Leah of the Pack

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.