What on earth? You’re telling me summer is almost half over? BUT ALL WE’VE DONE IS SUMMER SCHOOL!
Okay, that’s not quite true. We’ve done more than that. Annalyn took a week off summer school for theater camp. We saw the first half of an outdoor stage production of Wizard of Oz. It was really funny, and we were both sad to leave at intermission (which was already quite a long time past a certain little girl’s bedtime). We visited friends in Des Moines, took our house of the market (again.), I hosted a taco party /slash / food drive, Annalyn had two teeth removed at the dentist’s office, and Adrienne began eating tasty, tasty rice cereal and smushed peas.
Oh, and did I mention we went to the pool? And Adrienne didn’t hate it? AND LOOKED CRAZY ADORABLE IN HER TINY BABY SWIMSUIT??? Right. Because that happened, too.
So I guess it’s been a pretty full month after all!
How about you? What have you been into this month? Here’s a bit more about what I’ve been doing…
What I’m Reading:
Well, here’s the thing. I’ve been a little stressed about some stuff, so it’s possible I may have imbibed in a few novels of the romance variety. I know better, yes. Yes, I do. So we’re just going to move right on to books I’m not embarrassed to add to my Goodreads account.
- The Chase by Janet Evanovich – You guys. I was so excited about this second book in Evanovich’s new series. An FBI agent works with a con artist, they flirt and hilarity ensues. It’s like White Collar, but a little more Stephanie Plum-ish. Or it was supposed to be. This book was so boring I read about four other books between starting and [finally] finishing it. So. Thumbs down, sadly.
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas – This is a young adult fantasy novel. It’s about a girl assassin. And I liked it a lot. It was also strangely similar to another book I read (Defy by Sara B. Larson – and yes, I did notice that even the authors’ names are similar!). But I still really liked it and will definitely read the other books in the series.
- Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge – Over the past few years, as I’ve read lots of young adult books, I’ve discovered the genre of reimagined or fractured fairy tales. And I love it. I think it’s because I am not creative that way; I’d never think to re-work a story that we all know and love and turn it into something same-but-different, something beautiful or funny or fascinating or confusing or all of the above. This book, a twist on Beauty and the Beast (my favorite Disney movie, in case you need to know), is by far one of my favorite reimagined fairy tales. I can’t even describe it (just ask Smitty, who made the mistake of asking me to describe it). But if you like this sort of thing, I highly recommend reading it.
- The Thousand-Dollar Tan Line (Veronica Mars) by Rob Thomas – Perfection. This book read exactly like the show (and movie), and I loved every page. I think Kristen Bell read the audio version, and that is probably the only thing that could make me love this more. If I listened to audio books. Which I don’t. But if I did. ANYWAY. If you’re a fan of V-Mars, read this.
- Dreamspell by Tamara Leigh – What is it about time travel that intrigues me? I DON’T KNOW. But I love it, and therefore I loved this book. Granted, the main character was a tad annoying by refusing to believe she was truly living in another time (she thought she was dreaming – and no, that’s not a spoiler; it’s the premise of the story). But the concept and the story and the conclusion and the characters and the whole thing? I loved it. Time travel stories for the win!
(Side note: Did you know that some colleges offer entire courses about time travel? My friend from college TEACHES one now, and I so wish I could drive down and audit it. For a whole semester. Because, awesome.)
Last but not nearly least, I am so looking forward to reading my friend Bonnie Gray’s first book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest. If you read my recent post at (in)courage about putting too much on my plate (again.), you know how badly I need this book!
What I’m Watching:
Well, you know, summer TV. It’s mostly the same as always – every episode of So You Think Can Dance (which is never enough), Suits and Covert Affairs on USA, and Perception on TNT. Perception, if you haven’t watched it and like that sort of thing, is a lot like Monk before it got annoying. With Will from Will & Grace, that guy from Party of Five, and the girl from She’s All That.
I’ve also added a couple new ones (BECAUSE I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH SHOWS). Chasing Life is an ABC Family show about a young woman with leukemia. I’m not watching it just because the main character’s last name is Carver. I’m not. Or because Cappy from Greek is on it. No, that’s not it. It’s mainly because I saw those things on the commercial and then accidentally-on-purpose watched the premiere and then accidentally-on-purpose liked it enough to watch every episode so far.
Also – in the category of Random Details from My Life – the mom in Chasing Life is the mom from a short-lived show called Get Real, which I watched and attempted to analyze for my Media Criticism class in college.
The other new show I’ve added is Playing House, a 30-minute sitcom on USA about two women in their thirties who have been best friends since childhood. And the best friends are played by real best friends. And it is SO STINKING FUNNY. You guys, I love this show. If you like quirky small towns or long-time friends or funny ladies, WATCH THIS ONE. You’ll have to watch it on Hulu (here!), but you should do it. Because I really love this show and want it to come back. Soon. Go watch it.
I also watched three movies this month:
- Maleficent – I didn’t have any desire to watch this. I’m not a big fan of Angelina Jolie – or wicked witches. But I kept seeing people say how great it was on Facebook. So I convinced Smitty to go see it with me – and it was great. (Have I learned nothing from Regina and Once Upon a Time? Wicked witches can be THE BEST.) This was a great, great example of a reimagined fairy tale, and I loved it. (I wouldn’t say it was the best movie I’ve ever seen like one of those Facebook friends did. But it was really good!)
- The Edge of Tomorrow – Tom Cruise in the sci-fi version of Groundhog Day? Yes, please, and thank you. I read that this movie was poorly marketed and a million times better than the preview made it look – and it was. Very funny, with a creative story. As I’ve said so many times before, Tom Cruise may be totally crazytown, but I do love his movies.
- The Monuments Men – And then there was this one. I’d been waiting to see this movie for MONTHS, ever since I saw the first preview a year ago. The WWII version of Oceans 11? Of COURSE it will be great! Bah. The parts where Matt Damon and George Clooney were actually together WERE funny. But the rest of it was a total snore. Sad, sad, sad.
And then there’s Friday Night Lights. Yes, fine, shut up, it IS 2006. Okay, it’s not. And no, this self-professed TV-lover has NOT watched this beloved show. But I am now! Okay? I’m doing it now!!!
And I love it. And I want to talk about it all the time. I have SO MANY FEELINGS. But everyone else watched it years ago and is over it. Except – thankfully – Jill, who just so happens to be watching it for the first time right now, too. She and I agree, Riggins is overrated. (Go ahead and discuss this amongst yourself in the comments if you please. Please? FEELINGS. NEED TO DISCUSS THEM. Ahem.)
Okay, guys, it’s late and I’m tired, so I’m going to make the rest of this short. (Is it possible? Yes. I think. Maybe.)
- What I’m Eating – my brother’s brownies. Duh.
- What I’m Cooking – see above. And then see the fast food cups and napkins littering my house. *sigh*
- What I’m Listening to – Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea are my new favorites. Because I’m sophisticated that way. (But seriously, don’t you think “Problem” by the two of them sounds like an old-school late 80s song by Paula Abdul or Janet Jackson? I do. And I love it. And I sing along, even though I’m more of an alto and stupid Ariana is more of a I-have-a-huge-range-and-you-can’t-sing-this-high.)
- What Video You Should Watch – this one (below). Because Jimmy Fallon show + Brian Williams + rap = WINNING, every single time.
All right, that’s it. I’m hitting publish and linking up with Leigh. I can’t wait to hear what YOU’ve been up to and into, so please share in the comments!
she is toooooo cute in that swimsuit!!! oh.my.
my kiddo has been out of school almost a whole month and why does summer have to fly by?!?!!
i didn’t know about this other evanovitch series… going to have to look that up!!! and SYTYCD- favorite!!!! and friday night lights *sigh* eric chandler <3 yes, riggins TOTALLY overrated!!! i just don't get him. or the attraction. especially when there is… eric chandler! and if you haven't gotten to the part where you yell at the TV for the stupid thing that will happen, you will… but don't stop watching, they'll move on :)
and now… i need brownies.
Okay, you are KILLING me with “the stupid thing that will happen”!!! I’ve only watched 10 episodes so far, and I feel like I’ve yelled at the TV half a dozen times already!! :)
Friday Night Lights will always be one of my all-time favorites. And we’re in love with Covert Affairs. We binged-watched all the other seasons, so we were super excited when new episodes started back up last week. I’m glad to give my DVR something to do. Oh, and we’re watching Justified on Amazon Prime. Good stuff here. Those girls of yours are pretty cute … :)
Hmmm, I wonder how I’d feel about Covert Affairs if I watched it all at once. USA’s seasons are scheduled so strangely, and I feel like the seasons of that show in particular have been kind of up and down. Either way, I’m glad it’s back now! :)
Finally!!! Someone else who is on the Suits bandwagon! Why is EVERYONE not watching this show?!?! My husband and I both love it. I mean, seriously, Harvey Specter. ‘Nuf said.
Since you like mystery, check out “The Man in the Rockefeller Suit”. Just finished it. Great non-fiction story of Clark Rockefeller who isn’t real but claimed many new names and personas to live among the wealthiest in our nation. Fascinating read!!
I’m watching Suits right now!!! :) I so wish my husband had started watching this one with me because I think he’d like it, too. Then again, I guess it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to re-watch it all with him…! ;)
Requesting Cruel Beauty from the library because you know I love a good fairy tale take. Glad someone else enjoyed the Veronica Mars book as much as I did! I can’t wait for another movie and book and whatever else they want to throw our way. I’ve read almost everything Tamara Leigh has written but I forgot about Dreamspell, probably because it’s so different from her other stuff. Must read it soon! I forgot I wanted to watch Playing House. I’ll have to get caught up. I watched the first two seasons of Friday Night Lights earlier this year (or the end of last year? Either way I got sidetracked) and I am allllllll about Riggins. I don’t understand you, Mary, but we can still be friends.
You’ll have to let me know what you think about Cruel Beauty! And there’s a novella set in the same world, too. Gilded Ashes (Cinderella) – it’s short and not technically a sequel. But nice if you really like the very strange world Cruel Beauty created.
Okay, don’t hate me too much for Riggins. I am normally all for the bad boy. All. For. But this one I’m just NOT GETTING. I mean, his hair, Leigh. His hair! It is so long. And greasy. And UGH. And he doesn’t talk! He DOESN’T TALK! I don’t know. Maybe he’ll grow on me…?
I don’t think I’ve read anything else by Tamara Leigh. Maybe I should try another one of her books (although it’s good to know they’re so different from this one. They’re all historical, right?).
I won’t hate you for Riggins. I just can’t comprehend it, especially because I know you like bad boys. I don’t mind his hair one bit. I’m going to leave it at that. ;)
Tamara Leigh’s other work is probably in the chick lit realm but I hesitate to qualify it as such because they’re really better than what comes to mind when you think about that genre. There are a few stand alone books and then she did a trilogy set in the South about estranged cousins, all present day.
Hehe. I want to “like” your comment-not-a-comment about Riggins’ hair. :)
Problem is the catchiest song I’ve heard in a while…it’s TOTALLY late 80s/early 90s. You nailed it!
Thanks for the hint about Monuments Men…I always wondered why it never got really rave reviews, especially considering it has such an amazing cast. Bummer!
Some people DID like Monuments Men. It’s VERY interesting if you’re a history buff. But it just wasn’t what I expected, which was the WWII version of Oceans 11. My mistake. :)
WWII Oceans 11 is EXACTLY the movie I wanted MM to be. :)
I loved Monuments Men. The idea that it was based on a true story drew me in. I loved how the team was selected from the art world and were mostly too old or otherwise unable to serve their country. Also thought it was great timing for the release being 70 years after this all took place. My Grandpa is a WWII veteran of the European campaign, so that was special as well. I didn’t expect it to be too exciting, so that probably helped. You have now inspired me to see Edge of Tomorrow. Finally, I am also enjoying Perception. I watch very little network TV in the summer, so it is Major Crimes, Murder in the First, and Rizzoli and Isles for me this summer! Still have probably 20 hours of network TV DVR’d to catch up on too. Happy watching!
Yes, my dad loved Monuments Men. I went into it with the wrong expectations. The story itself is super interesting. And I liked a lot of moments in the movie. But overall, I was bored. :( Oh, and I forgot about Rizzoli and Isles. I like that show, too!
And just to clarify. I didn’t mean to imply that you and my dad have the same taste. Just that you’re not the only one I know who liked the movie! :) (Although, it wouldn’t be a bad thing. Dad and I read a lot of the same books, so obviously he has good taste!)
That is one adorable picture of Adrienne in her swimsuit. Pretty sure I already said it once or twice, but it bears repeating. The time travel class sounds very interesting! And I don’t even like time travel (because I think it’s too messy). Maybe I’d like it better after that class? Wondering which friend this is, probably one you’ve never mentioned to me. ;)
I don’t think it’s come up (why would it? haha!), but Kenny Boyce from the BSU is the one who teaches that class.
Okay, I just have to say that FNL is one of my very favorite TV shows of all time!!! I rewatched all of it last summer. My favorite was always Matt but, I have to admit that Riggins grew on me over time. I love Coach Taylor and his family. Clear eyes, full hearts…
We love Suits at our house too.
Oh and media criticism class, don’t get me started, A League of Their Own is completely ruined for me. I can’t stop analyzing it to this day (I am saying this five years later). This maybe hugely nerdy of me to admit, I do kind of wish I could go to grad school and just write media criticism all day everyday.
I thought long and hard about getting my master’s in media rhetoric. I just couldn’t figure out – at the time – what I could possibly use that degree for. Now I realize I could have become a TV critic. You know. In theory. And hindsight. In hindsight theory. :)
How can Adrienne already be old enough to have food? ACK!!! Why do babies grow so fast? (Into OH MY GEEZ HE IS INTO EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE TOILET AND TRASH CAN AND MY COMPUTER 15-month olds!)
I know. It’s ridiculous. She’s almost SIX MONTHS OLD. I don’t even know how it’s happened. I just. don’t. know.
I love suits! The show and of course the lovely suits worn on the show!
Hmm I should check out new movies, hate to admit but I don’t think I’ve seen any new movies in almost 2 years :(
Everything about your book list confuses me. But everything else made up for it. Thankfully our friendship isn’t based on your reading taste…..
Yes, I am mysterious, aren’t I? ;)
Um…those brownies look YUM!!
And I also can’t wait to read Bonnie Gray’s new book. I’m definitely in the “spiritual whitespace” season and I am so interested to hear what she writes about it.
Visiting from Leigh’s link-up. :)
Hi LeeAnn! You’ll have to give the brownies a try! ;)
I love YA and fractured fairy tales, so Cruel Beauty is definitely going on my to read list. Thanks for the recommendation!
Yay! I hope you enjoy as much as I did!