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I hadn’t heard of Love Anthony from anyone, but happened to find the book because I had read two other books by the same author (Lisa Genova) earlier in 2015 and really enjoyed them!
Love Anthony follows two moms, Olivia and Beth, as they wade through marriage issues and struggles with children. Beth, dealing with martial issues, seeks to reclaim herself by reclaiming her love of writing. Olivia, whom is newly separated and seeking to deal with the loss of her son, starts taking photos on the island of Nantucket. It is through this photography business that the two women meet, and a friendship is born. Love Anthony follows both of their struggles to heal and understand. Each of Genova’s books centers around a different diagnosis, and this book explores what it’s like for the individual, as well as those around that individual, to be diagnosed with autism.
A few quotes I enjoyed:
“I loved your love because it kept me safe and happy and wanted, and it existed beyond words and hugs and eyes” (p 302).
“Why couldn’t they do that? Why couldn’t they hold on to each other and block out the world? Why couldn’t they surrender to what they couldn’t control? Why weren’t they brave enough to celebrate a life that included autism? She wanted to, and she thinks she eventually got there, but it took her too long. Just as she was ready to dance, the music stopped playing.”
“Time’s a funny thing, bending, warping, stretching, and compressing, all depending on perspective.”
I really enjoyed this book! For my review on goodreads, this is what I said: Maybe 3.75- it took me a long time to get into the book. I read the first quarter and then put it down for a few weeks before picking it back up again. I think the author does a great job of sharing the impact that autism has. I really love this author, and so enjoy the way she weaves medical issues into stories- it’s such a great source of education! This book had me up at 2:40 am crying at the end. It’s definitely worth the read!
If you’d like more book reviews or suggestions, check our my book reviews page!
Happy Friday to all of you! This week’s nail polish is OPI’s Muir, Muir On The Wall from the 2013 San Francisco Line:
This is a deep plum with a darkish maroon shimmer in it and it is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. It’s so rich and shimmery and lovely, and I can’t believe that it is now just entering my life.
Here are some random facts from the last week:
This past weekend I tried insomnia cookies for the first time! I’ve heard about this place for far too many months, and when I finally went out to dinner down the street with one, we decided that we needed to go after dinner. It was absolutely delicious, and straight-from-the-oven warm! YUMM!
Earlier this week the “feels like” got down to around -15, so I pulled out my Cancun mug and made peppermint hot chocolate in it!
I started “Hart of Dixie” last week on Netflix. I don’t love it like I loved Friday Night Lights or Gossip Girl, but it’s still keeping me entertained at night! Have any of you seen it yet?
I had been eyeing this “Best Day Ever” Confetti travel mug at Starbucks for the month leading up to Christmas, and, even though I didn’t tell her about it, Melissa got it for me! I think every morning needs to start with a bit of confetti, don’t you? 🙂
Berries were CHEAP this week so I stocked up. YUM!!
I filled my car up for $1.58 per gallon this past weekend- AMAZING, right?
Now it’s your turn to share! What color nail polish are you wearing today? What’s your favorite travel mug?
I honestly can’t believe that this is only my third winter with my bike trainer. I love the fact that, no matter what the weather is like outside, I can get in a great cardio work out in a form that I love (biking) whenever I want!
Last weekend we had an ice storm, so I didn’t even want to go outside to walk. So, I took to my bike trainer, thinking I’d bike between 20 and 28 miles. I’m a lot lazier about fueling and hydration when I’m indoors, so I hopped on my bike without eating yet, and spent the first few miles eating a banana and catching up on the news.
Then I decided to turn a movie on and pull out my Kindle. I’d been reading Attachments by Rainbow Rowell for the previous few days and wasn’t enjoying it too much (I felt like it was dragging), so I hoped that biking while reading would liven it up a bit… and that I could finish it while on the bike!
I hit an hour and a half and was still feeling good (the weekend before I had done an hour and a half ride, and it had been my longest ride in three months!), but I hopped off to grab a quick snack, but ate it back on the bike! My first movie ended and I started my second, still feeling great. Since I decided to try to go long, I didn’t add in any sprints, but did stand up a few times while biking (I feel like it’s much more difficult to do on the bike trainer). I hit two hours and at that point realized that I had enough pages left of my book to get me a new PDR, and I was committed!
To be honest, I didn’t love the book (I gave it a 3 on goodreads), but I’m glad that it gave me an excuse to bike for a bit longer! By about mile 31 I could tell that my body was getting restless, and I wasn’t used to that amount of saddle time anymore! I committed to finishing the book and then hopping off, and as I finished the book I hit 34 miles. DONE!
I immediately hopped off and mixed up some muscle milk before stretching out my stiff muscles! I also got some planks in as well!
I’m happy with my new PDR on my bike trainer (my road PDR is 70 miles), and can’t imagine me biking much farther than that on my trainer- that would be quite a bit! I guess January weather is still good for something!
Now it’s your turn to share! Do you challenge yourself in January with anything?
Disclaimer: I received the 2XU Hyoptik Compression Tights to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
Oh how I love compression gear, and wear my calf sleeves and compression socks several times a week for runs, during recovery times, and to help manage my POTS. I’ve often remarked to friends that I wish I could get a compression body suit since I love compression so much (I mostly get stares or eye rolls in response to this… haha), so getting to test out these 2XU compression tights was absolutely fantastic!
I wore them for the first time on Christmas day. My family spends our day through mid-afternoon in Christmas PJs, and then change as we head out on a family walk. I wanted to give these a try in some cold Minnesotan weather, so I put them on, and I’m so glad that I did. They were TRULY AMAZING, and I ended up not taking them off all night! Yes- in our family picture for Christmas day I am wearing these tights! haha. I also rang in the New Year wearing them!
On a walk in Minnesota. I love the reflective lines that the tights have as well!
I’ve worn them multiple times a week since then for all sorts of activities including running, walking, pilates, recovery, and a 4 hour car ride. I’ve also worn them outside when I shoveled six different times in a winter storm we had in Minnesota, and I was warm and toasty the entire time! They have been amazing no matter what the activity has been!
I honestly don’t ever want to take these 2XU Compression tights off, and look forward to putting them on after my longer work outs! I definitely put them on after I set my new PDR on my bike trainer last week!
Recovery at its finest!
Some important information:
The website includes a sizing chart. I was pretty much exactly on the edge of the small and medium sizes, and decided to get a medium. This was the right call! The first time I put on the tights, I thought that they might not fit over my thighs and hips- they felt TIGHT! They weren’t uncomfortable on the walk though, so I figured that they were just that way. They’ve definitely gotten a little easier to pull up, but I think it’s mostly because I’m used to them now. Don’t let that scare you away!
I think I need more pairs so I can wear them every day! I absolutely adore these pants, and can’t believe I’ve lived for so many years without a pair!
Follow 2XU on Twitter @2xu_usa, #RunHyoptik, and #bibchat. You can find more products like this on the 2XU website!
Now it’s your turn to share! Do you use compression gear during or after exercise?
Happy Friday! Due to some computer issues, I didn’t post a nail polish post last week. So, this week I’m sharing the last two weeks of nail polish here! Last week I wore a polish that I’ve been looking forward to since last spring- Essie’s Midnight Cami!
I wore this polish three weeks in a row last January, and I’m so excited to finally be wearing it again. This week I chose to throw some silver glitter on top- I love the look!
This week I’m wearing Essie’s Berry Naughty:
I’ve wanted a deep berry color for a few years now, and when a friend gave me this color for Christmas, I immediately swooned! It’s pretty, isn’t it? I think it would’ve done better with three coats, as some of my fingers feel a little thin…
Confession: I am really missing Hallmark Christmas movies. I can’t help but enjoy them, especially because it’s so cozy to watch with white Christmas lights on at night! Hallmark is making a series of winter movies this year, so I’m excited to have more cheesy movies to watch!
Now it’s your turn to share! What’s one random fact from your week?
Disclaimer: I received a Buff Thermal Hoodie to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
I went to bed knowing that the temperature was supposed to drop a good amount overnight, changing the rain to snow and ice. I woke up in the morning with a yard covered in snow, and everything covered in a nice layer of ice. Yuck, right? I saw that my car and garbage can were both encased in ice, so I bundled up warmly to start on the task of cleaning up from the storm. The first thing I grabbed to put on was my buff thermal hoodie! This was the scene that played out this past weekend…
If you’ve followed my blog for the last few months, you might remember what a huge fan of Buff I am, even wearing it during a week of hiking out West (like climbing part of Pikes Peak and hiking out at Custer State Park). So, when I was given the chance to try out this hoodie, I immediately signed up, figuring that I would love it.
I WAS RIGHT! The first thing I noticed about the hoodie was how soft it was! I was planning to go on a walk the day after it arrived, so I immediately packed it so I had it when I met my friend after work.
The day that I wore it the first time it was in the low 40s and slightly windy. It slid easily over my head, and the merino wool “neck warmer” part was really comfortable. It wasn’t itchy or uncomfortably tight at all, which was excellent! The hood has enough room that it still stays up easily with a ponytail or bun, which I also appreciate it!
AND IT IS WARM! Like I said, I’ve worn it out several times, even through temperatures in the single digits, and my head, earns, and neck have been toasty warm!
I love that the neck warmer can be used two ways: it can be a double layer neck warmer, but the innermost layer can also be pulled up over my face as well for extra protection!
Amazing, am I right?
The little tassle things sometimes bounce around a bit more if I’m running, but it’s honestly not bad, and if that’s the only “draw back” I have, then I’ll absolutely take it!
The thermal hoodie is absolutely becoming one of my “go-to” cold weather articles of clothing for cold weather, and I’m looking forward to using it during runs and walks as I train for my spring half marathon. I’d definitely encourage you to get one of your own as you stay active through the winter months! You can find out more about the Buff thermal hoodie on the Buff Website.
You can also find them the following places: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Now it’s your turn to share! How might you use a buff hoodie? What’s one of your favorite winter accessories?
2015 was such a big year for reading, and I’ve loved sharing some of my favorite books from the year with you! Here is my book list for the fourth quarter of 2015:
Mockingjay: I had read the other two books last quarter, and finished this audiobook while biking at the start of the 4th quarter! I enjoy reading them each year.
The Hypnotist’s Love Story: I gave this book approximately a 3.5 on goodreads. I didn’t love this book the way I’ve loved Moriarty’s other books, but I didn’t dislike the book either. I definitely felt the suspense throughout the book!
You’re Never Weird on the Internet: Meh. I enjoyed listening to this as an audiobook during a car trip (to Rock’n’Roll St. Louis!), but it wasn’t my favorite. That being said, I didn’t feel like it was a total waste of time.
The Knockoff: I absolutely loved this book for what it was (a book for enjoyment, not because it was a truly amazing book). I enjoyed the characters and the balance of intertwining the past or the present.
Leaving Time: A Novel: You can read my thoughts on this book here.
Columbine: One of my favorite books from this quarter. Words are difficult to find when it comes to this book. It was both utterly fascinating and heartbreaking, and well worth the read.
Glitter and Glue: 3.75- the story was sweet, but nothing deeply amazing. It served its purpose in entertaining me through hours of raking leaves in my yard.
The Cinderella Pact: I read another book by the same author back in April or May, so I was looking forward to a book in the similar style. Again, this book isn’t amazing, but it was a fun story during a busy time at work!
Why Not Me? I LOVE Mindy Kaling and was so excited to listen to this audiobook (read by her!). I would absolutely suggest this book.
Better Than Before: Mastering The Habits of Our Everyday Lives: I really enjoy Gretchen Rubin, so I was thrilled to be able to listen to this audiobook as well. This book might sold a number of “ah ha” moments for you, and help you explain why you do what you do!
The Entitlement Cure: You can read my review of the book here!
Yes Please: I had started Amy Poehler’s book back in March, and then set it aside because other holds kept coming in at the library for me. I really enjoyed the book, and gave it a 4/5 stars on goodreads!
Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things: I listened to this audiobook in the car over Christmas break, and enjoyed it quite a bit!
Wedding Night: This was a sort of a ridiculous book, but I like the author and was looking for a quick book to read to finish out the year.
Love Anthony: I really enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to sharing a full review of it soon with all of you!
And that brought me to 80 books for the year!
Here are my other book lists for 2015: 1st Quarter Book List, 2nd Quarter Book List, 3rd Quarter Book List
I can’t believe it’s after Christmas week already! I’m sitting here, next to a Christmas tree covered in white lights, watching a Christmas movie, and thinking about my last month a bit. It was definitely the busiest month of the 2nd half of the year, but it also had some beautiful moments. So, since I’ve shared a lot less on the blog this month, here’s a bit of my life lately:
Final day of Hanukkah! Beautiful.
A box of cranberry bliss bars for a dessert party. DELICIOUS!
One weekend it was 60 and humid for my run, the next weekend it feels like 10 degrees. Brr!
Candy Cane covered donut. YES PLEASE!
Disclaimer: I am receiving 3 months of Bulu boxes for free to review as part of my partnership as BibRavePro. I just received my first box and am excited to try out all the treats inside!
No matter how busy the days are, I take some time to turn off all the lights in my living room and, even just for a few minutes, be still and breathe.
So that’s a bit of my life lately throughout the Christmas season.
I’ve done a 2015 in Running and 2015 in Biking Post, but I thought I’d do a generic 2015 in Review/By The Numbers post as well! I’ll do a quick month-by-month, followed by the numbers (because you all know I’m crazy about numbers! 😀 )
January: I technically bought my new car on Dec 31, 2014, but I didn’t take it out on its first drive until the 1st, so January was new car month! I set a new PDR on my stationary bike. I also set my word for 2015: Peace.
February: Started meeting weekly with my Mexico team, and enjoyed getting to know them! I found myself realizing I actually sort of like winter– surprise!
March: Left for Mexico at the end of the month!
April: The first week of the month I spent in Mexico (Mexico: The Real Cancun, Chichen Itza, and On The Beach in Cancun)- the rest of the month was spent on trip wrap up and trying to catch up on sleep!
May: Indy Mini Race to start the month! I also went Marco Island, Florida with my cousin, and we got our own private dolphin show!
June: Back to biking on the road, my low key summer schedule starts, and I find my new house!
July: Kick off the month by going to Kansa and Missouri to visit my cousins for 4th of July. I also visited New York City and officially moved into my new house!
August: I went out west to visit my brother, and we hiked… A LOT. I finally got to climb part of Pikes Peak (The Incline) and hiked at Custer State Park (and quietly past some buffalo!), and headed back to work at the end of the month.
September: Absolute whirlwind month at work with a ton of changes. This was my peak training month for my fall half marathon!
October: I ran the Rock’n’Roll St. Louis Half Marathon, as well as running my fastest 5k in the past 2 years!
November/December: These months are a blur with work and trying to fit in exercise, time with friends, and reading into the mix. I got to be with my family for Thanksgiving and Christmas, which I’m really happy about! I did get a new tattoo!
Ok. Now onto numbers:
- Running: 227 miles
- Walking: 362.7 miles
- Hiking: 33.3 miles
- Cycling: 1,105 miles
- Total Cardio: 1,728.1 miles (total milesage last year: 1,690)
- Total minutes of planks: 250:15
- Races Run: 11 (8 in person, 3 virtual)
- Books read: 80!
- Number of promotions at work: 1
- Number of times out of the country: 1
- Number of states visited: 13
So that’s my 2015 in Review. I’d say that the year was definitely successful, and I’m happy with all that I accomplished and the fun I had with friends this year!
Now here’s to 2016!
Now it’s your turn to share! What was one of your favorite memories in 2015? What are you most looking forward to in 2016?
Happy New Year!!! A few weeks ago I did a 2015 in Running post, so I decided to do the same (or close to the same) sort of post for biking. I also did a 2014 in biking post last year (and one in 2013 as well!), and I love looking back to see where I was, and where I am today. While I started to bike again after an 11 year hiatus in 2012, and 2013 was the year where I stepped it up in the biking department, 2014 is where I really settled into a solid biking groove. In 2015 biking was a stability for me that I couldn’t previously imagine.
Best Race Experience? Sadly, I didn’t do any sort of racing in 2015, as I didn’t do a triathlon this year. I’m really hoping to do one in 2016!
Best Bike Ride. It seems almost cruel for me to have to choose just one or two rides, as all my long rides this summer were really fantastic. My three favorite rides were: Biking in Lanesboro (a ride I did in Minnesota), Biking to Mackinac Island 2.0 (this was one of my favorite rides last year too!), and my 70 mile PDR to celebrate my birthday!
Bike on Mackinac Island
Best new piece of gear. I don’t think I actually got any new gear specifically for biking in 2015. I got a tank top biking jersey in the fall of 2014, and only got to wear it a few times last year, so this year I got to actually enjoy it! I guess one new thing that I carry on rides- a pepper gun (as opposed to pepper spray- this “gun” is a lot stronger!). I guess the pepper gun would have to be my new piece of gear. haha. Safety first, right?
Best piece of biking advice received. Do more bike sprints in the off season! It’s something I definitely think would be helpful for me to do more often!
Most Inspirational Biker: I still don’t really have one… (this has been my answer every year!)
If you could sum up your biking year in a couple of words, what would it be? Breathe- Be Still! I guess this seems like a funny phrase for an activity that is clearly not “still”, but biking is often the time in my life that feels the most free to me. My brain feels like it is more still and at peace while biking than almost any other moment in life- I think all the fresh air and nature contribute to that!
Most exciting biking moment of 2015. I think that maybe my 70 mile bike ride was the most exciting moment! I remember feeling so proud of myself that I could hop on a bike and, in a spur of the moment decision, choose to bike 70 miles. That feels impressive to me 🙂 hahaha.
A few stats from my outdoor season:
- I biked in 5 states: Florida, Minnesota, Kansas, Michigan, and Indiana
- Times I was almost hit by a deer: 1
- I set a new PDR of 70 miles.
- I biked approximately 600 miles outside this summer.
- I had countless moments of feeling truly thankful for everything that biking has given to me.
- I biked through water for the first time in my “flooded bike ride“.
This year I biked just over 1,100 miles, and I really feel like there’s nothing to feel disappointed about for this season.
Now it’s your turn to share! Do you have a favorite biking moment from 2015?
