long time. But I actually enjoyed News & Records more, and here is why. I normally skim the business section, if that because normally there is nothing in there that interest me. But today there were a couple of great articles that I enjoyed quite a bit about repairing iPod companies and Disney cut backs. I don’t know if this reflex poorly or not on me. What I do know is that I’m sticking to my goal of trying to read the newspaper more. Gold star for me.

I recently listened to a Lauren Winner interview, which hearing her voice still weirds me out. You know how when you read a book and picture the author’s voice in your head. But when you actually hear it, it sounds nothing like you thought? Well, that’s how it is with me and Lauren. Even knowing what her voice sounds like I’m surprised everytime I hear it. What I like about hearing her speak is that she talks a lot like how she writes. Making my girl-crush on her grow even more (but not as much as Kari’s).

The last interview I heard she was discussing her newest book “Real Sex: The Naked Truth About Chastity”. I forget how it came up, but she was relating two things God asks of us as Christians. Learning how to curve the discipline of our sexual desires. A friend of hers had talked to her while she was writing “Real Sex” about a spiritual discipline we are called to do as Christians, fasting. As someone who just went through her first fast not too long ago I understood the connection she was making. If we can tell our bodies no to food, which is something we need as means to survival, then why cant we tell our bodies the same to sex before marriage? If a person never has sex, they will still live. But if they say no to food, that will after a while kill them.

Lauren brought up this point because sadly, the church has given this idea to young people that sex is bad. Giving them the scare tactic instead of actually explaining why we wait. When a person fasts, telling yourself for that time that food is bad is missing the whole point of the discipline. You are turning your desires over to God, relaying on His strength to carry through the hard times of it. To use that time you would be preparing food or eating to be with Him. Usually too there is an understanding you are trying to grasp with this discipline. Like when the Jr High group did it a few weeks ago, we were trying to grasp a tiny piece of what millions of people go through. Though, we know where we know were our next meal is coming from and those people we are fasting for don’t.

Now these are just my thoughts in what Lauren said, I’m not quoting her (you should hear the interview) by any means. Just sorting through my thoughts I had while listening her ideas on this subject. Comparing two disciplines we are called to as a believer in Christ. Two that I probably wouldn’t of thought to connect, but it makes easier to understand them. The desires for each (food and sex) are very different things, but the idea of saying no to both can come from our strength or God’s strength. Which is a basic understand of Christianity, turning our lives over to God, but braking it down to help our minds to wrap around this amazing mystery that we love about God.

Apparently the weather reads my blog. It rained today instead of being sunny, even though I did say Easter afternoon is when I was going to spend time in the sun with a book. Still was enjoying this lovely weather but of course it rained on my sunny parade (pun intended).

I wrote my last post to turn to my frustrations (there was a pile of them last night, some still remain) to something no so consequential (or something that cant flight back). I read my current book “Cooking with Mr. Latte” to cheer myself up a bit. My mom asked if Id cook Easter dinner since she has to work I don’t. I’d said I would. Discussing the menu last night turned into a very frustrating conversation that had me close to just not wanting to do it at all (Lovely attitude, I know). As silly as this is, the book helped take me to a better cooking place. Love the comfort that books can bring me; even in the smallest ways.

On my way to work this morning I put in Andrew Peterson’s news offering “Appendix A” (demos and remixes and live songs). It started off with one my favorite of his songs “Land of the Free” and when it gets to the part of the song where it goes “because I’m feeling pretty good in Tennessee” then it brakes off to clips of different recordings of Andy singing the different towns he had played that song live in. He said “becasue Im feeling pretty good in Tuscaloosa” and tears swelled up in my eyes. I’ve been missing what part of my heart calls home lately, more so the relationships I dearly miss. Just hearing the name had me on the edge of tears, bringing feelings forward I didn’t know I had. Then I went on to listen to “The Things About Airplanes” to which the line “I’m sitting next to this over dressed man but I only want to be sitting next to you” and I think about how I miss Jason. Then my thoughts carried to my dad had mention wanting to listen to this new cd (he’s Andrew Peterson’s newest biggest fan) and how he doesn’t get to take plane trips with his new job. His new job is different of course (whole sale vs retail) but it doesn’t seem to be liking it as much as any of us thought. And my mom had to get a part time job too because of the pay cut. I think of the changes my family has had to go through the past few months and how this are still adjusting. My mom probably would of been a bit more understanding with my suggestions of dinner items. Most of her arguments about not sticking to traditional dishes was the practicality of the costs and dishes. She’s more tired with a job on her feet all day, making it very different to come home to a well rested mom instead of the calm housewife. I’m in tears trying to pull myself together before I reach my parking lot having to head into work. But I’m thankful for the tears because I don’t know if I would known of my feelings without them. Lets just hope Andy doesn’t make me cry every time I listen to his cd or else I’m just gonna be a teary mess.

Finally got around to reading “If You Can See Me Now” by Cecelia Ahern. I have been a fan of this author ever since judging her book “P.S. I love You” by its cover in Costco. I still love her first as my favorite of the three she has written but I enjoyed “If You Can See Me Now” more than “Rosie Dunn” (which has now been renamed to “Love, Rosie”).

“If You Can See Me Now” is about Elizabeth who has taken over the role of parent to her 6 year old nephew. And I’m realized giving a summary of this book would give a way things Id want you to find out for yourself from reading it, so no summary but just know, I stayed up one too many nights reading this book.

What I like most about Cecelia’s characters is how relatable they are. Elizabeth is lonely, has past things to deal with and understand herself. You grow to care for her and the other main characters in the book, which I believe is what causes the not wanting to put the book down at night problem.

So if I was giving stars, I would give this book a 4 probably. Its different than other fiction books when it comes to a storyline. The storyline traveled quite nicely. Main characters were great and personable. It was an easy read, could of sit down in an afternoon and read it, which is only its chick-lit type feature. If you have yet to check out Cecelia’s work, this book would be a great one to read. But then again I’m wanting to reread “PS I Love You” after this.

Wow, where did this week go? I can no believe tomorrow is Friday. Most people look forward to the weekends, and sometimes I do. For instance, last weekend I was really looking forward to it a lot cause I was off work for the first time on a weekend in forever. And I got to do fun things (and I will finish my sleep-over story soon). Maybe because its late and I’m a bit tired, but I cant recall what I did with my time which is a bit dis-concerning. It feels like it was a productive and good week, so I will settle my lack of time spent with that feeling that seems to be resonating.

Tonight I drove down to San Diego (longest drive for Gwen yet) with my friend Hayley to see Don Miller. This is the second time I have gotten to see him speak/read, I snuck (crashed, which ever way you wish to view it) into a conference he spoke at Christmas time a year or so ago. I really enjoying putting a person to all these writings I had been captured by. Hayley and I both bought copies of Don’s newest book “To Own a Dragon” which released for sale today (or so we were told. Jace got his from amazon.com a few days ago). We chatted a bit until both of us wanted to dive in a little into the book. I went straight to the chapter on girls where Hayley took the more practical step of the first chapter. While we sat next to each other and read silently waiting for 8 o’clock to roll around I was tapped on the shoulder. A girl who was reviewing the evening said that had heard we didn’t attend this school (we were at Point Loma. I must say, felt strange to be on a college campus again. It for sure has a vibe I haven’t felt in a long time) and would like to interview us. That was fun because the last time I was interviewed for a paper was for Carla, which I don’t know if she counts since we lived together after all. I gave donmillerfans.net a little exposure and voiced my love for Don’s books.

Nothing Don said shocked me, even if I did think “I cant believe he just said that”. But half the time, its what a lot of people are thinking and just don’t say. Its one of the qualities a lot of people like about his writing. His honesty in still asking questions about a faith he has called his own for many years. Apparently a couple weeks ago he was at this same college guest speaking of sorts for the writing department. I thought how cool would that be to talk with Don about writing. That’s really what makes or brakes a book for me: a voice. Not just any voice, but a relatable and strong voice. This is what I’ve read and been told in the author circles I keep. You need to have a voice, whatever kind of voice that is and have passion behind it. Don has hit that nail right on the head for me which is the main draw for me, along side the deep honesty. His witty humor is quite helpful too. I like laughing during heavy stuff. He also talked about an authors view point of the whole Million Pieces incident, which is interesting to hear from someone on the inside book loop and all. I liked that he used the word “bookdom”. That’s an awesome word.

To me, its like spending a short time with a friend almost, though I know lots about him and he very little about me. That must be very strange for someone who writes about their life. At least it would be for me, which in part could happen on this blog (all you lurkers, show yourself!). I look forward to reading “To Own a Dragon” soon. I noted how thin this book was compared to his others which kind of sadness me, so I hope another one is around the corner. Don said something about the next book being about Adam and Eve mostly which excites me cause my favorite chapter of “Search For…” was on them. Both of the times I have met Don, there is just this joyful presence that you cant ignore or help to take with you. And of course his books to remind us of a different way to look at faith we far too often take for granted.

This morning I randomly picked the chapter titled “Christmas” in Lauren Winner’s first book “Girl Mets God”. Holidays make me happy and I thought with her wit writing would feed me some truth while making me smile. The chapter actucally talks about her not going home for Christmas, her sister being mad at her for doing so, her recently broken up boyfriend spending thier planned trip to New England with his new girlfriend leaving Lauren feeling very alone. Her main reason for not going home was “I just cannot bear to spend this Christmas tense and overly polite and all the other complicated ways that families are.” (and dont we all understand her there. I actucally skipped church this morning becasue of that very reason.) She goes on to talk about putting up icon picture of Jesus all over her bed room wall. She talked to them, at times yelling at them “Do something, make me feel better!” Then she goes on to say to them:

“You are supposed to be enough,” I tell the icon. “That you came to Earth is supposed to be enough. Even if I never go to New England again, even if I never plan another trip with somebody, even if I never feel happy for one more mintue, that you came to Earth is supposed to be enough.” I glare at my icon.
“And,” I say after a mintue, “it is enough. It actucally is. If this is all I ever have, this glimmer of knowledge that you were born in a manager, that really will sustain me.”
“But”, I add, “I really hope it doesnt have to sustain me.” I really dont want it to be just me and the icons for all these Christmases forever.

Now, I know she is more dealing with being lonely there, but she actucally vented her hurts to God. I have a big hurt right now that I feel I havnt broughten before God enough. Reading that, I wondered maybe I should scream at God, but then again Im not made at Him. Im mad at myself for somehow screwing up so dang badly. I told Jason all of this and he asked me:

“What if God told you that you are not in fact screwing up?”

Me:”Then Id counter that with the question of “Then do something about it. Or at least show me how to do something about it. Becasue I feel like Im failing at this aftermath.”

Funny thing though, I knew I would. I knew the moment this all went down that Id fail in how to handle it. Im not suprised at where Im at, but yet I dont know how to deal with it. Or make the outcome better as my Dad keeps asking me to do. Sitting here trying to find the positive side of the hurt is very hard for me to do. I have to move one stone at a time and the first one seems rather heavy.

“So much for celebrating Jesus’ birthday. I am more like the child who spends Mother’s Day demanding to know why there is no Children’s Day, not understanding that Children’s Day is every other day of the year.”

On a lighter note, I am being very cross-culture this afternoon. For lunch I am baking some orange chicken (Chinses) while snacking on some chips and salsa (Mexican) waiting for the chicken to be ready. I think its a good meal to help prepare me for one more closing shift for my so needed day off, dont you?

When you go out looking for your copy of “She’s All That” by Kristin Billerbeck today (about stinken time) the covers maybe a bit confusing. All over the internet (amazon.com even) has this as the cover photo:

Do not be miss lead. This is not the final cover! This is why I am here, to help guide all of you. The colors are close but do not go out searching for a cute chick with a handbag.
Well, I have yet to see the actually on the book on a shelf to whether or not know whether the correct cover is out. Just the same, you are to look for this cover:

Good thing my only day off is on the day the book is released. Knitting will have to be on hold while I consume it over the next few days. If only it was cold enough to build a fire and sit in front of it with a warm drink and read. Its October and I want my fall!

My new Andrew Peterson cd came in the mail while my family from Canada visited my house this afternoon. I did not listen to it (as much as I was dying to) but I did open it up and read the liner (proud, Jace?) notes. I am now listening to a couple of songs before I brake open “Through Painted Deserts” to pass the time while the dishwasher finishes its nosey cycle (still on the couch). Despite the symptoms of the flu coming on, it was a wonderful evening wrapped by wonderful music and a good book. Two of my favorite writers keeping me company after a lovely evening of family company.

Jason and I have been teasing each other about having our foots in our mouth in conversation with each other. My mom asked my dad’s foot was tasting the other day and he said “Be better with salt.” Now its all fun and games till you get of the teasing zone and actually stick your foot in your mouth. Which of course I did today, there are few more awkward places to be.

While at camp Jace sent me a very caring care package. One of the things in it was Don Miller’s reprint of “Prayer and the Art of VW Maintenance.” It was only appropriate that he give it to me since he gave me a copy of the first print of this book when we first started dating (the day after actually). Its on my to read pile (more so shelf) since I was told there are new additions to this story. Did anyone know it was coming out? I was surprised to see it still there in the box with other fun things. Don’t spoil the fun for me if you have read it and know the new things.

Last week was a very long and hard week. I felt myself many times wanting to slip into hermit mode again. I fought ever urge not to and the days went by (badly) but I made it out. It mainly had to do with work, it just flat out sucked. Short staffed (new people do not count as real workers!) plus the whole state of Arizona escaped the heat by being a tourist here equals very grumpy baristas. That’s all I really want to say about that because rehashing it out wont help anything. Id rather stay in my happy place about work and stay there to get myself through the summer (aka Frappuccino hell).

Speaking of the heat, it was bad. Now, don’t yall down there in the south jump on me how hot it was there. I’ve been there, done that. I couldn’t believe the cry babies I share a state with last week. I would of liked to of shipped a handful of them to the sticky south so they’d understand truly what hot is. But for folks who pay good money for 70, ocean breeze weather year round, we did not get that last week. The main difference between my living places in the south and here is one thing: air conditioning. I lived through a hot Alabama summer only through having the air on all the time. My family does not live in a house with air, this fact I did not know till this summer. My mom just opens the windows and says “natural air conditioning”. Thus, adding to my bad week with it being so hot I couldn’t sleep, so I was tired or grumpy most of the time. Today its rather nice, bit warm but its summer, I expect warm just not hot.

On the shopping front (this seems to be a bit of a theme lately which I’m unsure if its good or bad) yesterday I was on the hunt for shorts. I own one pair. With summer camp quickly approaching I will need shorts, but for some reason only jeans to be on sale (ironically of course). In my hunt for shorts (I did fine one pair – brown) I ran across a really cute Kenneth Cole wallet. I have been looking mostly on eBay for a checkbook cover (my plastic one from the bank is falling apart) but all were too much for me to pay for a checkbook cover. I almost bought a cute Lily pattern one but I couldn’t bring myself to pay 7 bucks for it. So when I spotted this wallet (with checkbook cover) for only 10 bucks I couldn’t help myself. I’m not a Kenneth Cole girl by any means but its far too cute. I may have to name it and post a picture of it. Also, I ordered a make over for Marla, its in the mail and should be in with a few days. That was free, gift from my mom because she thought they were cute, and helps protect my laptop.

My projects today have to import most, if not all, my cds into iTunes. My that is a task. Since Pinkie is a mini iPod she can not hold all of my songs. Which is totally fine, I have just come to the point where I’m tired of dragging my cds around in my car or having to hide them so no one breaks into Hope to steal them. So I’m going to be investing in an iTrip soon probably. Just a reminder, I am not an apple girl, PCs all the way. Also, I have downloaded all of my transactions from my online bank statement into Quicken to make sure I haven’t missed anything over the past year. Can you believe I’ve been back in Ca a year? I cant really. But I feel such the geek girl having computer projects all afternoon. And tonight is the first meeting of the Starbucks bookclub, adding to my geekyness. I think it will just be my coworkers since we didn’t widely advertise it (our store is small so we don’t really want to) but that’s fine. It will give us a chance to talk books, discuss Rosie Dunn. I plan on wearing my “Reading is Sexy” shirt tonight to it. That doesn’t help my case does it?

Upcoming events: Caedmon’s show on Wed. I’m ditching youth group for this (shame shame). I’m not as excited as I was a year ago to see them. Basically, I don’t have high hopes, I’m going for old time sake and to met Casey. I think it will be a fun night if just to go to a concert which I haven’t done in quite a while. Jason and I are trying to plan a trip for him to come out here so we can decorate with the help of IKEA his new apartment. Very exciting. Bridget came today so a Bridget movie marathon might be in order. Oh I just saw Bride and Prejudge, wonderful biollywood movie cept I don’t like how Mr Darcy was casted. Ready for August to be over and September to come. Gilmore Girl reruns are gettin’ old.

I’ve travel a lot over the past year, all but one flight taking Southwest. I adore this airline due to the comfort of knowing its system. Last flight, as I have said, I felt like I was cheating on someone that had done nothing wrong but not given me a free flight on which I flew. But I am back again to my comfort zone in sky on my first ever fully booked flight. When they say full booked, they meant it. There’s usually always that middle seat between me and the isle person (I’m a window girl) but not this time. He kinda keeps leaning over on my side too. Hogging both arm rest is just not okay to do. In protest to this I pull out my laptop and write. Marla needs some air.

My mom treated me to the newest issue of In Style magazine with the adorable Kate Hudson on the cover. I don’t read magazines much these days, unless someone at work brings in People, I tend to read that on my breaks. But always feel a big guilty about reading so much about people’s lives I do not know. Then again, some of you reading this may be doing that very thing. Difference being the people I read about are famous and the one you are is not. In Style doesn’t get down to the dirt of who slept with who or who dressed badly while carrying Starbucks in hand. It’s simply, more about style. But on the other hand, the interviews with Kate or Kenny Chensley, neither really to do with style. Sure there’s the twist of Kate’s lifestyle and how stylish it is. Or the main feature on the newly wed Kenny is his Tennessee home and how he decorates or styled it.

In Style is also not embarrassing to carry around, at least not to me. Where as if you carry around People or the likes, there is judgment taking place silently by some near you. Sure, some are going to judge me about wondering what summer shoes are hot, but they are welcome to do that. I love shoes, so sue me. Talking over last minute wedding festivities with Sarah yesterday trying to pack in the-less-is-more method I worried about the amount of room my shoes would take up. She commented “Oh no, are you turning into a shoe girl, Alisa?” Yes, yes I am. I have will-power against buying every cute one that catches my eye. Heck, even just the other day Robbies was having a sale on some Steve Maddens (my weakness though I don’t own a pair. I have carried around a pair two sizes too big because they were just too cute and way too on sale not to even think about it. Call me silly all you want, I do not care.) but I couldn’t even talk myself into these $40 heels. Even if they had been the very pair I drooled over on my friend’s wife not even a month before wondering where she had gotten them. So Im do not need a 12 step program or anything, I just like shoes. A lot.

Back to the magazine… advertising has been fascinating me as of late. I mean, when did Judy Jettison make a come back? I mean I don’t remember when that show went off the air, but it’s been a very long time and I don’t remember her being a style icon. But she’s got two placements in just this one magazine alone with two different companies. I guess all I can say is ‘Go Judy’. I have no desire to color my hair; have no plans to until those ugly reminders that I am older of grey pop up. But there is a great cut shown in a color hair product advertisement that I do plan on ripping out and bringing with me next time I get my hair cut. Props to them. Also, word of mouth has talked about this lotion that is safe to wear every day which has a small douse of tanner in it. I thought it was a great idea when I heard about it but now seeing it and the company that makes it, I probably will treat myself to some next time I have spare cash. I think I’ve bakes my body enough this summer and it’s only the end of June. Final one I’ll push has to be the Walnut and Apple salad at McD’s. I actually discovered this tasty thing with my Grandma during the free red eye ticket adventure couple months back. Who would of thought sugary walnuts, red and green apples mixed with sweet yogurt would be such a wonderful thing? Next time you want to treat yourself (I’m all about that aren’t I?) in the food department head over to McD’s, grab it to go and eat it in a park. Much better senoray than the smells of hamburgers and fries surrounding your trying to be healthy snack.

Now that Im safe and sound, down from circling the skys waiting for nasty thunder storms to seattle down and a three hour drive from Maryland to Cville, I am going to get some beauty rest.

I can offically say I like “Worlds Collide”. She used the word “damned” in a Christian book. Maybe I judge the CBA too soon.

It was only appropriate that I finished “Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing” on the day I actually go fishing. I got a little too emotional with this book than I thought I would. The ending left me wondering but not caring. I like to care about my book characters and I never got fully attached to this one. Only reason I picked up this book is because in one of the many articles written on chick-lit it said this was on the first.

I am here to tell you that “Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing” is not a chick-lit book. Parts of it reminded me of Carrie’s character from Sex in the City but I think that was merely the fact she lived in NY during that part. Other than that, it was a fine book, I have nothing bad to say about it, just a good read. No more, no less. But whoever marketed as a chick-lit needs to stop.

Currently I am in the middle of “Worlds Collide” which at first constantly reminded me of the Plumb song, matching titles and all. Alison Strobel, as in Lee, is the author and this is her first novel. Im only half way through it but its safe to say that I recommend it. I discovered something with this book, I need to stop looking for something new in the CBA.

I stop enjoying the writing, voice, story, whatever which is really missing the whole point of a book. After my last try at Christian fiction, Im always very weary. But let me not step onto that soap box. Its been said you could hand this book to a non-Christian, but I think it be too much like handing them a track in form of a book. But, if they are warming up to Christianity, then go for it. Or simply looking for a good easy read, pick this book up too.

Totally off the subject but Im watching Late Night while writing this and that hp commercial keeps coming on. I always stop and watch it, its just too pure genius of a commerical not to. But I encourage you to read a book over watching late night tv any day.

I just balanced my check book after pay some hefty bills. I put my checkbook back in my purse and think how nice a new handbag would be. Youd think Id learn after balancing my checkbook and seeing the lower and lower the balance got, but no. I get on ebay and do a search to spend money I do not have (I did not buy anything, just looked). I have just decided that Ebay is evil by having cheap bags just to taunt me with! Speaking of Ebay, I got Bridget Jones 2 off of there not too long ago and awaiting its arrival. A little Bridget would cheer up my money blues. Who could not be happy with Bridget is around? This might force me to go read the book the movie is based on, which I haven’t read yet. But then I don’t get the pleasure of seeing the silly boy fight in the fountain. Or Colin Forth for that matter. Also, I want to work on knitting a two colored hat I certainly cant do that while reading now can I? Oh, I know, I will go see if I get a cheap audio book off of eBay. AH! See! Vicious cycle. Evil Ebay.

A long over due update of the books Im reading. Sadly, I have read and finished books that didnt even get a place on my blog. And I havnt started “Worlds Collide” or “Can You Keep A Secret” yet, but I surely will on my trip. This is why it takes me forever to get through books, I read 5 at once.

Fair warning, as is the title, there will be spoilers for this book. Hard to write what one would call a review without doing so.

When I picked up Kristin’s first book “What a Girl Wants” I admit, it was for the cute, Lily Pulitzer inspired cover.

But once I started reading it, I had found what I wished the Christian market would have carried for years. A real, related able character! And I’ll admit it was mainly that Ashley Stockingdale (the books heroine) had the sass you don’t find in Christian fiction. She mocked a little at the Christian culture, especially singles group. And especially, engineers. You don’t hear about good Christian girls having ill feelings towards a size two young girl. Books tend to gives their characters the “way a Christian should respond” which isn’t real. It was during my single season that I feel in love with Ashley. Over the books I have found myself growing, as Ashley has, moving from single to a dating relationship and working on my walk. Just like Ashley, with coffee in my hand and God’s word in the other.

I get asked a lot when talking about Kristin Billerbeck’s (if youre just tuning in, shes the author) books, what chic-lit is. “Chick lit” is a slightly uncomplimentary term used to denote popular fiction written for and marketed to young women, especially single young women in their 20s, working in the business world. It was spurred on (if not exactly created) in the mid-1990s by the appearance of Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary, Melissa Banks’s The Girl’s Guide to Hunting and Fishing, and The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Krause.

That’s a pretty safe definition. Another way to look at it is that Jane Austin has been called the Queen of chick-lit. Some may think that’s absurd but I think its accurate.

Ashley’s tale starts with her planning her wedding with her fiancé’s sister, Emily; the southern bell from hell. I had read a little about what to expect in this book and Kristin had said at one point she was unsure of Ashley would get married in the end. *Gasp* a Christian book with a romantic story line not ending in marriage? That’s unheard of, especially for a character like Ashley who wants to get married. It was nice to get to know Kevin’s (the fiancé, Hugh Jackman on a good day look a like) family and his relationship with Ashley. All we get of him in the last book is that he accepts Ashley, the screwed up mess that is Ashley and her shopping fetish. I especially enjoy the little bit where Ashley threatens a barista at a local coffee shop that she will go to Starbucks if he doesn’t give her more espresso and he calls her on her empty corporate threat. I was sad to see so little of her best friend, Brea. She does have two young children and those type of mom’s tend to disappear in our lives time to time but I liked Brea. She was Ashley’s voice of reason for a lot of things (though she was anti Seth and I didn’t like her for that).

“With This Ring, Im Confused” takes you on an adventure of dealing with in-laws who want everything accept your option on things. Dealing with hardship that come with close friends, this time Ashley’s room mate, Kay. Ashley has people telling her not to marry Kevin. Her ex comes to work at her company (that made me laugh). I was wondering all the time if they would end up at the alter (kind of like I did with “Shopaholic Ties the Knot”). Kristin said that she likes romantic endings but she has to be true to Ashley and she may not get married. Real spoiler: Im really glad Ashley is married. Im glad its not to Seth to whom I originally wanted her to marry and whom she dated in her second book “Shes Out of Control”.

All and all, I like that Ashley is married. I wish some of the sub plot lines would continue. I missed Brea very much in this book, she was in it very little. I want to know if Kay continues to date a non-Christian. Arin and Seth got married because she got knocked up. Yeah quite a few dark endings to a lot of the stories but you know what, they are real endings. As Christians we don’t want our friends to end up on a bad road but it happens doesn’t it? So staying true to the realness that is any of Kristin’s books, darkness kinda has to be there. Also, her romantic writing background sung through on this ending and Ashley’s swoony moments over Kevin. Not too mushy at all, it was just perfect for me. I am sad to see Ashley’s story end but it wouldn’t be chick-lit if we went on to read about her raising kids dressed in Lily and Ashley with a Coach bag. I look forward to the Spa Girls, but that leaves summer wide open.

Nevermind next month the last Ashley Stockingdale book comes out, I can wait for these to come out! (I have a funny feeling how Ashley’s story ends and its not how I want it to, so Im going to pout. Yes, over a book character. Im allowed!)