Summer Reading

I think I mentioned the obscene amount of books I lugged around on our vacation. (I think I'm the last person in the world without a Kindle).

I was always a big fan of the summer reading program at the library and with the pool sitting and car rides that summer brings (yes, I lead a hard life), a book close by is always a good thing.

In no particular order -

Confession time. I haven't finished this one. The first two in the series were great, but this one lost me. Its a lot of swedish names. A lot. They really started running together. I'm debating with my inner nerd on just spoiling the ending on wikipedia so I can watch the movies when they come out.

That being said, the first two are great, and maybe you'll have better luck. I did enjoy the 23 names MS came up for this one. "How's the Girl Who Burned Her Arm?" "Where's the Girl Who Fell in a Quarry?" I'm easily amused.

I grossly underestimated the amount of travel time I would have. Once I started making it through my stash of books, I had to jank one from the hotel library. That's what they're there for, right? I'll consider this the Greek thank you for doing my part to strengthen their economy. Clearly I wasn't that helpful. I digress.

I remembered this title from a Lifetime movie, and that was familiar enough for me. It was awesome. The book, I can't speak for the movie. Although I will be hunting it down On Demand soon.

While I was doing all this reading, I figured I might as well read something beneficial. I really enjoyed this one. The first few chapters get repetitive, but it gets better towards the end. Some of the examples are cheesy, but isn't every relationship book? Or maybe I'm just reading the cheesy ones. It basically drives the point home that men and women have different needs. I won't spoil the rest.

Just to make sure I felt like a total failure on vacation, I picked up the Dean Karnzes 50 in 50. I was dissapointed to read the whole book and got not one shaving tip. Don't his legs look silky smooth?

I really enjoyed this one - MS even read it! It is unbelievable what he is able to do. He spends a lot of time trying to convince you that, yes, you too can run 394 miles at a time, and that he is just another below average runner. Color me unconvinced, but entertained.

Nicholas Sparks. Need I say more? Cheesy. Unrealistic. Made the time pass quickly. Also stolen from the hotel library.

This was a recommendation from the in-laws. His books all seem to run together for me, but then again, I've never read one I didn't like. This particular one did make me think Grisham is a Christian - which would be new info for me.

So closes the chapter (haha) of Summer Reading part one. I'm trying to read more and watch less Housewives of _______, but I'm always out of the literary loop.

What are you reading?

Phone Dump

It's been a long week. And this is about how I feel.

But, we are now facing the weekend head on.

News good enough to make you want to dance on a table. Even if some people roll their eyes at you.

But, we do need strap this on and get a long-ish run in. For multiple reasons.

The least of them being things like this happening all week.

No fear, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I think we can all agree this makes running altogether worth it. Don't you worry, my fridge is stocked.

And really looking forward to some good company and postrun recovery at the pool this weekend.

Friday Special on Saturday

Last weekend we helped host a couples shower for Rett and Haley.

Aren't they adorable? She almost makes me want to give up running completely and only do pure barre. I tried not to stand next to her most of the evening.

We decided catering was the way to go, and what better than Taziki's Friday Special? Nothing, that's what. I think I ate on Friday Special until Wednesday.

The girl who picked the order up works for Jim N' Nicks, so we also got some cheese biscuits. I didn't ask too many questions.

Kegside was a popolur location.

What good party doesn't have an afterparty?

It might not be quite the same as the old days, since we had to get up for early service and all, but we had a great time seeing a lot of friends we don't see often enough.

We also rocked the prom pose while seeing how frizzy and greasy my hair can get in the span of one evening.

We are looking forward to the wedding in three short weeks!

Victory Dinner

Remember March Madness? I do. Even though it was a whole season ago, I remember beating Matt's bracket and earning a date night planned by none other than The Mayor himself. Friday night I decided it was time to cash in.

The taste of victory is sweeter out of a mason jar.

My cute date. He let me snap pictures while we waited on our garlic bread. The food came and the photo session had to end.

I had the choice of a movie or wine and music on our roof. I had to choose the former (latter? I still don't get that phrase).

Which meant Namath got to join us. He was very confused as to the purpose of this evening, but soon found it in pooping directly under the glaring spotlight of the street lamp.

Doesn't he look skinny? Or skinnier?

MS planned a great date night. I'm ready for next year's tournament!

Come Away With Me

It's pouring buckets outside and while I should be grateful for the rain, since we're in the midst of a massive drought, rain on a Friday night kind of puts a damper (haha) on my plans. So instead, I'll revisit sunnier days.

After leaving Santorini, we boarded the ferry for Naxos. It was a shorter trip, just two hours, and the perfect time to do some reading.

I had to take a picture of MS reading a book, rather than a Men's Health periodical.

Finishing up book #3, a recommendation from the in-laws.

Good thing I wrapped that up, because they all but throw you into the water with your luggage. These people don't mess around with getting you off the ferry as soon as possible.

Lowering the ramp before we are even at the port.

I was excited to immediately see the doorway to nowhere, the most famous landmark in Naxos.

Where does it lead to? Who knows?

Naxos is a much smaller less tourist driven island, and the food was amazing. The woman that cooked this dinner had been around the kitchen for a while, and you could tell.

This was how all the wine was served - no wine glasses here.

The view on the walk to the beach.

My more free spirited husband was already talking about retiring here.

All I could picture was the logistical nightmare that would be and couldnt we just vacation here instead? I mean, they don't even have Bravo....

But after a few drinks at the bar, it made perfect sense.

They're even prepared with retirement age activities.

We loved the walk to the beach everyday.

We even found a souveneir for Grizz. They would be fast friends, don't you think? Customs would probably be an issue, so we left him there.

Our last night in Naxos, we went back to Nikos. I was desperately trying to convince myself I can wear my hair wavy.

MS got the fish, and I ordered the lamb with red sauce. Once MS tasted it, it was all I could do to get a bite. I believe he said it was one of the best things he's ever eaten. I'm sure I'll be whipping this up any day now.

It's really hard to pick a favorite leg of our trip. Seeing the historical sights in Athens was incredible, Santorini was breathtaking, and Naxos was gorgeous. But something about those last few days on the beach, leisurely dinners and clear waters really make it hard to beat.

Guess I better go up my retirement savings.

Hot Dog

Sunday night we took Namath to a dog play date. Generally, he doesn't fare well at these events, but it makes me feel good to get him out to see the world. And owning a pet is all about me, right?

While the big dogs ran around the yard, Namath spent his evening on the porch, stalking the back door in search of a way into the air conditioning. He actually did make his way in once, and had the nerve to make me chase him all around the house in order to get him back outside. He knows what's up with the AC.

By the time we got back home he was exhausted.

Hours later, when he was still breathing heavy, we decided it was time to take further action.

The iced towel seemed to do the trick.

Where was he with my iced towel on my Saturday run? So selfish.

Move Over Jason Derulo

I was ridin' solo this weekend. Don't judge my blog title. I spent a lot of time with these ladies and am considerably dumber as a result.


Before I got too involved in Alexis' dress line and Tamra's restraining order, I spent Friday night at the neighborhood park listening to the Alabama Symphony. I went with Matt's parents, who know way more about music than I ever will. Did you know each piece of a symphony was called a movement? I didn't, and I don't think I can blame that on Real Housewives.


I went for a long run Saturday. I almost tricked myself into thinking I was as cool as Skinny Runner and thought of taking the camera just in case something interesting happened.

Spoiler: This was about as interesting as it got. Imagine she's blonde and not running in the desert and this about sums up my morning.

There are few dissapointments a pedi can't at least make a little better. Especially a pedi coupled with wine.

It seems everyone had weddings or vacation plans this weekend, so me and the Grizz mostly entertained ourselves. Which was fun for about two hours.

After going back and forth all morning about going to Sunday School by myself, I was so glad I did when I got to see a friend from high school whose blog I stalk because her little girl is the most precious thing I've ever seen.

I'm all about safety, but I was thrilled that MS arrived home in record time. And not just because he surprised me with Chianti and Snickers.

He's learned a few things in the past 7 months.