Summer Reading

I made the decision at the end of May to do some reading this summer.  Fun reading.  I have no fancy Kindle, Nook or Ipad and I hate paying $12 for a book I read in 2 days.  While the library is free, I prefer paperbacks that I can fold the pages down and not worry about getting wet at the pool.  Waking up early and going to garage sales on Saturday mornings is out as well.  So, I decided to try out book shopping on EBay.  I ended up with 6 books for under $20, with shipping.  It's no garage sale, but still a pretty good deal.



I decided to start with The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.  It had been recommended by an old high school friend.  I loved it!

It is the story of life, from the prospective of the family dog, Enzo, who wants to be human.  Enzo's owner, Denny, is an up and coming race car driver and Enzo takes on a love for racing after hearing Denny's tales.  For this reason, Enzo relates life to driving a race car.  The story begins with Enzo nearing his death and recalling his life, from the time Denny picked him to be his dog, through Denny marrying and having a daughter and all that the marriage included. 

It was a very cute book.  It was a touching story that was made humurous at times through the dog's eyes.  And, most of all, it's made my look at my dogs in a completely different light!  I would definately recommend this book, especially for dog owners!

Major Lame-O

Yup, that's me!  My life is super lame right now and to be honest, I'm absolutely loving it.  Here's what the past two weeks have consisted of:

~Sleeping til 9, 10, or 11.
~Not getting dressed until 2...or not at all if I have nowhere to go.
~An occassional softball game with the hubby.  I just watch and visit with friends, he plays.
~Laying at the pool.
~Reading for fun.  Keep an eye out for a book review or two.
~Spending my days on the couch.
~Watching the new Bachelorette.
~Taking care of Frankie.  He had a stomach bug for almost a week.  Thankfully, he is back to his old self. 
~Visiting with Mom and Dad this weekend.  They came to see us for a couple days since they haven't been out here in 6 or so months.
~Watching the Dallas Mavs win the NBA Finals!!!! 

At this point, I have completely forgotten about the rough days of first grade.  I am completely relaxed!  Life is good!!

Soak up the Sun

Less than two months until I will be soaking up the sun on this floating paradise.  I can't wait!!! 

My love for cruising started in high school when my family and I began cruising.  I later convinced some friends to join me, and eventually, I even talked Anthony into a cruise for our honeymoon.  Our honeymoon was the last trip that we've been on together.  I've taken a couple trips (Washington, DC and San Francisco) and he's taken a trip to the sandbox (though that doesn't count as a vaction), but it has been almost three years since we've had a trip together and I can't wait!!  We have been talking about a vacation and trying to decide whether we wanted to do all inclusive or a cruise and the cruise won out.  I love that with a cruise almost everything is included.  I love getting to travel to various ports.  I love the excursions.  I love the way everyone on staff goes out of their way to make your vacation wonderful for you.  I just love it!

So, after much reading and rate checking and making sure leave was approved, we booked it.  (By the way, if you are a USAA member and want to cruise, check out their site...it saved us a bit of money.)  We've got several exciting ports, including my favorite, St. Thomas.  And, one of my new favorite parts of the cruise, they've added a cupcake shop.  Love it!

Kimmie and I on our girl cruise...renamed Chicos Locos

Anthony and I on our honeymoon...I will definately be asking more people take pictures for us this year. 

Us before we parasailed on our honeymoon...will definately be doing this again!

 What's your favorite way to vacation?