I LOVE Eating Out

I sure have had writers block lately. I haven’t known quite what to post on, and with new hobbies at home and new projects at work, there isn’t much time to develop anything that interesting. I have been working on something though that I hope to start tomorrow. . .but I better wait and see if I get my ducks in a row before I announce anything.

My DD and DS are out of town this week on their first mission trip with the church youth group. I had hoped to post some pictures here for my most loyal readers (hi Mom and Dad), but I can’t quite get the pictures off the youth group site like I had hoped. Anyway, kids are several states away and DH and I find ourselves with some VERY blessed alone time this week, which has lead to many nice motorcyle rides. The past couple of nights our rides have lead to dinner. Monday at Joe’s Crab Shack and last night to Rock Bottom Brewery, both establishments are fantastic places to enjoy with a loved one by the way. Beer and a bucket of crab legs. . .can the week possibly get any better than that?

Book Review - The Shack by William P. Young

My mom bought me a copy of this book and said I just had to read it.  As usual, Mom was right!  This book is amazing, and it is right up there with Randy Alcorn’s books on the same theme.  I was drawn to Randy Alcorn’s books after my first reading of Deadline.  Randy is a Christian author who takes what I have found to be a somewhat unique perspective on Heaven.  None of us knows for sure what Heaven will be like, but how many of us have really considered what it may be like?  Revelation reveals to us what the end of this Earth will be like, but does it really explain what Heaven will be like before the end times?  After the end times?   I can’t answer that, but I have learned from Randy that challenging preconceived ideas of Heaven can be a rewarding exercise that usually brings me to a deeper appreciation for the God of the universe.  Like Randy Alcorn did with Heaven, William P. Young has also encouraged me to go back to scripture to check out his assumptions, and mine, about who God is and what he expects.

So while I may not agree with every idea William P. Young puts forth in his book, I think that it is a very good book for adults to read.  I think that people who will read this book, and then go back to scripture and look for answers to questions that it will raise will really enjoy it and get a lot out of it.  I am even going to encourage my DD to read this book, as I think she has a deep enough theological basis to read it from.  But be warned, some of the ideas in this book are not traditional.  I believe that the main point of the book is very scripturally sound and is therefore good for instruction and has redemptive value. 

One more word of caution;  have plenty of tissue handy.

I Was Wrong - Watch Sex And The City At Your Own Risk

I wrote a review recently about the Sex And The City movie I had seen, giving it a thumbs up. That review has been bothering me for a few days, and I finally removed the post this morning.  I decided it was necessary to write a more well thought out review.

The original review was quite popular for a couple of days, but after reflecting on it a bit, I realized that I could not in good conscience only point out the positives (which in all honesty are overshadowed by the crudity of the movie itself) and ignore the fact that the movie does indeed laugh in the face of all I hold dear. While I am trying to teach my children right from wrong, and that people have incredible value for their minds and who they are, this movie mocks that. Women are not just about fashion and men. . .we are so much more than that. We are complicated, and no two of us are alike.

While this movie does a couple of things well, the best part of this film is lost.  It does point out the incredible importance of forgiving others. A point I think each of us needs hammered home much more often. It also has some great examples of women making mistakes, and showing the viewer the process they go through to correct what doesn’t work in each of their lives. The movie is smart, as are the women portrayed here. However it seems hard to stomach this message when it is dripping in gratuitious sex scenes that add little value to the movie.  What could have been great is really lost due to the crap that was added.

It was an online friend who helped me see that a more honest assessment of this movie was needed. Thanks angelawd!

Book Review - Thunderhead

I really enjoyed Thunderhead by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child!  I didn’t get through it as quickly as I would have liked, but I did enjoy the journey.  I found the setting, characters and plot of this book all very refreshing and well done.

This is my first Preston/Child adventure, and I have to say that I will indeed be back for more fun.  Although, I supose that the word “fun” may not be quite correct, as the setting for this mystery is a bit darker than the lighter mysteries I had been reading.  This book is set mostly in the “redrock canyon country of southwestern Utah” and deals with the darker side of the local Native American life, like death and witchcraft.  It is the setting, which is so wonderfullly done though that first sets the standard for this fascinating page turner.

I also found the depth of character development so well done in for such a short book with so many interesting characters.  There are several secondary characters whose personalities are just so strong that the reader feels drawn into their struggles and can easily understand their struggles and triumphs.  There are several heros and a few villians and the reader is lead to identify with each of them in interesting ways.  I really enjoyed the journey through to understanding each character and what made them tick.

I believe it is the mix of mystery and adventure, teamed with spirituality and culture that make this book such an interesting read.  I was really drawn in by the mystery at first, but then I got wind of the adventure that was forming, only to be further sucked in by the culture and sprirituality of the Anasazi people.  I just can’t overstate here how entertaining this book was.  In fact, I am now adding the rest of the books written by these authors to my “Must Read” list.

Happy Hump Day Shopping - I LOVE Zappos

These are my new motorcycle boots. Yes, yes, I know, they aren’t motorcycle boots as much as they are cowboy boots. Each member of my family already made it quite clear that these are not motorcycle boots, mostly because they are pink.  They are cute though, and they fit my personality more than any other shoes I own. These are also already some of the most comfotable shoes I own.  What I am looking for in a motorcycle boot is actually the traction on the bottom, but comfort is always important and these have both.  I just love these new boots.

I also LOVE Zappos. I finally got the courage to order these boots Monday night after talking to a girlfriend. Now, I have ordered from Zappos before so I know that you often will get next day turn-around, but since it was already 4:30 Chicago time I figured it would be Wednesday before I saw the new boots. I was wrong. My new boots arrived yesterday, before noon! So not only were my boots seriously reduced in price, but they were shippped next day for free. Seriously, you can’t beat that!

Y-ME Walk In the Rain and Ironman Review

We did it!  We did the Y-Me Walk for Breast Cancer yesterday and here is a picture (that is me, the shorter one, and no, I am not standing in a sink-hole).  It was very rainy on Chicago’s lakefront, but spirits were high and DD and I and our friends had a nice walk.  If you get a chance to participate in one of these events I highly recommend it.  The event was well done from beginning to end and everyone involved was a pleasure to work with. 

I also got to celebrate Mother’s Day with my favorite activity, seeing a movie in the theater.  After much debate we decided on Ironman and we were not disappointed.  I have to agree with the reviews that I read that said this was a smart movie.  I thought everything about this movie was well done, and I had no idea that Jeff Bridges could play such an awesome villian!  If you get a chance to see this one on the giant screen with surround sound, do it.

Book Review - The Hamptons Diet

I read this diet book in just two sittings, which is a new record for me.  For while I can devour fiction books, especially mysteries, it usually takes me months to finish most non-fiction literature.  I really wanted to get to the recipes in the back of this book, but found much of the medical information very informative.

I am not new to the whole low-carb diet craze.  About 5 years ago I lost 45 pounds and have kept most of it off by doing the Atkins Diet Plan.  The thing about the Atkins plan though that has always bothered me was the huge emphasis on fatty meat and dairy.  I also found that many of the meal replacements were my only option for times when I was away from home and these foods are loaded with additives and preservatives and all things man made. 

I am finding that as I get older, I desire a more natural diet.  I will no longer tolerate fake sugar of any kind, high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils.  I think I liked this book so much because it agreed with me on the status of these foods and explained why they are so bad for us.  I like trying to find new ways to add vegetables into my diet and this book has some nice recipes to help do that.

There is no magic pill, diet or surgery.  The key to weight loss over the long haul really does seem to be a balanced approach; cut down on caloric intake and increase the excercise.  This book is no miracle cure, but if you are on the road to a healthier you, it is worth a peek if only for the recipes. 

Book Review - The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

I have had this book on my “to-read” list for over a year now. I first saw the hardcover in the bookstore and thought it sounded interesting. Being a book lover, mystery fan, and a historical fiction fan, I thought I would really enjoy this book, but I am not sure that I did. I will compare this book to others that are like this one to explain why I liked them more.

The first author that came to mind as I was reading The Thirteenth Tale was P.D. James. Most likely it was the setting that brought one of my favorites to mind, but I believe it was the tone also that had me thinking of books like The Murder Room and Cover Her Face. The main difference here is that with a James book I have to make sure I have several hours to spend, as I can’t put her books down. I did not have this problem with The Thirteenth Tale. It was not until the very last couple of chapters that I found myself wanting to keep reading, and that was really to be done and able to move on to my next book.

Another book that came to mind was The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, which I really enjoyed. I read a review that said the reviewer hadn’t liked a book so well since Zafon’s, and I realized that indeed, I liked the latter much better. While the general tone of both books is very similar, I did not guess the ending in The Shadow of the Wind, and I found interesting diversions throughout. That is not to say that The Thirteenth Tale doesn’t have its own interesting twists and turns, but most of them can be seen coming.

Finally, another reviewer I read compared this book to The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. I would agree that the tones are similar, but Kostova has a genuine purpose for the dark undertones in her book; she is writing about vampires. Both heroines have a strange family life with only a father present, and yet Kostova’s book seems to have so much more light and hope. Not to mention the fact that there is true horror in The Historian while in Setterfield’s book there is only the suggestion of horror which does not pan out in the end.

In short, I found the book The Thirteenth Tale to be an adaquate diversion. I was not enthralled in the storytelling, the mystery was a bit predictable, and the overall depressed feeling of this book made it drag on for me just a bit. Having said that, if this author does write another book it is very likely that I will read it, as I have a feeling that she will improve greatly in time.

Music Monday - I LOVE Online Radio

I will admit it, Iam easily bored with repetitive music.  I can not listen to the same old CDs over and over again.  I need variety, spice, something different from time to time.

For that reason, it seems more economical for me to find ways to listen to the radio than to try and buy enough CDs to keep my interest.  I have found two sites recently that I absolutely adore and so I thought I would point them out here in case anyone else needs something to listen to.

First, if you find yourself easily annoyed at the pre-fab radio stations that play one song you like for every 5 you can’t stand, give Pandora a shot.  This online radio station allows you to pick an artist or even a single song and build a playlist around it of songs or artists that you enjoy. 

Next, if you are feeling that you need a bit of a spiritual boost, Moody Radio is doing some neat things.  They have 3 new audio channels; Inspiration, Majesty and Conference.  I have been listening to the Inspiration Channel an find that it puts a gentile happy spin on my day when it is quietly playing in the background while I work.  The songs are great and incredibly uplifting.  I have not tried the other two audio channels yet, but am anxious to do so when I have some more free time.

Book Review - Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Wow. . .great book for sci-fi fans!  My first taste of the wonders of science-fiction came when I saw Star Wars as a kid.  I went to see it when it first came out camped in the back of my parents van at the drive-in.  Since those days, I have enjoyed the occasional sci-fi book, television show or movie but don’t usually seek them out.  I plan to read this entire series.

I actually had this book setting around on a shelf for just as bit, as it came when I was in the middle of about 3 other books.  Since I was already reading other books, I recommended this to DS who needed something to read in his 4 hour detention, and he read it all in a day.  Not only did he read it in a day, but he immediately asked for the next book in the series.

I would bet that if you enjoyed the Matrix, Star Wars, or either Battlestar Galactica series, you will enjoy this very easy to read book.  Ender is one of the youngest heros I have read, but he is interesting and very engaging.  I found myself sucked in and invested in the characters and the games they played.

Although it can be read on a very surface level, this is also a very smart book.  I found myself really amazed at the depth of deception of the adults in this book and started thinking about all the ways the tactics described in the book may be used on people.  And for a sci-fi book, I was amazed at the depth of feeling I experienced while reading.  My emotions went from deep sadness over Ender having to leave his family to intense outrage over the war situation.

This is one award winning book (1986 Hugo Award and the 1985 Nebula Award) that I highly recommend to readers young and old.