Five Things You CAN Say to a Pregnant Lady

Happy Friday!! 

Still no baby, but instead of complaining about that, I'm going to take this girl's advice and enjoy these last few days to the best of my ability.

Anyway. You all remember this post, right? Well, Anna pointed out that I should do a post of things you CAN say to a pregnant woman, since apparently almost every comment gets old or annoying. So... in light of the recent pregnancy epidemic, I thought I'd share:

1. You can do it. DO NOT EVER SHARE YOUR STUPID BIRTH HORROR STORIES. EVER. EVER. EVER. Instead, be encouraging. If you really thought birth was that bad, keep your trap shut. Don't tell me how you screamed throughout the entire delivery. Don't tell me how awful it was. Instead, be encouraging. Tell me that I can do it. Tell me how rewarding it is. Tell me what an amazing experience it was for you to finally meet your sweet little baby. I could go on for days about how much it pisses me off when people tell me about how awful birth was. Put yourself in a first-time-mom's shoes. She is probably nervous and a little scared. Do you think you're making it any better for her when you tell her how awful your labor and delivery were? Look. We are under no illusion that giving birth is easy, so just shut. up.

2. Your belly is so adorable! Do not comment on size, large or small. All women carry differently. I know it can bother me when people tell me how tiny my belly is. Chances are, a pregnant woman feels anything but tiny. If you think she's huge, don't insult her and tell her that. And never, EVER ask if she's having twins.

3. You look so radiant/ you are glowing! We probably feel a lot like a bloated, swollen whale, so it's nice to hear that we look radiant. If you can't say this and sound genuine, though, it's best to skip it. I don't want your pity!

4. You're going to be a great mom. Ummm this is probably one that you want to save for someone you actually know (because how awkward would it be to walk up to a random pregnant lady at the store, tap her on the shoulder and say, "Excuse me, but you're going to be a great mom. I can tell by all the oreos and pop tarts in your shopping cart." Just... don't). But if you know someone well enough to tell them this, please do! I know I sometimes get discouraged and think of all of the things that I could be doing better, and all the things that I can't do in the first place. I'll never be the mom who has freshly baked cookies for the kids when they get home from school - that's just not me. Does that mean I'll be a bad mom? Absolutely not, but when hormones are raging, it's REALLY easy to think of all the things you're not going to be the best at.

5. You look great! It's always good to hear that you still look like a human being instead of an elephant, so if you see me at the store and want to tell me how great I look, I will never pass up a compliment! HA!

In other news... Blogger Book Club! In case you've forgotten, the book for this month is 1984 by George Orwell. We will be linking up our reviews on Tuesday, May 27th. In order to give you some time to get the June book, we are voting on it now. Genre is paranormal. Vote below by Next Friday, May 23rd!

What paranormal book should we read for June book club?

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Gone by Michael Grant

Soulless by Gail Carriger

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

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All about the Panties.

Good morning and happy Friday!! What do you say we talk about that one time I dropped my underwear on a crowded bus? 

Once upon a time (you know it's gonna be good, because it starts like that), Alyx was in college. She lived in an apartment complex full of handsome young men with hot bods (I didn't know my husband yet, so it's okay to say that guys). 

psh, yeah... Channing Tatum lived there. Except not.

Alyx rode a shuttle bus to school most days because she was too cheap to pay $500 a semester for parking. Unfortunately for her, many of the hotties with bodies also rode said shuttle bus. Normally this was not a problem, but one morning it was. 

You see, Alyx had just finished her laundry and was running late. She threw her laptop and books into her backpack, and sprinted out the door. What she didn't know, however, is that a pair of pink, lacy, polka dot panties had also made their way out of the apartment. 

She made it to the bus in time, and, out of breath, took a seat behind Mr. Sexy Face. As she sat down, Mr. Sexy Face turned to her, held up the panties, and said, "Ummm. I think you dropped these." 

....At least they weren't granny panties?? 

Please note that this is my "most embarrassing moment" (at least the most embarrassing one that will find its way to the interwebs), and I'm linking up here (even though I've failed at this whole "blog every day in May" thing). 

In other news, the book for this month's Blogger Book Club is 1984 by George Orwell. Go out and get a copy from your local library and read along with us, why don't you? 

Psh. You KNOW I Can't do THAT!

blog every day in May, that is. Obviously I've already failed since I didn't do May 1st's writing prompt. And we all know that this baby WILL be here any day, so that's an automatic fail, too.

Oh, hey... speaking of which, does anyone want to make my blog less boring by entertaining the few people who actually read this blog? As in, does anyone want to do a guest post while I'm going through labor? It doesn't have to be baby-related (actually, people will probably love you if it's not, since I'm, ya know, gonna go a little crazy with the baby-related ish here in about 2 weeks). Email me. 

Now for the actual purpose of my post:
That's right, the challenge that I won't actually complete (and have already failed). Day two's prompt is this:

Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at. 

People, be prepared to be shocked and amazed - I am good at rambling. It's hard to believe, I know. I mean, you'd think you didn't just read that whole long spiel up there about guest posts. 

You should hear me on the phone - I have a gift, really, I do. 

Oh, you know what else I'm good at? Reading. I love to read. What's that? You do, too? Okay, well go ahead and vote for the book for Blogger Book Club during the month of May. Please and thank you. 

What classic should we read for the May book club pick?

The Great Gatsby

The Hound of the Baskervilles

Great Expectations

1984

www.poll-maker.com

Oh, and just an FYI, Amanda is going to be helping Kim, Kaylee, and me out with book club while I go take care of this little human I've been growing for the past nine months. She's a total life-saver. Word to your mother (and your brother, every other undercover tellin' you what to say...)

Legend. [April Book Club Book Review Link Up]

Happy Tuesday!!! 

I hope you all have been enjoying some gorgeous spring weather, wherever you may be! Here in Nebraska we finally got a hint of spring and I absolutely loved it (never mind the fact that it's going to be in the 40's for the rest of the week).

Anyway. We all know why we're here - to talk books and be all nerdy. Welcome to Blogger Book Club!

In case you've forgotten, April's book was Legend by Marie Lu.

I'm not really sure where to begin with this one, so let me steal someone else's words to give you the gist of the story (thank you, GoodReads):

"What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets."

Okay, let's see here.... we all know how much I love a good dystopian novel, but this one really failed to impress me. I mean, don't get me wrong - the storyline was great, and it had a ton of potential, but here's what bothered me: 

- The voices of the characters. This story switches back and forth between the two main characters. It's great because you get each character's perspective. It's not great because, well, both characters have exactly the same voice. Day is a boy and June is a girl, but that's about the extent of their differences. The writing style doesn't change at all when the narrator does, and that really bothered me. 

- The predictability. I mean, yeah... all dystopian novels are more or less the same, but am I the only one who could map out this plot from the very beginning? 

-The stupid slang. I don't know why, but it really bothered me that Day called everyone "cousin."

Here's what I liked: 

- It was a very simple, mindless read. I picked it up and read it in an evening. While it didn't quite meet my expectations, it was nice that I didn't feel like reading it was a monumental waste of time. 

- It's considered children's fiction. At least it was put in that section in my library, and that makes me feel like I can go a little easier on it when I'm grading it. I think that, if I was a fifth grader, I would have freaking loved this book. 

The final verdict? 

C+

While it wasn't the best book I've ever read, I enjoyed it. It could have been so, so much better, but it wasn't bad. I'll probably read the sequel. 

Have you read it? What did you think? Link up your review below, and join us for a google chat Thursday night at 8:00 est (if, of course, I don't have a baby)!

I'm Alive.

And my blog hates me. Please excuse the sea foam green, as blogger decided to be a witch with a capital "B" and just go and change some stuff up on my design. I can't figure out why it's doing what it's doing, and I'm probably going to have to just re-install my design to fix it. I'll be honest, I don't feel like doing that right now, so just ignore the hideous-ness that is my current look. Thanks.

Anyway, where was I? Oh, yeah... I'm alive!!!

And what better way to celebrate than by holding a vote?

We have been major slackers when it comes to Blogger Book Club, but can you blame us? Kim has been busy getting accepted to law school, Kaylee has been busy hanging out with the King and working at her awesome job, and I've been busy baking a bun in the oven.

Anyway, let's vote on a book for April, shall we??

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

Hopelessly crossed in love, a boy of half-fairy parentage leaves his mundane Victorian-English village on a quest for a fallen star in the magical realm. The star proves to be an attractive woman with a hot temper, who plunges with our hero into adventures featuring witches, the lion and the unicorn, plotting elf-lords, ships that sail the sky, magical transformations, curses whose effects rebound, binding conditions with hidden loopholes and all the rest.

In the blink of an eye. Everyone disappears. GONE.

Except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not one single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what's happened.

Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents--unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers--that grow stronger by the day.

It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your birthday, you disappear just like everyone else...

Something Borrowed

Happy Tuesday!!

I am sooo excited because I just switched from a doctor to a midwife (yes, at 29 weeks), and my first appointment is this morning. I'll do a blog post on why I decided to switch sometime this week (if I can remember).

ANYWAY. I'm also excited because it's the last Tuesday of the month, and you know what that means.... BOOK CLUB!!! Yes, I have been an extremely crappy blogger for the past couple months, so you probably had no idea that today was book club day. Oh, well. I'll get better about things as soon as this baby (and work) are no longer consuming my life.

The book for this month was Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. Of course this review contains what could be considered spoilers. I have a big mouth, yo!

What I thought: 

I freakin' loved it. Really. I was a little shocked that I was sitting there cheering for a relationship that was borderline adulterous, but you know what? It was true love. I mean, the wedding did eventually get called off, so it's all good, right? Because if they end up together and no one was ever married it's not that bad, is it? At least in the world of literature, where nothing is really real, anyway? Okay, I'll stop trying to rationalize.

But seriously - I hated Darcy. I wanted to punch her in her self-absorbed, spoiled little face. What. A. Beep.  I was sooo happy when she ended up alone - she totally deserved it. But here is where I tell you that you need to read the sequel (Something Blue). You might hate her a little less after that.

The Verdict: 

I give this book an A. Sure, it got a little borderline with the whole almost-but-not-quite-adulterous relationship, but I loved it. Emily Giffin's writing style is pretty awesome, and while this was clearly a book written for women, it didn't feel like dumbed down chic lit. I'd read it again, I liked it enough to read the sequel (which I also love and whole-heartedly recommend), and I liked it enough to check out some of Emily Giffin's other work.

Did you/have you read it? What did you think? Link up your review below! 

Concerning book club for March: I believe we totally spaced this one - I'll get with Kaylee and Kim and see what the plan is and let you guys know ASAP! Oops!

The Other Boleyn Girl

Happy Tuesday!! 

So over the past few weeks, I have been a little bookworm. Out of all of the books that I've read, though, I think that The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory was probably the most unique.

Obviously if you're awesome, you know that this book was our pick for January's historical fiction genre for Blogger Book Club.

Before I get into my actual book review, I'd like to make one thing clear - I almost never read historical fiction, and when I do, it's always, always WWII. ALWAYS. I think that this book was the first book I ever read that focused on the Tudor period.

That being said, I thought it was a great book. You are all probably going to make fun of me, but I had no clue which King Henry this was, and if the book hadn't given us years, I would have been clueless as far as when this was taking place.

I've been trying to figure out how I want to approach this review, and I thought I would focus on the characters rather than the plot, because, well.... those characters got me very fired up.

CONTAINS SPOILERS... but then again, so does your history book. 

FIRST OF ALL. That Boleyn family. How evil, self-absorbed, and manipulative can one family be? Obviously very. You practically force your 14-year-old daughter into an extra-marital affair with the king of England just so you can get ahead in society. When she is PREGNANT with his son, you allow her sister to take over the affair and try to manipulate the king into divorcing his wife so that you can take over the throne?!?! WHAT THE EFF IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!?!?!?!?

Anne Boleyn. WHAT. A BEEP. Seriously. There were so many times I wanted to jump into the book and give you a high five. In the face. WITH A SPIKE-COVERED METAL BALL. Words cannot describe how much I hated that little beepitybeepbeepbeeper. What a manipulative, cunning, heartless, soulless person you were. You stole your sister's son and banished her from the kingdom. You convinced the king to have his wife (the lawful queen) banished from the kingdom. You deserved to get your head chopped off. I may have cheered at that part.

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Mary Boleyn. Okay, you're not quite as bad as the rest of your family, but my gosh are you a freaking idiot. I mean, really??? After all that your sister did to you, you go back and indulge her and her stupid games? You make some really bad choices, Mary. I suppose I can't totally blame you since you were so manipulated by your family, but holy balls. I'm just glad that, in the end, you were intelligent enough to stay away. I appreciate that you eventually figured out that true love was more important than power.

George Boleyn. You disgust me. I'm pretty sure you were all up into making a monster baby with your sister Ann. That's right, you slept with your sister to get her pregnant. You. are. NASTY. Let's not talk about your relationship with little boys, either. I have no words. I'm glad your head was chopped off, too.

King Henry. You suck at life.

Overall, I'd give this book an A-. The author did a very good job of developing the characters and turning a part of history into a very engaging and entertaining story. I guess the only reason it didn't score higher is because there were parts where it was fairly slow-moving and I got bored.

What did you think? Feel free to link up both book and movie reviews below! Don't forget about the video chat on Thursday!! 

What to Expect when You're Expecting: Food.

Happy Wednesday! 

Holy moly. Please tell me I am not the only one ready for this week to be over. It's sad that I find myself counting down to the weekend first thing Monday morning, but Wednesdays always bring the comforting fact that the week is officially halfway over (at noon, anyway).

Anyway. On to Part Three of What to Expect when You're Expecting (an extremely condensed and not at all accurate representation of pregnancy). Today we'll be talking about food.

1. You will cry over food. Or maybe this is just me? I mean, I cried about cupcakes with frosting when I wasn't even pregnant. I could just be extremely passionate about the stuff I eat, but I think the hormones make even "normal" women cry about tacos at least once. Or they may cry and practically flip out on a cafeteria worker when they are REALLY wanting mashed potatoes and the cafeteria at work doesn't have them. Still just me? Well, then. Moving on...

2. You may not have weird cravings. I don't want to eat chalk. My mouth doesn't water when I walk by the charcoal briquettes at the store. I don't run to my front lawn and eat a handful of dirt for breakfast. If you do crave something crazy like this, take a look at your diet and make sure you're getting all the right nutrients for you and your baby!

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3. You may almost vomit and just the thought of eating some of your favorite foods from your pre-pregnancy days. Food aversion - it's real, people! And your tastes can change like that *snaps*! One day tacos may sound delicious. The next, you may make a run for the bathroom at the mere mention of a flour tortilla.

4. You will eat more than your 6'7" husband. You can obviously adjust that height to be a bit more... fitting. But seriously. There are days when I can eat, and eat, and EAT! I don't even know where it goes - my baby must be a food hoarder.

5. You will eat less than your pet hamster. I don't even know how much hamsters eat, but it can't be a lot, right? Anyway, one day you will be a ravenous pig, and then POOF! Just like that, it's gone. You can barely eat a few crackers. It's like your food hoarding baby just released all of your food back into your belly and you are FULL. I tell you what, the appetite comes and goes, my friends.

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And that's that. I mean, I was really expecting to have more to say about food, but I guess I don't. You know what I have plenty to say about, though?? CLOTHES. Yes, next week we will be talking about those wonderful things that keep us from walking around naked.

In other news... Don't forget about the book club book review link up next Tuesday! If you've forgotten, the book is The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory. Next month's book is Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin.

What to Expect when You're Expecting (Part 2)

Hi guys! 

Happy Friday! 

Before I go into part two of my little pregnancy series that I like to call What to Expect when You're Expecting (an extremely condensed and not at all accurate Representation of Pregnancy) (you can find part one here), I wanted to let you all know that the book for February is Something Borrowed. If your library has a waiting list, get on it now!

Anyway. Now it is time for part two...

Things I Wish People had Told me about Pregnancy

11. How often you will have to show off your lady parts. Ummm let's just talk about how open us pregnant ladies have to be. I mean, obviously I knew that I'd be showing the whole world my junk during labor, but I didn't expect so much of it before the fact. 

I knew what dilation was, but it did not occur to me how they would measure. It also did not occur to me that I would have to do a vaginal ultrasound along with a normal one at my 20-week appt. It ALSO did not occur to me that if you are having any strange symptoms down there, the doc will want to check it out. 

12. You will be scratching more than a monkey on crack. I found myself scratching my boobs in public today, and I didn't notice until I'd been doing it for a good thirty seconds. I'm constantly trying to relieve myself of my itchy stomach, as well, so I probably just look like some chunky meth-head. 

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13. Your mouth will never be the same. Weird, right? Your gums will probably bleed. If you've had braces, your teeth will move more than usual. You may drool more than normal. 

14. You will not only scratch like a monkey - you will probably start to look like one, too. Your hair will grow thicker (and, in my case, darker). This is great for your head, but not so great for your arms, legs, and umm... other places. 

15. TUMS aren't candy - they actually have a purpose, and you will come to keep them around for said purpose, not just because they taste good. Or am I the only one that treated TUMS like candy before I got pregnant? Anyway, you'll go through a bottle of that stuff if you're lucky enough to get the killer heartburn that oh, so many prego ladies get. 

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And that is where I stop. Next up - What to Expect when You're Expecting (Part 3) - and this time we'll be talking about FOOOOOOODDDD!!!! 

Blogger Book Club February Vote - Romance

Hey everyone!! 

Hope your week has started off great, and for those of you going back to school today... only 4.5 more months till summer break - WOOOOO!! Start those countdowns.

Anyway. I've got a job for you wonderful people. Below are three books - they are the ones we are considering for book club for February. If you could vote for the one you most want to read, that would be fabulous. The genre for February is romance. *all synopses and book covers are from goodreads.

Option One: Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

Something Borrowed tells the story of Rachel, a young attorney living and working in Manhattan. Rachel has always been the consummate good girl---until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend, Darcy, throws her a party. That night, after too many drinks, Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's fiancé. Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for the one guy she should run from. As the September wedding date nears, Rachel knows she has to make a choice. In doing so, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk all to win true happiness. Something Borrowed is a phenomenal debut novel that will have you laughing, crying, and calling your best friend.

Option Two: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead, subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. 

She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman's passionate search for a wider and richer life than Victorian society traditionally allowed. 

With a heroine full of yearning, the dangerous secrets she encounters, and the choices she finally makes, Charlotte Bronte's innovative and enduring romantic novel continues to engage and provoke readers.

Option Three: Bookends by Jane Greene
On the heels of her national bestsellersJemima JandMr. Maybe, British sensation Jane Green delivers a sparkling tale of old friends reunited and old jealousies rekindled. Catherine Warner and Simon Nelson are best friends: total opposites, always together, and both unlucky in love. Cath is scatterbrained, messy, and–since she had her heart broken a few years back–emotionally closed off. Si is impossibly tidy, bitchy, and desperate for a man of his own. They live in London’s West Hampstead along with their lifelong friends, Josh and Lucy, who are happily married with a devil-spawn child and a terrifying Swedish nanny, Ingrid. All’s well (sort of) until the sudden arrival of a college friend–the stunningly beautiful Portia, who’s known for breaking hearts. Though they’ve grown up and grown apart from Portia, the four friends welcome her back into the fold. But does Portia have a hidden agenda or is she merely looking to reconnect with old friends? Her reappearance soon unleashes a rollicking series of events that tests the foursome’s friendships to the limit and leaves them wondering if a happy ending is in store. Fortunately, Cath has plenty to take her mind off Portia’s schemes–like her gutsy decision to leave her job in advertising to fulfill her dream of opening a bookstore. And then there’s James, the sexy real-estate agent who keeps dropping by even after the bookstore deal is done. With his irresistible smile and boyish charm could he be the one to melt Cath’s heart?

BOOK CLUB JANUARY BOOK.

Yo party people! Just wanted to stop in really quick and let you all know that the book for January is "The other Bolelyn Girl" by Phillipa Gregory.

Gone Girl.

Holy freaking balls. I can't even really greet you today - my mind is THAT messed up right now. You want to know why my mind is messed up? I'll give you a hint:

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Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

That's right - a book. A freaking book has got me confused about life, staring at my cat with my jaw dropped, and generally shocked. Here's my problem - I get way too into books. I start to feel the emotions of the characters, and let me tell you - that can be exhausting. Especially when I've gotten myself into a book like this one (note: I was supposed to read this for book club in November, but JUST got it from the library).

WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS. 

This book is classified as a thriller. Holy crap, did they get that one right! I started it on my lunch hour on Friday, and was super mad that I am incapable of finishing a 420 page book in a mere 45 minutes. I woke up on Saturday and wandered around my house wondering what I should do when I remembered the book. What a great way to spend my Saturday, right?!

WRONG.

My Saturday was spent feeling a crapload of emotions that weren't even my own. I went from being all happy hunky dory to pissed off at the world, hating Nick, thinking he was some sort of crazy schizophrenic batcase, to loving him and feeling sorry for him, to hating his freaking cheating and lying guts, to thinking, "Maybe he didn't do it." The exact same thing happened with Amy, except I eventually settled on, "OHMYGOSH I HATE THAT FREAKING MANIPULATIVE, LYING, PSYCHOPATH!!!"

In a matter of hours, I was physically exhausted from feeling so many emotions. I had to take a break after I found out that Amy was crazy enough to actually kill someone. Actually, this story is full of freaking crazies. I mean, Amy is obviously the craziest, but Nick? I mean, come on! Grow a pair, man! Instead of going back to your crazy wife, why don't you let her rot in prison for what she did to you? WHY ARE YOU PLAYING HER GAME?!?!?

Anyway... let me just touch on the end of the book before this review turns into a novel of its own. I didn't like the ending - it left me angry and confused. I mean, I understand Nick's willingness to do anything for his child, but it sickens me that the "anything" he would do for said child includes staying with his psychopathic, lying, and murdering wife. Why wouldn't he try to fight this thing and prove that she framed him and murdered Desi? UGH. Some people's kids, I swear.

Grade: B. I'd give it a better grade if it weren't for the ending and complete lack of character growth in Nick. The constant use of the f-word and other completely inappropriate language sort of turned me off as well. But... It kept me on the edge of my seat, made me want more, and was a pretty good read when I wasn't pissed off at the world. In the end, I'd say it was definitely worth reading, and I'd recommend it to anyone without virgin ears.

Have you read this book? What did you think? 

Books Turned Movies

Hey party people!!! 

Hope all is well with all of you. I'm doing all right, just a horrible procrastinator (what's new?), so I totally forgot to write my review, and now I have to go to work. You can bet your bottom dollar that I will be back this afternoon with some words.

Let me just start off by saying that the book I chose this month was awesome, and I'd recommend it to anyone. You know what?! I'd even recommend the movie.

Water for Elephants

by Sara Gruen

Where should I even start with this book? First of all, I love the way it is written. The main character is looking back on his life, sharing his memories of his days in the circus. Occasionally, the reader is exposed to the narrator's life as it is now - he is all alone in a nursing home, where his family has all but forgotten him. Sara Gruen did a wonderful job with tone, language, and word choice - I really felt as if I was sitting next to this man, listening to him ramble about the "good old days." 

The story itself is a good one - it's got parts that make you laugh out loud, parts that tug at your heartstrings, and parts that bring a tear to your eye. Once again, Sara Gruen does a great job of capturing real human emotion. Nothing was over the top, and the story and characters were 100% believable. I don't want to spoil anything, so all I will say about the story is this - it is a must-read. 

My Grade for the Book: A

Now for the movie. I actually saw the movie before I read the book - I watched it on our way to Germany a year and a half ago, and I loved it. I'm not a fan of stupid Robert Pattinson, so I was a little hesitant to even watch it, but nothing else really looked good, so I settled. I'm so glad I did, because it is a fabulous movie. Every emotion that the book captures is also caught on the big screen - the director did a wonderful job of choosing the perfect people for each part, and the movie followed the story line quite well. There wasn't a moment during the movie where I was not completely wrapped up in it. 

I think this evolution from book to movie is one of the very few good ones. 

My Grade for the Movie: A- (because movies are never quite as good as books)

Now it's time for you to link up a review of yours from any book turned movie - even if it's a review of The Hunger Games that you wrote months ago - we wanna know what you thought!! 

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie... He will Make a Crappy Movie from an Amazing Book. AKA CUBICLE CHRONICLES.

Happy Hump Day, and welcome to my first real edition of the Cubicle Chronicles. 

In case you forgot, here are the characters involved (and you can add "The New Girl" to that list):

Anyway Once upon a Tuesday, I was taking a little break from my work. I was standing by my cubicle, occupying my time by engaging in idle chit chat with The Biker, The Blonde, and The Giver. Our conversation ranged from some of The Giver's problematic accounts to sparkly sweaters and secret Santas (we are very mature and intellectual), when all of a sudden, The Giver's face went completely pale.

"Alyx..." she whispered, then, "ALYX!" It was almost a shout, and I knew there was something wrong. Being the wuss that I am, I automatically assumed there was a spider ready to wreak havoc, so I jumped out of my cubicle and turned around to look. Just as I turned around, there he was - the totally vicious, blood-thirsty menace - THE MOUSE. He looked a little like this:

He scurried behind my drawers, and I ran away, shrieking and whimpering like a little girl. I almost trampled The Blonde as I was sprinting away from my desk. Eventually The New Girl got the courage to go investigate (by "investigate" I obviously mean kick a bunch of stuff until the blood-thirsty fiend was scared s***less and ran away to torture some other poor soul).

We put down a sticky mouse trap, I moved my purse out of my bottom drawer, and I kept my feet 3 inches off the floor for the rest of the day. And so far, we have managed to live happily ever after.

...Until he strikes again.
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In other news, it's that time of the month (dude. I'm pregnant... not that time of the month).

For December book club, we are going to do something a little different. The theme for this month is:

Instead of picking one book, we can all read whatever we want, as long as it fits the theme. If you so desire, you can review the book and the movie, and link both up on the last Tuesday of December. We figured this would be an easy way to get around those pesky library waiting lists. Plus, it's a great way to pick up one of those books you've been meaning to read.

Another way we have decided to get past those waiting lists is by picking the books a couple of months in advance. That would be why we are asking you for your book suggestions for January and  February now.

Gone Girl Review Link Up

Hi friends! 

I'm a failure at book club this month - I didn't get the chance to read the book. After last month, I'm very hesitant to spend my money on a book that I'm not sure I'll like, so I'm waiting to get it from the library. I'm currently patron 58 out of 95 on the waiting list, so I'm sure it will be a month or two until I actually get to read it.

via

So... sorry, you don't get any commentary or a grade from me. Instead, you'll just have to link up and read what everyone else had to say! Don't forget about the google video chat on Thursday!!

Sunday Confessions Link-Up

Happy Sunday!! 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, with plenty of time spent with your friends and family. Go ahead and grab a button and link up with your confessions! If you link up, make sure to visit some of the other blogs and make some new friends!
  <center> <a href="http://itsalyx.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6701442513_4c7153a301.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></center> 1. I totally forgot about the 15 week belly picture. Oops. Here it is, one day before I'm 16 weeks!

How far along are you? 15 weeks, 6 days

How big is baby? See above.

Weight Gain? 5 lbs

Gender? We don't know yet - we find out Dec. 21st. 

Maternity Clothes? Nope - my normal clothes are snug, but they still fit. 

Stretch Marks? Nope!
Symptoms? Moodiness and slight exhaustion  

Movement? I think I felt a flutter on Thursday when I was laying in bed, but I'm not sure. I've never felt anything like it before, though... so I'm just going to pretend that's what it was.  

Food Cravings? None, really.

Belly Button in or out? In. 
What I miss? Having energy... and the ability to do more "extreme" activities.

What I am looking forward to? Feeling baby kick and knowing what it is! 

Best moment of the week? If that little flutter was a kick, then that was the best moment by far.

2. I decided to take Friday off, and I'm so glad I did! I didn't go Black Friday shopping. Instead, I spent time with Mike's family and we all went pheasant hunting. We didn't kill for sport - we ate the pheasant for dinner! 

3. We are getting the nursery put together! We have the trim all painted and bought the paint for the walls this past week - I'm super excited for it to be done. I'll be sure to share before and after pictures once it's done. 

4. I haven't read the book for book club yet... and the link up is on Tuesday! EEK! If you're participating, the book is Gone Girl. 

5. I painted my nails for the first time in months yesterday. They don't even look that bad - I did French tips with glitter! 

So what do you have to confess? Link up below!! 

I'm a Lazy Butt Face

GUESS WHAT?!?!

It's my birthday week. I have a bunch of super amazing bloggy friends who have oh, so generously decided to give of their time and talent for you guys, but I was too lazy to come up with a week of giveaways (read: I forgot about it until 11:00 Sunday night and didn't want to spend an hour putting together a post for today), so you will have one big day of giveaways galore.

That day will just so happen to fall on my birthday. Also known as this Wednesday. 

What can you expect until then?

Oh, the usual. 

-A picture of me holding some fruit or vegetable and complaining about headaches and back pain and becoming a psychopath.

-A list of 25 things that I want to do before I turn 25.

-Probably some story about how awesome my parents and husband are for allowing me to live to the ripe old age of 24.

Actually, that is a lie. There is only one day between now and Wednesday, so I will not write about all those things, because you already know how lazy I am. I'll probably just pet my cat instead of writing blog posts, because you all know how cute and lovable he is.

He loves me. Obviously. 

And now I'm just going to leave, because this was the most pointless blog post you've ever read. But just for fun... Let's have a vote, shall we? 

What are the Garners going to have?
	Boy
	Girl
	Who cares - it'll look like an alien either way!
	Giant
pollcode.com free polls

PS: Speaking of votes, the book for November is "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn. If you're checking it out from the library... good luck. I'm number 97 on my library's waiting list (and that's for the ebook... the hard copy has over 100 patrons on the waiting list).

Sunday Confessions Link Up

Hey guys!

You know the drill - grab a button and link up your confessions below. Make sure to link to an actual confessions post, and to visit some other blogs and make new friends while you're at it!
  <center> <a href="http://itsalyx.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6701442513_4c7153a301.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></center> 1. I'm bailing on confessions this week. It's 1:00 a.m. and I just woke up... I felt so crappy yesterday that I even had to turn off the husker game early.

2. I still haven't had the chance to read all you guys' confessions from last week. I promise I'll do it today. I was going to do it last night, but...

3. I'm not doing a very good job of bailing. I just keep thinking of things I want to say.

4. I changed my blog design... again. I just get bored having the same design for too long.

5. I can't just leave you with four things. You know how I feel about groups of five.

PS: If you're in the Blogger Book Club - the book for November is "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn.