Book Club Friday: Fifty Shades

I'll admit it. I jumped on the bandwagon. I waffled back and forth about whether I should read the Fifty Shades of Grey series that just suddenly popped up all over the blogosphere. I read reviews. I read news articles. And then I took the plunge. 

And within four days I had read all three books. 

Yeah. Once I picked up those books I couldn't keep myself from devouring them. Ok, I know what you're thinking about my reading them. I'll say that as a blogger there really wasn't ever the option for me NOT to read them because all my buds were discussing them! I wanted to be part of the crowd! 

What I didn't expect was how much I would really enjoy the story. Don't get me wrong, the sex is steamy and Lord knows there's a lot of it. A lot. More than humanly possible. Direct Quote from Mrs. Monologues: "How does she not have a bladder infection??" But what kept me coming back for more was the relationship between Ana and Christian. He with his sketchy past and his flawed self worth and watching her blossom and evolve to become the person he needed to drag him out of his destructive cycle. There was also a lot of humor in the books and I love it when an author can weave humor into a serious story line. 

Well, the caveat to this review is that the books are not for everyone, but if you aren't going to be incredibly offended by the copious amounts of sex then go for it I say. And maybe your husband will thank you for it :)

I leave you with this incredibly hilarious skit from SNL...and the fact that I was very happy I had a kindle while reading these books *blush*.

Have you read Fifty Shades yet? What did you think?

Well, 40 Isn't too Shabby?

How many have you done on this list? I think I'm off to a decent start!

1. Started your own blog -- obviously or no one would be reading this :)
2. Slept under the stars -- Definitely, my family was way into camping when I was a kid.
3. Played in a band -- Does being in chorus and marching band count? I think so!
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower -- this is actually one of my favorite memories - my Nanny and I stayed up until 3am and laid out under the stars to watch the meteor shower one year. It was awesome!
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland world -- Yes, several times. 
8. Climbed a mountain -- I don't know about "climbed" but I've definitely "hiked" a mountain :)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo -- more than I can count! I was in chorus in high school and college, sang with my church choir, performed the national anthem a few times and sang at both my middle school and high school graduations :)
11. Bungee jumped -- 
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm -- It's Florida. We get those a lot.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning -- yep and it was miserable.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables 
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill -- Who hasn't?
24. Built a snow fort 
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping -- *raises hand shyly*
27. Run a Marathon -- half marathon?
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse -- I think so?
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset -- So many - though many more sunsets than sunrises.
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise -- I think I've been on 5 now?
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community 
36. Taught yourself a new language 
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing 
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke -- Too many times!
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing -- a couple times!
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling -- I've snorkeled in the Keys and in St. Thomas!
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater 
55. Been in a movie 
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies -- no but I've bought plenty :)
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma 
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check -- sadly. yes.
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial - I visited all the monuments when I lived in DC :)
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt -- My Nanny made me a quilt for my high school graduation, I helped her put it together :)
73. Stood in Times Square -- soon!
74. Toured the Everglades -- We did this on our honeymoon!
75. Been fired from a job -- Not pleasant.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle -- I've been a driver on a motorcycle! I've been riding dirt bikes since I was about 11.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car -- Bought and paid for now :) 
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper -- I'm from a small town, this isn't a huge feat :)
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve 
86. Visited the White House -- I didn't go in...but I was there!
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating --  do fish count?
88. Had chickenpox -- mine were the worst and I gave them to all my cousins!
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury 
91. Met someone famous -- I've met a bunch of NFL players and I have a picture with Melinda Doolittle from American Idol!
93. Got a tattoo 
94. Had a baby 
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone -- again, who doesn't?
99. Been stung by a bee

Twenty Eight

As I type this I'm completely floored by the realization that I am twenty eight years old. It's a bit surreal and what's weird is turning 25 didn't really bother me and I was honestly so busy at 26 & 27 that I never really thought too much about my age.

True story: last month I seriously couldn't remember if I was turning 27 or 28 and had to subtract my birth year from 2012 to get the answer :) My husband had a great laugh at my expense for that one.

So I guess that's why I'm surprised by the impact 28 is having on me.

Maybe it's because it means I've been out of high school for 10 years. Or because someone called me "ma'am" at a social event last week. Possibly it's because I'll be celebrating 6 years of marriage this month. It could even be due to the fact that while I love my life and wouldn't change a thing, it's nothing like my 18 year old self thought it would be like.

Well that's enough introspection for a Wednesday - here's a list of things I'm proud to have accomplished in my 28 years:

• College graduate - GO NOLES!
• Married to my high school sweetheart and an amazing man
• Working in a fulfilling career in my field
• Homeowner
• Aunt to Liam, Ellie and Ryker
• Living in a city that I love
• Surrounded by great friends
• Sound relationships with my brothers (this one took some work)

I know I'm lucky to have a list like that and I am grateful for everyone who's helped me get there. I love my life and everyone in it - thanks for making this life an adventure :)

Today...

Is my birthday...

That is all :)

Review: Overseas by Beatriz Williams

I was contacted recently by a representative from Putnam Books to review an advanced copy of Overseas by Beatriz Williams. This book is Beatriz's first published novel and it received many accolades before it was snatched up by Putnam, after having read it myself, I can attest to Overseas being worthy of great praise.

Katie Wilson has made a huge effort to keep her nose to the grind, pay her dues and survive her three year apprenticeship at a prominent financial institution on Wall Street - this meant keeping herself focused and avoiding the distraction of relationships. This method had been very effective, that is until she attracts the notice of Manhattan's most eligible bachelor, Julian Laurence, in a business meeting. She is startled by the intensity of his affection and can't seem to comprehend what it is about herself that draws Julian to her. There is no way for Kate to know that Julian's love for her transcends all boundaries of time and reason. 

In this tale of romance, time travel and chivalry at war with modernity,Williams weaves an enchanting web of intrigue through her careful crafted characters and their endearing love story. 

Overall I really liked this book, I'm a fan of all things romance and I really connected with both Kate and Julian's characters. There were a few pieces of the story that I felt could have been developed more completely - the title of the book for example is a reference to a poem Julian wrote, but the poem is not offered in its entirety in the book. But on the whole, it's a great story and I highly recommend it!

It's available for pre-order now if you're interested with a release date of May 10th!

*I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the publisher. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.

Sweet Dance Moves

Did you know that my dear sweet husband and I have been taking dance lessons for nearly a year?

It occurred to me that I haven't really talked about it much even though it's been such a big part of our routine and our relationship as of late.

It's been a ton of fun and it served a couple of different purposes for us.

We used our lessons as a built in date night so it forced us to go do something together at least once a week. As we approach our wedding anniversary next month, it's hard to believe we've been husband and wife for nearly six years. We've grown so much as individuals but we've managed to keep a strong hold on our relationship throughout.

Dancing put us both a bit outside of our comfort zone - for DH it was hard for him to get used to being the center of attention. Dancing puts you in the spotlight for scrutiny. For me it was about relinquishing control. The man is the leader and the woman follows. As an extreme Type A, this was very difficult for me as you can imagine.

Dancing is also a very intimate activity. You are in constant physical contact with your partner and you get used to noticing the small movements and cues from their slightest movements. My husband is an excellent partner and getting to experience his "leadership" for these months has been a wonderful experience. 

You can't help but feel excitement when you're out on the dance floor and a sense of pride in showing off the product of the months of lessons. I feel confident. Sexy. Accomplished. But most of all grateful that my husband would spend the time (and frankly the money) to do something so outside of his comfort zone just to make me happy. 

But I guess that's really what love (and marriage) is all about, right? Putting the needs and desires of your spouse right up there with your own dreams. I have loved every moment of our lessons and will cherish the shared time with my dance partner for the rest of my life. 

Because, a smile like the one he's giving me in the photo above is worth every penny we spent and every minute of our time. I love that my husband still looks at me this way. Like I'm still that 15 year old he met at band camp :) 

Reason #212093 That I Have the BEST Friends

Because when we do something - we commit to it! Here is an email transcript of a conversation with my dear friend Meghan last Friday:


Meghan: 
Dear Madam, At this time I am inquiring to see if thou has had a package delivered to you on my behalf.  While I do not mean to pester I am very intrigued in the procurement of this item.

Best Regards,

Meghan

Me: 

Dearest Acquaintance, It is my pleasure to inform all interested parties that said item has arrived in good condition and is currently residing in my personal conveyance. As I have made arrangements to abscond to the countryside this eve, how wouldst thou propose procuring the aforementioned item from my person?

Your servant,

Jessica 

Meghan: 

Oh joyous me! I shall be journeying to “Dicks Sporting Goods” with our fair acquaintance Tia soon after the stroke of the 5 o clock hour. Would thou be able to rendezvous for but a moment of time?

Much appreciation,
Meghan

Me: 

My domestic canine, Harland, will be accompanying me on the exodus from this township, therefore I must request an educated query of your arrival upon the good merchant’s establishment? 

Meghan: 

I shall  call upon you whence my departure from the Dixie-Land has commenced.
I do not foresee great busiment along the path I plan to travel, as many have gone forth to celebrate the death and revival of our lord and savior Jesus Christ {sign of the cross} Amen.

Deepest regard to you and your family,

Meghan

Me: We have an accord.

Meghan:

But alas, the plot has thickened . . .
The fair Tia was able to voyage to the city centre far earlier than conspired.
Hence, shall I stop by your residence on my way eastward?

Me: 

Fair maiden,

This revision to our rendezvous is agreeable. I will hasten to my residence so that I may receive you properly.

Good day,

Jessica

Short hand: Meghan had something mailed to me at work and I need to give it to her. 

Synopsis: We are dorks :)