Monday, June 11, 2012

New Reads:


I've been catching up on my reading lately and one of the books I've been reading is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I know I'm a little late to the game, and that there's a whole movie out and everything now, but I've been struggling with whether or not to read this book for over a year now. I picked it up once at the bookstore because I had heard a lot of people talking about it and read the cover but it just didn't seem that interesting so I put it down. And then I heard even more people talking about it. And that got me thinking maybe I discounted it too early. I mean, if that many people are crazy for this story, maybe it isn't that bad. And so just like every other book that blows up, I decided to give it a shot (that's how I read Twilight. Remember that, Rim?) Still not sure how I feel about it yet. But I hope it's decent because as with every trilogy, I'll have to read the other books just to find out how the story resolves, whether I like it or not (that's how I read the rest of the Twilight books, btw). 

If you don't know what the story is about, and really, how could you not, here it is:

"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before -- and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love."


Friday, June 8, 2012

Happy Weekend:

[photo]
Happy Friday, everyone! What are your plans for the weekend? I've fallen a little behind on my reading goals for the year so I'm planning on holing up and polishing off a few books to catch up. And we've got a long run planned and some laps to swim. There's also this great Indian/British grocer nearby that we want to check out. I've been feeling a little out of it lately but I think some sunshine and good food would be just the thing to give me a little boost.

Also, the 2012 Visa Gymnastic Championships are this weekend! Coverage starts tonight from 8-10p on Universal Sports. If you don't get that channel (like us), you can watch the webcasts. They're also from 8-10p and are available here. It's in St. Louis this year so if you live there, keep a look out for girls in warm-up suits and glittery hair. And if you see Nastia Liukin, try and snap a photo for me.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Dear Blank, Please Blank:

Looking for a way to kill a few hours? Check out Dear Blank, Please Blank. It's completely hilarious. And completely addictive. So make sure your schedule is clear because it may get you into trouble.

Here are a few of my favorites:












Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Let's Shop:

Time for another edition of our favorite pretend shopping game, Let's Shop! This time, we're shopping LuLuLemon, our favorite place to score running gear:


Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Bates Crates:

My Bates Crate finally came! We've been riding our bikes to the pool and back three times a week and look how great my crate looks sitting pretty on the front of my bike like he owns it. And oh my, the convenience! It straps on so it can come off easily and accompany me through the store as a basket. And that cup holder! Genius. I've gotten so much use out of it already. So, to sum it up: pretty much, I'm in love.



Monday, June 4, 2012

The Big 29:

On Saturday, Andrew celebrated his 29th birthday.
As promised, here are some pictures from the big day. A requested a laid-back, no frills day of eating and hanging out. So we went for an early morning run, took a long mid-morning nap, chatted it up with family, and spent the day eating all his favorite foods: quinoa tabbouleh, Greek salad, homemade chocolate chip cookies, diet Coke with vanilla from Sonic, and carrot cake (from scratch!)





He got new running shirts, a gift card to get new prescription sunglasses (for our beach trip), and of course, the coolest present of all time: tickets to see Steve Martin play his banjo later this month!

So, Happy Birthday to Andrew! I'm already planning next year's celebration (it's the big 3-0!) I've got some fabulous ideas, I can't wait to share them. It's going to be great.




Friday, June 1, 2012

Happy Weekend:


Why is it that 4-day work weeks always seem to take forever? I thought the weekend would never get here.
It's the first weekend after the official kick-off to summer. What are you going to do with it? Andrew's birthday is Saturday so we'll be eating lots of good food and doing whatever he wants. Sounds wonderful. I can't wait.

And maybe next week I'll finally get to share what I got him for his birthday. Because it's kind of awesome and the secret has been driving me crazy!

Have a great one. XOXO.