Leah of the Pack

As a Packers fan, there is no greater game day than when the Packers play the Chicago Bears in Green Bay. And luckily for me, I get a front row seat to all of the action. Here are a few reasons why I considered last night's 55-14 victory over the Bears as my favorite game of the season so far. 

Holy cow, I have been so incredibly busy. I'm not complaining though, being busy keeps me out of trouble. Not that I ever get into real trouble, more like it just prevents me from doing stupid things with my time, like binge watching the whole new season of New Girl in a weekend. Mainly I've kinda neglected writing here because I spend such a large part of my week writing for other things, the school newspaper, creating blog content for work, writing school assignments, whatever it may be. I'm learning to be a master at time management. Everyone always jokes that in college there is, as one of my professors would call it, a "sexy triangle", where you can pick two of the three: good grades, sleep and a social life. Whoever first made that statement was wrong. College is not a triangle, it's more like a polygon consisting of good grades, work, sleep, social life, athletics, family time and anything else that could possible be unique to you. And guess what, I plan on not having to pick a select few. Sadly, I have only take a few naps this semester but otherwise I'm busy almost 24/7 and I don't think I would have it any other way.

Going on a quick hiatus because I have way too much going on in life right now, don't even really have time to type this post. See ya soon.

As you walk out of the tunnel, you are amazed at the immensity of the stadium. With the capacity to hold thousands, it finally hits you that you will be in front of a crowd larger than you ever imagined. You can feel the Greatness in the air. The familiar smell of brats and beer is wafting around from the tailgaters outside. The roar of the crowd is louder than anything you have ever heard. You can practically feel the energy pulsating from the arena. As you gaze around you see  a sea of green and gold. With every passing moment the crowd manages to grow louder. Your excitement is rising like a river after a monsoon, swelling at the banks and overflowing to create the biggest grin on your face. As you stretch, nervousness beings to take over, mixing with adrenaline to create the most potent combination. Falling into the familiar routine of warming up, you begin to relax. Lining up on the field gives you another chance to take it all in. This time every seat is filled, almost everyone is supporting the G-Force in some way. Suddenly the crowd explodes. The team runs of out the tunnel, shouting out words of encouragement to their teammates, pumping themselves up for a victory. The intensity of their energy is contagious. The crowd feeds on it, their spirit spilling over the walls of the arena. The national anthem begins and you can't help but to get goosebumps. The crowd is silent with the exception of those singing along respectfully. The fire works explode in rhythm with the lyrics, it's quite a sight. Standing in the heart of all the action, this experience is one of a lifetime.

I survived the first week of classes and came to the conclusion that this is going to be one of the most difficult semesters of college yet. Between classes, my internship, countless group projects (the joys of being a Communications major), cheerleading practice, Packers games, and both men's and women's basketball games, I don't have time for any naps and I need to stay on my organization grind. Quick shout out to my planner for keeping my life in order. As a particularly motivated person, here are a few of my goals for this fall semester.

1. Get an AB or an A in all of my classes: I could shoot for the stars and try for solid A's across the board but by setting my standard at an AB or better I'll be happier in the long run when I reach that A and I won't be as hard on myself if AB is all that is attainable.

2. Get at least a 3.0 GPA for the semester: Or higher. I completed last semester with high honors and made the deans list (go me!) and am hoping to do something similar this semester. I think a 3.0 is a solid goal to work towards and if it's higher I'm not going to complain.

3. Make time for me: I'm kinda upset that I'm not gonna have anytime for a nap during the day but I'm going to do my best to at least set aside 40 minutes each night to watch Friday Night Lights which I recently restarted on Netflix.

4. Cheer: I always have cheer goals. First I need to make sure I can still throw all my running tumbling. Then once that step is complete I need to throw a layout on the gym floor during a game because I still have yet to do that after tearing my ACL/meniscus during a game almost two years ago. I also want to get a full up and a toss lib with my awesome stunt partner.

I probably have at least 5 more mini goals for this semester, but these are the big four. Here's to hoping I can accomplish them!

I'm  about to get all high school english teacher on you right now and for that I almost apologize for that but I want to take a moment to appreciate the wonderful words F. Scott Fitzgerald. They way he writes, everything flows so seamlessly and beautifully and I can't get enough. I just watched Great Gatsby so that might be the reason behind this post but anyways, here are a few of my favorite quotes.

This is easily my all time favorite F. Scott Fitzgerald quote. My friends like to make fun of me because they say basically it's just about a glorious hook up, which yeah maybe it is but I think it's so much deeper than that. When I asked what they thought it meant the response was "uh someone is having really rough sex and they got bruised and didn't recover, idk". Incorrect, it is so much more. It's about falling so in love, opening up yourself to someone to create such a sense deep intimacy that it over takes you. Even though you can move on from that person you still have never let go of that love and it's something that stays with you forever. And how would I know that, right? I don't know because I've never slipped briskly into such an intimacy but I can bet it's more than just a really fancy way of saying it was just a hook up.

Do I sound nuts yet?

In the spirit of Throwback Thursday, I thought I would do a #TBT playlist of some of my favorite "old" songs. I guess old may not be the correct word to use but they're certainly not the same 15 songs we hear repeated on the radio these days. I suppose this taste of music can be credited to having an older brother, strangely enough there's not a single female artist on the playlist.

Dashboard Confessional: Hands Down, Vindicated, Again I Go Unnoticed 
All three of these songs are so fantastic. I feel like I can really relate to all of the lyrics. Hands Down is easily one of my most favorite songs of all time.

The Maine: Everything I Ask For, If I Only Had the Heart

Fall Out Boy: Dance, Dance, Sugar, We're Going Down, I Slept With Someone In Fall Out Boy And All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me, Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy Tonight, This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race, I'm Like A Lawyer,  Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year, Saturday, Just One Yesterday
Okay, so I guess it's safe to say I'm a Fall Out Boy fan. Besides having some of the longest and most creative song titles, all of their songs just bring back tons of memories. Although I do like them, I prefer their older songs. My favorite of their songs would have to be Where Is Your Boy  and Sophomore Slump.

Sum 41: In Too Deep
Sometimes this song describes my life so perfectly.

New Found Glory: 47

blink-182: All The Small Things, I Miss You

The All American Rejects: Dirty Little Secret, Move Along, It Ends Tonight, Swing, Swing
Dirty Little Secret is another one of my all time favorite songs, I can never get sick of listening to it. And Swing, Swing? What a classic.

Modest Mouse: Float On, The View

Sugar Ray: Is She Really Going Out With Him, When It's Over, Someday
I can still remember listening to Is She Really Going Out With Him every day on the radio during 3rd or 4th grade art class. Whatever, always good stuff.

Good Charlotte: Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous, I Don't Wanna Be In Love

Yellowcard: Dear Bobbie, Ocean Avenue, Everywhere
Their Cover of Michelle Branch's Everywhere is definitely worth a listen.

Motion City Soundtrack: Everything Is Alright, LG. FUAD, This Is For Real
Love. That's all.

Panic! At The Disco: I Write Sins Not Tragedies, But It's Better If You Do

Gym Class Heros: Cupid's Chokehold, Clothes Off!

Hope you enjoyed my playlist. If you have any suggestions of songs that would fit I'd love to know!

I was nominated for the Bloggers With Class award from Ellen at A Pop of Pink. I am so excited about this because it is an awesome accomplishment and the nomination came from one of my favorite blogs to read! This award started through the Bloggers With Class community. Writing this post seems like the perfect way to start my week off. I hope you enjoy my answers and thanks again for the nomination!

• If tagged, please copy the rules into your post
• Please also link back to this post on Classy Cathleen
• Recognize the blogger that tagged you (share a little about them and their blog, and link back to them)
• Answer the questions that are part of the award
• Tag 5 bloggers that you feel are classy to receive the award as well
• Be sure to include the link to the Bloggers With Class community (And don't forget to join!)
• Include the image in your post

What do you think it means to be classy?

Of  course high school and college are on complete different levels. While high school was a good time, nothing compares to what awaits you at college. Here's a quick break down of some of the reasons you won't find yourself wishing to go back in time to high school.


Classes
In high school class was mandatory. You couldn't take a personal day or just flat out skip it when you overslept. I mean, you could but if you missed class too often there could be dire consequences. The beauty of college is if you don't want to go then you don't go. Although the professors do care about you, if you skip one... or 10 classes they probably won't do anything about it. Also, you're never stuck with that mundane  everyday schedule. Not having a science class five days a week rocks.

Second, for the most part no one cares if you're on your laptop or phone. If you're gonna be a huge distraction be polite and sit in the back row . But otherwise if you want to waste your time and money by sitting on Pinterest during the entire lecture then you may! In HS it seemed like the second a teacher saw a phone you got a warning or worse- your phone was held hostage by the teacher for the rest of the day. Guess what, you're in college now so suddenly you're an adult able to make capable decisions such as when it is the correct time to bust out the technology.

Class selection in college is the bomb.com. While there are certain Gen Eds you are required to take you are offered a multitude of classes to fulfill the requirements. After that all your classes pertain to your interests and your degrees. Honestly, I look forward to going to classes that are for my degree. Mainly because Communications/Public Relations/Journalism is the greatest major in the world but also because there are classes such as Social Media Strategies- school and twitter? Count me in.

Clothes
*Before I say anything, let me make it known that I will almost always dress to impress because it makes me feel good. With that being said, in college no one really cares what you wear. Sweats and yogas are the norm so you don't need to spend hours planning out an outfit. Sweatpants and a tee are fantastic because chances are once class is over you're gonna roll back into bed and take a much deserved nap and now you don't even have to change your clothes. If you want to dress up (which for some reason in college means jeans...) go for it. People will probably assume you have a presentation.

Food
College cafeteria food is better than high school food, easily. Is it as good as home cooking? Of course not but you do have a much wider variety. Most people that I know did not have the option of off campus lunch in HS. In college you can leave campus whenever. If you're campus is located around some amazing restaurants.. erhm.. Chipotle... then you are so very lucky.

Rumors
In high school, rumors can spread like wildfire. Of course rumors might get out in college but no one really care because chances are you won't even know the person the rumor is about.

The Past
The kids you went to high school with have known you for awhile. They might remember all the stupid mistakes of your past and won't let you forget. The best part of college is that no one knows about that embarrassing time when you fell down the stairs in front of the whole sophomore class or whatever dumb things you have done previously. Embrace this new start. If you want to redefine yourself then now is the time.

From loathing your 8 am, to late nights with some of the greatest people you'll ever meet, enjoy every second of college.

College is one of the best times to meet new people, the social game is going strong. You're used to going to school with familiar faces and suddenly you're thrown into the chaos have having to meet new people and make new friends, how fun! Regardless of where you go to school, there are a few characters that you're likely to meet that first year of the greatest years of your life.

The Awkward Hello
Maybe you met them drunkenly at a party or they are the sister of your best friend's roommate's cousin, either way you are aware that you're acquainted but you're not sure how. Could you recognize them immediately in a crowded hallway? Probs not but as they walk closer you suddenly begin to identify some kind of connection with the face. The end result is that awkward hello in passing. You know, where you stare at each other for about a half second too long to decided if you know them and barely manage to squeak out "hi!" because you don't want to seem rude if you don't acknowledge their presence. Ahh, the awkward hello, there will be plenty of these the next four years.

The I-Know You-From-The-Facebook-Group
The University of XYZ Class of  20whocares Facebook Page: the perfect way to get to know your future classmates. Looking for a roommate or not sure how big of a futon you can bring? Go to the Class Of page and ask away. But there's always that one kid who over steps his boundaries on this glorious form of social media. He (or She) posts about once a week, perhaps it's a question or it's whatever YouTube video he finds funniest that week. Your own posts aren't safe - he'll comment on them all. Somehow this kid seems to know all the answers or so he thinks. He'll most likely go through the page and add you all as a friend. And the fun doesn't stop when school starts! You can find him commenting on all the posts on the confessions page or posting weird things on the Class Of page. When you see him around campus you and your friends will refer to him as "so and so, from the Facebook page" Be Aware.

"Does anyone want to come hangout with my boyfriend and I? He is in town visiting me and we're bored." No joke, this or something similar was posted on my own Class Of page.

The Gets-Me-Alcohol
So many underage, thirsty freshman dying to make Welcome Week live up to Project X party standards. What do they do? Befriend someone to get them alcohol. Maybe it's a older sibling or friend, or you got lucky being group mates with a senior that takes pity on you. Either way you're indebted to them because without them your wine nights, thirsty Thursdays and all those night you'll never remember couldn't be made possible. You should really write them a thank you card.

The Teammate
The greatest thing about teammates is that they are built in friends. Even if you don't like them suddenly you have someone to sit with in the cafeteria to save you from looking like a loner. Teammates can make the best of friends. Not only do they know the struggles of a regular day of classes and exams but they understand why you need a 10 hour nap after that seemingly endless practice. They'll let you vent for hours about your coach without complaining because chances are they feel the same way. What's that you say? You don't play a sport therefore don't have any teammates. Join an intramural sport. It's the same concept with the added bonus of not having to compete for that number one spot. Go team!

The Orientation Friend
Not going to lie, orientation can be painful without a friend. Most of the time you're divided into small groups to maximize the idea that you need to make friends with all these new strangers - play nice! If you're lucky you'll find that one stranger that doesn't seem as strange as everyone else and befriend them for the duration of orientation. You'll get that awkward introduction out of the way and bond over how bored you are. Friends forever? Maybe. Even if the friendship only withstands orientation you'll be glad to have made that connection for the time. Maybe it will turn into that awkward hello.

The Neighbor
Ahh neighbors. They're the ones who will be pounding on your door at 3 am in effort to have you turn down your music or the ones you'll be pre-gaming with before a night of too much fun. Neighbors can become fast friends. You'll see each other every day in passing and during the awful mandatory hall meetings. Befriend your neighbors. If they're as cool as you it's guaranteed to be a good time.

The Lone Classmate
Stuck in a boring Gen Ed class without any of your friends can really suck. There's no one to laugh at Pinterest with, no one to fill you in with what happened when you dozed off and no one to form a small group with. Pick your seat wisely if you're alone in a class. Whoever is sitting next to you (because most of the times we all return to our "usual seat") is now your new best friend for the class! Will you hangout outside of class? It's unlikely but for the next hour and twenty minutes they are all you've got.

Mr. Know It All
There is always one person in class who just knows every answer. In fact, they might not even know every answer but they deeply believe that they do. They are always willing to share an irrelevant, personal story to the class even though no one gives a shit. They are also the same one that tries to tell a stupid joke... such as in biology freshman year when a girl raised her hand and asked if we could all sing the bone dance from Hannah Montana. No we cannot, shhhh. Part of you will be grateful. Their constant raising of the hand saves your ass from answering a question that you zoned out on. But the constant chatter of their voice will drive you insane. It's even worse if they're in your major because then you're bound to have at least one class a semester with them. Make the best of it. Take a tally every time they speak for each class and at the end of the semester find out their average amount of time spoken in class. Then laugh about it.

Friends, acquaintances, foes, whatever these people end up as you are pretty much guaranteed to meet all these people at college, enjoy it.

Today I came across this quote on Tumblr, "Other people are not medicine" and for some reason it really got me thinking. It's so simple and so true. Many times we turn to others as our source of happiness but we fail to realize that ultimately we create our own happiness. Why do we think friends and companions are the only way we can find joy? Do we forget that we are more than capable of putting a smile on our own face? If we depend on people to be our medicine, what happens when these people leave us? From now on don't solely depend on people to make you happy. We can easily bring a smile to our own face: splurge on that expensive new dress that makes you feel like a rockstar, spend all day in your pajamas watching Netflix, treat your self to that Venti iced coffee, whatever it takes to make yourself feel good.  Make it a happy Monday!

Sometimes I hate modern culture. We find ourselves caught up in decoding sub-tweets and analyzing our SnapChat top friends instead of doing something useful with our time. It's a time where followers and likes seem to mean more than real friendships. People speak in Urban Dictionary vernacular instead of proper English and have no idea how to use correct grammar. "Oh yeah, Joe and I are talking" What the hell does "talking" even mean these days? It should mean carrying out a conversation but it could mean texting or hanging out or even causally hooking up. No one is ever straightforward with what they mean or say.

Sometimes I wish I was born in a different era, perhaps a time way back in England. I could spend my time wearing ballgowns, attending boring teas, having boys write love letters not text messages and having to sneak out of my window at night to see them because it was improper for a lady to be seen out late at night with a guy without a chaperone.

Sometimes I think I read too much.

As July winds down we are hit with the realization that this is it, there is only one more month of summer left. Honestly, where did the summer go? I feel as if every year the summer goes by faster. With only one month of some freedom from being slammed with classwork, regular work, weeks full of cheer practice and games, I decided to make a few goal,s for lack of a better word, of what I would like to do during the final days of summer.

1. Have an awesome last camp: I only have one more camp left this summer *tears* which makes me beyond sad. I hope this final camp of the summer can be the best one yet!
2. Kick @$$ at my presentation: For my internship I have to give a presentation about using social media as an efficient marketing tool. Finger crossed that I nail it. I'm used to talking to and being in front of large crowds but I think a small part of me will always get nervous for presentations. Also I want to make a good impression as it's one of my first big projects.
3. Run more: I have been so busy traveling around that I haven't had much time to run this summer. Hopefully now that I'll be stuck in the bay for a longer period of time I'll be able to conquer those running trails again!
4. Spend more time with friends & family: This is difficult because I'll only be home for about a week. But I hope to make something of my time when I'm home instead of laying around watching Netflix and going on the trampoline. I can't wait to hit up State Fair!
5. Settle my debts: I borrowed some money from my dad before the summer started and hopefully by the end of summer I can pay him back completely. There's nothing better than starting the school year out knowing that you don't owe anyone money.

What are your plans for the last month of summer?  

I need to take the time today to talk about an amazing book, The Fall of Giants by Ken Follett which is part of the Century Trilogies. My aunt and uncle introduced me to this book while on vacation earlier this summer. They had both started reading it and knew my sisters and I liked to read so they got us each our own copy for the trip. I was excited to start this book because it isn't my usual type of read. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked. Following five families during times of the first world war and the Russian revolution, Follett creates an interesting story where characters intertwine when you least expect it and puts and interesting twist on what seemed to be boring history when we learned it in school. From high society, to coal miners taking us from America, to Russian, to Aberowen, a fictional city created for this book, the reader is on the edge of their seat the entire book. Whenever I thought I knew how characters were going to end up I was rewarded with a new plot twist that made reading about history suddenly so much more interesting than I had imagined. I enjoyed this book because while I like learning about history when it comes to reading I don't traditionally choose books that involve war but Fall of Giants changed this. I would recommend this book to any of my friends that enjoy reading.  It's a large book but I was able to finish it quickly because I read very fast and also I could not put it down. It is a must read!

Yesterday the much awaited trailer for 50 Shades of Grey was released. Most of the response I saw was all positive minus the fact that viewers have to wait until Valentines day - I see what you did there, movie release people, giving single girls everywhere a little excitement on their Valentines Day, well played. But unlike most people that I know I am extremely underwhelmed. If I hadn't read the books my views might totally be different but as an avid reader I had to read the book everyone was talking about. To be honest when I first started reading 50 Shades I had no idea what I was getting myself into. All of a sudden the red room of pain appears in chapter 9 and woah, uh I was not expecting that at all. Part of me wanted to stop reading but I needed to know what happened next. Naturally I read all three in a week, no shame. Once you get past all the kinky fun those two have I swear the plot is good. Now back to the movie, underwhelmed. I think the disappointment first starts for me with the casting. I am positive that these are great actors and actresses but they are not what I pictured at all. Let's start with Ana. In the trailer, during the office interview you hear Ana say something like "well just look at me." Okay, I understand Ana had some self esteem issues especially when she was around the presumed god like Christian and all his beautiful blonde coworkers but I also don't believe that was something she said or would say in that scene. I could be wrong but that was my take on her character. She lacked confidence but knew how to fake it till she makes it in front of most people. Moving on to Christian Grey. This is so difficult to criticize but I am underwhelmed by him. I mean no disrespect to the actor but he is nothing near the Mr. Grey I had envisioned. I know the movie is usually never anything like what you pictured in your head but honestly I don't find him to be that crazy, attractive man that Christian was described as. By no means is he ugly, but he's not my Christian. What I was impressed with is the Beyonce in the background to set the scene. They nailed that. Overall I just wasn't bursting with desire to see this movie after viewing the trailer.  If you haven't seen the trailer feel free to watch below and leave a comment with your thoughts on the trailer, the book or both!

Sometimes I can't help but get all nostalgic about the past. There are so many great memories and specific moments I would love to revisit. I would never wish to change the past, as even one little change could alter the person I've become, someone that I am proud of but I do wish I could relive certain moments again all for different reasons. Sometimes you wish you could go back in time to see if something really did happen, to help you win an argument or to prove your point. Other times there are memories and moments that seem as though we can never get them back. I am so lucky to have a life where there are so many moments in my past that I wish I could relive. But it is exhilarating knowing that even with all these cherished memories that some of the best days of my life are still ahead waiting for me. Past, present or future, life is such a wonderful mystery.

I was lucky enough to do a guest post on this awesome blog, Caught Between the Pages  for favorite book Friday. Thanks to Kayla for putting it this collaboration all together, be sure to check out her blog! Here's my review. 

This is something I wrote awhile ago for a different platform of mine but it is a thought that constantly remains in my head.

Everyone has their own definition of what constitutes perfection. But if we all view it differently then nothing is seen as perfect in anyone's eyes but our own. Why do we keep trying to chase something that doesn't exist?

Thoughts? I'd love to hear.

Summertime in Milwaukee means one thing: Summerfest! This year I was lucky enough, thanks to my aunt, to score tickets to see OneRepublic. I am almost ashamed of my Snap Story, I probably sent a snipit of almost every song but I can't help it, they were so good! And I just wanted to share good music with all my friends. Anyway, I'm going to share the experience with you now because a OneRepublic concert is something I think everyone should attend if given the opportunity.

My personal PSA for today: Put your phone down when driving. Too many people that I know feel the need to be on their phone while driving. Regardless of your driving skill level, being on your phone while driving is a huge hazard not only to you but everyone else you encounter on the road. It's hard to believe that you can't go twenty minutes, or however long it takes for you to drive somewhere, without texting, tweeting or snapchating.  Here are some guidelines that you should have for your phone while operating a vehicle. 

I am one of those what seems to be rare people than actually enjoy reading in their free time. Summer provides plenty of time to get some reading done which makes it my favorite time of the year. I read really fast ( can read one of the last Harry Potter books in a day and a half fast) so I am always look for new books to read. I've already read five or six this summer while on vacation. I read pretty much anything! Here are my reviews and recommendations. Today's posts are just on books written by Jodi Picoult as I have read three of her books already this summer.

*Any synopsis was taken directly from the authors website or the back of the book and was not written by me

The Pact - Jodi Picoult 
*"For eighteen years the Hartes and the Golds have lived next door to each other, sharing everything from Chinese food to chicken pox to carpool duty-- they've grown so close it seems they have always been a part of each other's lives. Parents and children alike have been best friends, so it's no surprise that in high school Chris and Emily's friendship blossoms into something more. They've been soul mates since they were born.So when midnight calls from the hospital come in, no one is ready for the appalling truth: Emily is dead at seventeen from a gunshot wound to the head. There's a single unspent bullet in the gun that Chris took from his father's cabinet-- a bullet that Chris tells police he intended for himself. But a local detective has doubts about the suicide pact that Chris has described.

The profound questions faced by the characters in this heart-rending novel are those we can all relate to: How well do we ever really know our children, our friends?"

I read this book while on an airplane and bus ride home from Work Week and I could not put it down. There's a good introduction and background for each character, building suspense and plot twists I did not see coming. All of Picoult's novels end in a thrilling trial that keeps you hooked till you reach the back cover. My only issue with this book was that I downloaded it to my iPod and somehow the ending got cut off so I had to Google how the story finished but I would hands down recommend it to anyone.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

House Rules - Jodi Picoult
*"HOUSE RULES is about Jacob Hunt, a teenage boy with Asperger’s Syndrome. He’s hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, and like many kids with AS, Jacob has a special focus on one subject – in his case, forensic analysis.
He’s always showing up at crime scenes, thanks to the police scanner he keeps in his room, and telling the cops what they need to do…and he’s usually right. But then one day his tutor is found dead, and the police come to question him. All of the hallmark behaviors of Asperger’s – not looking someone in the eye, stimulatory tics and twitches, inappropriate affect – can look a heck of a lot like guilt to law enforcement personnel -- and suddenly, Jacob finds himself accused of murder. HOUSE RULES looks at what it means to be different in our society, how autism affects a family, and how our legal system works well for people who communicate a certain way – but lousy for those who don’t."

Another one of Picoult's novels that was hard to put down. This book really was great at looking at the story through an array of character's perspectives. The only thing I wasn't in love with was the ending because I was left confused. I would recommend this to most people. For the most part I really love Picoult's writing style.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Sing You Home -Jodi Picoult 
*"Zoe Baxter has spent ten years trying to get pregnant, and after multiple miscarriages and infertility issues, it looks like her dream is about to come true – she is seven months pregnant. But a terrible turn of events leads to a nightmare – one that takes away the baby she has already fallen for; and breaks apart her marriage to Max. In the aftermath, she throws herself into her career as a music therapist – using music clinically to soothe burn victims in a hospital; to help Alzheimer’s patients connect with the present; to provide solace for hospice patients. When Vanessa – a guidance counselor -- asks her to work with a suicidal teen, their relationship moves from business to friendship and then, to Zoe’s surprise, blossoms into love. When Zoe allows herself to start thinking of having a family, again, she remembers that there are still frozen embryos that were never used by herself and Max.Meanwhile, Max has found peace at the bottom of a bottle – until he is redeemed by an evangelical church, whose charismatic pastor – Clive Lincoln – has vowed to fight the “homosexual agenda” that has threatened traditional family values in America. But this mission becomes personal for Max, when Zoe and her same-sex partner say they want permission to raise his unborn child. SING YOU HOME explores what it means to be gay in today’s world, and how reproductive science has outstripped the legal system. Are embryos people or property? What challenges do same-sex couples face when it comes to marriage and adoption? What happens when religion and sexual orientation – two issues that are supposed to be justice-blind – enter the courtroom? And most importantly, what constitutes a “traditional family” in today’s day and age?" 

Once again a wonderful book written by Picoult. I there were lots of plot twists that I hadn't foreseen happening. The only reason I wasn't a huge fan of this book is because in comparison to the two books I had just read before by her it was not as dramatic. What I did appreciate is how much this book made me think. Which side do I agree with? If I was the judge what would I do? It was different from a lot of books I read in the way that it touched base on issues that may be emerging in today's world. Although it was not my favorite by her, I would recommend it because of how much it made me think because not many books really make me think.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Other Picoult Books Previously Read Prior to Summer That I would Recommend 
My Sisters Keeper
Nineteen Minutes

Stay tuned for upcoming posts on other books I have read this summer! Any book suggestions? Please let me know :)

I'll admit I'm no major soccer fanatic. The majority of my soccer knowledge comes from watching my brother play when we were younger or from playing FIFA. I do have a couple thoughts about the World Cup regarding to what people are saying about it.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens... The Sound of Music is one of my favorite movies of all time. I recently watched it with my roommate and combined with the frightful weather we've been having in Wisconsin I was inspired for today's post. While I wasn't able to craft it into a song (yet) here is a list of my favorite things.

The sound of waves crashing against the shore
The feeling of being lost in a good book
On Thanksgiving the moment before you dig in to that delicious meal
When someone makes you feel special
The sound of raindrops falling on the roof
When your dogs get beyond excited to see you after you've been away
The clicking sounds of a keyboard symbolizing maximum productivity
A good margarita
The swell of pride after landing a new tumbling pass or hitting a new stunt
Knowing you made someone proud
Doing nice things for others
Putting your heart and soul into something you're writing
Being held in someones arms
The confidence gained from wearing a power outfit
Eating Chipotle
When the crowd goes wild after a touchdown, goal or monster dunk
When someone says they saw something and thought of you
Connecting to music
Making others feel good about themselves
Red lipstick

I could probably think of another 20 things but I'll save that for another rainy day. What are a few of your favorite things?

A fellow member of the HBNC, Patty at Reach Your Peak posted these 20 questions on her blog and encouraged others to answer the questions as well! Be sure to check out her answers and feel free to share your answers in the comment box or share in your own blog! 

It's been a week since I've been home from vacation and since my dinner consisted of microwaved "cup of noodles" it's easy to admit that I miss the delectable food found on the Disney Cruise. Every night you get amazing four course meals that taste better than anything you can image. Even foods that I would have never thought I would enjoy, like escargot, had my taste buds smiling. Here are some of the amazing foods found on the Disney Fantasy.

Side note: I did not take pictures of everything as my camera was running out of storage space.